Blooming Desert's Daily Dirt

Inspiration behind Steel Life's 2012 Color Picks

2012-01-17T20:01:00.000-08:00

Every color in the rainbow has been through the ringer for the final selection of Steel Life's 2012 color palette. My husband and I have completed the 'soft opening' for our new product line and are ready for our big launch next month.

Our hopes are that these colors will complement both indoor and outdoor living spaces. Originally, our Mod Dish was designed to plant succulents or display tillandsias in. During our soft opening, it was brought to our attention that the Mod Dish is perfect for a variety of items, not just plants.

16" Citrus Mod Dish by Steel Life

Attendees of the 2012 Modernism Week in Palm Springs next month will get the first, hands-on look at our new Mod Dish sizes and colors, along with the newly designed Shallow Root Vessel.

So, here is some of the inspiration behind the new colors for this year...

Red Pencil Tree - Euphorbia tirucalli 'Sticks on Fire'

Photo from
The Desert Edge

Sedum repestre 'Angelina'
Sunset magazine

Borrowed from The Desert Edge

Attention: Modern Garden Aficionados

2012-01-10T03:28:00.000-08:00

I am anxiously counting down the days until the 7th Annual Palm Springs 2012 Modernism Week. This 11-day event celebrates everything associated with the mid-century modern era (1940s, 50s and 60s) from historic architecture and interior design to vintage cars and other mid-century modern cultural interests. With more than 75 events already in place, there will also be a few new events that I think my fellow landscape designers and gardeners need to know about.

This year, landscape designer, Paul Ortega and landscape architect, William Kopelk have organized the first modern garden tour for Modernism Week. Visitors will be able to tour several modern-inspired, desert gardens and experience the success of xeriscape and desert-loving plants.

Desert Garden Center, LLC
Palm Springs, CA

There will also be a variety of home tours throughout the week that will give visitors an opportunity to see private residential gardens.

The Russell House by Albert Frey

The Prefab Home Showcase Village will also be a popular event at Modernism Week. This is where several prefab structures will show off the newest ideas in alternative energy while still maintaining a high standard of modern design. This year, it has been decided to have an expo tent within Showcase Village. This expo tent will be showing off the most fashion-forward, environmentally conscience, mid-century modern inspired products. Here are a few booths you may find me at...

Modfire
I imagine myself in this photograph. Poolside, warming by the Modfire with a martini in hand...a blue one perhaps.

You will definitely see me at the Just Modern booth. They will be displaying our new Steel Life product line along with many other great accessories.

Just Modern Inc. specializes in unique, mid-century modern
inspired home accessories and personal style items.

Lastly, I plan to visit Sunnylands Gardens while I'm in Palm Springs. Over 9 acres of beautiful desert gardens designed by landscape architect, James Burnett. I can't imagine that I will be disappointed.

So, don't just sit there...

The Ace Hotel in Palm Springs
Photo taken by Chris Mobley, Just Modern, Inc.

Pack it up.

Get moving. Get modern.

Wordless Wednesday

2012-01-04T07:12:00.000-08:00

New Year's Flowerworks Show

2011-12-31T09:11:00.000-08:00

'Green Spider' Chrysanthemum
Photo credit link

Gomphrena 'Fireworks'
Photo credit link

Allium variety
Photo by Abby of the Arts

'Red Mountain' Ice Plant - Delosperma dyeri 'Red Mountain'
Photo borrowed from Sandy's Plants, Inc.

For each petal on the shamrock.
This brings a wish your way
Good health, good luck, and happiness
For today and every day.

Cheers!

There and Back

2011-12-22T20:53:00.000-08:00

Before the snow arrives, I decided to take a one day trip over the Cascade Mountains to get a few goodies. By goodies, I mean plants.

I did a little hunting while I was out, too. I'm quite proud of my staghorn fern I came home with. I couldn't get this 5' wide beauty mounted on my car, so I brought back the smaller of the two. I'll be mounting it in my new office space. Hopefully, it won't miss its' mommy.

Being the holiday season, I thought it would be fun to post a few pictures of mistletoe I passed by today. Unfortunately, I couldn't quite reach any to bring home. It always sits so high in the trees! Maybe that's why it is meant to stand under.

Cheers!

Pantone's Color of the Year

2011-12-16T07:59:00.000-08:00

So, have you heard? Pantone's Color of the Year is Tangerine Tango! For almost half a decade, Pantone has been inspiring apparel, home furnishing and interior design professionals in color expression and fashion forward exploration. I'm thinking that this color is the perfect match for our outdoor living spaces, as well.

Where have I seen this color before?

Oh, yes...

Steel Life Mod Dish Garden

'Tomato Soup' Echinacea

Great chair I spotted at Furnish!

Fermob, baby!

Aloe var. - Photo borrowed from Plant Talk

The Cube - Our new office space!

This fun chair I shared on an earlier blog. It looks so comfortable!

Photo borrowed from Gap Gardens

I have a feeling it's going to be a very good year!

I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas...

2011-12-12T19:10:00.000-08:00

I love the snow and always hope for a white Christmas. I also dream of white gardens after the snow melts many, many months from now. Clean, crisp and sophisticated.

Nature planter by Design Night in Portland, Oregon

Smania cachepot planters

Desert Sandwort

Design by Eckersley Garden Architecture

Urban Gasfire by Modfire

Cocoon Hammock

Wallter Wall Planter

Longue by Driade Tokyo Pop

Owl pots at Flora Grubb

That's right! The secret is out...

2011-12-09T08:02:00.000-08:00

Blooming Desert has finally launched our new home and garden accessory product line!

We have been field testing, tweaking and perfecting these original works of living art for home or garden over the past year.

Steel Life offers personal style, uniqueness and memorable experience to an interior or exterior living space. The entire collection is designed and fabricated in Bend, Oregon by a handful of talented artisans and yours truly. Many of the products and made from reclaimed or re purposed materials.

Vertical Gardens, New Century Modern Dish Gardens and Living Furniture that is TRULY unique.

We will be adding to our collection over the next several months. To stay current with our new endeavor, you can follow us on Facebook or periodically check our web shop at www.shopsteellife.com.

You can also find our products at Just Modern and locally at Furnish.

Lastly, I would like to thank all our friends and family that have been so supportive during the creation of:

We are thrilled to be starting off the New Year with this exciting adventure.

Cheers!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-12-07T11:02:00.000-08:00

What Inspires Me.

2011-12-06T19:24:00.000-08:00

Clients ask me how I have been able to keep inspired as a landscape designer in Central Oregon for all these years. Let me tell you, it's not hard. Living in such an amazing region like this, I am inspired everyday by the natural environment.

Pacific Aster - Aster chilensis

Metolius River

Oregon Sunshine - Eriophyllum lanatum

Three Sisters Mountains

Wild lupine

Smith Rock

Pink Lewis' Monkeyflower -Mimulus lewisii

Mount Bachelor. I like to call this one 'Alpine Glow'.

Benham Falls. Photograph by Jim Flowers.

Sparks Lake

To view more amazing photographs of Central Oregon, consider visiting Pacific Crest Stock or Mike Putnam Photography.

Modern Home and Garden Holiday Giveaways!

2011-11-30T19:51:00.000-08:00

For those that prefer more of a modern flare, here are some facebook giveaways that are going on now!

A slue of modern products are being given away by Dwell over the holidays. Every day this month you can enter to win a new product. December 11th and 17th, Dwell is giving away one of my favorite items, Woolly Pockets! You won't want to miss that.

Don't worry. If you don't win the Woolly Pocket giveaway, Woolly Pockets has some great deals on their website. Up to 30% off their Wallys!

