Josh Schechtel Josh Schechtel

Using Native Shrubs for Privacy

Using plantings to screen out noise in a garden is an effective and natural way to create a peaceful environment. For homeowners across the San Francisco Peninsula noise pollution is a real concern, whether from traffic, neighbors, or general urban activity.

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Annie SHAW Annie SHAW

Weed Barrier Is Awful - Right?

It’s often marketed as a simple solution: lay it down, cover it with mulch or gravel, and say goodbye to weeds forever. Sounds ideal. But does it actually work that way?

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Josh Schechtel Josh Schechtel

My Plant Died. What Next?

In an ideal world, all the lovely plants we install grow and flourish from day one, and live happily ever after, with not a single one dying. But in reality, not all plants survive. Why?

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Annie SHAW Annie SHAW

How Much Should I Spend on a New Garden?

Without fail, new clients are mystified by the cost of a new garden. We provide budget brackets so you can get a sense for what’s normal, but the reality is that there are so many variables involved in landscape design that it’s almost impossible to give one figure to your client.

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Annie SHAW Annie SHAW

Do I Need To Call a Tree Expert?

When it comes to caring for trees, many homeowners may wonder about whether they need arborists, landscape designers or regular landscape maintenance crews to help them. In this blog post, we'll explore what arborists do, when you need to call one, and how they differ from other landscape experts.

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Annie SHAW Annie SHAW

What Does "Native" Really Mean?

We can all agree that native plants are important to us and our ecosystem. But how tightly should we define the word “native”? In this article, we will dive into the many definitions that apply to the term and help you decide where within that definition your heart lies.

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Annie SHAW Annie SHAW

Why Lawns Are a Problem

The cost that lawns place on us collectively is huge. In this article we discuss how lawns have gone from a necessity to a disaster in a few short generations, and what we can do about them.

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Annie SHAW Annie SHAW

Oxalis: Angel or Devil?

Oxalis - the name strikes fear in any gardener’s heart! But there’s more to this genus than meets the eye. Handy tips on how to kill it included, of course…

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Annie SHAW Annie SHAW

Weed Barrier: Why Bother?

In landscape design, weed barrier, also known as landscape fabric or weed control fabric, has historically played a crucial role in maintaining a tidy and low-maintenance outdoor space, and in separating clients from their money.

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Annie SHAW Annie SHAW

How on Earth Do I Water These Plants?

It’s true that almost all plants - even those that are drought tolerant - need water to get them established. What’s the most sustainable way to achieve that?

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Annie SHAW Annie SHAW

Our Favorite Bay Area Botanical Gardens

Botanical gardens are places where plants are grown for display to the public and often for scientific study. Visiting public botanic gardens is a great way to get some exercise, sunshine, fresh air, and inspiration for your garden.

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