Serenity in the Garden

I am a landscape designer by profession and a writer by avocation ( see my book, Heaven is a Garden ).   I love to share what I do to inspire others to try their hand at working with the earth. I also love rock outcrops and show them off if I can...rocks resonate and 'ground' us in the most subtle way. Here is a recent project - 2 weeks ago. Jan Johnsen - During Jan Johnsen - After After this, I placed an 'Orange Dream' Japanese Maple in the bare, open space to the right of the steps...a work in progress.

'Pineapple Splash'  - photo by Jan Johnsen    I have had a love affair with  coleus  ever since I grew it in plastic pots on a windowsill in a small New York city apartment as a teenager. Back then there were maybe 3 varieties of coleus available and I got mine as cuttings from adult friends. They were my introduction to plants ( followed by the infamous hanging  'spider plant' - remember those? denizen of all 'homey' restaurants in the 1970s....) Kong Coleus - photo by Jan Johnsen Well, I have grown up and so has coleus..... The colorful foliage of Coleus is making a comeback as breeders introduce new varieties to supplement the old faves.  The diversity of foliage color, leaf shape, and growth habit  - and the fact that coleus tolerates both full sun and part shade  - make them a valuable addition to any garden. Coleus are great both in beds and containers...There are so many varieties to choose from - whe...

Roof Garden Basics 101 - Custom Made Building a roof garden is a compelling vision but it can be a daunting task if you don't  know where to begin.  Here is a comprehensive infographic made by Custom Made .   They also have a complete how-to post that accompanies this graphic - Click HERE FOR ARTICLE.

Cracked Log Lamp   Duncan Meerding designs some great stuff... I especially like his Cracked Log Lamp. I like it so much I chose it as the Garden Photo of the Day - although I do not think this photo is accurate. I do not think you can use them outside... Why not make your own with outdoor rated electrical fixtures?

I have a great Powerpoint talk about Designing with Fragrance in the Garden... if anyone is interested in having me present this talk at a symposium, conference or to a group please contact me. jan@johnsenlandscapes.com

The traditional cottage gardens of Great Britain contain both vegetables and flowers - the flowers attract the bees to pollinate the crops.  cottage garden, design - Jan Johnsen Thus cottage gardens are filled with colorful, scented blossoms and herbs. The tallest plants are at the back and shortest ones in front. The flowers border the gravel paths and make quite a show. A confluence of shapes, color and texture make the garden an exuberant display of nature's finest. You can't make a mistake with this so have fun! Sunny Border Blue veronica - from Bluestone Perennials

( Profusion zinnias, marigolds,salvia, plectranthus -  Jan Johnsen ) Annual flowers - those that bloom all summer into late fall (then give it up for good) - are the secret to a joyful and colorful garden.  I know some people might think that colorful flowers are too bright, too eye-catching or overstated but I say, 'embrace the color!' Nature communicates through color. Color is its catalyst and its signal. Birds and insects navigate by color, among other things, and besides, annual flowers' color makes us happy. (Jan Johnsen - coleus, plectranthus,angelonia, and more) It does require extra work in the spring. You must prepare the flower beds and plant seeds or small plants during the cool days of spring. But boy, does it pay off during the summer and fall. The display enriches our everyday life and greets us every morning with a colorful 'pop'. (Mohonk Mountain House, incredible place) I know all about annual flowers because after g...