Inspiration for a southwestern landscaping in Albuquerque.

This is an example of a mid-sized craftsman partial sun backyard stone formal garden in San Francisco.

Kimberley Bryan
Photo of an eclectic shade backyard concrete vegetable garden landscape.

When we arrived to this 178 acre farm in Free Union, the invasive species and overgrazing had depleted the soil of all nutrients. There was very little native wildlife. After remediating the soil, installing division fences, waterer systems, and bush hogging the field, the wildlife is starting to come back, and native plants and grasses are rooting. No more weed trees and autumn olives everywhere. This, is a happy field for happy livestock.

Under the Avocado tree I planted tough plants that can take the shade and the competition for water and nutrients. The plants you see in the picture are Agave attenuata, and ferns. I also planted variegated Lirope ( which you can'tt see here) that will add brightness, spread and colonize a nice large swath on the sloped side of the tree.

California Sister butterfly (Adelpha bredowii) "puddling" on wet ground Photo by Treebeard

Eradication of both cool season and warm season transitional weeds thru selective treatment. as it was at poor dormant stasis with the time of year be it mid May and should have been in mid activity, we amended soils both tending to its structure foundation and also tending to the turf types needs at one time the week prior, then properly mowed and cleaned up the turf areas.

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.

Trendy dark wood floor and black floor bedroom photo with gray walls

The two mounds are hugelkultur beds reserved for annual vegetables. They have a core of well aged wood that will slowly release nutrients and heat over time as it breaks down. The wood also absorbs an incredible amount of water over the winter and spring thus drastically reducing the amount of watering needed over the dry summer. There are three keyhole garden beds on the far side of the dry creek as well. Two are for annual vegetables while the middle one has a combination of asparagus and delicious little alpine strawberries. 2016 Mark Wolfe Photography. www.mwolfephotography.com

Nothing naturalizes a stream and gives it character more than adding moss and aquatic plants. This is a water garden, not just a waterfall. Adding aquatic plants each season is a fun thing to do to change up the look year after year. Here, we have impatiens and corkscrew rush submerged in the water and feeding off the nutrients in the water column.

Photo: Nanette Wong © 2014 Houzz
Home design - transitional home design idea in San Francisco

A covered terrace can be seen on the right side of the photo, and a west-facing deck on the left.
Design ideas for a contemporary backyard concrete paver vegetable garden landscape in Seattle.

