If you’re not familiar with the term, hardscaping is a word used to describe any type of hard surface impressed upon the landscape, including patios, driveways, walkways and more.

When choosing a hardscape option, keep both the aesthetic and the practical in mind. Here are some examples:

Drainage:

Often, a portion of the area needs to be “permeable”, to control where and how run-off drains into the surrounding areas. Pavers and natural stone are considered permeable if the are not mortar set, while cement or aggregate are only very minimally. If there are drainage issues, sand set natural stone or pavers may be the best options. These materials allow moisture to drain through the spaces between them evenly without creating much run off.

If there are significant drainage, erosion or moisture problems on the site they should always be addressed before, or as part of, installing any landscaped project.

Design and aesthetics:

What fits the space: the surrounding architectural effects and the overall setting? A Japanese garden may work with a traditional tudor, and professional designers can develop ways to merge themes that might otherwise seem incompatible. Considerations such as colors, the size and shape of the space, and most importantly, how it will be used.

Budget:

There are various price ranges associated with installing hardscapes. The extent of leveling that is needed, as well as the materials selected, are both significant factors. Pavers are often the most cost-effective, followed by some concrete and natural stone treatments, just to scratch the surface. It is best to get an idea of budget ranges during the design process.

Accessibility:

If the site is difficult to reach and supplies and equipment need to be moved by hand it may limit the options. Logistics require careful advance planning. While a cement truck may not be practical in a tight space, a smaller scale option, such as combining pavers, tile or natural stones and using bagged cement may be ideal solutions.

An experienced landscape designer has solved these issues many times: knowing what’s out there and how to make informed choices based on aesthetics, budget and logistics. I am available as a consultant to help you make those choices and also provide for implementation services.

Please contact me if you are not sure what hardscape best suits your needs.

Cordially,

Michael

With Rosemary comes fine textured, rich, green foliage and profusion of tiny blue flowers during spring and summer. It thrives in well-drained, even rocky, soil making it the perfect plant for some locations that may prove difficult for others. With dozens of varieties and growth habits – trailing, clumping and upright – it is not hard to find a spot for Rosemary in any garden.

I have always considered Rosemary to be long-lived ornamental plant (as well as an herb) in the Pacific Northwest.

Trailing Rosemary 'Iren' cascading over a rockery along my driveway.

Now I categorize Rosemary as annual (a plant that it is not hardy and that one replants each year). That said, typically, Rosemary is highly likely to over-winter most years. Certain varieties, like the trailing ones, seem to be the least hardy. A couple years ago I lost of all of mine, along with the mature growth, during an early cold snap. This year my plants survived and thrived. And they may for many years to come depending on the weather. I think it is a safe bet and worth playing the odds!

Rosemary is easy! Pruning or clipping may be desirable for some applications, but care is negligible. Fertilizer is not required. Rosemary does best in full sun and will tolerate part- sun. Once established, most all varieties are drought tolerant. Rosemary is not fussy, but poor drainage, shade and over fertilization are problematic. The more sun and neglect the better! How often can one say that?

During a design consultation, I often work with my clients to select the best plant for any location in their garden. It is always my goal to find the perfect plan for the perfect place.

PART 2

What kinds of upgrades can make your outdoor living spaces, and thus, your whole home, more appealing? Start with the basics! Whether buying, selling or staying here are some tips.

4. When fixing up your outdoor areas, don’t just consider how the landscape looks from a curb appeal perspective, but also how the layout appeals to someone standing inside your home and looking out. Look out of your home’s windows and decide on lovely garden vignettes, such as clusters of colorful potted plants. Arrange these within the window’s line of sight to draw the eye to a tempting view.

5. Simple tasks like keeping walkways swept and power-washed, razor-sharp edges on lawns and neatly trimmed borders create a cared-for appearance without costing you an arm and a leg.

6. Creating a garden that increases the value of your home takes meticulous planning. Short on ideas, time, and money? Go easy on yourself and contact a landscape designer who can help you create a prioritized list of options that will increase the overall appeal of your home. A good landscape designer will work within your budget and give you pointers for getting the biggest return on your investment.

Last spring, I planted Salvia, Geum, and Agapanthus plants in my own garden. Whether or not their beauty contributes to a higher selling price for my home, their joyful appearance makes me happy all summer long, which is priceless to me.

