Pantone’s 2026 Color of the Year, Cloud Dancer, arrives with the kind of quiet confidence that fall landscapes thrive on. It’s a shade that doesn’t shout over autumn’s burnished foliage but instead slips into the scene like a soft exhale—cool, bright, and grounding. In my own garden, Cloud Dancer shows up through white container plants that […]

Inspired by Wintering by Katherine May As our daylight begins to dwindle, as cool evenings creep in – I’m reminded of a wonderful book that a dear friend recommended during some difficult days that helped me to survive during that darkness. Whether it be the onset of fall and winter or challenges in your life, I’m […]

Pantone’s Color of the Year, Cloud Dancer, really said, “I’m not just a January thing—I’m a lifestyle,” and honestly, it keeps showing up like that one friend who’s always overdressed but somehow makes the whole group look better. Month after month, it sneaks into container gardens, pairing effortlessly with cool grey hues that pop against those […]

JB Family Growers’ sunflower and lavender fields create one of the most breathtaking summer experiences in the region, especially with Mount Rainier glowing in the background. They are located between Chateau Ste. Michelle and the Sammamish River across the street from Willows Lodge. Whether you wander through 15,000 lavender plants (at about 5 acres) , hop […]

Bark King has become a trusted name in landscape materials thanks to their commitment to delivering high-quality mulch, and soil products with exceptional reliability. Their team specializes in providing Fertil Mulch and other premium blends that enrich soil health, support plant vitality, and elevate the overall look of any outdoor space. Whether a homeowner needs a […]

The landscape industry is full of growth, lifetime learning opportunities, and the occasional mystery shrub — you also already also know that plants, people and the profession can also be… full of surprises. That’s exactly why mentoring has become such a big deal to me. I didn’t get here alone — I grew because people […]

Why 2026’s Color of the Year Is Basically Your May Mood Board If 2026’s Color of the Year, Cloud Dancer, had a personality, it would be that effortlessly cool friend who always looks good in neutrals and somehow never gets dirt on their white sneakers. Lucky for us, gardens with a white flair are basically […]

I made a promise at the start of the year to highlight, celebrate, and pause long enough to notice the peace and calm that Pantone’s Color of the Year can bring into the garden. Part of that commitment was weaving a monthly reflection into the Gardens ALIVE Design newsletter—an invitation to slow down and see what the […]

If you ever roll into Othello, WA—whether intentionally or because you missed an exit while vibing to your playlist—there’s are a couple of places you need to experience: Basin Farmworks and Ironworks Café. The café is the kind of spot where the scent of fresh soil, blooming flowers, and espresso somehow merge into a single, comforting aroma. This […]

Tuesday, April 14, 9–10am Online webinar hosted by the Washington State Nursery and Landscape Association At Gardens ALIVE Design, I believe that knowledge is one of the most powerful tools a homeowner can have. When you understand how your landscape works — and how to support it — you gain the confidence to make choices […]