In My Sister’s Garden-A Wistful Romp through a Drought Resistant Oasis "Spring is the time of the year, when it is summer in the sun and winter in the shade." - Charles Dickens One of the great things about growing up on a farm in the boondocks is that your tribe is your family. We five siblings were as thick as thieves as we climbed trees, worked the fields, pulled fences, drove tractors, branded cattle, and planted the spring garden. We played, we quarreled, and we dug in the dirt together. By the time May arrived, we ached to get our hands grubby in the vegetable patch. Waiting for the vegetables to sprout and be harvested taught us patience and responsibility. Of course, Mom’s beautiful flower gardens would already be abloom by this time of year getting us into constant trouble because we were forever picking bouquets not only for her, but, for teachers, 4-H leaders, and Sunday masses. As we grew into adults, our love of the earth grew as well. Following in the big shoes of my Father, my brother continued the family tradition of being a farmer and has one of the most beautiful vineyards in the county. Our Mother’s love of gardening instructed the gardens of her girls. Recently I walked with my sister Debbie through her eclectic garden. There is a saying that “you can take the girl out of the country, but you can never take the country out of the girl.” With Deb, she’s never left the land where we were born. She is a country cowgirl through and through. She’s always adorned with her cowboy hat, rodeo belt buckle, and boots! She hunts, fishes, grows her food, and would have relished being a pioneer in the 1870’s. Debbie and her husband are the ultimate recyclers and re-purposers. With their barnyard of adopted animals-pigs, goats, donkeys, chickens, even Texas long horns at one time, all the weeds and garden cuttings feed the animals and the manure is then recycled back to the garden. They collect rooftop rain runoff in used wine barrels then pipe it to a storage tank to help with summer watering. It’s never enough, but every drop helps. Their garden art includes rusted plows, wooden swings, a plethora of homemade birdhouses, multiple fountains made from found objects, wagon wheels, antlers, the cutest country chicken coop you ever did see, and a sleeping shed outfitted with a bear hide, antique fishing gear, pinecones, and found treasures of every sort. From their patio they watch the wildlife on their hillside property-deer, bobcats, raccoons, turkeys, skunks, and the occasional mountain lion. It’s a playful, restful garden setting, albeit with a watchful eye for the rattlesnakes that enjoy this oasis as well. What I love about Debbie’s garden is how it reflects her unique personality, her love of the land, and her admiration for the history of the Wild West. As we ambled around the property with her happy dogs in the lead, the songbirds sang, a bevy of butterflies delicately landed on her flowers, and the koi in the pond swam to the surface to greet me. This time together immersed in this sustainable landscape nurtured my soul and brought our childhood memories to vivid life. Although we grow the same plants, shrubs, trees, and succulents in both of our yards, our designs and esthetics are completely different. And that’s the beauty of creating a garden, making it your own special paradise where you can find peace, tranquility, and restoration in tandem with the wild kingdom. TIPS TO CREATING YOUR OWN UNIQUE PLAYGROUND ⎫ Don’t over-think it! Make lists of everything you enjoy in a garden then do it. ⎫ Be conservation conscious as well as considerate of nature. ⎫ Be creative. Think swathes, angles, circles, and flow. There is nothing more boring than a box. ⎫ The hardscape must include natural materials: rocks, gravel, barn wood, shells, or anything meaningful to you. ⎫ Instead of buying art, repurpose childhood toys, old sinks, even a commode overflowing with flowers can be comical. ⎫ Be playful. When you are going to spend time in the outdoors, you want to enjoy yourself. Allow your personality to shine. ⎫ Add surprises, secret gardens, hedged rooms, anything that will enhance the whimsical and magical element to your garden experience. ⎫ Lead to a focal point or view with meandering paths, walkways, and trails. ⎫ Invite the pollinators; bees, butterflies, and birds by providing housing, nectar flowers, protection, fountains, and ponds. ⎫ Mix it up. For a drought resistant garden, consider an array of beautiful succulents, cactus, lavender, bulbs, iris, daylily, geraniums, and other plants that will add color, texture, form, and structure, yet require little maintenance and minimal water. ⎫ A potager, pots, or area designated for edibles and herbs is a must have. There is nothing better than picking your dinner from your own property. ⎫ Benches, swings, lounge chairs, umbrellas, and places to unwind, watch the clouds, savor sunsets, and marvel at the stars make your garden your home. ` What’s so fun about our family gardening experience is the sharing that we all do in giving each other clips, snips, cuttings, bulbs, and volunteers. We grow the same specimens and as we stroll and admire our handiwork, we can’t remember who gave what to whom first. As I said farewell to my sister, she handed me a hand-painted tin filled with blooming echeveria from clippings I had given her a few years before. We shared a laugh. Little did I know this would be the last walk with my sister. She died just a few days before this article was published. She would have loved to have seen her passion in print. Debbie may you garden in the heavens. The circle of life continues. Happy Trails to you, Debbie. Until we meet again... Read more: https://www.lam orindaweekly.com/archive/issue1006/Digging-Deep-with-Cynthia-Brian.html Scribd: https://www.scribd.com/doc/313702488/My-Sister-s-Garden-Digging-Deep-With-Cynthia-Brian Radio Broadcast: http://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/92459/porn-alarm-effective-apologies-in-my-sisters-garden Press Pass: http://vapresspass.com/2016/05/24/in-my-sisters-garden-a-wistful-romp-through-a-drought-resistant-oasis-by-cynthia-brian/ ©2016 Cynthia Brian The Goddess Gardener Starstyle® Productions, llc Cynthia@GoddessGardener.com www.GoddessGardener.com 925-377-STAR Tune into Cynthia’s Radio show at www.StarStyleRadio.com I am available as a speaker, designer, and consultant. Keywords: Debbie’s garden my sister’s garden, a cowboy western garden, drought resistant plants, cynthia brian, lamorinda weekly, starstyle, goddess gardener.

