Garden Wisdom: “How Much Should I Spend on My Garden?”
I hear the same story from friends all the time… Their garden is looking tired and needs some fixing up, but their mind is flooded with pesky questions like: How much should I spend re-doing my yard? Will I get that money back when I sell the house?
These are all completely understandable questions, so let me share with you a few things I’ve learned:
- Photo via darwinwebb.com
First – Remodeling your your garden costs much less than remodeling your home. If a quick “facelift” is what you’re after, I’d suggest doing some landscaping over remodeling your home. Where I live in the Bay Area, a home remodel can cost $300-$500 per square foot, whereas the average cost for landscaping runs $25-$40 per square foot.
Imagine the beauty below is your home. While it’s obviously run-down and outdated, picture what it would look like with a fresh coat of paint and neatly landscaped front yard — not too shabby, right?
Here are some other facts to consider:
- Landscaping can add 7-15% to a home’s value (The Gallup Poll)
- Landscaping can bring a recovery value of 100-200% at selling time. Kitchen remodels bring only a 75-125% recovery value (Money Magazine)
- Plants and trees grow, and thus appreciate over time
- Photo via Sunset.com
But now to the main question: How much should you spend on your garden?
Well, a while back, Money Magazine stated that you should spend 4% of the value of your home on landscape — and you should get all that back when it’s time to sell.
Here are the best returns:
- Plants, and especially trees (CNN Money)
- Irrigation to protect your investment — you know you’re not going to hand water everything!
- A landscape plan (As stated by Bob Vila). Landscape plans help you avoid a mish-mosh, random looking yard.
And don’t fall for the pool trap — pools don’t actually have very good returns compared to landscaping.
Now that you know exactly how much to spend on your garden, don’t forget to factor in what a new garden will mean to you. If a new garden will mean more outside play time for the kids, more barbeques with friends and more relaxing evenings sipping wine outside — it just might be worth it to spend a few extra bucks 
Reminder: You can use Habitat Design to design your dream garden online for the fraction of the price the pro’s charge. Learn more here >
The Perfect DIY Mother’s Day Gift: A Mini-Garden!
While rose bouquets are great, it’s nice to get Mom something that will last a little longer. Scratch that — don’t get her anything, make her something!
- Photo via Illinois.edu
I know from experience that moms love getting living arrangements that will flower and bloom for years to come. When it comes to designing your own, living arrangements follows pretty much the same principles as plant design in a garden.
- Photo via Giftree.com
A quick primer on how to make your own Mother’s Day living basket:
When creating your arrangement, the basic principles are shape, height and color differences. The example above accomplishes all three: different leaf shapes, different shades of green and different plant heights.
About height: You’ll always have an attractive result when one plant is tall, one medium, and one drapes down over the pot. I usually put flowering plants in the middle region. That way, the foliage stays year-round and your Mom can sub out the flowering plant by season.
- Photo via aspencountry.com
Different styles of pots:
Now that you have the basic principles down, have fun with the pot! For a Mom that loves cottage style-accents, the teacup above is a really cute idea.
- Photo via simplyfunstuff.blogspot.com
For a mom who’s a fan of the contemporary beach look, use sand instead of mulch — and even throw in a little driftwood too!
- Photo via the awesome bloggers @ Faroutflora.com
Of course, succulents are all the rage these days and will last both indoors and outdoors (and are pretty easy to maintain!)
- Photo via Decoist.com
Finally, does mom lean toward the Zen aesthetic? Make her ‘ohmmmmm’ with a water garden like the one above.
Whatever arrangement you choose, Mom will love it no matter what. It comes with the territory!
Design the Ultimate Outdoor Entertaining Space
It’s May, and you know what that means: summer is just around the corner! If you’re like me, you tend to move most meals and social gatherings outside — to enjoy the warm summer breeze, the burgers that taste so much better when you barbecue them, and the occasional shooting star.
Since it’s not scorching out yet, May is the perfect time to revamp your garden and make it the ultimate outdoor entertaining space.
Here’s How, in 3 Easy Steps:
- Photo via arcadianhome.com
1. Take control of the sun
The sun goes down late in summertime, so it’s often still sunny when you sit down for dinner. With the hot sun beating down and bright light blinding everyone, it’s sometimes hard to fully relax. So you have two choices: you can use an umbrella (this is the route most take) or you can create a more natural effect with an arbor of trees or vines (my favorite option).
- Photo via linenandlavender.blogspot.com
The pergola above uses very simple materials, but creates a gorgeous effect. When planting for a pergola or arbor, use deciduous vines (vines that lose leaves seasonally) so that your eating area is shaded in the summer, but open in the cooler winter months.
