Mark Woods
Mid-sized trendy detached shed photo in Seattle

The Ardent Gardener Landscape Design
Photo of a large traditional full sun side yard gravel formal garden in Salt Lake City for summer.

A “Little Free Library” with a bespoke rustic bench on the outside of the wall has become a neighborhood gathering spot.
Photo of a small eclectic drought-tolerant and full sun front yard stone and stone fence landscaping in Los Angeles for spring.

This sensational Arcadia ranch was completely reimagined for the new homeowners needs and desires. Our design parameters were to create balance, drama, and playfulness with some strategically placed container gardens and landscape amendments peppered throughout. The use of unique and hardy specimen cacti and succulent in combination with blooming perennials and lavenders were forefront in designing the unique statements. Green, dramatic contrast, coupled with softness and balance were used to design this clean, sophisticated look in Arcadia.

Longshadow limestone planters welcome spring with blue hydrangea, white stock, purple pansies, and english ivy. Hannah Goering Photography
This is an example of a large traditional full sun front yard stone flower bed in Chicago for spring.

A different view. Taken standing at the corner of the sidewalk and driveway. The garden curves along the sidewalk and up the driveway framing the lawn. L.McGrath

This is an example of a contemporary landscaping in Seattle.

Home design - rustic home design idea in Portland

Brick pavers "lead" to raised seating area. Julianna Fecskes Phillips www.AboutInsideOut.com
Design ideas for a traditional brick landscaping in San Francisco.

Boulders taken from the excavation of the home site, are used as retaining walls on this sloping site. A hand carved, red sandstone Buddha meditates in the garden. Disturbed areas of the site were seeded with a drought tolerant, native grass and wildflower mix. Photo: The Ardent Gardener

photography by Tim Schultz
Inspiration for a beige timeless kitchen remodel in Seattle with tile countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash and white appliances

This peach tree was nearly dead in an abandoned corner of the landscape. Peaches like more water and 'cool' feet than is available here in the high mountain desert. I revived this tree by adding deep mulch out past its drip line and planting a non-spreading variety of comfrey all around. Comfrey is one of the most amazing beneficial plants in the garden, it deserves an article, even a book of its own. In addition to herbal and medical properties comfrey is a powerful dynamic accumulator and mulch plant, it brings a variety of nutrients from deep in the ground and accumulates them on the surface in its leaves. The leaves break down quickly into rich black soil.