This Colleyville project is a kid friendly setting with lots of activity to entertain. There are 2 arbors for a large outdoor kitchen and large outdoor living space. It has Travertine decking and coping, and a big tanning ledge with gushers under the "Car Wash" (the double rain fall coming out of the arbor) that kids and adults enjoy playing in. Dry stacked stone is incorporated with the waterfeatures, spa, and columns of the outdoor living area. The spa is a tear dropped shape that seats 6 with a rolled edge with glass tile. There is a lot of area for patio furniture and has a removable safety fence. The 2 sheer descents have a grotto inbetween them with 2 cup holders built in. The kitchen includes a Primo, double side burner, grill, refrigerator and don't forget the Big Green Egg and storage! Check out Mike's website or Youtube channel for detailed pool tour. FarleyPoolDesigns.com

Welcome to our latest project, "Backyard of a Modern Pool House," where contemporary design meets outdoor luxury. This modern house features a stunning swimming pool surrounded by a stylish stone path and vibrant artificial grass. A lush grass wall provides a striking backdrop, while trees and plants add natural beauty and tranquility. Relax and entertain in the outdoor dining area, complete with comfortable chairs and a retractable roof for versatile shade and protection. The pool is enhanced with elegant steps and inviting lounge chairs, perfect for soaking up the sun. An outdoor wooden table and dining table set the stage for memorable al fresco meals, complemented by carefully selected home decor items. Enjoy playful moments with a wooden swing hanging from a tree, all under a picturesque blue and cloudy sky. The house boasts sleek glass sliding doors and expansive glass windows, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor spaces. Located in the heart of 33756, Clearwater, FL, this project showcases our expertise in general contracting, home additions, and interior ideas. Whether you're in Tampa or beyond, our remodeling ideas and custom homes are designed to inspire and elevate your living experience.

