Landscape design is unique compared to other construction or engineering trades, in that as the landscape matures, it metamorphoses. Many of its elements are perishable, as it must evolve dramatically with seasons, and it is affected by maintenance more than most trades. Its shifting nature, along with a plethora of other elements, should be considered closely when designing outdoor spaces.
Since Function is the primary driving force in the design, how do we incorporate an artistic interpretation that molds, blends, that enhances the functional attributes of the yard, while creating harmony between all of the elements? To help navigate this challenge we have developed a series of Garden Tips to help our designers, customers, friends, and even our competitors apply the concepts of art and function to the landscape. Many of the principles discussed in this series do not only pertain to the landscape, but are applicable in almost any artistic endeavor. This series has been developed to educate in an engaging, fun way. Our goal is to inspire kids and adults alike to learn and appreciate horticulture, landscape, art, and the world around us. We want to spark the imagination and encourage well thought out action.
Planting a tree is exciting—until a few years go by and you realize it’s shading the wrong room, fighting with overhead wires, or struggling in soggy soil. The best way...
If weeds had a superpower, it would be this: they don’t just show up… they multiply. One minute your lawn looks pretty good, and the next you’re spotting little yellow...
If you’ve ever stared at a patch of “mystery green” in your lawn or garden bed and thought, Is that a plant… or a problem?—you’re not alone. A lot of...
Ever picked up a leaf and thought, “Why does this look… scratched?” Or noticed new growth curling, flowers looking tired, and a weird silvery sheen that wasn’t there last week?...
If you’ve ever walked through the yard and spotted what looks like someone dabbed a little soap suds or spit on a plant, you’ve probably met the star of today’s...
If your plant looks like it’s struggling—yellowing leaves, weak growth, branches that just aren’t thriving—but you can’t spot any obvious “bugs,” you may be dealing with one of the sneakiest...
If your plants suddenly look dull, dusty, or just “off”—and you’re seeing tiny yellow speckles on the leaves—you might be dealing with one of the fastest-moving troublemakers in the garden:...
If you’ve ever noticed little white, fuzzy clumps on a plant and thought, “Is that mold… or lint… or what?”— there’s a good chance you’ve found mealybugs. Mealybugs are one...
Ever notice squiggly, winding “scribbles” inside a leaf—like someone took a tiny marker and doodled all over your plant? That’s not a weird disease, and it’s not a nutrient issue....
If your lawn suddenly has patches that look wilted, spongy, or like they’re giving up—even though you’ve been watering—there’s a good chance you’re dealing with lawn grubs. Grubs are one...
Caterpillars are one of the biggest “wait… are we mad about this?” garden pests out there. On one hand, they’re the future butterflies and moths—kind of magical, honestly. On the...
In the forest, trees and shrubs grow naturally and wildly. Some grow into majestic trees, or an occasional beautiful shrub, though many will succumb to nature and only the fittest...
The Grim Reaper of Citrus Trees If you love Citrus trees beware, this Halloween the grim reaper will not be wearing a black robe and carrying a scythe… And it...
Simply stated, encouraging deep root growth is universally accepted as good horticultural technique. Deep roots stabilize our trees and shrubs and the deeper roots can tap water from deeper in...
Bringing out your hedge trimmer can be an easy, fast way to turn your plants from shabby to shapely. After a few effortless swings, the job is largely done. But...
Cold is coming, protect your plants Even in sunny California, frost can happen. Deciding the best steps for action before the cold hits is the best way to protect from,...
Do you ever wonder why a tree didn’t grow well, looked deformed, fell over, or entirely died? There are certainly combinations of reasons for this happening, but according to many...
In our last article, we described the 5 reasons that you should never top your tree. Not only can the practice be damaging to the tree, and expensive in the...
In our previous articles, we discussed the negative side effects of topping pruning, specifically topping trees. One exception is hedges; it is necessary to top them so they do not...
Landscape design is unique compared to other construction or engineering trades, in that as the landscape matures, it metamorphoses. Many of its elements are perishable, as it must evolve dramatically...
We’ve been discussing many different elements of landscape design. In order to maximize artistry, we need to pull these separate elements all together, similar to how a composer or musician...
Like an impressionist painter controls their canvas, a landscape’s mood can be heavily impacted by the utilization of color. We have discussed how line, shape, form, and texture can distinguish...
Texture is everywhere. Every day, you visually and tactically perceive countless different textures, scattered all around you. While texture is technically felt, you can trick the eye into sensing texture....
In the previous installments of this design series we discussed using the concept of Form Following Function to begin conceiving your design and how to direct the visual journey with...
In our last article, we discussed “Form Following Function”, which means that the intended function of a landscape is paramount to the design. In this lesson, we want to explore...
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