http://mukilteobeacon.com/columns/bruce-and-pam Green Thumbs RSS Feed http://mukilteobeacon.com/columns/bruce-and-pam/article.exm/2012-01-11_big_ideas_for_small_gardens With a well designed yard, one can have year round color and interest, include some of the newer hybridized varieties of old favorites and not have the plants outgrow their places in a few years. Here are some of the newer offerings that may be available in the local nurseries for spring of 2012. http://mukilteobeacon.com/columns/bruce-and-pam/article.exm/2012-01-11_big_ideas_for_small_gardens http://mukilteobeacon.com/columns/bruce-and-pam/article.exm/2011-12-28_how_to_protect_your_plants_from_freezing_weather Protect your plants from frost and prolonged winter weather that is expected to stay for a while. These helpful tips will help you beat the winter gardener’s blues. http://mukilteobeacon.com/columns/bruce-and-pam/article.exm/2011-12-28_how_to_protect_your_plants_from_freezing_weather http://mukilteobeacon.com/columns/bruce-and-pam/article.exm/2011-12-21_one_garden__one_world What does Mukilteo at sea level, have in common with Dingboche, Nepal, a small village at 14,800 feet elevation in the Mt. Everest Region of the Himalayas? Potatoes, potatoes, potatoes! Gardens and gardens of potatoes. http://mukilteobeacon.com/columns/bruce-and-pam/article.exm/2011-12-21_one_garden__one_world http://mukilteobeacon.com/columns/bruce-and-pam/article.exm/2011-11-30_cold__wet_weather_color_in_the_garden We have seen spectacular fall color this year, and we would like to review some of the starring plants, as well as share with you some of our favorites for winter color. http://mukilteobeacon.com/columns/bruce-and-pam/article.exm/2011-11-30_cold__wet_weather_color_in_the_garden http://mukilteobeacon.com/columns/bruce-and-pam/article.exm/2011-11-09_how_to_plant_for_la_ni_a_in_the_garden La Niña is part of an atmospheric cycle where ocean temperatures in the Equatorial Pacific shift from warm to cold. What does this mean for the garden and your landscape investments? Damage from past La Niña events had a lot to do with sudden changes in temperature where plants did not have time to harden off and go dormant as happens in a normal fall/winter seasonal change. http://mukilteobeacon.com/columns/bruce-and-pam/article.exm/2011-11-09_how_to_plant_for_la_ni_a_in_the_garden http://mukilteobeacon.com/columns/bruce-and-pam/article.exm/2011-10-26_beneath_the_surface___understanding_garden_soils When most people think of their landscape, the plants in their gardens are the first things that come to mind. However, plants rely on balanced soils to provide nutrients, oxygen and water to root systems for sustained and healthy growth. http://mukilteobeacon.com/columns/bruce-and-pam/article.exm/2011-10-26_beneath_the_surface___understanding_garden_soils http://mukilteobeacon.com/columns/bruce-and-pam/article.exm/2011-10-12_transition_into_fall_with_fiery_colors_ Autumn is a time of transition in the garden. The bright colors of summer flowers are finishing up and the sky has already had too much grey in it from my perspective. The fall harvest is winding down and even the dandelions have stopped sprouting up from my neighbors’ lawn. http://mukilteobeacon.com/columns/bruce-and-pam/article.exm/2011-10-12_transition_into_fall_with_fiery_colors_ http://mukilteobeacon.com/columns/bruce-and-pam/article.exm/2011-09-14_it_s__sumtember__in_the_garden We’ve had a glorious August with a crazy mix of early and late summer color all happening at the same time in the garden. However, the calendar says mid-September is arriving. http://mukilteobeacon.com/columns/bruce-and-pam/article.exm/2011-09-14_it_s__sumtember__in_the_garden http://mukilteobeacon.com/columns/bruce-and-pam/article.exm/2011-08-24_the_goals_of_a_landscape_renovation We look out at our yards with optimism, but in most cases our visions of a glorious garden do not match reality. http://mukilteobeacon.com/columns/bruce-and-pam/article.exm/2011-08-24_the_goals_of_a_landscape_renovation http://mukilteobeacon.com/columns/bruce-and-pam/article.exm/2011-08-10_beyond_curb_appeal___the_welcoming_landscape The landscape is the first thing we all see when arriving at a home. What the