Our Little Acre is giving away a newly introduced product from Moss and Stone Gardens. They are so cute! I want to get my hands on one myself!

aHa! Modern Living is giving away Roost Muddlers and Garden Rules book this week. Perfect for the holiday season!

Rue Magazine is giving away a modern lamp for your home. Click here to enter.

Moderica is asking who you would like to invite to dinner. Albert Einstein? George Clooney? Bono? They want to know! A Noguchi Dining Table and Set of Wire Chairs is being given away...sweepstakes ends December 9th, so get going!

Lastly, Steel Life is offering a 10% discount on all of their products through the end of the month through their new web shop. Mention facebook at checkout to receive your discount!

Cheers to you all and happy winnings!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-30T07:31:00.000-08:00

Life after Black Friday and Cyber Monday

2011-11-27T17:13:00.000-08:00

So, Black Friday has quickly come to an end and Cyber Monday is upon us. If you are anything like me, you might have decided to stay away from the holiday crowds last Friday and just spend time at home with the family. I have no remorse because I know that there are some great deals and freebees still out there even after Black Friday and even Cyber Monday!

Here are a few that I decided to highlight for my garden enthusiasts out there.

Leaf Magazine, a new digital, outdoor living magazine, will be starting their 10 day giveaway starting on Thursday. Keep up with them on Facebook to find out more details.

H. Potter's online marketplace offers daily deals. They have some truly unique products. This beautiful Grecian Bird Feeder is today's deal with free shipping included.

Margaret Roach from A Way to Garden is having a giveaway this week also. She is looking for story ideas for her blog this winter. Simply, make a suggestion to her and she will enter your name a drawing to win a copy of her book!

I will continue to keep Blooming Desert's facebook fans informed on any other freebees, contests or sales I hear about, so make sure you 'like' our page!

Opening up Blooming Desert's installation archives. Oh, the memories.

2011-11-26T21:33:00.000-08:00

Now that we are almost at year's end, I have been going through the Blooming Desert archives. These past projects are what allow me to design landscapes, blog, facebook, and work on our newest endeavor, Steel Life. Thank you, Blooming Desert installation crew! We had another great year.
Here's a little landscape eye candy from the past few years, courtesy of our fabulous crew!

Serenity now.

Bocce anyone?

COBA Tour of Homes 2011 - Net Zero Energy Home and Landscape

Check out the view in the window. THIS is why I live in Bend, Oregon!

Yucca at Sunset

The Blooming Desert installation crew likes puzzles.

The Disney Garden that Made Me the Happiest

2011-11-22T16:04:00.000-08:00

My most favorite gardens in Disneyland were the edible gardens in Fantasyland. And not just because it was adjacent the Star Tours ride, although that was a bonus.

They made great use of color and texture to create interest within the gardens. Some of the edibles included kale, cabbage, chard, rosemary, strawberries, parsely and oregano. Yummmmmm.

Snow falling on Sedums

2011-11-20T09:51:00.000-08:00

I thought I would bring these photos back from the Blooming Desert archives. Snow has arrived again in Central Oregon and it looks beautiful against these High Desert hardy sedums and sempervivums. They are planted in a granite and steel table that will be part of Steel Life's product line. The web shop should be up shortly, so consider 'liking' their facebook page to keep up with the newest products for 2012.

The Disney Garden that Made Me Happier

2011-11-17T19:01:00.000-08:00

Ok, so the first of my two favorite gardens in Disneyland was the succulent garden in the Storybook Land Canal Boat ride in Fantasyland.

I didn't actually take this top photo. I'm not that coordinated while in a moving vessel.
It looks a little from the 1980s.

I loved the variety of succulents within this patchwork garden! The textures and colors are amazing.

The Happiest Plants on Earth

2011-11-16T19:34:00.000-08:00

I just returned from Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure Park in Anaheim, California and thought I would share a few pictures I took from the gardens there.

Even the insects were happy...although, I had a hard time identifing some of the species.

Oooh. Apparently, the ladybugs didn't get the message
on Disneyland being the happiest place on Earth.

I was really impressed with the water features in the park. The aqua life was amazing!

Lastly, here's a little 'succulent' eye candy from Knott's Berry Farm's Ghost Town.

All jokes aside, I was truely inspired by some of the gardens I saw on my vacation. I haven't even shown my two favorite gardens yet! If you know me or have been following for awhile, you may be able to guess what type of gardens these are. Any guesses?

Garden Thankfulness

2011-11-06T08:44:00.000-08:00

As Thanksgiving approaches, I start to think about all the things I am thankful for. Family, friends and the life I've been blessed with are, of course, at the top of my list. But just for fun, I've listed a few things I am thankful for as a landscape designer and a High Desert gardener.

Photo by Mike Putnam Photography

I would like to give thanks to our
dry, High Desert climate with freezing temperatures 10 months out of the year. This climate keeps the slugs, snails and most other slimy creatures out of my garden.

Color. Color. Color. Color. Color. Color. Color. Color. Color.

Wall mount planters by Architectural Pottery

Color in the garden is a beautiful thing. Whether it is a piece of furniture, a planter or unique art that you have found along your journeys, it will always add character and interest to your garden. I am thankful for these great outdoor living stores that offer these magnificent colors!

Landscape by Blooming Desert Landscapes

Bright planters from AW Pottery showroom.

I am also thankful that Atlas makes pink and purple gardening gloves. My husband wouldn't DARE borrow those for the day!

I love that there are so many cute gardening tools and accessories for our little helpers out there. These adorable watering cans are hard to pass up. This summer, I found some really cute ones at Moonfire and Sun Nursery here in Bend. You can also seek out these cuties at other local plant nurseries, Target and sometimes even hardware stores.

Any designer or artist that has taken courses in graphics can relate to this blessing. Prismacolor pens and pencils and Fabriano paper. Soooo dreamy!

When I was in college for my B.S. in Landscape Architecture, I had an ongoing dilemma. Should I buy pizza for dinner or a few more prismacolor pens for my project over the weekend? Let me tell you that the colors are quite mesmerizing. What's one more night with Top Ramen. Am I right? You designers know what I'm talking about. Even though I design mostly on my computer now, I still have a love for the hand to paper drafting work.

I would love to hear what it is that you are thankful for this season!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-02T07:46:00.000-07:00

My love for the simplicity of the High Desert landscapes...

Got Tree? Need Treehouse.

2011-10-27T20:26:00.000-07:00

The idea of having a treehouse is something, I think, everyone dreams about at some point in their lives. Let me say three simple words. Swiss. Family. Robinson. Need I say more?

If you can't make it to India, Fiji, South Africa or any other Top 10 Treehouse Resorts, I suggest Southern Oregon for a great northwest, treehouse experience. Tall trees, vast forests and variable terrain is a perfect combination for a treehouse playland. Go 'out on a limb' and take your first treecation! Vertical Horizons-Treehouse Paradise and Out 'n' About Treehouse Treesort are two of the more popular treesorts in Southern Oregon.

Inside The Cottage Tree House

The Calypso Tree House

Majestree Treehouse

Out 'n' About Treehouse Treesort Map

If you are looking for something more worldly, look at these photos from MyGardenSchool's facebook page.

MyGarden School is a unique, online gardening and horticultural classroom. They are now offering a 4 week class on how to design and build your own treehouse. The class begins on November 4th, so hurry and register! Requirements to register include having a helper and a few simple tools. So, get going! I want to see some new treehouse pictures posted next summer.

Prefer something more modern? Check out these beauties.