- Photo via Sunset.com
Another great option for sun protection is a grove of trees. You can use them to create a natural canopy with a strong cooling effect. The trick to making this look good is to use the same type of trees and plant them close together.
- Photo via Modfire
2. Provide warmth for nighttime entertaining
I don’t know about you, but my friends often forget to bring jackets and sweaters to dinner during the summer months. So, it’s always good to keep a few blankets and jackets on hand — but an even better solution are heat lamps. Having two heat lamps strategically placed at a table will provide heat for everyone. I love the contemporary ModFire outdoor fireplaces pictured above (and we happen to carry them in our online store!)
- Photo via Tomono.hubpages.com
Another great outdoor fireplace option is the chimney-style fireplace. These are actually my favorite type of fireplace because they’re portable, attractive and they do a great job. There are all sorts of style available too — not just the adobe type.
3. Light it up!
Not only does everyone look better in candlelight — but so does your garden!
A few accent candles create a wonderful glow, but it’s great to supplement them with additional lighting so your guests can actually see their food. A well designed low voltage lighting plan will create the effect of subtle moonlight. These systems are easy to install and are well worth the cost if you’re using your garden at night.
- Photo via Favim.com
And that’s it! Outfit your backyard with shade, a fireplace and some great lighting and the only thing you’re missing is a group of fun-loving friends!
Three tips for creating a cozy cottage patio in your small garden
I love cottage-style patios. They have such a cozy and colorful atmosphere. How do you achieve that cozy and colorful atmosphere, you ask? Here are three tips…
- Photo via http://www.landscapeideasanddesign.com
1. Interplanting: Plant plants in the gaps between stones to make the patio feel ‘greened up’. This will also add a sense of coziness and take away any sense of formality. In the garden above, the groundcover creeps in the cracks and forms its own irregular mats.
- Photo via Gardeningtipsandpics.com
2. Irregular cut style: Notice how the stone in the photo above is irregulary cut and laid with gaps up to 3″. This lack of pattern lends itself to the casualness of the cottage style. This casual patio is perfect for casual sitting but beware: if you sport high heels — they’re going to sink in between the cracks!
- Photo via Kagozi.com
3. Encroaching plants: An abundance of plants help to make the space feel super cozy. The plants will invariably creep in on the sitting area, making the patio lines less defined and adding to a secluded and intimate vibe.
- Photo via decorations.net
As you can see in the photo above — even when the stonework is more linear, you’ll have gaps with pebbles in between. This will maintain the casual nature of your cottage patio.
In the spirit of Earth Day: The benefits of using native plants in the small garden
Earth Day’s coming up, so what better time to discuss eco-friendly planting techniques and garden accents!? We’ll talk about using native plants today, and showcase some sustainable and green garden products on Thursday.
- Photo via gardenclubbackbay.org
Native plants are plants that have lived in your location and climate for centuries. There are tons of benefits to using them in your small garden, such as:
- They save water
- They don’t require pesticides
- They attract birds, butterflies and other beneficials
- They help save the world! Well, that may be pushing it…
- Photo Via latimes.com
Not quite convinced? Let’s explore these benefits a bit more:
- They save water - Because natives are adapted to the local climate, they need less watering to remain healthy. We’re talking most natives here — this doesn’t include plants like ferns, which are meant to live by a stream.
- They don’t require pesticides - Because they are used to the local conditions — such as the soil and climate — they are less susceptible to disease and vermin. So you don’t need to ply these plants with additional nutrients in order to keep them healthy. They have all they need in the ground they’re in, which means less work for you!
- They attract birds, butterflies and other beneficials – Native plants and local wildlife are the dream team! Because they’ve been around the area for so long, native plants often provide shelter and food for local wildlife. In return, the wildlife drops the plants’ seeds to help with pollination. All this excitement from local critters makes for a great garden experience.
- Photo via http://www.bringingbackthenatives.net
All this may sound great so far, but like many clients I’ve talked to, you might be worried that “native” is a code word for “ugly.”
Well not to fear! There’s quite a bit of flexibility with native plants. You can use them in a similar way as you might see them in their natural environment, or you can incorporate them into any style of garden — ranging from modern, to formal, to cottage.
Check out the photos below as proof:
- Photo via California Native Plant Society in Orange County
Ready to get started with your own native garden? We’ll be introducing native garden plans to Habitat Design soon, so stay tuned!
- Photo via http://greenterrafirma.com
- Photo via http://grownatives.cnps.org
Bonnie’s Pick: The New Sunset Western Garden Book
My pick this week is Sunset’s The New Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide.
