This isn’t a beautiful post. It’s one about struggle. And I need your advice. I LOVE this time of year. It’s the best weather, the prettiest flowers, the most beautiful birdsong. But notice, all of that is outside. So I want my outside space to be just right. If you’ve ...
Read MoreEasy Spring ‘Basket’ How-to
Create a spring/Easter basket or centerpiece with this 4-step, illustrated how-to.
Read MoreGarden Tour, pt2: Texture and Layers

Garden elements, create the structure of the garden, but it’s the plantings – their texture, color, shape, and life – that breath true beauty into the garden. Here are the cultivated plants (and animals) that are the essence of what these gardens are about. See them all, plus 6 more, ...
Read MoreGarden Tour, pt 1: Garden Elements

It’s May, and Maryland’s gardens are at their peak. There’s all the requisite public gardens we can tour, but it’s peaking behind those elusively private garden gates, and getting a glimpse of the inspired, lovingly-tended, personal gardens that’s the real treat. Beyond the Garden Gates garden tour is downtown Frederick, ...
Read MoreOutdoor Rooms!

It’s going to be a beautiful weekend here in Maryland, so it’s time to get the porches and patio ready for outdoor living. Here’s a little inspiration for you (and me!): I hope this little shot of outdoor living has inspired you! Thanks for reading, Virginia Save
Read MoreThe Making of a Ruin

I get a lot of unexpected questions when I’m at the counter here at the barn, but certainly the most intriguing question I ever got was from Jared Herman, owner and principle architect at Oldetowne Landscape Architects: “I have a vision for your entry; could I create a garden patio ...
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