In My Sister’s Garden-A Wistful Romp through a Drought Resistant Oasis "Spring is the time of the year, when it is summer in the sun and winter in the shade." - Charles Dickens One of the great things about growing up on a farm in the boondocks is that your tribe is your family. We five siblings were as thick as thieves as we climbed trees, worked the fields, pulled fences, drove tractors, branded cattle, and planted the spring garden. We played, we quarreled, and we dug in the dirt together. By the time May arrived, we ached to get our hands grubby in the vegetable patch. Waiting for the vegetables to sprout and be harvested taught us patience and responsibility. Of course, Mom’s beautiful flower gardens would already be abloom by this time of year getting us into constant trouble because we were forever picking bouquets not only for her, but, for teachers, 4-H leaders, and Sunday masses. As we grew into adults, our love of the earth grew as well. Following in the big shoes of my Father, my brother continued the family tradition of being a farmer and has one of the most beautiful vineyards in the county. Our Mother’s love of gardening instructed the gardens of her girls. Recently I walked with my sister Debbie through her eclectic garden. There is a saying that “you can take the girl out of the country, but you can never take the country out of the girl.” With Deb, she’s never left the land where we were born. She is a country cowgirl through and through. She’s always adorned with her cowboy hat, rodeo belt buckle, and boots! She hunts, fishes, grows her food, and would have relished being a pioneer in the 1870’s. Debbie and her husband are the ultimate recyclers and re-purposers. With their barnyard of adopted animals-pigs, goats, donkeys, chickens, even Texas long horns at one time, all the weeds and garden cuttings feed the animals and the manure is then recycled back to the garden. They collect rooftop rain runoff in used wine barrels then pipe it to a storage tank to help with summer watering. It’s never enough, but every drop helps. Their garden art includes rusted plows, wooden swings, a plethora of homemade birdhouses, multiple fountains made from found objects, wagon wheels, antlers, the cutest country chicken coop you ever did see, and a sleeping shed outfitted with a bear hide, antique fishing gear, pinecones, and found treasures of every sort. From their patio they watch the wildlife on their hillside property-deer, bobcats, raccoons, turkeys, skunks, and the occasional mountain lion. It’s a playful, restful garden setting, albeit with a watchful eye for the rattlesnakes that enjoy this oasis as well. What I love about Debbie’s garden is how it reflects her unique personality, her love of the land, and her admiration for the history of the Wild West. As we ambled around the property with her happy dogs in the lead, the songbirds sang, a bevy of butterflies delicately landed on her flowers, and the koi in the pond swam to the surface to greet me. This time together immersed in this sustainable landscape nurtured my soul and brought our childhood memories to vivid life. Although we grow the same plants, shrubs, trees, and succulents in both of our yards, our designs and esthetics are completely different. And that’s the beauty of creating a garden, making it your own special paradise where you can find peace, tranquility, and restoration in tandem with the wild kingdom. TIPS TO CREATING YOUR OWN UNIQUE PLAYGROUND ⎫ Don’t over-think it! Make lists of everything you enjoy in a garden then do it. ⎫ Be conservation conscious as well as considerate of nature. ⎫ Be creative. Think swathes, angles, circles, and flow. There is nothing more boring than a box. ⎫ The hardscape must include natural materials: rocks, gravel, barn wood, shells, or anything meaningful to you. ⎫ Instead of buying art, repurpose childhood toys, old sinks, even a commode overflowing with flowers can be comical. ⎫ Be playful. When you are going to spend time in the outdoors, you want to enjoy yourself. Allow your personality to shine. ⎫ Add surprises, secret gardens, hedged rooms, anything that will enhance the whimsical and magical element to your garden experience. ⎫ Lead to a focal point or view with meandering paths, walkways, and trails. ⎫ Invite the pollinators; bees, butterflies, and birds by providing housing, nectar flowers, protection, fountains, and ponds. ⎫ Mix it up. For a drought resistant garden, consider an array of beautiful succulents, cactus, lavender, bulbs, iris, daylily, geraniums, and other plants that will add color, texture, form, and structure, yet require little maintenance and minimal water. ⎫ A potager, pots, or area designated for edibles and herbs is a must have. There is nothing better than picking your dinner from your own property. ⎫ Benches, swings, lounge chairs, umbrellas, and places to unwind, watch the clouds, savor sunsets, and marvel at the stars make your garden your home. ` What’s so fun about our family gardening experience is the sharing that we all do in giving each other clips, snips, cuttings, bulbs, and volunteers. We grow the same specimens and as we stroll and admire our handiwork, we can’t remember who gave what to whom first. As I said farewell to my sister, she handed me a hand-painted tin filled with blooming echeveria from clippings I had given her a few years before. We shared a laugh. Little did I know this would be the last walk with my sister. She died just a few days before this article was published. She would have loved to have seen her passion in print. Debbie may you garden in the heavens. The circle of life continues. Happy Trails to you, Debbie. Until we meet again... Read more: https://www.lam orindaweekly.com/archive/issue1006/Digging-Deep-with-Cynthia-Brian.html Scribd: https://www.scribd.com/doc/313702488/My-Sister-s-Garden-Digging-Deep-With-Cynthia-Brian Radio Broadcast: http://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/92459/porn-alarm-effective-apologies-in-my-sisters-garden Press Pass: http://vapresspass.com/2016/05/24/in-my-sisters-garden-a-wistful-romp-through-a-drought-resistant-oasis-by-cynthia-brian/ ©2016 Cynthia Brian The Goddess Gardener Starstyle® Productions, llc Cynthia@GoddessGardener.com www.GoddessGardener.com 925-377-STAR Tune into Cynthia’s Radio show at www.StarStyleRadio.com I am available as a speaker, designer, and consultant. Keywords: Debbie’s garden my sister’s garden, a cowboy western garden, drought resistant plants, cynthia brian, lamorinda weekly, starstyle, goddess gardener.