- Photo via the LA Times Blog
This ninth edition features fabulous changes that make the ‘garden bible’ even more of a garden necessity — according to Susan Morrison, the LA Times, Debra Prinzing and other garden aficcionados.
I haven’t had a chance to flip through it myself, but can’t wait to pick up my own copy!
Local places to get it:
Guest wisdom: How to design a terrarium, the Lila B. way
For this year’s San Francisco Flower & Garden Show, we asked Lila B. Design to create some gorgeous terrariums that would look great along side Jessy’s Cottage and Contemporary-style gardens.
Well, not only did they whip up some stunning terrariums, but Lila B. founder Baylor Chapman shared a few tips on how you too, can design a successful terrarium.
- A cottage-y terrarium by Lila B! ‘Aint it gorgeous?! Photo by Sophie de Lignerolles
Here’s her advice…
What you’ll need:
- A vessel: When choosing your vessel, keep in mind that the opening should be fairly large — fish bowls, cognac glasses, jars, and even light fixtures work well.
- Soil: Choose a variety of soils such as light soil, sand, perlite and peat moss.
- Stones: We like to choose stones in decorative colors.
- Sculptural elements: Gather some sticks, insects, large stones, moss, lichen etc. to decorate your terrarium with.
What you do:
1. Clean the glass.
2. Fill the bottom with small rocks.
3. Add in dirt at a slope to the mouth of the circle.
4. Using a spoon, fill in rocks along the perimeter in the back, moving towards the front.
5. Start loosening dirt off the roots of individual plants and…
- Put the tallest plants in back.
- Use plants with contrasting textures, colors and sizes.
- A few plants we’ve had success with are: Haworthia, Mucosa, Dasyphyllum, Crassula mes, String of pearls, Graptopetalum… (basically anything with fuzzy and thick/fat petals work the best!)
6. Add in your sculptural elements (twigs, rocks etc.)
7. Slowly fill in untouched areas with rocks.
8. Spray water inside the terrarium, along the glass walls (so dirt walls sink down.)
9. Spray neem oil on the centers of each succulent.
And ta da! You get something that looks like this… (And if not the first time — try, try again!)
- Our contemporary terrarium by Lila B. Photo by Sophie de Lignerolles.
How to care for your terrarium:
- Mist every two weeks.
- Place in indirect bright light — rotate occasionally.
- Spray with neem oil/safer soap.
- And that’s all there is to it!
Ready to get started on your own terrarium?
Pick up one of the hand-blown Roost terrariums you see pictured here (except empty!) in our online store >
Spring is here! First bloomers, and what to plant now
Happy First Day of Spring! Oh, I love spring: the full and blooming flowers, the young new sprouts, the nurseries getting in all the beautiful new plants.
- Photo via thatbloomingarden.blogspot.com
If this doesn’t exactly sound like your garden, it’s ok — spring also happens to be the best time to plant your garden for next spring.
When it comes to planting, lots of people love to plant bulbs, but — while they’re great for seasonal color — I prefer designing with plants that come back year after year. (Less work too!)
So which plants should you plant this spring for first bloomers next year? Here are my suggestions:
Last week, I visited my favorite local nursery — Summer Winds in Palo Alto — and checked out all their gorgeous new arrivals from Monrovia. Here are some of the plants I found, which will bloom early in your small garden next year:
- Photo by Doreen Wynja via Monrovia.com
Forsythia x ‘Courtaneur’ – This is a compact shrub that grows to 5′ tall and wide, and it turns an amazing yellow color in spring. Because of its unique branch shape, it even looks great when it loses its leaves.
- Photo via Monrovia.com
Wisteria floribunda, or ‘Texas Purple’ – The Wisteria was popping during my visit at Summer Winds last week! While these vines can reach 20′ long, the nursery had them in “tree” form: basically one main ‘trunk’ attached to a 5′ tall stake, and then flowers hanging down like branches on a tree. I thought it would look really cool in a small garden setting.
- Photo Via panoramio.com
Pyrus calleryana ‘Aristocrat’ - One of the smaller ornamental Pear trees, the Pyrus calleryana stand about 15′ tall and 12′ wide. That said, they can get much larger over time. I just love these early bloomers — especially seeing them in groups — because they look like they’re covered with snow. (I suppose this is ironic, considering they’re one of my favorite springtime bloomers!)
- Photo by Geoff Bryant via Monrovia.com
Photinia x fraseri - This hedge may seem like a simple green shrub, but its new growth comes in the color red. Growing about 8′ tall x 8′ wide, they can be kept to any height, and really any width. I love these shrubs for small gardens — when you want to get a little privacy from the neighbors.
