The Water-Saving Garden

California is in its forth year of "exceptional drought", which means its high time to be thinking about how to use our water more efficiently.  Since about half of a home's water use is estimated to go outdoors, that is an excellent place to start.  

Garden Tour: San Francisco's Dogpatch Neighborhood

Time for another garden tour!  This time, we're visiting the Dogpatch district of San Francisco - a little known, up-and-coming artistic neighborhood. Its a blend of historic industry and artsy start ups, where green space is a luxury and gardens are humble and resourceful.

Garden Tour: Studio City, California

What a gorgeous spring day, perfect for a walk around Studio City, California!

This LA suburb is home to a cute cafe street, charming neighborhoods, CBS Studios, and if rumors are correct...the Big Brother House the exterior of the Brady Bunch house, Miley Cirus, Zac Effron, Bruno Mars, Eddie Van Halen, Alex Trebec, Sophia Vergara, William Shatner, Seth McFarlane and Ryan Gosling all call it home.

SoCo Succulents, Part III

I'm officially obsessed.  I love these succulents!  More shots from the natives gardens at SoCo...

Drought Resistant Landscaping

When looking for plants that can thrive during the arid summer months, these photos I shot of a southern California native garden are great inspiration.  I love the use of rocks, pebbles, and other natural elements - not only do they not require water, but they add amazing contrast to the dramatic shapes of native grasses and plants.

SoCo Succulent Garden, Part II

I love what this little spot of land now know as SoCo has become.  Once a barren parking lot along the major 405 highway, it is now home to beautiful succulent gardens and is a southern California haven for creatives and foodies.  I'm looking forward to seeing what else this spot evolves into - and what inspiration it can bring.

Here is another glimpse at their natives landscaping.  Bravo.

Succulent Walk - SOCO

A few photos from a local succulent garden.  Beautiful inspiration!

These plants are all part of the California native landscaping at SOCO in Costa Mesa, CA.  Beautiful use of containers, healthy succulents, and shades of green.

Vibrant potted succulents

5 Simple Steps for Starting Succulents

Succulents have always intimidated me.  With their alluring, exotic shapes, I always assumed they'd be expensive and terribly high maintenance.  I am happy to report that I was absolutely wrong - succulents couldn't be easier!