Inspiration
Transformation: One Container at a Time
CONTAINEDBRILLIANCE What Containers Teach Us About Transformation 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…
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Holiday Gift Guide for the Container Gardener in Your Life
CONTAINEDBRILLIANCE 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…
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Fall Thrillers That Pair Beautifully with Spring Bulbs
CONTAINEDBRILLIANCE Designing for Fall Containers 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…
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Seven Summer Sizzlers; Color That Keeps on Blooming
CONTAINEDBRILLIANCE 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…
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When Comfort Meets Challenge: The Hidden Gift of Redesign
CONTAINEDBRILLIANCE As designers, whether we’re working with plants, paint, or pixels, we all hit that sweet spot where everything just works. You know what I mean: the combinations you can count on, the go-to favorites you trust to perform. That’s exactly where I was with one of my longtime clients. They loved warm colors.…
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From Ordinary to Outstanding: What Sets Great Container Gardens Apart
CONTAINEDBRILLIANCE Last month, I had the privilege of judging the City Living Gardens at the Northwest Flower & Garden Festival, selecting the winner for All Around Best Container Garden Display. As a container gardening professional, I had the pleasure of judging alongside two incredible women – Grace Hensley, a professional garden photographer, and Barb…
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Beauty, the Brain, and Container Gardening
CONTAINEDBRILLIANCE I learned a new word last week, neuroaesthetics, 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…
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A Fresh Start; Trends, Goals and Inspiration
CONTAINEDBRILLIANCE January is a time to refresh, regroup, and set the tone for the year ahead – perfect time to talk trends, set goals, and embrace learning opportunities. For me, it’s a time to take stock of what worked, what didn’t, and what I’d like to change as I step into the new year.…
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Faux and Fabulous: Stylish Tips for Winter Containers
CONTAINEDBRILLIANCE 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…
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Overwintering Tender Plants: Tips for Keeping Your Tropicals Cozy
CONTAINEDBRILLIANCE As temperatures drop this time of year, my phone buzzes nonstop with texts and calls from friends wondering how to protect their beloved tropicals—like hibiscus, citrus trees, and aeoniums—from the chill of winter. It all boils down to one word: overwintering. Overwintering is about giving your plants the care and protection they need…
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