yard presents to us is called “curb appeal” by real estate professionals. If the landscape does not have curb appeal, a potential buyer may never even get out of the car to view the inside of the house. http://mukilteobeacon.com/columns/bruce-and-pam/article.exm/2011-08-10_beyond_curb_appeal___the_welcoming_landscape http://mukilteobeacon.com/columns/bruce-and-pam/article.exm/2011-07-27_the_art_of_plant_selection One of our favorite parts of working in landscape design and construction is choosing plants at the nursery for clients. http://mukilteobeacon.com/columns/bruce-and-pam/article.exm/2011-07-27_the_art_of_plant_selection http://mukilteobeacon.com/columns/bruce-and-pam/article.exm/2011-07-13_get_inspired___add_art_to_your_garden This is the season for garden tours. What a great opportunity to appreciate beauty and creativity and be inspired! http://mukilteobeacon.com/columns/bruce-and-pam/article.exm/2011-07-13_get_inspired___add_art_to_your_garden http://mukilteobeacon.com/columns/bruce-and-pam/article.exm/2011-06-22_now_that_spring_is_over__what_is_a_gardener_to_do_ Now that spring-like temperatures are here, to be followed soon by summer warmth (we hope and pray) there are some gardening tasks that we should discuss. Yes, it is time to consider the inevitable garden to-do list. We have culled a list from from various sources, many available online, of the most essential items that you should consider to improve your garden with minimum toil and maximum results. http://mukilteobeacon.com/columns/bruce-and-pam/article.exm/2011-06-22_now_that_spring_is_over__what_is_a_gardener_to_do_ http://mukilteobeacon.com/columns/bruce-and-pam/article.exm/2011-05-25_simple_revisions_to_liven_the_look_of_your_garden Have you noticed how each garden has its own rhythm? Some gardens show everything at a glance. One step out of the back door, and the entire yard is revealed. A big sweep of lawn that’s neatly bordered by well-manicured shrubs. http://mukilteobeacon.com/columns/bruce-and-pam/article.exm/2011-05-25_simple_revisions_to_liven_the_look_of_your_garden http://mukilteobeacon.com/columns/bruce-and-pam/article.exm/2011-04-27_tiny_treasures_of_the_garden One cold, rainy day last week, desperate to escape the gray, I indulged in one of my favorite mood elevators; a trip to a new nursery. http://mukilteobeacon.com/columns/bruce-and-pam/article.exm/2011-04-27_tiny_treasures_of_the_garden http://mukilteobeacon.com/columns/bruce-and-pam/article.exm/2011-02-23__marching_into_spring_gardening What’s a good place to start in your garden this spring? Weeding. I know – that’s what I recommended last fall. Early spring is also an important time to weed and mulch to stay ahead of the explosion of weed growth just around the corner. http://mukilteobeacon.com/columns/bruce-and-pam/article.exm/2011-02-23__marching_into_spring_gardening http://mukilteobeacon.com/columns/bruce-and-pam/article.exm/2011-01-26_garden_trends_2011__gardening_with_a_purpose What’s the latest gardening focus for 2011? This year, the trends lead, not to the newest splashy foliage or the newest color combinations, but to other focuses. http://mukilteobeacon.com/columns/bruce-and-pam/article.exm/2011-01-26_garden_trends_2011__gardening_with_a_purpose http://mukilteobeacon.com/columns/bruce-and-pam/article.exm/2010-12-22_enticing_new_plants_to_tempt_the_home_gardener One of the best things about the year coming to a close is that it sets the stage for the arrival of newly developed plant varieties. http://mukilteobeacon.com/columns/bruce-and-pam/article.exm/2010-12-22_enticing_new_plants_to_tempt_the_home_gardener http://mukilteobeacon.com/columns/bruce-and-pam/article.exm/2010-11-24_brighten_up_the_winter_garden Has the November weather has drowned out much of the bright spots of color in your garden? http://mukilteobeacon.com/columns/bruce-and-pam/article.exm/2010-11-24_brighten_up_the_winter_garden http://mukilteobeacon.com/columns/bruce-and-pam/article.exm/2010-10-27_grasses_add_feathery_plumes_to_gardens The resourceful gardener can find a variety of ornamental grass for most any place in their garden http://mukilteobeacon.com/columns/bruce-and-pam/article.exm/2010-10-27_grasses_add_feathery_plumes_to_gardens