2011 Maximum Yield Indoor Gardening Expo - Long Beach, Ca.

2011-10-24T12:03:00.000-07:00

I have just returned from attending the 2011 Maximum Yield Indoor Gardening Expo in Long Beach, California for the first time. Knowing so many indoor garden enthusiasts here in Central Oregon, I felt like it would be very beneficial to learn more about the technology and bring back the knowledge to the rest of the community. Bend, Oregon can get freezing temperatures 10 months out of the year. This can be quite frustrating for our gardeners!

There were so many great booths at this Expo, however, I decided to mention just a few of my favorites.

Foli Organic Nutrients launched there new products over the weekend. Their humble 10' x 10' booth was adjacent the two largest nutrient companies currently on the market, General Hydro and Nutrifield. That didn't stop them from bringing in the largest numbers of interested customers all day long!

The reason Foli Organic is different from the rest of the products already out on the market is because their nutrient-based fertilizer solution is derived from ocean water extract and fermented molasses. Ultra Veg, Bloom Zoom, and Root Rush provide 90 natural occurring elements for a plant’s healthy growth and lessens the need for toxic pesticides, fungicides and other additives.

I have been using samples of this product on my landscape and succulent gardens for the past year. The results have been astounding and I can't wait for it to be be out on the market! The registration for Foli Organic products should be finalized in every state by the end of the year. To learn more about their products, you can download their brochure or visit the Foli Organic website.

I saw several fabric pot/planter booths. Including Smart Pots, Geo Planter (which carry a velcro seemed pot for easy plant removal) and Root Pouch. I love the fabric pot concept and when the day comes for me to start my own plant nursery, I will be using these! The main advantage to fabric pots is the self air pruning capability. This results in healthier, more fibrous roots that are able to uptake more nutrients to the plant. Not to mention that they are much more friendly to our environment than the standard black nursery pots.

I will be sampling all three products, however, I have to favor Root Pouch, since they are a family owned, Oregon-based business just over the mountains from our own Blooming Desert. I have already used the Root Pouch saddle bags over the past year and have loved the results!

Lastly, I came upon a new product that I will be testing in my new office space - the Volvit Easy Roll. This is a top quality, Italian made accessory that provides ease of adjustment to the height of your hanging planter or lighting panel. No more balancing act on a shaky step stool when trying to water your hanging planter!

OK, I'm off to continue my outdoor gardening. At least until the snow falls.

Changing of the Seasons Event with Blooming Desert and Ija Designs

2011-10-19T21:14:00.000-07:00

We had a fabulous time with everyone at our Changing of the Seasons Event with Ija Designs. Thank you to all of you that joined us!

Our new tabletop dish garden was very popular! You can soon purchase these on our web shop coming next month!

A little pre-holiday teaser.

A big 'Thank You' to Justin Earl Photography for the spectacular pictures!

Wordless Wednesday...almost

2011-10-18T19:08:00.000-07:00

Pondemonium 2011

2011-10-15T07:54:00.000-07:00

PONDEMONIUM!!! Sounds pretty profound, huh? Well, it is. Especially if you image it like I do. Being called out through a microphone with dance music and cheering in the background , like you're at a basketball game.

Speaking of basketball, our own Indiana Hoosier, Drew Lester of Blooming Desert Landscapes was selected by Ewing Irrigation to participate in this unique event last August. Every year, Aquascape, Inc’s hosts a sustainable outdoor water feature build and 4 day, educational event. This year, they held a hands-on training course for Certified Aquascape Contractors at the Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium. The installation of this 15' x 30' pond, 50' stream and multiple waterfalls was a chance to put some of the most innovative and sustainable landscape solutions in the water scape industry to the test.

During construction

The design intent was to mimic a native Illinois stream with like flora and fauna.

The 50-foot stream and waterfalls were created with large, weathered limestone, giving the feature an aged appearance while providing a role in water chemistry as the stream receives dissolved minerals from the stone.

The Whole Crew!

Previously installed water feature by Aquascapes.

It was a great opportunity for Blooming Desert to work with other landscape professionals on such a unique project. This water feature will serve as an important exhibit at the Shedd Aquarium, educating people about the importance of native habitats in our environment. Check it out if you are in the neighborhood!

A glimps from our Spring Fling

2011-10-07T11:24:00.000-07:00

Not sure if you want to make the trip downtown next Friday to our Changing of the Seasons Event?
Maybe these photos will help persuade you....

Over the summer, Blooming Desert and Ija Designs have been working diligently on many new pieces. Come by to see what we have for the fall season!

Changing of the Seasons Event

2011-10-05T18:54:00.000-07:00

Our fall event is coming up! Please join us to celebrate the Changing of the Seasons at Ija Designs in Bend, Oregon. We will be offering wine, goodies and a variety of fall inspired, unique, mini gardens and vertical gardens by yours truly and yummy jewelry by the ever so talented, Erin Hasler, of Ija Designs.

We have been blessed to have the most amazing clients and followers over the past year! Thank you! We look forward to having our own downtown office next month. Stop by our event to find out the details!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-10-05T07:04:00.000-07:00

Cabbage Head Agave - Agave parrasana

Hitting the trail for more fall inspiration...

2011-10-01T11:45:00.000-07:00

The other morning, I took a hike along the Deschutes River. Along the way, I found many signs of fall. Spent native flowers and lots of berries were lining the trail. Maybe next week, I will see a few leaves changing color. A girl can hope.

Rabbitbrush still in bloom.

Western Juniper - Juniperus occidentalis

Common Snowberry - Symphoricarpos albus

Mountain Alder - Alnus incana

One of the last Douglas Spirea flowers still in bloom.

Chokecherry - Prunus virginiana

Woods Rose - Rosa gymnocarpa

My view at the end of the trail.

I wish I had brought my pruners. I could have brought cuttings home for a floral

arrangement! Oh, well. I guess I'll just have to hike the trail again next week. Poor me, right?

Fall is here. Are you mentally prepared, gardenly speaking?

2011-09-25T19:48:00.000-07:00

I had such a spectacular summer. It was really difficult to get in the right set of mind for fall. The leaves haven't even changed color here yet! I needed a little inspiration and I just love the color orange...so I started with that.

Design by James Cleary Architecture

Photo taken by Blooming Desert.

The circle pot by Potted.

Planter by McCheek's Mayhem

Lion's Ear - Leonotis leonurus. Photo taken by Blooming Desert.

Aluminum cachepots by Pad Outdoor

Cheshire Chaise Lounger Chair by Hospitality Design Source

Metal Mag 3 table by Pfeiffer Lab

Photo borrowed from Apartment Therapy.

Chinese Lantern - Physalis alkekengi

DL Domino wall planters by Vessel U.S.A., Inc.

Wallter post planters

The finished product!

2011-09-21T11:46:00.000-07:00

Ok, here it is. The finished product! We are pretty excited about it!

Reclaimed barn wood and metal framed vertical garden.

Blooming Desert Landscapes

Another vertical garden goes up in Bend!

2011-09-20T19:13:00.000-07:00

I have been working on several living art pieces for quite some time now. I was thrilled to deliver one to its new home today!

Before...

Made from reclaimed barn wood, metal and succulents.
Blooming Desert Landscapes

Measure twice, drill once.

A perfect fit~!

Unfortunately, I had to leave before it was fully installed. So, no 'after' picture just yet. I will connect with the home owner
in a couple weeks to see how her new vertical garden is 'growing'. Stay tuned.

We have other unique projects brewing! To check out some additional living art pieces, click here! You will have to
contact me for pricing at this point, but hopefully I will have it online soon.

Cheers!

Fall Event!

2011-09-19T20:28:00.000-07:00

Don't miss this Fabulous Fall Event! Click here to see what Blooming Desert has planned!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-09-14T05:56:00.000-07:00

Garden Art. Friend or Foe?

