Most Western gardeners these days strive for sustainability, incorporating eco-friendly elements like low-water plantings, permeable paving, composting systems, and furniture made from recycled lumber. But there’s a new eco must-have on the block: Grey water. Quick definition: Grey water diverts water from sinks, showers, or laundry to hydrate the garden. And while, at one point in time, this may have conjured […]
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What Makes a Backyard Chicken-Friendly?
We’ve said it before but it bears repeating: Backyard chickens are ruling the West. The latest in poultry trends? Chicken gardens. That’s right. Gardens designed around the needs of your feathered friends. The go-to book is Free-Range Chicken Gardens (Timber Press, 2012; $20), by Seattle landscape designer Jessi Bloom. Four things to keep in mind:
Brilliant Idea for a Raised Bed
Stylish reuse is all the rage in the West, and architect Jeremy Levine is tearing it up in LA.
In this case, literally.
Machu Picchu in a San Francisco Backyard
Camelias and hydrangeas? No, thank you. Western garden creators like it wild. Lucky for us, our mild coastal climate in the Bay Area means we can use tropical plants (like bromeliads) as we let our imaginations run free. Example: Designer Christopher Reynolds was given carte blanche when it came to designing a friend’s San Francisco backyard. He took a jungly […]




