Jan Johnsen's Gardentopia

A curving brick walkway is a great example of how we can shape how a garden is experienced. The form plus the materials both influence how an outdoor space is perceived. Curving walks slow us down - they are not direct. If you are carrying groceries this path is not the best. They add interest and create opportunities for creating planting beds on both sides. You can also use a curve to hide what is beyond. It entices you onward.

I buried some rocks that we gathered from the site and planted blue fescue around them. The popular word ZEN was introduced to the Western world by a charismatic British philosopher and writer named Alan Watts. In the mid-20th century, he promoted Eastern philosophies and introduced their concepts to Westerners.

Ornamental grasses are quickly becoming a staple in our landscapes, and for good reason—they are remarkably easy to grow and offer effortless beauty. Their slender blades provide height, grace, and movement, adding an artful contrast to the solid shapes of broadleaf plants. And unlike the turfgrass that makes up a standard lawn, ornamental grasses are not cut during the growing season; instead, they are allowed to reach their full potential.

Geranium Rozanne, a perennial where I live in Zone 6, pairs well with Profusion zinnias. A color explosion all summer. Flowers become even more eye-catching when paired with contrasting blooms or low-growing, leafy plants. By blending color, form, and leaf texture, certain flower and plant combinations create stunning visual effects in the garden.

Lucky white Lantana and butterfly - Jan Johnsen Happiness is a butterfly, which when pursued, is always just beyond your grasp, but which, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you. - Nathaniel Hawthorne Happiness is a butterfly. And this is why a butterfly garden should be in everyone's life. In the photo above, I planted 'Lucky White' Lantana to attract the summer butterflies....they love lantana! A sunny spot with at least six hours of direct light.

on Color is the first thing we notice, and one of the most powerful tools in garden design. I will share how to use color to affect how your space feels. What you’ll learn: How color shapes mood and emotional response. Ways to create harmony and energy in the garden. Why pink is such a useful bridge color. How green acts as the foundation of a garden palette. Simple ways to use color more intentionally.

I planted these gorgeous ‘Jade Tiger’ winter jewels hellebores - Jan A Note from the Garden: Last March, I wrote about the beautiful resilience of Hellebores. As I walked through the garden today, I saw the first flower buds push through the leaf litter and thought I should highlight hellebore’s sturdy, deer resistant beauty once more.

The columns in Parque Guell are not upright posts at all. Source- www.barcelonaglobal.org The visionary Barcelona architect of the early 20th century, Antonio Gaudí, studied the spirals and curves of nature and utilized them in all his projects. Gaudi, unlike other architects of his time, did not rely on rigid, rectilinear shapes.

The Dandelion has been prized over the years for its medicinal and nutritious properties. The dreaded Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), for which we spend tremendous amounts of weed killer money to eradicate, has been prized over the years for its medicinal and nutritious properties. In fact, dandelion roots, flowers and “dandelion greens” (leaves) are all edible! Dandelions are a rich source of vitamins A, B complex, C, and D, as well as minerals such as iron, potassium, and zinc.

This meadow is at Olana in Hudson, NY. The grounds were designed by F.L. Olmsted. He created the lake and used the excavated soil to create a large meadow. This meadow is glimpsed as you drive uphill. It is the payoff view once you reach the top and look down from the house. Landscape tease.