This Colleyville project is a kid friendly setting with lots of activity to entertain. There are 2 arbors for a large outdoor kitchen and large outdoor living space. It has Travertine decking and coping, and a big tanning ledge with gushers under the "Car Wash" (the double rain fall coming out of the arbor) that kids and adults enjoy playing in. Dry stacked stone is incorporated with the waterfeatures, spa, and columns of the outdoor living area. The spa is a tear dropped shape that seats 6 with a rolled edge with glass tile. There is a lot of area for patio furniture and has a removable safety fence. The 2 sheer descents have a grotto inbetween them with 2 cup holders built in. The kitchen includes a Primo, double side burner, grill, refrigerator and don't forget the Big Green Egg and storage! Check out Mike's website or Youtube channel for detailed pool tour. FarleyPoolDesigns.com

This Colleyville project is a kid friendly setting with lots of activity to entertain. There are 2 arbors for a large outdoor kitchen and large outdoor living space. It has Travertine decking and coping, and a big tanning ledge with gushers under the "Car Wash" (the double rain fall coming out of the arbor) that kids and adults enjoy playing in. Dry stacked stone is incorporated with the waterfeatures, spa, and columns of the outdoor living area. The spa is a tear dropped shape that seats 6 with a rolled edge with glass tile. There is a lot of area for patio furniture and has a removable safety fence. The 2 sheer descents have a grotto inbetween them with 2 cup holders built in. The kitchen includes a Primo, double side burner, grill, refrigerator and don't forget the Big Green Egg and storage! Check out Mike's website or Youtube channel for detailed pool tour. FarleyPoolDesigns.com

This Colleyville project is a kid friendly setting with lots of activity to entertain. There are 2 arbors for a large outdoor kitchen and large outdoor living space. It has Travertine decking and coping, and a big tanning ledge with gushers under the "Car Wash" (the double rain fall coming out of the arbor) that kids and adults enjoy playing in. Dry stacked stone is incorporated with the waterfeatures, spa, and columns of the outdoor living area. The spa is a tear dropped shape that seats 6 with a rolled edge with glass tile. There is a lot of area for patio furniture and has a removable safety fence. The 2 sheer descents have a grotto inbetween them with 2 cup holders built in. The kitchen includes a Primo, double side burner, grill, refrigerator and don't forget the Big Green Egg and storage! Check out Mike's website or Youtube channel for detailed pool tour. FarleyPoolDesigns.com

The family enjoys playing music together and entertaining, so the former living room was redesigned to become a music room where other family members can join in on the fun.

I enjoyed playing with texture, shape and pattern in this tree top space.
Example of a transitional living room design in Kansas City

Large flagstone steppers offer an attractive way to navigate the planting beds and gives a sense of adventure to this backyard.
Inspiration for a large traditional drought-tolerant and full sun hillside concrete paver and wood fence retaining wall landscape in Denver for fall.

This Colleyville project is a kid friendly setting with lots of activity to entertain. There are 2 arbors for a large outdoor kitchen and large outdoor living space. It has Travertine decking and coping, and a big tanning ledge with gushers under the "Car Wash" (the double rain fall coming out of the arbor) that kids and adults enjoy playing in. Dry stacked stone is incorporated with the waterfeatures, spa, and columns of the outdoor living area. The spa is a tear dropped shape that seats 6 with a rolled edge with glass tile. There is a lot of area for patio furniture and has a removable safety fence. The 2 sheer descents have a grotto inbetween them with 2 cup holders built in. The kitchen includes a Primo, double side burner, grill, refrigerator and don't forget the Big Green Egg and storage! Check out Mike's website or Youtube channel for detailed pool tour. FarleyPoolDesigns.com

This family enjoyed playing games so we designed a table to fit perfectly in the space. We wanted something bold and dramatic for the large wall, but didn't want to spend much on it. This famous Parisian photo worked wonderfully. Don Holtz

Clarke Creek Park is one of the parks residents of the Highland Creek residentail community in Charlotte, N.C. can enjoy. This outdoor playground features a large shaded play structure, swing set, and surrounding benches. Families within this residentail community are able to play, relax, and live at this park without having to go far from home.

Inspiration for a large timeless backyard stone patio remodel in Columbus with a fire pit

Design ideas for a mediterranean partial sun mulch landscaping in San Francisco.

Williamson Photography
Kitchen pantry - coastal dark wood floor kitchen pantry idea in Other

Martha O'Hara Interiors, Interior Design & Photo Styling | Kyle Hunt & Partners, Builder | Troy Thies, Photography Please Note: All “related,” “similar,” and “sponsored” products tagged or listed by Houzz are not actual products pictured. They have not been approved by Martha O’Hara Interiors nor any of the professionals credited. For information about our work, please contact design@oharainteriors.com.

A rustic kids' room designed for ages 4 to 10, featuring cozy double deck beds, soft gray carpet flooring, and a warm, playful ambiance. This functional and eco-friendly space is part of the sustainable organic modern mountain home.

Courtesy Coastal Living, a division of the Time Inc. Lifestyle Group, photography by Tria Giovan. Coastal Living is a registered trademark of Time Inc. and is used with permission.