A study in optimism, weeds, and unintended consequences. Rewilding, properly speaking, is about restoring natural systems, creating space for plants and wildlife to exist with a bit less interference and a bit more balance. In large landscapes, this is noble, ambitious, and often quite beautiful. It creates habitat, supports biodiversity, and allows natural rhythms to […]

The next time you’re shopping for plants, garden tool or supplies, consider visiting your local independent nursery. Choosing a local nursery over a big-box store like Home Depot or Lowe’s has a range of benefits for your garden, the environment and the local economy. Superior plant selection Local nurseries often carry a broader and more […]

The Story Behind Loggers Lane Granite — and Why I Love Using Granite Boulders in Landscape Designs Natural stone has a way of grounding a landscape — adding weight, texture, and a sense of permanence. At Gardens Alive Design, I’m always looking for materials that bring authenticity and beauty to your projects. Granite is a […]

Designing a garden is rather like telling a story; there needs to be an introduction that draws you in, an understanding of the key characters as they weave through each chapter and a satisfying conclusion. The garden introduction begins when you get the first glimpse of the home and how it is settled into the…

Early spring is the perfect time to take a fresh look at your garden. Before everything bursts into growth, grab a cup of coffee and take a slow walk around your yard. Really see what is working, and what isn’t. Just like editing a story, garden editing is about refining, reshaping and sometimes letting go. Consider your […]

In an age when our lives are increasingly shared online and neighborhoods are often built closer together, privacy in your own backyard can feel like a luxury. Fortunately, there’s a simple and natural solution: privacy trees. Whether you’re looking to block prying eyes, cut down on noise, or create a more peaceful atmosphere, planting privacy […]

The post Episode 173: The Long Pause appeared first on Valley Nursery Inc..

Low-Maintenance Landscapes for High-Maintenance Joints Let’s be honest: aging at home is the dream. You know where the light switches are, the neighbors wave (even if you forget their names), and your favorite chair has molded itself to your exact shape. But while your home may be aging like a fine wine, your landscape might […]

September’s here, and it’s the perfect time to take a walk around your yard and see how your plants performed this year. Take measure of what worked and didn’t work in your landscape and consider what changes you might like to make. A fall landscape check-in will help your plants grow better next year, so […]

As my regular readers will know, we have just left our 5-acre garden of 16 years and moved into what can best be described as “the ugliest house in Duvall”. The garden isn’t a whole lot better being a blend of dead grass, dead bamboo (mercifully container in a planter), every self-seeding annual you can…