You’ve worked so hard on your outdoor space. In choosing the best plants, hardscape materials and design, why limit its beauty solely to the daytime? More and more yards are incorporating landscape lighting. Once limited to illuminating statues in parks and the occasional fountain, advances in safety and energy conservation have made landscape lighting accessible…

This feature has some great ideas to add value to your home through outdoor staging. Whether you are selling your home or finding a new renter, these tips cover the simple and structured. Adding fountains, trees or a fire pit can add value to your open space. If you plan on selling your home, simple…

Do you have an efficient irrigation system? Can it adapt to rainy and dry years? The drought seems to be over but many of the restrictions remain. We can help you plan for what is coming up next and respond to unexpected changes in weather. SF Gate has a very good article listing the restrictions that…

Californians cut back on water usage faced with temporary bill surcharges meant to discourage usage. Consumers and businesses responded by reducing water consumption 22 percent. The end result will be higher rates. The New York Times has an in-depth look how we will be effected for doing the right thing. We always consider water to be a precious resource…

Time to Plant! Sow seeds of cucumber, eggplant, melon, and squash directly in the soil. Set out tropicals and subtropicals such as bougainvillea, hibiscus, and mandevilla to be established over the warm season. In areas with winter frost, plant in a protected site like a south-facing wall or beneath an overhang. read the whole story at…

Life is hectic and full of unknowns, as we all know. Especially for anyone who is a parent! Sometimes it’s nice to kick back in a garden chair with a good book and a cup of coffee to let the stressors of the day slowly melt away. Sunset Magazine did a fantastic write up of…

It’s no mystery that we are in the midst of one of the most serious droughts that California has ever experienced. 81% of the state is now categorized in extreme drought or even worse than that. 3 months ago, that number was 68%. This article from the LA Times conveys shocking information on the state…

These days more than ever, it is important to save water in every way that we can. Since our gardens are a major source of water usage, we should make sure that what we plant will have a low impact on the environment. Check out this Water-Wise Garden Design guide by Sunset Magazine to get…

Whether you’re growing yummy veggies and fruits, or filling out your garden with colorful flowers, it helps to be aware of the factors that equate to healthy plants, no matter where you live. Check out these 6 fantastic tips from KQED, for urban farmers like yourself to turn brown thumbs green. Happy Gardening! http://ww2.kqed.org/bayareabites/2013/07/01/urban-farmers-offers-6-tips-for-turning-brown-thumbs-green/