I invite you to use the Comments section below to tell us what's in bloom in your July yard. But since I asked the question, I'll go first.

The following are some of the plants in bloom in my July yard:

• Beautyberry
• Garden phlox
• Balloon flower
• Butterfly bush
• Garden balsam
• Black hollyhock
• Perennial salvias
• 'Royal Candles' speedwell

Also, after being cut back earlier, my Kerria is re-blooming. I had also cut back my perennial salvias recently.

My favorite plants of this bunch may be my perennial salvias. They engulf quite a swath with their bluish-purple blooms. And I enjoy seeing the bees and butterflies frolicking all over this floral playground. But the black hollyhock is a striking plant, too.

You've probably seen them on TV, if you ever watch those home improvement channels. The before and after shots prove that they can work wonders with the materials at their disposal: stone, wood, water, plants. I'm talking about landscape designers. But what are the personal stories of the people behind the projects? How does one become a landscape designer?

My interview with Paul Corsetti yields a peek into the life of one highly successful landscape designer. What subjects did Paul enjoy most in school? What were the formative influences on him as he advanced toward his career goal? What mistakes did he have to learn from along the way? What code of professional ethics does he live by? In addition to finding out the answers to these questions, you'll also learn some tips on how to become a landscape designer, yourself.

Read interview: How to Become a Landscape Designer