Realizing the Essence of Place...
Forty years ago, when Geoffrey Cridland and his wife, Val, first rented one of a pair of run-down nineteenth-century workers’ cottages located in an English village near Petworth in West Sussex, he didn’t dream that the garden he would make there would change the direction of his life. As far as they both were concerned, this rural setting was no more than their weekend escape from the madding crowds of London, where they...Creating a Dream Asian Garden on Vancouver Island...
Sometimes inspiration can be found close to home. But for Joan and Gary Cunningham, it was a faraway land that would seal the fate of their Vancouver Island, British Columbia, garden. “We had somewhat of a vision of what we were going to do, but a trip to Japan made it all very clear,” says Joan, who was influenced by Marc P. Keane, a prominent garden designer and author of Japanese Garden Design, among other books. “I...Helpful Tips for Growing Beautiful Roses...
For centuries, the ubiquitous rose has been loved and desired more than any other flower. This simple and fragrant bloom that comes in every color of the rainbow has inspired poets and lovers—and it has both charmed and frustrated many a gardener. A common myth is that roses are fussy and hard to grow. But, thanks to today’s improved hybrids—sturdy varieties that bloom repeatedly and resist disease—the rose is one of...Home Trends: Orchids...
RISMEDIA, March 2, 2011—Orchids can add eye-catching appeal to any room. Follow these basics to produce vivid blooms throughout the winter. Temperature: Generally speaking, if you’re comfortable, your orchid is comfortable. Aim for day temps of 70° to 85° Fahrenheit and 60° to 65° F at night. Light: Supply the brightest light you can. A sunny south or southeast window works great, but shield tender leaves from direct...Versatile Flowers That Are Beautiful & Delici...
There’s a saying among chefs: We eat with our eyes first. The more beautiful a salad or a serving of fresh fish, the more tempting it is to consume—particularly with a fresh bloom or two as a sparkling garnish. But flowers in our food are not just to look at these days. In Executive Chef Patrick Dore’s kitchen at the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel in Vancouver, BC, chefs and mixologists are using edible flowers to enhance...Urban Garden Challenge: Before & After...
The term walled garden has a very romantic appeal… in the country. In town, it rings like a nightmare. Feeling boxed in is a real no no, especially when you have limited space. And a lack of light will take away any pleasure from using the space. That is why I found this design, created by Maria Örnberg and Gavin Goldwyer of Greenlines Home & Garden Ltd, brilliant. They have also mastered the art of going minimalist...Basic Lawn Care Tips...
You know a healthy lawn when you see it: a smooth, lush green carpet, perfect for cartwheels and croquet. So why doesn’t your lawn look like that? To get that perfect lawn you may have to change your mindset, says landscape designer Gary Alan (www.garyalan.com). “You know how in golf they say ‘Be the ball’? Well, you’ve got to be the grass. You’ve got to think about what it needs,”...Create a Custom Garden with Stone...
Think of the most unique gardens you have visited. What makes them special? My favorites share one important feature that provides privacy and an air of mystery and makes these spaces appear as though they’ve been there forever: containment behind a garden wall. Historic European gardens have beautiful walls made of stone, skillfully laid by craftsmen who call themselves dry stone wallers. This ancient...Exterior Home Projects Among the Most Cost-Effecti...
As part of the 2010-11 Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report, Realtors® recently rated exterior replacement projects among the most cost-effective home improvement projects, demonstrating that curb appeal remains one of the most important aspects of a home at resale time. “This year’s Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report highlights the importance of exterior projects, which not only provide the most value, but also are...Connect with Brenda Mancil
