The Craft of Gardening

It's been extremely dry here in the Midwest, so I've been watering quite a bit resulting in lots of thinking time.

My thoughts this week...what is the difference between design and craft?  Is there a difference?  I design gardens...look at the problems and opportunities, then create a plan on paper.  I also design with my hands by installing plants, moving them, watering them, pruning them...to create something beautiful.  Isn't that craft too?  Though we discuss gardening as art and design, it's also a craft...at least for those willing to get a little dirty.

{...and yes, I do wear skirts while watering, it's just more comfy}

Paint It

I love paint.  I especially love adding paint in the garden to make furniture and plants pop. Think about how you can use this magic to add vibrancy in your landscape.

These images were taken at the Des Moines Botanical Center a couple of years ago when they had a fun display on color in the garden.