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Beachscaping
Dungeness State Park, WA - one of our favorite places to relax There’s something about being at the ocean. Stress seems to get swept away on the sea breeze, and time moves at a slower pace allowing us...
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From Wilderness to Woodland (or almost)
The End (Just so as you know this ends Happily Ever After) Once upon a time there was a mess. A very icky sticky mess. Think mosquito-infested swamp type mess. September 2010- Cottonwoods already...
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If You Think It Looks Good Now….
Definitely a day for snoozing by the fire The log fire is blazing and although last nights frost has thawed the temperatures will soon begin to drop again. This is the time of year when I prefer...
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A Garden of Celebration, Reflection & Healing
Cairns are an ancient way to denote a path or memorial site. Photo credit; Alyson Ross Markley Do you feel the need for a personal outdoor space to call your own and simply ‘be’? Are you looking for...
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Winter Adventure for Children of all Ages
I had the privilege of presenting a workshop at The Morton Arboretum recently while I was speaking in the Chicago area. I could see straight away that this was somewhere special; 1700 acres of...
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Bringing Serenity to the Garden
My Mum has a saying; “A breath of fresh air will do you the power of good”. She is right on many levels. No matter how tired or stressed I am even a few minutes walking around my garden helps to...
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Sticks and Stones
Blue and teal shades work so well with the white stones. Photo courtesy Alyson Ross Markley Sculptor Luke DeLatour of Stones and Steel knows a thing or two about rocks which is why we invited him to...
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Focal Points & Vignettes Using Containers
Whether your container is left empty as a sculptural element or abundantly planted with a colorful assortment of trees, shrubs perennials and annuals, it is unlikely to be seen in isolation. Often...
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A Must Have Book For All Cancer Survivor’s; Review & Giveaway
Few of us will get through life unscathed by the Big-C; Cancer. Even if we escape the diagnosis ourselves the chances are high that we have family and friends who were not so fortunate. My Dad...
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Join me for cocktails – book review & giveaway!
The romantic softly variegated foliage of a dappled willow (Salix integra ‘Hakuro Nishiki’) takes center stage when illuminated at night. We have recently purchased a fancy new propane fire pit. It is...
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Those Darned DEER!
It’s enough to deal with rabbits and voles. And vegetarian barn cats. But deer? They are my nemesis. At least he stays on the path For the most part I have managed to design a deer resistant garden...
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Reflections
My Mum was one for frequently reminding me to “count my blessings“. Whether it was for an unexpected gift, for food on the table or for a warm home. She taught me never to take these things for...
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Creating Sanctuary
Award winning design by Rocky Bay Garden Creations. The tulips are a nod to the designers Dutch heritage What does the word ‘sanctuary‘ mean to you? A place of peace, protection, an oasis? Somewhere...
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Touchstones: Defining Moments
It took me by surprise. Unbidden, my eyes filled with tears and my voice became thick with emotion as I scanned the rolling hillside traversed by ribbons of drystack stone walls. Familiar silhouettes...
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Creating Sanctuary: Book Review & Giveaway
What does the term 'sanctuary' mean to you? To me, sanctuary means a place where I can be still. A quiet meditative space. My garden. The rolling English countryside. Sitting by the ocean listening to...
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Snapshots from England: cows, carrots, and castles
I have just returned home after a short trip to visit my friend Jill in the Yorkshire Dales, England so thought I share a few highlights with you. It's a beautiful part of the country, rich in history,...
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Choosing Hope
The world seems a different place than it did a week ago doesn't it? My community is like a ghost town as stores, schools, churches, the library, gym, restaurants, and bars have been mandated to close...
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Look for the Light
Do you walk through your garden each day? What do you see? I took a leisurely stroll along our quiet country lanes a few days ago and was amazed what a difference just a few days had made. Last week...
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Planning Fabulous Fall Combinations
Stop what you're doing for a moment, look out of the window, and take a long, hard look at your fall garden. What do you see? I'm sure there are individual trees or shrubs that are breathtaking, but...
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Ancient Garden Art: Well Dressings
Mystery, secrecy, intrigue – it all happens behind closed (barn) doors in the Peak District, Derbyshire. Plans are made, sketches discussed, materials gathered and volunteers found as villagers huddle...
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