When you want to sell your house, the usual tasks are cleaning out the closets, getting rid of clutter, repainting chipped kitchen cabinets. Many people also hire a professional stylist or “stager” to fine-tune the décor. But what about the outside?
Look at those overgrown hedges, the weeds in the backyard, and overgrown borders? Creating a garden that increases resale value takes meticulous planning.

So, what kinds of upgrades can make your outdoor living space more appealing whether you selling, buying or staying?

1. Start with the basics: remove overgrown or failing shrubs and trees that take up valuable real estate and make your property seem smaller. Replace or remove rotting fences or barriers.

2. Weed beds, trim ground cover and “top dress” with dark mulch. Place evergreens and pots of flowering annuals near the front door making your home feel more welcoming.

3. Big ticket items like ponds, waterfalls, and swimming pools typically do not add value to a home according to the National Gardening Association. However, people enjoy the sound of gently running water, so a small fountain can add some outside sparkle at a minimal cost.

4. Consider how the garden looks from a curb appeal perspective, but also how the layout appeals to someone standing inside your home and looking out. Look out of your home’s windows and decide on lovely garden vignettes, such as clusters of colorful potted plants. Arrange these within the window’s line of sight to draw the eye to a tempting view.

5. Simple tasks like keeping walkways swept and power-washed, razor-sharp edges on lawns and neatly trimmed borders create a cared-for appearance without costing much.

6. Short on ideas, time, and money? Contact a landscape designer who can help you create a prioritized list of options that will increase the overall appeal of your home. A good landscape designer will give you pointers for getting the biggest return on your investment.

The benefit of simple landscaping updates is that you benefit from the results right away. I always tell clients to update their landscape when they move in, not out. Take advantage of time and growth creating an established look. This is the most valuable thing you can do. Last summer, I planted Salvia, Geum, and Agapanthus plants in a sunny spot in my own garden; whether or not their beauty contributes to a higher selling price for my home, their joyful appearance makes me happy, which is priceless.

While the value of property may be up in the air, a garden  guarantees a big return.  And as your garden matures, it continues to add value to your home.

These days, we all need an escape from hectic schedules, traffic and the stresses of the day.  Gardens are perfect for that!

Just step outside and breathe in the scents  of early flowering plants and imagine all the good things to come.  Take note of the plants that look and smell great at this time of year.  Then assess where your garden needs more pizazz.

Spring is a great time to renovate your existing garden or build a new  garden retreat.  Now that’s a growth investment!

Gardening in small spaces.

Living with small outdoor spaces is becoming more and more common. Whatever small means to you, a pleasantly designed garden is still possible. In fact, small garden spaces offer great opportunities. See my galleries for some examples.

The trick to small gardens is creating visual spaciousness both through hardscaping and choosing plants that add a sense of abundance even in the tiniest spaces.

Think big and up and free yourself from limitations. Defining interest in any garden requires a few tricks. Here are a few:

Make distinctive areas. Create a theme connecting contrasting elements.

Build different elevations using steps, screens and patios. Trellises and arbors increase vertical interest.

Install pathways. Even a few stepping stones placed here and there become an invitation for entry.

Plan outdoor living spaces keeping in mind how you want to use your small garden.

Choose plants that won’t outgrow the space using slow growing plants and ones with small leaves.

Create softness with low ground covers. Open areas keep the garden from feeling cramped.

To find the perfect plant for your particular space is to consider mature size, bloom time and color, growing region and site conditions.

If you want to remove the guess work and increase your success rate, hire a garden designer to help!

With the Witch Hazel, Hellebores, and Sweet Box in full bloom, it is a good time to take inventory of your garden and consider adjustments before spring is really here.

Now is when I make goals for my garden.

Here are things t0 consider this winter:

Screening and privacy. Do you have the coverage you want
when deciduous trees loose their leaves?

Circulation. Are pathways and patios in the best location? Is it easy to walk the entire garden and keep your feet dry?

Structure. Are garden focal points and plant groupings positioned for views from inside the house too?

Winter color. Do perennial borders need something additional for dormant season interest? Would evergreen color and texture add depth?

Outdoor living. Would a covered outdoor structure create a quiet, dry place to get out of the house and enjoy your garden on a rainy winter day?

Spring and “springtime” refer to the season, and broadly to ideas of rebirth, renewal and regrowth. That says it all!

Snow Drops and Cyclamen are flowering now. a nice excuse for a nature walk or a visit to the back yard patch. Think about adding these to your garden for next year. Happy Planting, Michael