- Photo by Richard Shiell via Monrovia.com
Camellia ‘Nuncio’s Pearl’ - This plant’s blooms will make your heart sing. It’s such a beautiful plant, loaded with flowers and lovely glossy green leaves. The Camellia works great in small cottage- or formal-style gardens, and is pretty slow growing. So while it’ll get up to 8′ wide x 8′ tall over time, you can really keep it any size you like.
- Photo by Doreen Wynja via Monrovia.com
Jasminum polyanthum - I smelled the Jasminum polyanthum long before I saw it at the back of the nursery. This time of the year, it’s full bloom and smells just amazing. Watch out though – it’s a fast growing one! It can reach up to 20′ long in a single season. It’s also evergreen thought, which makes it a great year-round plant in the small garden.
Well what are you waiting for? Now that you’re in the know, time to start digging!
Get Ready: The 2nd Best Time of the Year to Plant is Now!
- Photo via birmingham.styleblueprint.com
I get this question all the time: When should I plant my new garden?
Well, the best time to plant is Autumn, but since that already passed, your second best bet is mid-Spring.
Even though it seems like Spring has sprung in some cities already, you’ll want to wait until the last danger of frost has passed to begin planting. (This varies depending on your climate.) Then, as soon as the threat of frost is gone, you should start digging! The ground will be moist from the rains, the days will be getting longer, and the sun will be giving off just the right amount of warmth for your new plants.
- Photo via Biozine
Planting in mid-Spring ensures that it’ll be months before the harsh Summer heat stresses these plants, at which point they’ll already have had time to adjust to their new home.
Another benefit of planting at this time is that lots of nurseries will be getting new sock in – new stock that’s about to blossom and bloom our of control! Getting the plants into the ground before their growth spurts gives the plants even more of their much-needed adjustment time.
Now, to all you skeptics who might be thinking “It can’t be that bad to plant during the summer,” listen up! If you wait until Summer – when the days are long – you’ll stress a recent transplant with long hours of intense heat. Even if you water regularly, this poor little plant’s root system hasn’t had time to spread into the soil, so he won’t be able to absorb all the water he needs. The result is burnt-looking leaves, even when you water frequently.
So, should you run out and buy some plants right this moment? Eh, you’ve got a little time to plan. Just don’t wait too long:)
Garden art for all style homes
Garden art is not just for the rich and famous – it’s accessible and available for all of us to enjoy. Sometimes playful, sometimes on the more serious side, artwork in your garden adds a wonderful finishing touch. I love to create specials spaces in my clients’ gardens to place a unique object.
Don’t rush the search for that perfect piece of garden art – you might come across it when you’re on a walk, or even on vacation. I urge you to take time in selecting your garden art – after all, art is always better when it means something to you!
One way to begin the process if to narrow down the type of garden art fits your style. Let’s explore a few options…
If you have a Cottage Style garden, romantic, playful and/or casual styles are the way to go. You’ll want to avoid anything too new or “hoity toity.”
- Photo via www.gidesigns.net
Rusted-style animal sculptures like the one shown above are perfect for Cottage gardens and are widely available.
An old window adds character. Put an old painting behind it to make it seem like there’s a whole world behind…
If you fit into a Formal Garden style, you’d do well with traditional art styles like the sundial, gazing balls and such.
- Photo via www.bellewood-gardens.com
A statuary is a traditional approach in Formal Gardens. Popular subjects include cupids, children playing or the rooster (seen above).
- Photo via www.garden-sundial.com
The sundial is another stylish and traditional piece of accent art in the garden.
Looking to match your sculpture with an Asian influenced outdoor space? There are numerous options:
- Photo via www.oregonlive.com
These cranes work beautifully in the Asian-inspired garden, near the pond.
- Photo via www.bumblebeeblog.com
Of course, the pagoda is a traditional sculpture seen in Asian gardens – and they’re always in style!
For the Tropical garden style, colorful or playful (or both) is a great choice.
- Photo via www.gardenlandscapingart.com
This cutout palm tree with a rusted finish is a playful, yet sophisticated accent.
- Buddha available in the Habitat online store! Click photo for more info.
The garden buddha is a typical addition to the Tropical Style gardens, as well as the Asian gardens.
Garden art in the Modern Style garden should focus on clean lines and modern materials.
These garden spheres works well in three different sizes, and comes in a variety of different materials.
- Photo via www.terrasculpture.com
Metals with strong geometric shapes add a modern sculptural touch to an outdoor space.
In the Mediterranean garden, earthy colors and organic materials work best as garden pieces.
- Photo via latimesblogs.latimes.com
The weathered steel works perfectly as a contemporary, but also Mediterranean, piece of eye-catching garden art.