2011-09-07T20:40:00.000-07:00

I have always been thrown off when clients ask me how I feel about 'garden art'. There is such a wide range of products that are in this catagory. I find it impossible to lump them all together and decide if I like it or not.

For instance, gazing balls. I just don't get it. Who sits in their garden staring at a shiny ball while being surrounded by an endless amount of natural beauty? And not to mention how fragile they are! I start getting sweaty palms just looking at one. To me, it says, "I have nothing interesting in my garden, so you might as well gaze into this ball." I guess I'm just more of a lava lamp kind of girl.

Last summer, I attended the Cracked Pots Garden Art Show at McMenamins Edgefield Hotel just outside of Portland, Oregon. The Garden Art Show featured a wide variety of 'garden art' all made from at least 75% repurposed or recycled materials. Here are a few items that I found interesting.

Unfortunatley, I do not have the contact information for these artists. I am pretty sure they can be located through Crackedpots if you are interested in purchasing any of these items.

I like garden art that is raw, from the earth and cohesive with the natural environment. Art that serves a general purpose within a space.

To see more photos like these, go to Blooming Desert's website.

I drive by Pine Mountain Sports here in town several times a week. They display and sell some great 'garden art'. Check out this rock art from the rock guy. Perfect for the sports lover in your family!

I guess like any art, 'garden art' too is in the eye of the beholder. Despite my cranky attitude on things like gazing balls, I believe that if it makes you happy, then by all means, put it in your garden!

Gnome matter if you love it or hate it, garden art will be around. Take a good look. Perhaps it is closer than you think!

MUST. HAVE. CHOCOLATE.

2011-08-17T20:02:00.000-07:00

Chocolate Cosmos - Cosmos atrosanguineus

'Chocolate Soldier' Columbine - Aquilegia 'Chocolate Soldier'

While trying to satisfy my chocolate garden craving, I came upon a plant nursery online that specializes in chocolate flowers. Chocolate Flower Farm is located on Whidbey Island just outside of Seattle, Washington. If you are a chocolate lover, this nursery is just for you!

'Milk Chocolate' Foxglove - Digitalis parviflora 'Milk Chocolate'

Chocolate Daisy - Berlandiera lyrata

After all that chocolate, I was starting to get thirsty. I asked Dirt & Martinis what I could bring from the garden to the glass. I was given a great cocktail recipe using chocolate mint. Mmmmmm.

Chocolate Mint - Mentha piperita

Hopefully, that will satisfy my cravings. But if I'm still hungry the next morning, I have a scrumptious Chocolate Mint Banana Bread Recipe from Mountain Valley Growers. They specialize in certified organic vegetables, culinary herbs and perennials. If you aren't sure what you would like to start or add to your garden, Mountain Valley Growers sell specialty plant kits. The fragrant herb garden kit and kids herb garden both include the chocolate daisy shown above.

So, get out there and indulge a little! Chocolate flowers really should be every gardeners' guilty pleasure.

"Mommy, where do baby seeds come from?"

2011-08-14T18:45:00.000-07:00

I am fortunate to have good friends that are seed farmers not far from where I live. Once in awhile, I will head down to the farm for the day to enjoy the company of my friends. The highlight of my drive is to see the hundreds of acres of flower fields lining the quiet farm roads. Here are a few pictures I took before the flowers go to seed and are harvested.

Rudbeckia sp.

Purple Coneflower - Echinacea purpurea

Carrot Seed

Wheat

Woolly Pocket Installation Video

2011-08-13T08:23:00.000-07:00

Blooming Desert Landscapes has been installing several vertical gardens this summer, so I thought it would be fun if we put together a video of one of our projects. The installation includes 1 Woolly Pocket Wally One and 2 Woolly Pocket Wally Threes. We then filled the pockets with a variety of small evergreen shrubs and, as Fine Gardening terms it, "thrillers, fillers and spillers".

The end of the video is a little play on words. If you are not an alpine skier or snowboarder, it relates to vertical feet one has gone down the mountain. The last few photos are of our employees on their time off in the winter months.

If you would like to view this video at a higher quality, larger scale, you may want to go to our Blooming Desert facebook page to see it there. Enjoy!

Ode to the Coneflower

2011-08-08T16:15:00.000-07:00

Image borrowed from All Gardening Zone

This time of year, I start to see one of my favorite perennials start to bloom - Echinacea, or commonly known as Coneflower. With variety names such as 'Irish Eyes','Tomato Soup', 'Hot Papaya', 'Raspberry Tart', 'Hot Lava', 'Flame Thrower', 'Mac n' Cheese', and 'Now Cheesier', you senses are thrown into overload!

The bright pops of color against our Central Oregon, grey-blue landscape can be quite eye catching! The blooms typically last from late summer through fall with ideal conditions. Echinacea prefers full sun and good drainage. I like to plant my coneflowers near Russian Sage, 'Black Lace' Elder, 'Diablo' Ninebark, 'Autumn Joy' Sedum, ornamental grasses, or fall asters.

Landscape by Blooming Desert Landscapes

There are so many reasons to add Echinacea to your landscape. They are deer resistant, drought tolerant, good for cutting, have a long bloom season, and attract birds, hummingbirds and butterflies. The only thing some might see as a drawback, is that they can fill into a large mass. However, I don't see them as invasive. I see it as an opportunity to divide those plants in the fall to share with your fellow gardeners! Share the joy!

Most recently, I have spotted some of these unique varieties at Heart Springs Nursery and Moonfire and Sun Garden Center here in Bend. I was surprised to learn that most varieties of Echinacea are USDA hardy to zone 4 or 5.

'Tiki Torch' Coneflower
You can view many other varieties on the Monrovia website.

I have also posted pictures of additional Echinacea varieties on the Blooming Desert Landscapes facebook photo album. Check them out! Get inspired...summer isn't over yet!

'Green Eyes' Coneflower

Vertical Gardens Pouches

2011-07-24T21:04:00.000-07:00

Root Pouch Urban Saddlebag

Blooming Desert Landscapes is having a lot of fun with these vertical garden pouches made from recycled plastic.

The most recent garden we put together was filled with edibles. Set just outside our clients' kitchen are fresh culinary herbs and edible flowers.

Rosemary, variegated oregano, tarragon, lavendar, lemon balm and stevia, just to name a few. The edible flowers were a combination of day lilies, cosmos and nasturtiums that would liven up any salad. Lastly, we added a few vines that would spill over the pouch. These are the only plants that are not edible...which is easy for the client to remember.

These urban saddlebags by Root Pouch are so easy to use. Just throw them over any railing or fence, add a few plants and they will instantly beautify your outdoor space! You can contact us if you would like to give them a try!

Beautiful day for a bike ride!

2011-07-12T07:27:00.000-07:00

Creative tillandsia display.

Blooming Desert Landscapes visit to

Flora Grubb Gardens

San Fransisco, CA

Seriously? Hanging baskets, again?

2011-07-02T19:01:00.000-07:00

OK, be honest. The minute the weather was nice, did you run down to your nearest garden center or Costco to pick up your hanging basket for the year? Guaranteed to be planted with colorful wave petunias, verbena, bacopa, fuchsias or geraniums. YAAAWWWWWNNNN. Oh, did I write that out loud? Sorry about that. I don't blame you, I guess. They are bursting with color, full of foliage and all you have to do is hang them on a hook. Couldn't be easier!

Being a landscape designer, I think I just get bored of the same 'ol thing. I want something fresh and bold! And with this economy, who wants to purchase $100.00 worth of hanging baskets that last for 5 months (here in Central Oregon, anyways)?

