Victory Gardens: What They Are and Why They Matter Today
One of our clients asked us to create a victory garden…the first question we asked was “what is a victory garden?” https://library.si.edu/exhibition/cultivating-americas-gardens/gardening-for-the-common-good Victory gardens became popular during World War I and World War II when citizens were encouraged to grow fruits, vegetables, and herbs at home to support the war effort. By producing food locally, […]
Should You Use Landscape Fabric? Pros, Cons, and Smarter Alternatives
What is Landscape Fabric: Landscape fabric—also known as weed barrier fabric—is a permeable material placed over soil to suppress weeds while allowing water and air to pass through. It’s commonly used in garden beds, under mulch, and beneath gravel or stone. At first glance, it seems like the perfect low-maintenance solution. But is it really […]
Low-Maintenance Landscape Trend: Pocket Meadows
As homeowners look for more sustainable, lower-maintenance landscapes, pocket meadows are becoming an increasingly popular design solution. A pocket meadow is a scaled-down meadow planting made primarily of ornamental grasses, native wildflowers, and pollinator-friendly perennials. Unlike formal gardens, pocket meadows embrace a more natural look while still being intentionally designed to fit residential settings. These […]
Design Series 2: What is a Moon Garden?
In short, a moon garden is a planting design principle tailored to the evening and night hours rather than the daytime. Here’s a deep dive into the idea of moon gardens, how they work in the North Georgia region, and how you can bring one to life. Key Characteristics of a Moon Garden Designing Your […]
Suzanne’s Pet Peeves: First Up…Mulch
When I visit new clients, there are a few annoyances that really stand out to me. I am going to begin with mulch. Mulch is an organic material spread over a bed to hold in moisture, inhibit weeds and finish off a garden bed, making it look neat and tidy. It should break down/decompose over […]
4 Types of Mulch
Mulch is an essential part of any landscape. It helps the ground retain moisture and adds nutrients to the soil as it decomposes. Mulch can also help protect your plants from winter freezes, acting as a natural insulation barrier. Where as nature uses fallen leaves and dead plants as mulch, landscapers and homeowners prefer a […]
Digging into Health: How Contact With Soil Enriches Your Life and Landscape
Digging into Health: How Contact With Soil Enriches Your Life and Landscape Written by Svea Block – Naturopath and Natural Health Consultant, guest blogger, lover of all things nature, and enthusiast about soil and health benefits. Watching my children play in the mud and dirt is one of life’s greatest joys for me. While that […]
For the Love of Cooking
The Clarkson’s house in Hall County, GA sits on a high bluff overlooking Lake Lanier. The lake side of the lot is steep, the front approach to the house is level. It is a two-story, contemporary style house, probably built in the 1980s. Additions have been made to it over time. The husband’s passion for […]
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 […]
