Landscape/pool
The deep, clear blues of these pool tiles accentuate the water and create a cool, calming effect in the pool. The earth-tones on the walls and floor surrounding the pool make a strong counterpoint to the fluid colors above and below the water. The glass tiles are able to handle all that water without warping, cracking, or discoloring, and the subtle changes between the dark and light blues provide a little extra aesthetic appeal. An indoor pool with a beautiful tile pattern can be the centerpiece of the entire home.
Add to ideabook by Folia Horticultural + Design In this example of very strict, formal hardscaping, a geometric run of pavers are set in a sea of gray river stones. We might expect to see a line of formally clipped evergreens leading the eye to the spheres and trees at the end of the path, but instead the planting is loose and informal, being allowed to grow loosely over the cobbles.
Botanical name: Kalanchoe luciae (often mislabeled Kalanchoe thrysiflora) Common names: Paddle plant, paddle kalanchoe, red pancakes, desert cabbage, flapjack plant USDA zones: 9 to 11 (find your zone); hardy to 25 or 30 degrees Fahrenheit; can be grown as a houseplant Water requirement: Moderate until established; water when dry Light requirement: Full sun, partial shade in hottest climates; bright light if grown indoors Mature size: 1 to 1 1/2 feet tall and wide Benefits and tolerances: Can be grown indoors; drought tolerant Seasonal interest: Year-round; Kalanchoe are monocarpic, meaning they flower once, set seed and then die When to plant: Cuttings can be planted year-round; wait until the end calluses over
5. Grow potatoes in sacks. A great way to grow potatoes is in old coffee sacks. Most coffee roasters will be happy to part with some sacks for you to use for this purpose, and it’s easy to set up a row of potato sacks that will provide you with a pantry full of spuds. Start with a sack rolled down two-thirds of the way and fill the bottom with soil. Place seed potatoes inside and cover them with soil. As the potato plants grow, roll up the sides of the sack until the sack is fully upright. When the potatoes are ready to harvest (the leaves have turned yellow), lift the sides of the sack, and the potatoes and soil will fall out the bottom. The bottom rots out of the sack soon after initial planting, so make sure not to move the sack before you’re ready to harvest.
3. Square-foot gardening. This simple method of organizing crops works best in a raised bed and will maximize the surface area of your garden to produce large yields of crops. It entails dividing the soil area into 1-square-foot cells, using twine, wood or wire affixed in a grid format to the top of the raised bed. Different crops of vegetables can then be planted in each cell. When a crop is harvested, a different crop is replanted in the cell. This rotation of crops ensures that nutrients aren’t exhausted from the soil, and plants benefit from companion plantings that promote healthy growth and pest resistance.
2. Raised vegetable beds. If you have a bit more room, a raised vegetable bed is a great way to grow crops. Aside from having the functional benefit of providing easier access to the plants, raised beds improve the drainage and aeration of the soil and allow the bed to warm more quickly in the spring, so you can plant earlier. Raised beds can be built out of anything, as long as the material doesn’t contain chemicals that can leach into the soil. Use cedar or hardwood lumber instead of a pressure-treated material for a long-lasting, chemical-free bed.
1. Container gardening. Whether they're pots of herbs or troughs full of greens and root crops, containers work well to maximize small spaces. Prefab containers come in numerous shapes, sizes and materials. It’s worth noting that not all containers are created equal. If you live in an area that has cold winter weather, it’s important to select containers that can deal with fluctuations in temperature. Steer clear of terra-cotta, as it can crack and dry out roots; look for the many emerging polycarbonate and fiberglass options instead. They will cost you more initially, but they are built to last, and you won’t have any nasty surprises in the winter.
The material is called Copper Bay and was purchased at Luck Stone. It comes in a sheet and installed like tile. I used this material because the corners was rounded off for use in the pool. I do not know if they stock this material any longer but it can be found. Try www.nptgonline.com and look at the decking section
Paths and ramps circle around the hill, inviting the homeowners to explore and discover each space. Dye and her team integrated surprises into the landscape — including seasonal changes and surprising fragrances — so that the garden looks and feels different throughout the year. Here, sculptural Anigozanthos plants cast shadowy sillhouettes around the edge of the garden and against the home's contemporary exterior.
Matisse inspired lawn
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