Pepper plants are a delightful addition to any garden, offering a vibrant burst of color and spice to your culinary creations. However, even experienced gardeners can encounter challenges when growing pepper plants. In this blog, we'll explore some common issues you might face and provide practical solutions to help your pepper plants thrive. 1. Slow or Stunted Growth Issue: Slow or stunted growth in pepper plants can be discouraging, but there are specific steps you can take to address this issue effectively. Solution: a. Soil Health: - Well-Draining Soil: Ensure your pepper plants are in well-draining soil to prevent waterlogged roots, which can inhibit growth. - Organic Matter: Incorporate plenty of organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, into the soil to improve its texture and nutrient content. - pH Level: Test the soil pH and adjust it to the ideal range between 6.0 and 6.8 using lime or sulfur as needed. b. Fertilization: - Balanced Fertilizer: Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer designed for vegetables to provide essential nutrients steadily throughout the growing season. - Compost: Amend the soil with compost to enhance nutrient availability and soil structure. This can promote healthier growth. c. Watering: - Consistent Moisture: Maintain consistent soil moisture levels by watering your pepper plants regularly but avoid waterlogging. Aim for 1-2 inches of water per week, adjusting based on your local climate and weather conditions. - Mulching: Apply mulch around the base of the plants to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature. 2. Yellowing Leaves Issue: Yellowing leaves can be a sign of various underlying problems, but addressing them promptly can restore the vibrancy of your pepper plants. Solution: a. Nutrient Deficiencies: - Balanced Fertilization: Use a well-balanced fertilizer that includes micronutrients to address nutrient deficiencies. - Specific Nutrients: If you suspect a particular deficiency, such as magnesium, iron, or nitrogen, apply the appropriate nutrient supplement following package instructions. b. Pest and Disease Control: - Pest Inspection: Regularly inspect the leaves and stems for common pests like aphids and mites. Remove affected leaves and treat with organic pesticides if necessary. - Disease Management: Look out for signs of diseases like bacterial leaf spot or fungal issues. Apply organic fungicides or bactericides as recommended. 3. Blossom Drop Issue: When pepper plants drop their blossoms prematurely, it can hinder fruit development and lead to disappointment. Solution: a. Temperature Control: - Stable Temperatures: Ensure your pepper plants are exposed to consistent temperatures between 70°F and 80°F (21°C to 27°C) during flowering. Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations by providing shelter or using row covers. b. Pollination: - Assist with Pollination: If growing peppers indoors or in a greenhouse, help with pollination by gently shaking the plants or using a small brush to transfer pollen between flowers. Outdoor pepper plants are usually pollinated by insects. 4. Wilting Plants Issue: Wilting or drooping pepper plants can be a sign of various problems, but proper care can revive them. Solution: a. Watering: - Consistent Moisture: Adjust your watering routine to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water early in the day to prevent fungal issues. - Drainage: Ensure proper soil drainage by amending the soil or using raised beds to prevent waterlogged roots. b. Pest Control: - Pest Inspection: Examine the undersides of leaves for signs of pests like aphids, spider mites, or whiteflies. Treat infestations promptly with biological insecticides. 5. Curling Leaves Issue: Curling or misshapen leaves indicate stress in pepper plants, which can be caused by various factors. Solution: a. Environmental Stress: - Stable Conditions: Ensure your pepper plants are in an environment with stable humidity, temperature, and adequate air circulation. Avoid sudden changes in conditions. - Proper Ventilation: Adequate air circulation can reduce humidity and prevent fungal issues. b. Pest and Disease Management: - Pest Inspection: Regularly inspect your plants for pests and diseases, addressing them promptly with organic remedies as needed. 6. Sunscald Issue: Sunscald can lead to discolored, leathery patches on pepper fruits when exposed to intense sunlight. Solution: a. Shade Cloth: - Sun Protection: Shield your pepper plants from harsh sunlight during the hottest part of the day using shade cloth or by planting them where they receive some filtered sunlight. b. Pruning: - Fruit Shading: Prune excess foliage to allow better fruit shading, reducing the risk of sunscald. Ensure that there's a balance between foliage and fruit. 7. Pepper Plant Pests and Diseases Issue: Aphids, mites, whiteflies, and various diseases can affect pepper plants, but you can manage them effectively. Solution: a. Regular Inspection: - Vigilant Monitoring: Regularly inspect your pepper plants for signs of pests or diseases, paying close attention to the undersides of leaves and stems. b. Organic Remedies: - Pest Control: Use organic remedies like neem oil, insecticidal soap, or diatomaceous earth for pest control. - Disease Management: Apply organic fungicides or bactericides as recommended to manage diseases like powdery mildew or bacterial spot. While growing pepper plants can present various challenges, these common issues are manageable with the right knowledge and care. Regular monitoring, proper soil preparation, and timely intervention can help you enjoy a bountiful harvest of vibrant, spicy peppers. Remember that gardening is a learning experience, and each challenge you face is an opportunity to improve your skills and enjoy the rewards of homegrown peppers in your favorite dishes.

This is an example of a mid-sized farmhouse full sun front yard stone garden path in Philadelphia.

Edible garden in rich soil amended with compost. Falon Mihalic

This spring container has been planted with a variety of perennials (English primrose & Lamium), annuals (pansies), bulbs (daffodils & hyacinths) and incorporates freshly cut forsythia branches. Austin Ganim Landscape Design, LLC

Photo: Kitty Sharkey

Photo: Rikki Snyder © 2016 Houzz
Photo of a traditional landscaping in New York.