This year, I decided to take the money I would normally spend on annual flowers and purchased one unique planter that is fun, funky and showcases my front entry.

Since it was a rather tall and slender pot, I filled the bottom half with Packing Pearls (invented by Oregon landscape designer, Joanna Guzzetta of Four Seasons Container Gardens). Then, I planted it with a variety of hardy succulents. Topped it off with crushed oyster shells, a small deer horn that was given to me by a friend and a thunder egg that I found with some friends at Richardson's Rock Ranch.

After 2 months, it completely filled in and is quite a conversation piece. The best part is that I only water it every 3 weeks. I can go for a 2 week vacation without paying someone to water my plants, worry about them wilting or even the deer munching on them! I plan to leave them outside ALL winter and expect them to look just as great next spring. Thaaaat's right. No fear here!

For all of you out there saying, "But, what about the flowers? Where are the flowers?" OK, so if you are worried about not having enough color, you can add a few succulent annuals, such as portulaca or purple ice plant.

This is becoming a more popular trend in the garden industry. I didn't see ONE petunia or fuchsia basket at the Northwest Flower and Garden Show in Seattle. I expect the same next year at the 2012 San Fransisco Flower and Garden Show. Succulents are low maintenance, drought tolerant and bursting with architectural structure, texture and color.

So, get out there and try something on the cutting edge of garden design. I dare you!

Here are a few more pictures for inspiration!

Indoor succulent planter by Blooming Desert

The Circle Pot by Potted

Rush Creek Biodegradable Planters with succulents by Blooming Desert

featured at the 2011 Spring Fling hosted by IJA Designs and Blooming Desert Landscapes

Portland Nursery Visit

2011-04-30T20:09:00.000-07:00

OK, this post is for all of you west of the Cascade Mountains. I stopped by Portland Nursery on Division Street last weekend. I will have to say that it may have been the highlight of my weekend. I was in the car for 10 hours with my husband, 2 tired kids, 2 barking dogs and an 8 week old puppy. Thaaaaaaaat's right. As you can imagine, it was QUITE the adventure. Did I mention that the new puppy gets car sick?

If you live in the Portland area, I would highly recommend going by Portland Nursery. The staff was very helpful and the displays are quite inspiring. They carry woolly pockets and other vertical modules too! The modules on the right are ones that Blooming Desert carries. Our Incredible, Edible, Vertical Garden class included these units and they are very easy to care for.

There is also a great interior plant selection offering unique tropicals and succulents. The exterior plants are separated into categories such a Rock Garden, Bioswale and Rain Garden, Edibles and Shade Garden, which makes it very easy to shop. I admit, living in Bend, I was a little jealous of all the beautiful plants that were available to the 'Westsiders'...guess I'll just have to make it over there again. Next time without the family.

The Green Spot!

2011-04-20T08:01:00.000-07:00

The new Green Business Directory of Central Oregon just came out this month. I love this directory! It is filled with great tips on how we, as homeowners and business owners, can live with sustainability in mind.

The Green Spot lists businesses and organizations that have met a specific criteria put together by The Environmental Center. The criteria includes energy efficiency, water conservation, waste reduction, toxins prevention and several other considerations to the environment. Sustainability Advocate, Nikki Roemmer, manages The Green Spot and has done such an amazing job on the success of this directory over the past several years. Blooming Desert has been fortunate enough to participate in the directory from the beginning.

This year, The Green Spot included a coupon section! I love every one of the businesses that have participated in the coupons. A few of the coupons that you don't want to miss out on are from Moonfire and Sun Garden Center (offering 40% off your total purchase), Arbor-1 Tree Service (offering up to $240.00 off tree services) and Import Performance (offering an eco oil change, etc. for $29.99). I personally know the owners of these businesses and would recommend them to friends any day of the week. So get clipping!

You can pick up The Green Spot at a variety of businesses around town or access it via their website.

Incredible, Edible, Vertical Garden Class

2011-04-17T20:15:00.000-07:00

I am sure many of you have seen this beautiful, vertical herb garden featured several years ago by Smith & Hawken. I just love the flexibility of modular planting units like these. They are suitable for inside or outside of your home and can be planted with a variety of herbs, vegetables or perennials.

This month, Blooming Desert Landscapes will be holding an Incredible, Edible, Vertical Garden Class at Heart Springs Nursery in Tumalo. Come join me in creating your own vertical garden!

What: Incredible, Edible, Vertical Garden Class
When: April 30, 2011 from 1pm-3pm
Where: Heart Springs Nursery
Class fee: $75.00

Class includes soil, plants, mounting hardware, 8 1/2"x18"x9"deep, modular planter, and step-by-step instructing to create a beautiful vertical garden. Consider bringing your mom and treat her to a unique experience for a early Mother's Day gift. Dress appropriately and bring your own gardening gloves. Custom frames will be available for an additional cost.

To register, contact Chris at plants@heartspringsdesign.com

Give Some Vertical Love this Spring!

2011-04-07T09:25:00.000-07:00

Blooming Desert Landscapes has just decided to participate in the 22nd Annual Central Oregon Master Gardeners Spring Seminar and Garden Market. We will be displaying and selling our vertical gardens at the garden market on April 16th from 10am-4:30pm. Stop on by and discover the vertical possibilities!

Please spread the vertical love by posting a link to this announcement on your facebook page or by emailing it to your friends. We look forward to seeing you there!

Spring Gardening Fever!

2011-04-06T14:17:00.000-07:00

If you want to rub gardening gloves with some of the most passionate gardeners in Central Oregon, the Spring Gardening Seminar and Garden Market is the place to be. The Central Oregon Master Gardeners Association will be hosting this event on Saturday, April 16th from 8am-4:30pm. April 8th is the pre-registration deadline. The cost of the event is $10 per class or $15 per class after April 8th.

You will probably find me in the 'Tomatoes, Potatoes and Carrots, Oh My!', 'Seed Saving, Collecting & Storage' and the 'Horticulture Therapy & Therapeutic Gardens' classes. There are 13 classes to choose from, each offering valuable gardening tips and other tools of the trade.

The garden market will be filled with unique plants and gardening items specific to our High Desert Climate. Participating vendors include Madras Garden Depot, Whistlestop Farms, Empire Stone Company, and Lavon LaFresnaye Inc..

Join me in celebrating Spring... I have the fever. Do you?

Go Bold!

2011-03-23T07:59:00.000-07:00

Recently, I was inspired by one of Orsa Design's '30 Days of Color' facebook posts. They mention that "going with a strong color will bring a neutral space to life". Orsa encouraged people to go bold with color. I thought about this for a minute and realized how much this also applies to outdoor living spaces. Adding a bright colored container, piece of furniture or floor mat can really make your garden space pop! Think about using a combination of these elements in the same color to tie a space together or draw one's eye to different spots in your landscape.

While in Seattle, attending the Northwest Flower and Garden Show, I stopped by AW Pottery. This is a pottery wholesaler, but if you have ever been to a high-end plant nursery, you have probably laid your eyes on their products. Blooming Desert Landscapes occasionally makes trips up to the sales warehouse, so if you are looking for something specific and can't find it locally, contact us.

Some of my favorite outdoor lounge furniture comes from Fermob. With color choices like paprika, cedar green, savannah, and lemon, you are sure to be inspired! Fermob also offers a variety of shapes and styles to fit your comfort needs. Starbucks is a client of theirs and we know that they want nothing more than for us to be comfortable while sipping our grande, skinny caramel macchiatos!

