Oh winter holidays!  This is the time of year when my design work pauses long enough for me to reflect on larger environmental forces and artistic directions, and how best to refine my practice in light of them. A recent article in Garden Design spurred my thinking along this vein and reminded me of a...Read More

As a supplement to a new post I wrote for Houzz on espaliers, I would like to share a few local (Southern California) resources for these space-saving beauties — all ready for your Christmas list. Bountiful Gardens is a hidden gem in Lakeview Terrace. Now open to the public after years of selling exclusively to...Read More

Sometimes a designer needs to recharge her batteries.  I spent the afternoon of Saturday, October 26 soaking up inspiration as horticulture and design experts discussed regional landscape design in a program organized by the Association of Professional Landscape Designers and Pacific Horticulture Society. A program of the Association of Professional Landscape Designers, Greater Los Angeles...Read More

Surrounding one of the original 1920’s Hollywoodland cottages in Beachwood Canyon, Landscape designer Judy Horton’s garden is a jewel box filled with plants that reflect her 25 years of gardening and designing.  I was amazed at the number of unusual plants (270 species!) tucked into the tiny garden when I visited in June as part...Read More

Experiencing landscapes that have been consciously developed hones our senses and improves our capacity to appreciate good design. Last month I visited a beauty: The Moreland Garden is a hillside property perched high atop the Santa Monica mountains and designed by landscape architect Lisa Gimmy. This private garden was open as part of the Garden...Read More