When I design in fall, I think in layers: what looks good now, what will hold interest through the quiet stretch of winter, and how bulbs will play their part come spring. That kind of layering creates containers that hold their beauty across the seasons instead of fading with…

Here’s the thing about aeoniums. They don’t just fill a container; they take the stage in it. While many succulents ask to be appreciated up close, aeoniums don’t need that kind of coaxing. They’re the kind of plant you notice from across the patio.

Patio trees may bring to mind a Charleston porch or a sunny California courtyard where porches, patios, and container gardens are woven into daily life.

But you don’t need a either to appreciate what a patio tree can do. A well-placed patio tree goes beyond looking pretty.

There’s no question cut flowers are having a moment. You can feel it everywhere. In magazines, on Instagram, in workshops, and in the growing excitement around flower farming and flower arranging. People are craving flowers that feel beautiful and personal. We’re bringing them into our homes not just for special occasions but as…

Spring has officially arrived, and if you’re anything like me, that first hint of warmth has you itching to get back in the garden, pondering your containers and what you’ll tuck into them this season. But before the shopping and planting frenzy begins, there’s one thing I’d encourage you to…

Every container garden holds more than soil and plants. It holds a story: who lives there, how the space is used, what season of life they’re in, and a bit of the gardener’s personality. That’s one of the reasons I love container gardening so much. With just…

It’s December, and like many of you, my inbox is overflowing with “last chance” deals, countdown clocks, and limited-time offers. And while I appreciate a good deal, I try not to let all the noise dictate my spending. Instead of clicking impulsively, I keep a running list of thoughtful gift ideas throughout the…

August is known for its sizzling heat and as the time when our container gardens hit their peak, overflowing with everything we’ve nurtured for months. Right now, mine are bursting with blueberries, crisp lettuce, armfuls of blooms like verbena bonariensis, echinacea, and dahlias. Every glance out my office window gives me a little…

We all want our container plantings to stay full of color and texture, even on the hottest days of summer. With a little care and some smart plant choices, they absolutely can. This week marks both the first official week of summer and National Pollinator Week. As container gardeners, we have a front…

I learned a new word last week, neurasthenics, thanks to Melissa Gerstle at the Digging In Association’s Winter Conference. I’ve always known that a well-tended garden or even just a few plants, can brighten my day. I understand the science behind Biophilia, which explains the proven mental and physical benefits of gardening. But…

Have you ever watched the game show Is It Cake? Contestants craft cakes that look exactly like everyday objects, trying to fool celebrity judges into thinking they’re the real deal. It’s a whimsical concept that playfully questions our perception of reality. I like to play a similar game in my container planting designs…

One big reason fall is a favorite season is the focus on foliage. Yes, those classic wine purples, burnt oranges, and golds that people travel to see. But as a container gardener, I appreciate foliage not just for its color, but as a design element for its texture and form. Just like layering…

Gardening enthusiasts and newbies alike can agree on one thing: maintaining healthy and thriving container plants during the summer can be both rewarding and challenging because many gardeners struggle with either underwatering or overwatering their planters. One innovative solution that has gained popularity in recent years is the self-watering planter. These planters significantly…

Houseplants Outdoors?  You bet!  Summer offers the perfect opportunity to give your favorite houseplants a rejuvenating vacation while simultaneously creating a beautiful outdoor oasis. By moving these indoor favorites outside, they can easily transform into stunning shade container beauties. This shift allows you to think beyond traditional seasonal choices and create a lush,…

As garden centers burst at the seams with an array of plants in all sorts of pretty colors and interesting textures, the task of plant selection can at times seem daunting. But following a few nifty guidelines and simply decoding the plant tag will help you select plants that will give you success…

Container gardens offer a fantastic opportunity to craft a lasting experience that engages, sight, smell, touch, even taste, right outside your door whether it’s at your front entry, balcony or patio.  Plus, sensory stimulation enhances our well-being. At this point in my career, incorporating the five senses into my container garden designs and…

Citrus, the fragrant, fruit-bearing beauty Citrus has a special place in my heart. When most people think of citrus, they think of its fruit, but some citrus is grown for its fragrant leaves and flowers. It’s all of this and more for me. My parents have been taking care of kumquat trees since…

There’s just something about yellow. Last month, I shared that tete a tetes signify the arrival of spring for me. I recently found myself thinking about what is it about tete a tetes that makes me feel so cheerful and happy.  Is it something as simple as their color? Yellow symbolizes happiness. One…

Because of the Narcissus ‘Tête `a Tête’, there is literally no need for a calendar to signify spring. One of the first signs of the new season, it offers up sweet fragrance, bright color and cheer. ‘Tête `a Tête’ is a French term,…

I recently returned from a blissful long weekend boating on the Columbia River with dear friends.  One is a budding container gardener, the other (wrongly!) claims to be incapable of putting together any sort of container planting.  I took the opportunity to host an informal Q&A on the topic. Both wanted to know more about…