If you follow Blooming Desert's facebook page, you already know how much we LOVE the Mad Mats and KoKo Company outdoor floor mats. They are mildew and rot resistant, reversible, UV protected, easy to clean and produced under fair trade conditions. Did I mention they are made from recycled polypropylene (...used soda bottles, milk bottles and packing materials)?

Springtime is for planning what you want to accomplish in the coming months and deciding what new things you want to bring into your life. So, get out there and find objects that represent your style and desire! Make a statement in your outdoor living space this season. Get INSPIRED, get BOLD, get GOING!

'Caramel' Heuchera

2011-03-20T20:57:00.000-07:00

Blooming Desert Landscape's Top Plant Picks for 2011 Number Two - 'Caramel' Heuchera Heuchera villosa 'Caramel' The caramel-apricot color of this perennial gives off a warm glow to our more commonly known cool, grey-blues of the High Desert. 'Caramel' will take to heat better than most other varieties of Heuchera and will tolerant moderately dry soils in a partial shady location. Long panicles of white flowers appear in summer, but you can enjoy this yummy foliage all the way through fall.

I discovered 'Caramel' Heuchera at Heart Springs Nursery last summer. I loved it so much that I brought it over to the valley for clients of mine. It has performed greatly, although I am not convinced that it is deer and rabbit resistant. I love planting 'Caramel' with Lamium, 'Gold Heart' Bleeding Heart or purple Ajuga.

6"-8" tall and 18" tall. Zones 4-7.

'Prince of Orange' Oriental Poppy

2011-03-16T21:13:00.000-07:00

Blooming Desert Landscape's Top Plant Picks for 2011

Number Three- ‘Prince of Orange’ Oriental Poppy

Papaver orientale 'Prince of Orange'

These bright, orange flowers will take your breath away! Blooms in late May to early June. These 4"-5" wide blooms are striking against our blue/grey, High Desert landscape. Drought tolerant, deer resistant and very hardy. Plant goes dormant in summer, so you will want to place these behind a mid to late summer blooming plant. Companion plants include Russian Sage, 'Dart's Golden' Ninebark, 'May Night' Salvia 'Goldstrum' Rudbeckia or Spirea varieties.

Another great characteristic of 'Prince of Orange' is that the foliage starts showing before Spring. This year, mine came up before the crocus! For those of you living in the High Desert, you can appreciate seeing a little bright green foliage in early March after a long, cold winter.

Hardiness Zone: 3-7.

Prefers 6 or more hours of direct sunlight and good drainage.

Other spectacular varieties include ‘Indian Chief’ or ‘Brilliant’.

Get Your Lawn Off Grass!

2011-03-06T19:20:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I ran into a friend while up at Mount Bachelor. While having a spectacular day at the mountain with her daughter, in the far back of her mind was her landscape. She mentioned that she wanted to reduce the amount of lawn in their yard this year and replace it with drought-tolerant, more native plant material. Not liking to mix business with pleasure, I left her with a "we'll talk" and went on our separate ways. Her to the ski lift, me to the bar. (What? I had foot surgery and can't ski yet...what's a girl to do?) Reducing the amount of lawn in your landscape is a great way save time and energy. Lawn maintenance requires excess water and electricity usage, toxic herbicides, pesticides and other pollutants that can leach into our ground water and valuable time you could be spending with your family. There are many alternatives to a traditional lawn. Consider ground covers, ornamental or native grasses, xeriscape plant material, rock gardens, raised vegetable gardens or hardscapes. Hardscapes would be things like paver or flagstone patios, crushed granite pathways, pergolas, boulder accents or slab stone steps. All of these things take up a large amount of space with little to no water, eliminating the need for excess water and constant care. Lawn does have it's good qualities too, especially here in the High Desert. Green grass creates the feeling of an oasis...cool and calming. It provides an open space for the kids to play and a place to relax. It also cuts down on the dust we have here in Central Oregon and acts as a fire barrier. OK, I will admit that sometimes it is just pretty to look at. (That's coming from the fact that I am married to a Midwesterner and he has convinced me of this.) But before planting your new lawn, consider planting a mix of native grasses instead of sod lawn. This will promote biodiversity, wildlife habitat and a self-sustaining landscape. You will get a similar effect with less of the headache a traditional lawn will give you. 'How to get your LAWN OFF GRASS' by Carole Rubin is a great resource for those of you interested in switching to native or drought-tolerant landscapes. If you are still feeling frustrated, stop by a local native plant nursery or contact your favorite landscape designer to schedule a consultation.

'Gold Heart' Bleeding Heart

2011-02-17T20:06:00.000-08:00

Blooming Desert Landscape's Top Plant Picks for 2011

Number Four - 'Gold Heart' Bleeding Heart

Dicentra spectabilis 'Gold Heart'

This is a refreshing alternative to an old classic. 'Gold Heart' offers dramatic, chartreuse foliage from spring through fall. The striking perennial can reach 24"-36" tall and 18"-24" wide. The heart shaped flowers are quite similar to the standard bleeding heart variety, but the contrast in colors really makes those flowers pop! I always consider foliage color and texture with the flowers when designing a landscape. Bend's growing season is so short and the blooms simply don't last as long as those in New England, California or wherever else you see those beautiful photos in garden magazines. So, I rely on foliage interest for variation in the garden in between blooming times.

Suitable for zones 4-8. Click here if you want to know what zone you are in. Grows best in moist soil and full to partial shade. The 'Gold Heart' can be susceptible to powdery mildew, slug and rust west of the Cascades. These problems are not usually seen in the High Desert because of the colder nights and drier climate.

I love planting 'Gold Heart' Bleeding Heart with deep green conifers, rhododendrons or burgundy ajuga. It can really brighten up a dark spot in your shade garden!

2011-02-08T20:00:00.000-08:00

Ok, my countdown begins..
Blooming Desert Landscape's Top Plant Picks for 2011- Bring Color to Your Landscape.

Number Five - 'Black Lace' Elder - Sambucus nigra 'Eva'

This deciduous shrub is a wonderful substitute for the Japanese Lace leaf Maple in harsh climates. Striking, 10" pink blooms arrive in June, but you can enjoy the dark purple foliage all the way through late fall. Height can reach 10' if left alone. You may get winter die back, but not enough that would affect the overall shape of the shrub. For those Martha Stewarts out there, you may harvested their blackish, red fall berries for elderberry jam, pies or juice...only if you can get the berries before the birds do!

USDA Zone 4-7. Prefers full sun and moist soils, but will tolerant drier conditions. This is one tough plant!

The 'Black Lace' blooms on old wood, like rhododendrons, so don't prune them in early spring. Otherwise, you will not get to enjoy the blooms. If you want to trim these shrubs back, I recommend doing it right after the blooms die.

I like to plant 'Black Lace' with oriental poppies or chartreuse foliage plants for spring interest and rudbeckia, pink fall asters, or white coneflower for a fall contrast.

I have recently learned that this shrub has bark, roots and buds that can be toxic to animals. May want to keep away from this one if you have a curious puppy or child.

Oh, yes...you can purchase 'Black Lace' Elder at Moonfire and Sun Nursery, Heart Springs Nursery
and Dave Kimmel Nursery in Central Oregon.

Bring Color to Your Landscape

2011-02-07T18:37:00.000-08:00

I recently finished putting together Blooming Desert's 'High Desert Plant Picks for 2011-Bring Color to Your Landscape' List. I often get weary of the grey/blues and grey/greens of the High Desert, especially in the late winter and early spring. So, by planting season, I am ready to rev things up a bit and throw in a splash of color here and there!

Over the next couple of weeks, I will be listing my top five plant picks from the list. I will give a description of the plant, its' use or place in the landscape, companion plants and maybe name a few local nurseries where you can find these treasures. I will be counting down from 5, to make it more dramatic. The number one plant pick will be revealed on the first day of spring!

