Native Plants Line the Path to Sustainability
If you are a reader of the Art of Stone Gardening blog posts, you know that we frequently discuss the importance and significance of native plants in landscapes. When you plant natives, you help rebuild habitat, strengthen the web of life and fight climate change. In this piece, reprinted with permission by Homegrown National Park®, […]
How to: Watering in the Winter
In case you didn’t know, watering your plants in the winter is integral to ensuring their survival. Winter weather is cold, dry, and windy, a villainous trio of conditions out to wreak havoc on your garden. The low humidity and strong dry winds of winter can cause root damage, which affects the health of the […]
Invasion of the Invasives
Eeiii!!! Run for your life! We’re being invaded by invasives. Invasive plants creep into the yard, into the garden, often unawares. They are kind of like weeds but only more so. They “take over” an ecosystem, causing major disturbance to areas where they are present. They lack natural predators that would keep them in balance […]
I Speak for the Trees pt. 3
As a certified arborist, I guess you could call me a professional tree hugger. I recently attended the International Society of Arboriculture conference and I have a lot to share with you about trees. This is the final blog of my 3 part series. In the first part, I elaborated on the importance of trees […]
The Earlynn Miller Project: Life Changing Work
Meet Dr. Earlynn Miller: Dancer, teacher, visionary, lover of life. Earlynn came into my life as my fathers’ partner. She passed in the spring of 2021. Earlynn Miller was an incredibly creative and artistic soul who retired from a 30 year career as full time dance faculty at James Madison University (JMU) in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Art […]
I Speak for the Trees pt. 1
As a certified arborist, I guess you could call me a professional tree hugger. I recently attended the International Society of Arboriculture conference and I have a lot to share with you all about trees. In this 3 part series, I will dive into the reasons why we need trees, the types of trees we […]
Small Yard, Big Renovation
You’ve heard of tiny homes. You know, those itty bitty buildings that could pass as tree houses or a kid’s play place? They are small but efficient, a smart and simplified space that is thoughtfully arranged to include all the important stuff in one bite-sized unit. Well that’s what we make sometimes but the difference, […]
Take it or Leaf it: Advice on Plants in Pots
Plants, like people, are tough. Both can adapt to a wide range of living conditions. Though plants thrive naturally outdoors where they can spread their roots in the ground, they can also survive in many other situations, such as in pots. If you have shied away from planting in pots, read on. Here’s a primer […]
Paradise Has Walls
Picture this. You’re having a backyard party. You’re just putting the finishing touches on a nice spread of food and drink while the evening outdoor lights blink on. Lovely music is playing in the background, the hot tub is bubbling, and people are starting to arrive. Everything looks pristine. Your screened-in porch is the perfect […]
If at First You Don’t Suc(seed)
In 2020, we shared with you the story of a client who wanted her grass lawn replaced with perennials. She is interested in native plants and sustainability. Transforming her space from grass to perennials was one of the first two projects of this kind for Art of Stone Gardening. The Plan The plan for the […]