Coco coir is a versatile and sustainable growing medium that is gaining popularity among gardeners. Made from the fibrous husk of coconuts, it’s an eco-friendly alternative to peat moss and can greatly enhance the quality of your soil. In gardening, it is often utilized in systems like Coco Coir Hydroponic, where it helps create an efficient water and nutrient delivery system. What is Coco Coir? Coco coir is a natural fiber extracted from coconut husks. It has a neutral pH, excellent water retention, and is reusable, making it a favorite among gardeners who prefer organic and sustainable practices. It is available in different forms such as blocks, bricks, or loose coir, each requiring some preparation before use in gardening. Benefits of Using Coco Coir in Gardening Coco coir offers several advantages for gardening. Here are the benefits of using coco coir in gardening: Holds up to 10 times its weight in water, ensuring plants have consistent moisture. Promotes oxygen flow to plant roots, leading to healthier root systems. Coco coir is a renewable and eco-friendly alternative to peat moss. It can be washed, rehydrated, and reused, reducing waste. Naturally pH neutral, making it suitable for various plants without major adjustments. Enhances the texture and moisture retention of garden soil. How to Prepare Coco Coir for Planting Preparing coco coir for planting involves a few essential steps. First, you need to hydrate the coir block, as it typically comes in a compressed form. Place the block in a large container and add warm water, allowing the block to expand and absorb the water. Once fully expanded, the coir should be fluffed up by breaking it apart with your hands or a tool to ensure it becomes loose and airy. After the coir has been fluffed, it is important to drain any excess water, as overly wet coir can lead to root suffocation. Finally, since coco coir is inert and does not contain nutrients, it’s a good idea to add organic compost or liquid fertilizer to enrich the coir before planting. Do You Need to Soak Coco Coir Before Planting? Yes, soaking coco coir before planting is necessary. Since it comes in a compressed form, it needs to be broken down and hydrated for proper use. The soaking process allows the coir to expand and release the fibers, making it usable as a growing medium. After soaking, the coir should be fluffed to ensure the water is evenly distributed. Draining any excess water is crucial because overly wet coir may impede plant root health. How to Prepare Coco Peat for Planting Coco peat, a fine, powdery form of coco coir, is highly beneficial for seed starting and improving water retention in soil. To prepare coco peat, it first needs to be hydrated, similar to how you prepare coir blocks. Slowly add water to the peat in a container and allow it to absorb and fluff up. Once hydrated, coco peat can be used on its own or mixed with other growing media such as perlite or vermiculite for added aeration and drainage. It is advisable to check the pH level of your final mix, as coco peat generally has a neutral pH, but adjustments may be necessary depending on the plants being grown. Can You Use Just Coco Coir for Plants? Yes, coco coir can be used by itself to grow plants, especially in hydroponic systems or as a seed-starting medium. However, because coco coir does not naturally contain nutrients, you will need to provide regular fertilizer to support plant growth. This makes it particularly suitable for plants grown in controlled environments, such as hydroponics, where nutrient solutions can be carefully managed. In traditional soil-based gardening, mixing coco coir with other organic materials like compost is recommended to provide essential nutrients and improve the overall soil structure. How to Use Coco Coir in Hydroponics Coco coir is widely used in hydroponic systems due to its water retention and aeration properties. To use coco coir in hydroponics, it first needs to be soaked and hydrated, as discussed earlier. Once the coir is fully prepared, it can be placed in the hydroponic system. Since coco coir does not contain natural nutrients, you will need to supply a balanced nutrient solution tailored for hydroponic plants. Regular monitoring of water and nutrient levels is essential to prevent nutrient imbalances or root rot. One of the benefits of coco coir in hydroponics is its reusability. After completing a growing cycle, the coir can be washed, rehydrated, and used again in future plantings. Using Coco Coir as a Soil Amendment Coco coir is also an excellent soil amendment, as it improves the texture and moisture retention of garden soil. To use coco coir in this way, mix loose coir with your existing garden soil at a ratio of one part coco coir to two parts soil. This will help retain moisture without compacting the soil, improving both water drainage and root growth. For optimal results, you can also add organic compost to the mix, ensuring that the nutrient levels are sufficient for plant growth. Coco coir works particularly well in raised beds, where it helps maintain proper soil structure over time. Advantages of Using Coco Coir Over Peat Moss While peat moss has been traditionally used as a growing medium, coco coir offers several advantages over it. Coco coir is a renewable resource, as it is a byproduct of coconut processing, while peat moss is harvested from peat bogs that take centuries to regenerate. Coco coir is also more durable, as it can be reused multiple times without breaking down, while peat moss disintegrates after a single use. Another key benefit is its neutral pH, whereas peat moss is more acidic and may require balancing to meet the needs of specific plants. Conclusion Coco coir is a highly versatile and sustainable growing medium that benefits both novice and experienced gardeners alike. Whether you are using it for hydroponics, as a soil amendment, or as a standalone medium for growing plants, knowing how to properly prepare and use it is key to maximizing its benefits. By following the steps detailed above, you can improve water retention, aeration, and overall plant health in your garden, all while contributing to eco-friendly gardening practices.

Margaret Kois Photography
Country dark wood floor kitchen photo in New York with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, gray backsplash, subway tile backsplash and an island

Lance Kelly
Inspiration for a mid-sized farmhouse full sun backyard gravel vegetable garden landscape in Boston for summer.

A corner view of 3 Bassano, as seen from Granton Avenue and Bassano street. The architectural treatment of this corner was paramount in the buildings internal function. This desire to achieve curb appeal ended up giving the building it's distinctive shape and better justified the pulled back for for both floors.

A view of 3 Bassano's long axis, as seen along Bassano (looking towards Granton Ave). Note the private entry to the first of 2 basement units. Each upper unit has a generous front deck fashioned like a portico for a more contextual blending with the remainder of the mature neighborhood.