Low Voltage Landscape Lighting

2011-01-30T19:10:00.000-08:00

As our days get longer, I start to dream about warm, summer evenings in the High Desert. Ok, maybe I'm getting a little ahead of myself, seeing that we get freezing temperatures at night all the way through July. But what about enjoying the outdoors from the inside looking out?

This is why I love implementing low voltage lighting into the landscape designs we provide our clients. Even though it may be cold outside, you can still view your landscape through subtle lighting that won't disturb your neighbors or the die hard star gazers out there.

Those of you that know me, know that I am all for solar lighting. However, the industry still has not perfected these fixtures and do not provide the quality of light that is desired from my clients. Several manufacturers are working with LED-based bulbs, but haven't found that sweet spot yet. Eventually, the industry will figure out how to obtain adequate light with these LED or solar fixtures, but until then, I am sticking with what I know works.

One of Blooming Desert's preferred lighting companies is FX Luminaire. Their products are reliable, durable and offer a wide selection of styles and finish options. They are also made in the good 'ol U.S. of A. and manufactured right here on the West Coast. A few of my favorite fixtures are the Rotondo Luna, Metallo Pesante, Luna Sonora and Della Ribalta, each for different reasons. They can be viewed on the FX Luminaire website. Light fixtures typically cost between $200.00 and $300.00 per fixture, installed by a professional. You may get a little sticker shock at first, but you should view landscape lighting as a long term investment. A 10 year guarantee on the fixtures and the ability to enjoy your outdoor space 30% longer makes the decision a no-brainer. Plus, you won't have to worry about the boogie man lurking behind those dark bushes. :)

The Benefits of a Vertical Garden

2010-12-18T08:31:00.000-08:00

Here I am, a prisoner in my own home. I've got a cast on my leg from foot surgery and 16" of snow on the ground outside. What's a landscape designer to do???? Well, if you've been reading Blooming Desert's recent facebook wall posts, you can guess what has been on my mind. That's right, Vertical Gardens!

This photo was taken at the Flora Grubb Gardens in San Fransisco, CA. I had the chance to visit this nursery last spring. I found this vertical wall interesting because it has mostly sedums growing on it instead of lush, tropical plants that will not survive in our High Desert Climate.

Last summer, I got the chance to put my research and knowledge of vertical gardens to the test. The result was the makings of one of the first, commercially owned, vertical planting walls in Central Oregon. And I'm hooked!

If you happen to be in Bend, you must stop by IJA Designs in the Old Mill Quarters. Hanging above IJA's most beautiful jewelry collection is a three panelled, sedum wall that is bursting with life! IJA runs their studio on 100% renewable energy-purchasing recycled metals as a base for their jewelry line and recycling any left over metals in the process. Having a vertical garden fits right in with IJA's sustainable lifestyle and philosophy of living life with minimal impact to the environment.

Since the 1990's, "Living Walls" have gained popularity in Europe. Although, they are noted for being more suitable for the urban environment, I think it is just as comprehensible in the ordinary residence. Vertical Gardens are space conscience, sustainable and in tune with the direction the Country is going in.

If you are wavering on the idea of owning a vertical garden, here are a few benefits to these truly unique gardens.

* Noise Reduction. Plants can reflect and absorb sound in an interior application. They can also insulate buildings and reduce sound penetration from busy streets or other unwanted noises.
* Improved Health. Plants provide oxygen and can remove toxins from the air. Deeper breathing encourages relaxation and reduces stress.
* Energy Savings. Through transpiration, plants can cool the inside of your home in the summer months. Exterior vertical gardens can insulate your home in the winter and reduce the amount of heat escaping through the walls.
* Marketing Tool. To promote your environmentally conscience and sustainable company. Through this, you can speak right to your target market - the green consumer. With the improved health benefits, you can get your customers to relax and spend more time in your store, restaurant, spa or whatever it may be.

Convinced yet?

Make that 20" of snow...Happy Holidays!

To see additional Green Wall Benefits, visit Green Over Grey's website. They are a design firm located in Vancouver, Canada specializing in the Vertical Movement.

Fierce Fall Frenzy

2010-09-27T19:31:00.000-07:00

Central Oregon is beautiful in the fall, but this season is always short lived and we quickly find ourselves covered in snow. This is the time I like to refer to as "fierce fall frenzy". Realizing that winter is soon upon us, we are a frantically running around trying to get those things done that were on our "to do" list all summer...fix the roof, paint the house, clean out the garage and "finish" the yard.

To have a well-balanced landscape, Blooming Desert Landscapes knows how important it is to incorporate plant material that is interesting year-round...this includes plants with fall color. Now is a perfect time to take a look at your garden and figure out what you need to add to create a fabulous display of color for next fall. Plant material with berries are also very showy and can provide wildlife with food that they can store for the winter.

My favorite red fall foliage comes from 'Compact' Burning Bush, 'Miss Kim' Lilac, Ginnala Maple, Oakleaf Hydrangea, 'Brilliant' Red Chokecherry and 'Alfredo' Cranberry Bush.

For scarlet to orange fall color, consider Vine Maple, 'Gro-Low' Fragrant Sumac, 'Gold Flame' Spirea and 'Autumn Brilliance' Serviceberry.

Vibrant yellow color can be seen in Quaking Aspen, 'Littleleaf' Linden and 'Northern Gold' Forsythia.

Shrubs with eye catching berries include a variety of Serviceberries, Coralberry, White Snowberry, Nannyberry, 'Repens' Oregon Grapeholly, 'Onondaga' Viburnum, and Kinnickinnick.

Keep a look out for fall perennials as well. Deep purple, magenta and white flowering Asters, Caryopteris, Goldenrod and 'Autumn Joy' Sedum, which looks like cotton candy...unfortunately, the deer think so too.

These plant suggestions are site specific to Central Oregon, but also can apply to west of the Cascade Mountains. If you are elsewhere and you would like recommendations for fall color, please let me know.

Happy Autumn!

Fungus Amongus

2010-05-31T17:03:00.000-07:00

After talking with a friend today, I discovered that I was not the only one battling mushrooms in my lawn. The extensively wet weather we we are having is the major contributor to their presents.

Mushrooms love moist conditions and need it to sprout their fruiting bodies. Their spores typically are not released until the mushrooms are fully grown. So, if the mushrooms are small and not showing their "gills", you can mow over them, pick them or kick them out without doing further damage.

If you feel like you are being defeated, consider going to your local plant nursery. They will have

lawn fungicide with the main ingredient being Bayleton. Use this as directed on the label.

The best way to keep these persistent mushrooms away is to keep your grass free of leaves, needles, pet feces and other nutrients that the mushrooms thrive on. Aerating and thatching your lawn will help too. Consider watering your lawn in the early hours of the morning instead of at night. Lastly, be sure not to over fertilize your lawn. The excess fertilizer that is not absorbed by your grass will feed the mushrooms.

A healthy lawn is the key to a mushroom free lawn! Happy Gardening!

Japanese Gardens In Any Climate

2010-05-30T10:36:00.000-07:00

After touring the San Francisco Japanese Tea Gardens last weekend, I was inspired. You might ask yourself why I was so inspired, since many of the plants will not even grow in my climate...The High Desert. When you think of Japanese Gardens, tumbleweeds, sagebrush and lupine don't really come to mind. However, by studying the layout of the Gardens, it can be quite simple to recreate this same pristine and meditative outdoor space using plant material conducive to your own climate.

I typically buy plants for a Zone 4 climate. It can range from Zone 3 to Zone 6 depending on where in Central Oregon you may live. If you are outside of Central Oregon, find out what Zone you are and check your local resources for plant species ideas.

