If you’ve ever lived anywhere near a lake, a pond, or a stream, you will know what I’m describing now: it is the sound of spring at dusk. This sound is not the cacophony of many tiny birds courting each other as the sun rises; it is the almost deafening din of frogs seeking their…
Garden Design
Rick Button: Puzzle Master
Rick Button is a thoughtful man; a thoughtful landscape architect. It’s almost possible to see the wheels turning inside that head. He carefully considers color, elevations, planting palette and planters for each project. The Bennett residence presented a number of challenges for Rick’s grand intelligence. The two story residence features interior shifts in elevation and…
No More Lawns: Urban Eco Design of Santa Barbara, California
Brent and I have become friends with Jonathan Reichlan and Natalie van Zelm over the last few years, not just because they use our products in their projects, but also their work is beautiful, conscientious and imaginative and Natalie and Jonathan are completely interesting, engaging people. A great way to get to know them and…
Book Review: The Beautiful Edible Garden
A minor dispute broke out in my neighborhood this week. When a couple planted herbs and vegetables along their front walkway, the HOA president chastised them via email: “Now you have a garden in front of the house. Who approved that? Please take care of the above quickly.” To some, an area where edibles are…
In the Garden and Dreaming
Many of us have a particular place we think best and where we feel whole. I have always been most comfortable in my garden. I can remember all of my past gardens. When I was five years old, I lived across the street from Mr. Mitchell. His entire backyard was a lathe house where he grew…
Saying Goodbye to the Lawn
When Jane Abascal and her husband Manny moved into their home on a quiet, tree-lined street in Altadena, California, they noticed the garden across the street had a lovely, welcoming feel they wanted for their new space. After a reasonable amount of time, Jane approached her neighbor to ask if she would share the name…
