
Garden Design for Beginners
A step-by-step series to help you move from an empty space to a garden that works—covering planning, structure, planting, and the final details.

Grow confidently in the Pacific Northwest.
Practical, seasonal guidance for real PNW gardens — cool springs, damp winters, dry summers, and imperfect soil included. Beginners welcome.
Updated regularly with seasonal advice, planting notes, and Pacific Northwest garden inspiration.
Seasonal guidance, practical how-tos, plant spotlights, and thoughtful experiments for Pacific Northwest gardens

A step-by-step series to help you move from an empty space to a garden that works—covering planning, structure, planting, and the final details.

Horsetail is one of the toughest weeds in Pacific Northwest gardens. Learn how to identify it, why it thrives, and the best ways to control it naturally.

New to gardening in Washington? Here are the biggest mistakes I made my first year—and what I wish I knew before I started.

Not sure what to plant in April in Washington? Here’s a simple guide to vegetables, flowers, and seeds to start now in the Pacific Northwest.

Struggling plants? It might be the light. Learn how to understand full sun, part shade, and shade in your garden—especially in the Pacific Northwest.

Tiny green invaders on your roses? Learn how to control aphids naturally using water, beneficial insects, and simple home methods—no harsh chemicals needed.

Struggling with a shady garden? These 5 plants — including lungwort, hostas, ferns, and astilbe — thrive in Pacific Northwest shade and are easy to grow.

Learn how to build a simple raised bed garden in the Pacific Northwest. Includes wood vs metal beds, where to place them, what soil to use, and easy crops for beginners.

Want more bees and butterflies in your garden? Discover 10 easy flowers that thrive in Pacific Northwest gardens and provide nectar for pollinators all season.