Our harsh climate can often be too much for bamboo. However, there are several ornamental grasses that can give an interesting look to your garden. A few of my favorites are Calamagrostis arundinacea 'Karl Foerster' or 'Overdam' (Feather reed grass), Miscanthus sinensis 'November Sunset' or 'Sarabane' (Japanese silver grass) and Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal' (Switch grass). If you have your heart set on a true bamboo look, consider incorporating bamboo planting borders, wall trellises, a full bamboo screen or even a deer chaser water feature.

Some varieties of Rhododendron do well in Central Oregon, but for full sun areas you may want to consider Compact Burning Bush, Ash leaf Spirea, 'Gold Flame' Spirea, Daphne, Cistena Plum, or Shirobana Spirea. My favorite Rhododendrons are the 'Nova Zembla', 'Roseum Elegans' and 'The General'. Other shade tolerant plants to consider are Vine Maple, Red Japanese Maple, Multi-stemmed Serviceberry or Black Lace.

Evergreens are an important part of Japanese Gardens. They create structure and year-round balance within the space. Consider 'Green Mountain' Boxwood, Rock Daphne, 'Hick's' Yew, Dwarf White Pine, Pumila Spruce, Columnar Spruce, Globosa Spruce or a 'Pom Pom' Pine. Junipers would make a nice substitute for Cypress. I prefer 'Robusta Green', 'Old Gold' or 'Golden Pfitzer'.

Don't forget to fill in the small spaces with ground cover and perennials! Red Creeping Thyme, Woolly Thyme, Blue Woolly Speedwell, Siberian Iris, Hostas, Ferns, and Ornamental Oregano.

This, by no means, is a lesson on how to create a Japanese Garden. I hope it just opens your eyes to the possibilities of creative gardening!

Lean Green Eating Machine

2010-04-23T19:17:00.000-07:00

On the first warm day of the week, I walked my yard. I took assessment of all the plants. What was budding, what was leafing out and what didn't make it through the winter. I was thrilled to see that my 'Snow Drift' Crabapple tree was starting to bud. Later that afternoon, my husband did his "walk about" in our yard. He noticed that our beautiful Crabapple tree was infested with aphids! We battle with these little green (white, yellow, red or black) monsters every year!

Aphids are known to be one of the most destructive insects on plants, especially crops. They usually form in dense groups on leaves or stems, taking form as a bumpy texture. Aphids can distort leaf shape, stunt new growth, coat leaves with a shiny "honeydew" and cause leaf "curling".

I get annoyed with these little "buggers" more than I get worried about them. They are one of the most easiest pests to organically remove, if you have a little patience. First, I try spraying my infested plant/tree with a garden hose. I spray the top and underside of the leaves with a fierce spray. I repeat this everyday for 4 to 5 days. If the little buggers are still there, I get out my Dawn liquid dish soap, mix 2 tsp. with a spray bottle of water. You can also buy insecticidal soap. Once again, I spray the leaves everyday for one week. If I still see no signs of retreat, it's time to get serious! Bring out the ladybugs.

You can usually purchase a bag of ladybugs at your local plant nursery. Aphids are their favorite entree. I like to spray there wings with a bit of water and then set the bag out on the infested plant at dusk. This allows the ladybugs to walk out of the bag and discover the aphids at will, without flying away too soon.

It is a good idea to take a close look at all your trees and shrubs every couple of weeks. Many problems can be avoided or treated with minimal chemicals if you discover them early.

Drooling over plants

2010-04-10T21:50:00.000-07:00

I have a love/hate relationship with Costco this time of year. I love seeing all the new garden products they carry in the spring. From furniture, pergolas and patio heaters to make your outdoor living space more intimate and personalized to compost bins, raised vegetable garden kits and greenhouses for those of us that like to get our hands dirty. Most of the products are very durable and worth the money.

But, when I see a couple beaming with joy over the new japanese maple, flowering azalea or budding rose they just purchased, I just want to turn them around to put it back on the shelf. The new, green growth on these plants are so enticing after a long, cold winter. However, in Central Oregon, I don't recommend planting these tender plants until the end of May (or until the snow has melted on Black Butte). This is a good rule of thumb for bedding plants too. Our dry freeze spells can not only damage new growth, but kill the plant all together.

I know how difficult it is to pass those gorgeous plants by. Use will power and save your money! You can do it! May is not that far away.

We Have Life!

2010-02-28T18:25:00.000-08:00

This morning, I went outside to my car and I saw something so beautiful I almost cried. Our first crocus in full bloom! It was staring at me as if to say, "I'm here now. You can start the party."

Every year, I revel in the moment I see our first flowers in bloom. The kids come out to look at the new flowers. Sometimes, they get so excited they end up jumping on them. Of course, they always feel bad, but I actually don't mind that as much because I know that they are overwhelmed with joy that spring is upon us.

But, no matter how much joy something gives, there is always another element trying to rain on the parade. In this case, it is wildlife. The most common animals I am having to watch out for with my bulbs are deer and squirrels. Over the years, I've learned that it is better to try planting bulbs that are less desirable to the animals to begin with instead of trying to control them with chemicals or old wives tales. Not to say that if they are hungry enough, they wouldn't eat them anyways!

Here are a few bulbs hardy to Central Oregon that I use in my garden that the wildlife typically avoid:
Allium - ornamental onion
Fritillaria
Galanthus- snowdrop
Muscari- grape hyacinth
Narcissus- daffodil
Crocus

I know what you're thinking. "What about tulips? They are so beautiful? How can I go without them, Shannon?". Well, if you have deer you won't get to enjoy them for long. Every year, the deer come up to my doorstep and boldly take a bite of my tulip flowers. Finally, I dug them up because I couldn't take the disappointment any longer! I have heard that if you intermix your tulip bulbs with daffodil bulbs then the deer will avoid them. I haven't tried this yet though. Also, if you put human hair on the flowers the deer will get the scent and move on. However, I haven't tried this either. I'm not sure if it's the hairy flower that turns me off or the idea of pulling out any more of my hair for these animals!

Butterfly and Hummingbird Gardens

2010-02-21T16:58:00.000-08:00

As spring approaches, I begin to daydream about bulbs popping up, trees in full bloom and more wildlife in my garden. I enjoy plantings that will attract birds, butterflies and hummingbirds. That is a true living and breathing garden that fills the senses and is inviting to all. Here is how you can get started in attracting these beautiful creatures.

Think nectar. Lots of it. Hummingbirds need to ingest half their weight in food each day. It's probably safe to say butterflies have a similarly rich diet. Much of this food comes by way of flowering plants. So, attracting more winged beauties means growing more flowers over as long a season as possible.

Typically, hummingbirds prefer anything red or orange. However, they also can frequent flowers of white, yellow, blue and purple. Listed below are a few plants that this beauties

prefer.

USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 5-8

Butterfly Favorites in Central Oregon:

Asters, Catmint, Daylily, Delphinium, Echinacea,

Lavender, Caryopteris, Columbine, Shasta Daisies, and Spiraea.

Hummingbird Favorites in Central Oregon:

Lilac, Columbine, Crocosmia, Penstemon, Monarda, Lupine,

Honeysuckle Vine, Lily, Bleeding Heart, Snowberry, and Foxglove.

In addition to nectar, hummingbirds eat insects for protein. So, it is important to reduce or eliminate pesticide use in your yard. This will keep them safe from accidental contact with poisons as well.

Both butterflies and hummingbirds appreciate water breaks. Birdbaths, bowl shaped rocks, and other small sources encourage longer and more frequent visits.