Susan Morrison's Blog, page 2
May 31, 2013
Garden Design Inspiration—Illusion
Wear nude-colored shoes to make your legs look longer. Hang a
mirror on a wall to make a room look larger. Tricking the eye to create the
illusion that something is not quite what it seems is everywhere, including
garden design. Small-space gardeners often seek to create the impression of
more space, but illusion can take many forms.
Sun and Shadow
In March I enjoyed a much-needed vacation in Cancun. You may
recall that the brilliant colors of Quintana Roo inspired me, but I was equally
intrigued by...
April 17, 2013
Book Roundup: Fine Foliage, Slow Flowers and Apprentice to a Garden
For some it’s the sight of roses bursting into bloom or the
taste of freshly picked asparagus that signals spring has finally arrived. For
me, spring is officially here when the postman begins delivering a steady
stream of new gardening books to my mailbox. Here’s a roundup of some of the
season’s best:
First up is Fine Foliage: Elegant Plant Combinations for Garden and Container
(2013 St. Lynn’s Press) by Karen Chapman and
Christina Salwitz, with principal photography by Ashley deLatour. While I f...
April 11, 2013
Design Inspiration: The Vibrant Colors of Quintana Roo
Last week I enjoyed a welcome break in spectacular, tropical
Cancun, a resort destination located in Quintana Roo, Mexico. While I was (mostly)
diligent about avoiding emails, like many people in a creative field, my design
brain never quite turns off.
If you are a regular reader, then you know that color has
been a reoccurring theme of late, whether via the symbolism of Feng Shui, or in
more tangible ways, such as exploring unusual combinations on the color wheel.
Although I gravitate towards subtl...
March 28, 2013
Book Review: Lawn Gone!
Not only is the lawn reform movement still going strong; I'm happy to report that it continues to gain momentum. Lawn Gone!: Low-Maintenance, Sustainable, Attractive Alternatives for Your Yard
by popular blogger and garden designer Pam Penick is the latest
book to tackle the topic. Its soup-to-nuts approach, inspiring
photos and emphasis on DIY solutions make it a must-have for anyone considering
reducing or eliminating lawn.
The book is divided into three parts. “Part One: Beyond the
Lawn” explor...
March 14, 2013
DeWit Potting Scoop Giveaway!
DeWit Potting Scoop designed by Shawna Coronado
Regular readers know that small space gardens come up a lot
around here, whether I’m focusing on design, plant selection or even my recent
foray into technology. Today I’m approaching this topic from a different angle
– tools that are particular effective in smaller spaces.
Earlier this year, DeWit Tools sent me two of their new
potting scoops – one to try and one to give away. Designed by longtime gardener Shawna
Coronado, you can tell a real gardener...
March 11, 2013
Magnolias and Rhododendrons at Strybing Arboretum
Magnolia cambellii
March at Strybing Arboretum in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco is all
about the Magnolias, Rhododendrons and Camellias. Did you know Strybing
has the largest collection of Magnolias outside of China? There was a lot to see on a sunny day in early March. Here are some highlights. Enjoy!
Magnolia cambellii close-up
Magnolia cambellii 'Strybing White'
In the sky...
and reflected in the water of the moonlight viewing garden
Magnolia doltsopa
Rhododendron 'Fred Cummings'
Rhododendron...
March 5, 2013
Lessons in Color Theory from the Northwest Flower and Garden Show
Last week I had the pleasure of speaking at the Northwest
Flower and Garden Show on design strategies for small spaces. It’s always a bit
hard for me to relax and enjoy the show when I know I have a talk coming up, so
this year I played it smart. Flying in right before my presentation meant I had
a full day and a half to view the show gardens and attend presentations after I
spoke. For once, I was able to give my full attention over to new ideas.
Image courtesy of Billy Goodnick
The lesson for me th...
February 14, 2013
Gardening App: Foolproof Plants for Small Gardens
I’m thrilled to
announce the publication of my new gardening app, Foolproof Plants for Small Gardens. Published by Sutro Media and
available for $2.99 from both iTunes and Google Play (where it is titled Plant Picks for Small Gardens), this app is yet another manifestation
of my ongoing obsession with small space design.
With almost 100 plants and 450
photos, Foolproof Plants highlights
some of the best options for ornamental plants that stay a manageable size, from
trees that grow less than 25’ to...
January 23, 2013
Small Space Design Lesson - Amy Stewart's Cocktail Garden
Fans of Sunset magazine,
cocktails and gardening should count themselves lucky in February, because this
is the month when they all converge. In celebration of her soon-to-be released
new book, The Drunken Botanist
, noted author, Gardenranter and cocktail aficionado Amy
Stewart shares photos from her new garden filled with botanical ingredients and
garnishes—and even a cocktail recipe, la vie en elderflower.
I had the great pleasure of
helping Amy design her cocktail garden, and if you read the Suns...
January 15, 2013
A Visit with the Naples Garden Club in Florida
It turns out that one of the perks of writing a
well-received garden book is not
instant fame. I am still able to shop at my local Trader Joe’s without hiding
behind oversized sunglasses, and no one has ever asked me for an autograph,
unless it’s on the title page of Garden
Up. But it has given me the
opportunity travel to other parts of the country, and speak to groups of all
different sizes about vertical gardening and small-space garden design. On my
recent trip to Florida, not only did I get to s...
