David's Landscaping Blog

The recent wars in Iraq have sparked renewed popular interest in perhaps the most renowned example of landscape design in the ancient world. One of the Seven Wonders of the ... Read More

So you thought you'd bring a bit of the outdoors indoors this winter, but bugs are devouring your houseplants? Perhaps the toughest bugs to control indoors are those little white ... Read More

"A Modern Herbal" provides us with a detailed look at that old favorite, the apple (Pyrus malus). Thinking about including apple trees in your landscape design this year? First learn ... Read More

The online edition of "The Arizona Republic" featured a story last week of interest to landscape design aficionados. I refer to the paper's glance at John Brookes, landscape design guru.

You've no doubt heard that earthworms are good for the garden. They not only provide nitrogen, but also aerate your soil and thereby reduce compaction, a major impediment to plant ... Read More

You've probably heard old-timers talk about the laxative derived from castor plants, castor oil. [Edited to add: Recently, the poison, ricin, also derived from castor plants, has been in the ... Read More

Learn about line, form, texture, scent and color, as they apply to landscape design. Explanations are supplemented with pictures. Continue on to a look at 6 fundamental principles in landscape ... Read More

Steve Jones, the Plant Man, gives you some considerations to ponder during these cold winter months, so that when spring finally does arrive, you'll be able to implement your landscape ... Read More

As you survey your winter landscape design (such as it is) with the weary eyes of a winter survivor, think about how it could be improved for next year. Yes, ... Read More

For years you've been buying seed packets with the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map on the back, right? If asked, you could state your plant zone number as quickly as ... Read More

What landscaping-related tasks can you be performing in January? The Garden Helper has some useful landscaping information that you can utilize during these cold days, including a simple, preventive step ... Read More

Thinking of planting some shrubs or trees this spring? If you need any added incentive, Steve Jones, the Plant Man, outlines the numerous benefits of shrubs and trees in this ... Read More

The application of feng shui in landscape design purportedly maximizes the positive flow of energy in our gardens. To Westerners, some teachings in this ancient Chinese art can seem rather ... Read More

The "Occupational Outlook Handbook" contains an extensive entry describing what landscape architects do and how you go about building a career in the field. This is also a good source ... Read More

The value of needle-bearing shrubs such as yews for providing visual interest in winter landscape design is well known. But don't overlook deciduous shrubs. This list, with descriptions, of ... Read More

This story is about adjustments in perspective in planning a landscape design. Namely, we may need to think less about curb appeal in our landscape design work and more about ... Read More

If you own a small urban lot with a front yard of lawn grass, hasn't it ever struck you as a bit silly to be taking time to mow, irrigate ... Read More

Sometimes we're lucky enough to have a 2-for-1 in landscape design. Cooking herbs (culinary herbs) are for more than just cooking. An artistic eye can find a myriad of uses ... Read More

A handy list of common landscape design mistakes, from About.com. Tips on landscaping elements from lighting to boundaries. Novices at landscape design should consult this list and avoid its pitfalls.

Curious about landscape design software? Steve Jones, the Plant Man, takes a brief look at CAD (Computer Aided Drafting) in this intro to Landscape Design Software. But before you buy, ... Read More

Consult these landscaping tips for January, by region, to find the most relevant landscaping tips at this time for your own yard. Specific January landscaping tips are listed separately ... Read More

Many of the same principles with which you are familiar from your outdoor gardens apply indoors, as well. E.g., an indoor landscape design, too, comprises softscape and hardscape elements. And ... Read More

Ornamental grasses are useful plants in landscape design. The numerous types of ornamental grasses come in a variety of heights and offer forms and textures that contrast nicely with other ... Read More

Some thoughts from the Do-It-Yourself Network on Choosing Statues for Lawn and Garden Decor. This feature touches upon costs, appropriateness of theme, scale, contrast and popular choices for statues in ... Read More

Because December was unusually mild in some regions, it may not be too late even now to do your landscape design a favor -- a landscaping tip that I recommended ... Read More