One of the best things about summer is the scrumptious fruit available, and if you want that truly just-picked flavor, consider turning part of your yard into a mini-berry orchard. Blueberries, huckleberries, and raspberries require relatively little space, are easy to grow, and are generally pest-free as long as a few rules are followed. This is just a preview...Read the rest... Read More →

Collecting the rain that rolls off your roof to use in the garden preserves natural resources and saves money on your water bill. One affordable way to capture hundreds of gallons of rainwater every year is to make and install rain barrels from simple plumbing fixtures and recycled food grade containers. This is just a preview...Read the rest... Read More →

It’s not difficult to become interested in gardening in the Pacific Northwest, where the seasons continually offer treats for the eye as well the gastronomy. Autumn is no exception, giving us not only the vibrant colors of deciduous trees and late blooming plants, but also the opportunity to prepare the garden for a quieter time. Instead of mourning the loss of summer bounty and sunny warm evenings, consider planting... more

Long before we were born, magnificent forests covered much of the Pacific Northwest, along with other plant communities, including prairies, coastal plains, and peat bogs. But since it’s virtually impossible to restore the original forest or bog in a garden, is it really important to add native plants, especially when you have a passion for non-natives? Well, yes and no. It depends… This is just a preview...Read the... more

Many older homes have concrete slabs that are broken and outdated and do not fit in with the new backyard design. The homeowners profiled here had to come to terms with what they had. They tried to plant sod around the existing concrete patio and that lasted a year or so. They tried seeding to keep the mud down and that too failed after a year. As a last resort they placed old bricks, pavers, and river rock in an attempt to keep the mud at bay and a path for the dogs to access the rest of the yard. This... more

Creating a garden can be daunting, even to someone who has the proverbial green thumb. Good design should fit your needs, be proportional to the house and its environment, facilitate flow and rhythm, unify all parts of the garden as a whole, and offer diversity and sustainability. If you are a new homeowner, have specific issues in your yard you just can’t seem to resolve, or just want to renovate a weedy backyard, you may be considering hiring a landscape designer. Before you do, there are some... more

Today’s gardening trend suggests turning the outback into an outdoor den — a gracious extension complete with living areas, covered seating, and a choice of water features that range from a hot tub in a gazebo to creating a wetland haven for frogs and fish. This is just a preview...Read the rest... Read More →

Deck season is upon us and the decking manufacturers have entered the season with a collection of new products that can help make your new deck not just attractive but easy to maintain. This year’s introduction of wood-grain engineered deck materials makes having a beautiful, wood-grained deck a lot less work. This is just a preview...Read the rest... Read More →