I’m a terrible gardener. Only the toughest plants survive under my care. (I swear this usually serves as a selling point for my clients, because I can identify the most bulletproof of plants for their garden.)

Contrary to popular opinion, landscape architects are not trained in gardening. Apart from design and engineering classes, my plant-specific education was limited to botany, soil science, a few plant identification classes and one class that I do actually reference on a daily basis; California Native Plants with Dave Fross. So, after years of drafting, computer screens, reviewing industry-standard specifications, and basically just lines and words on paper, I’ve decided that its time to take a more active role in the garden.

While browsing the garden center at the Morro Bay Miner’s I noticed a dusty collection of “Central Coast Gardening Essentials” books by Joe Seals.  At first glance, the use of papyrus font on the cover and the lack of glossy plant photos in the body turned me off.  But then I flipped through the “Top Myths and Bad Practices of Gardening” section… I was sold at “DON’T put kitchen waste in the compost pile,” (put them in a worm box instead!)

Seals had me hooked immediately with his accessible, common-sense approach to gardening. Not only does he break down 10-weeks of soil science instruction into a few pages of clear, to-the-point, useful tips, but he continues to address all the factors affecting plant health, including water, wind, light, temperature and more, into simple, quick-to-grasp guides. When plants are failing in the landscape, it is important to address all factors. Matching the right Sunset zone or picking whatever is in your local nursery, does not equal success. The best part about Seals’ handbook is its focus on the Central Coast climate specifically. While key parts of the book can be applied  to gardens nationwide, there’s nothing more helpful than a comprehensive, on-the-ground knowledge of our specific region.

I had grand plans this weekend, to clear out my dilapidated garden and get started on some fresh plantings, but now I’m holding off until I finish this book! I’m half way through and want to make sure I read the chapter on “Weed Management”  first, because do you “ever wonder why people who pull weeds are always pulling weeds?”

Seals will also break down popular conceptions of soil amendments, landscape fabric (causes more weeds), and drip irrigation (does not help build drought-tolerant plants)! I’ve enjoyed finding validation for some of my personal opinions and greatly appreciate his straightforward and intuitive approach to successful gardening on the Central Coast.

If you disagree or have differing experiences from what Seals prescribes, I would love to hear your comments below.

After a trip to Miner’s, I grabbed two 6″ pot hanging plants, including Senecio rowleyanus String of Pearls to help green the face of the pocket and a small, upright, 4″ pot Rex Begonia.  The lush 6″ pots were easily split into two and three parts. I found a small bench to keep the pocket upright during planting. I ended up putting 8 quarts of soil in the pocket which looks to be a bit much. The substantial soil profile however, is the largest I’ve seen in vertical gardening products.

Within 15 mins, I was ready to mount the pocket to our office wall. I propped the pocket upright with some books and was able to easily screw into place without any additional hands.

Woolly Pocket (single) Retails $39.99 (Bought for 50% off from Farm Supply)
Two 6″ pots, One 4″ pot  $20.97
8 quarts potting soil $3.99
Total Project Cost:  $54.94

The project was quick, simple and easily brought some green into a small work space. I look forward to seeing how this breathable pocket  will contribute to the lifespan of my indoor plant collection.

This is what a landscape architect does in order to keep her kid entertained on the beach. Bonus points for developmental skills training and temporary land art!

As a landscape architect, my greatest passion is for creating communities and environments where people can connect and thrive. As the digital world becomes further integrated with our daily, hourly and constant routines, I can only imagine the digital landscape becoming another tool or platform for landscape architects. My definition of landscape architecture is not limited to plants, soil and hardscape. My definition of landscape architecture includes passion, community and people.

When my neighbor’s Queen Palm died, they decided to cover the remnant stump with a steel wireframe version of a palm tree… this thing is even equipped with solar lighting!

I really hope this is not an indication of the future of landscape architecture. I’ll place my bets on living plants;  they have the regenerative capabilities which manufactured objects can only envy… for now…

Play lawn, kitchen garden, cutting garden, built-in bar and bar-be-que, fire pit, green walls, lounge and dining area… yes! You can have it all in 600 square feet.

The secret here was to first relocate the rear gate in order to minimize circulation paths and keep larger function areas from getting chopped up by pathways. The same way you might want to minimize hallways in a house– by aligning pathways with compatible functions, we were able to maximize our available square footage. By using concrete steppers through the lawn, we were able to make the lawn feel larger but still have an all-weather pathway. Near the rear gate, bar stools are allowed to encroach into the pathway, but can easily be pushed aside for intermittent access.

A small space can also be maximized with multi-use and built-in furniture. A built-in bench seat means you don’t need room to pull out chairs or walk around them and results in a smaller space requirement for the dining area. The built-in bench seat can also quickly transform to a second lounge area by sliding the table away and replacing it with a portable fire pit. Instead of having a full chaise lounge, use a chair and ottoman combo so you’re ready for sunbathing with a friend or a fire side chat for two couples.

When finding the perfect spot for all your favorite amenities, don’t forget to save that sunny spot for your raised kitchen and cutting garden. Vertical plant and architectural accents complete the privacy requirements and this backyard is ready to host a party!

The ubiquitous rose… once associated with your grandma’s cottage garden and high maintenance is now recognized for its countless, timeless benefits. It’s actually a lie to call this a recent “trend alert.” The classic rose has been around for ages and has so very much to offer… beauty, durability, versatility, cutting flowers in hundreds of colors and varieties, the champion of scented flowers, medicinal uses and secret recipe ingredient. All these benefits come in a multitude of convenient shapes and sizes… sprawling vines, groundcovers, shrubs, and more. There really isn’t any other plant that comes close to providing in so many ways.

And in regards to maintenance– I snapped the above photo from my own backyard, which I haven’t set foot in to maintain or water since the first trimester with my 9-month old son. They are a remnant from the previous homeowner and I was considering having them removed. I was concerned they made my backyard look like grandparents lived here. I may have to reconsider…

What is it about babies that immediately cause people to slow down, smile and lend a helping hand? What can I learn from these little beings who so easily create an environment of peace and understanding?

Is it because they are small and cute? No, that can’t be it. Whenever I have “small and cute” plants installed on landscape projects, clients are typically disappointed and wait impatiently for fast and furious growth.

Is it because they represent pure innocence? They are completely unbiased beings interested only in their most fundamental needs for survival.

Is it because you have no idea what they’ll do next? Just tiny little morsels of entertainment… with kicks and flailing arms and laughs and cries.

Or is it because the future is in their hands? Instilling hope for a future where they can grow and prosper.

So how might the secret power of babies be put to use in landscape architecture? Designs must meet fundamental needs for survival, allow for the unexpected and instill hope.