The image above was the exact one that my mom shared with me while asking for my assistance in preparing her log home and ponderosa pine property in Eastern Washington to better protect against wildfire. It was then that I learned of firewise techniques and Firewise Communities. After helping her, a few neighbors of ours […]

Before there were gardens and flowers and veggies. Before landscape design and school and family. Before Duvall, Peace Corps and the wheat farm. My earliest memories were of horses, farms and animals. As a toddler, I was told that I would beg my Dad to carry me, rain or shine, to feed the horses and […]

Knowing that plant pests and diseases are feared words in the horticultural world but it is something that we MUST talk about. Unwanted issues do happen even to the most pest and disease-resistant plants and with new invasives arriving, it is best to have a plan of action for when something looks funny (not funny […]

All pictures courtesy of willowslodge.com Who doesn’t need a getaway? Make it a more than an ordinary eve away and enjoy everything that Willows Lodge has to offer. From beautiful accommodations to excellent dining to the spaaaaaa (ahhh!) you will soak in all of the refresh and recharge that Willows has to offer. And then […]

Being a Master Pruner and certified by Plant Amnesty has been a source of pure enjoyment in my working world. Not only were the classes a ton of fun but also super interesting both from my botanical understanding but also affirmed my innate knowledge of plant health. The reason that it isn’t advertised that I […]

Before the weather turns warm again and we return to wining and dining outside, plan your patio now! And there is no better place to begin your new outdoor furniture adventure than Summer House. “Your search for quality patio furniture with excellent customer service is over! Summer House is proud to offer only the finest […]

  Who doesn’t enjoy the fresh start to a new year? Especially after the roller coaster of the past 2 years! Like many others it is the excitement in planning new resolutions, S.M.A.R.T. goal setting and vision board creating are the tasks that propel me into a great start of each year. It is with […]

From Pantone: Displaying a carefree confidence and a daring curiosity that animates our creative spirit, inquisitive and intriguing PANTONE 17-3938 Very Peri helps us to embrace this altered landscape of possibilities, opening us up to a new vision as we rewrite our lives. Rekindling gratitude for some of the qualities that blue represents complemented by […]

After your fall pruning has been completed, it is a great time of year to maintain your tools. A fabulous resource that I’d like to share with you is a local gentleman in the Duvall area. Pete of Pete’s Sharpening Service has a booth at our Duvall Farmer’s Market, which is where I first met […]

As you most likely already know, I am a Landscape Designer and owner of Gardens ALIVE Design. You might also know that we built our own home, mostly ourselves, acted as the General Contractors, designed, and stamped our own home plans. My husband is the real star in the home construction story! For better or […]