After many months of planning and anticipation, now that the Philadelphia Flower Show is open and I am missing that persistent looming sensation. I am filling these last few days in Philly with meeting the most incredible people, both in and outside the convention center. I am so appreciative to the friends and family who came to the show, the … READ MORE
Author Archives: Nick
Swing for the Fences – My First Major Garden Design
A few weeks back I shared on Instagram a photo from on of my first design projects and I figured I should revisit the one I give credit for the growth of our business and me as a designer. I am a true believer that good work leads to more work. This project was a catalyst for so many of … READ MORE
Philadelphia Flower Show – Finding Inspiration
The inspiration process is difficult to document and explain in words or photos. Waves of ideas come at odd times and often are images created in your head and finding examples to showcase an element or idea that does not yet exist is often impossible. Also the connection between the thoughts are so personal, it is hard to explain how … READ MORE
Holiday Gift Guide for the Gardener 2018
Another holiday season means my semi-annual Holiday Gift Guide, which I think is more like a gift recommendation than a guide since I put personal experience behind each of these items. If you are still looking for more gift ideas (this year it is short), check out my previous lists. I still believe in all those products and are items … READ MORE
2018 Garden Learnings – Containers
While I was traveling we received the death frost, wiping out the last of the summer annuals. Before I left, I filled a box truck with the tender plants I wanted to save or covered a few of the special plants I could not fit. It was a abrupt announcement of fall, returning to the skeleton of plants. So now … READ MORE
A Recap From My Trip to Philadelphia
Last week I was in Philadelphia to meet with my partner in crafting my garden for The Philadelphia Flower Show and give a behind the scenes look into my design to PHS members. The timing happened to also correspond with The Perennial Plant Conference and the ASLA Annual Conference, among a few other major horticulture events. Every detail of my … READ MORE
DESIGN: Summer Haze Border Featuring Alliums
I don’t think it is a surprise I like to incorporate alliums into my garden designs, if you follow my instagram you will see how many times this summer I shared photos of the alliums in my garden at home. Their tall round heads are great foils to the feathery and soft perennials I like to design with. They also … READ MORE
Small Buildings in the Garden
While I was going through my iphone photos this week looking for project photos, I noticed how many photographs I take of small buildings. When I design a garden I take into account adding auxiliary structures and their relationship to the garden. These add an additional personality to the garden and don’t need to take themselves so seriously. Plus I … READ MORE
Garden Tour – The Blue Garden
Part three of my garden tours through Rhode Island brings us to the famous Fredrick Law Olmsted Jr. designed Blue Garden. This garden owes its significance from its original patroness, Harriet Parsons James, Olmsted’s vision and its contemporary savior, Dorrance “Dodo” Hamilton. The story of how this garden was rehabilitated from its long hidden original form is awe inspiring. I have … READ MORE