I’ll never forget the first time I stopped to really look at a wild forest near my home in the PNW. Tall trees formed a natural canopy overhead, berry bushes filled in the middle, and low-growing herbs wove along the ground beneath them. It looked like beautiful, productive chaos, and honestly, it changed the way…
I’ll be honest with you. The first time I planted a row of ornamental grasses along my back fence, I wasn’t sure it would actually work. Would they grow tall enough? Would they look scraggly in winter? Would the neighbors laugh? They didn’t laugh. They asked me where I got the idea. A natural grass…
A cottage garden evokes a sense of whimsy and charm that is hard to resist. Imagine soft waves of pastel flowers cascading over pathways, the soothing buzz of bees weaving between vibrant foxgloves, and an air of effortless abundance and natural beauty. It’s a setting that feels both romantic and harmonious, as if nature itself…
When the weather turns warm and the days stretch out long and lazy, standing over a hot stove is usually the last thing anyone wants to do. This is the season for crisp, cool, and vibrant meals. A great summer salad is more than just a side dish; it can be the main event. With…
Peering into a garden and discovering a tiny, hidden world tucked beneath the leaves of a hosta or nestled in an old planter is delightful. Fairy gardens have exploded in popularity recently, and it is easy to see why. They offer a delightful escape from the ordinary, allowing us to exercise our creativity on a…
There is a specific thrill that comes from wandering the aisles of a thrift store or flea market. You spot a delicate floral teacup, a heavy amber glass tumbler, or a tarnished silver bowl. It’s beautiful, but you don’t necessarily need another cup for your tea. You buy it anyway, knowing it has potential. Turning…
I love when the growing season gets going. It brings a wonderful energy to the garden, filling the warm air with vibrant colors and the promise of fresh, crisp produce. There is nothing quite like wandering outside with a harvest basket and gathering sun-ripened vegetables for an evening meal. But if you want to take…
Have you ever looked at a lush, wild forest and wished you could bottle up that vitality and bring it home? The good news is, you can, and you don’t need acres of land to do it. A “food forest” might sound intimidating, conjuring images of massive agricultural projects. But the concept is actually quite…
Have you ever scrolled through photos of lush, overflowing gardens filled with hollyhocks and roses and sighed, thinking such beauty is out of reach for your wallet? You aren’t alone. The romantic, slightly wild aesthetic of a cottage garden often looks like it requires a professional landscaper and a small fortune in plants. But here…
For those of us trying to reduce our exposure to synthetic fragrances and the phthalates found in many commercial candles and plug-ins, stove top potpourri, often called a “simmer pot,” is a revelation. It is a simple, sustainable way to scent your living space using nothing but water, heat, and botanical ingredients. However, a common…