10 Trees Designers Love

Houzz. April 26, 2019. By Annie Thornton: Consider how beneficial planting a tree can be. Trees shade and cool our homes and streets, helping to mitigate the heat island effect and reduce reliance on air conditioning and other energy consumers. Trees also provide food and habitat to wildlife, capture carbon dioxide from the air, provide natural play areas, enhance curb appeal and add beauty and a feeling of place to gardens and communities.

Lessons from Australia’s Fires

The Malibu Times. April 17, 2019. By Jimy Tallal: Whereas the Woolsey Fire of 2018 was considered to be one of the worst fires in LA County history, it didn’t occur until nine years after the worst wildfire ever to hit Australia. The folks Down Under have had much longer to think about how to do things better in the future than we have, and one of them came to Malibu last week to share what his country has learned.

Natives Show the Beauty of Sustainable Landscaping

San Gabriel Valley Tribune. April 22, 2019. By Kathie Bozanich: A bee-busy, massive California lilac bush in Santa Monica, the floppy, Dr. Seuss-like dune sedge in La Canada Flintridge, the mountain-inspired mix of California buckwheat, sagebrush and black sage in Pasadena: It’s the riot of colors and diversity of plants that leaves a lasting impression from the Theodore Payne Foundation Native Garden Tour.

Top Outdoor Kitchen And Living Room Trends

Forbes. April 12, 2012. By Jamie Gold: Outdoor kitchens topped the project trends list in the latest American Institute of Architects’ survey, which is not terribly surprising, given people’s love of living outside. But the survey didn’t go into detail on what homeowners are putting into those spaces. As we move into the warmer months, it’s worth looking at what’s popular for outdoor kitchens and their related living areas.

The Grass Does’t Have to Be Greener

Realtor.com. April 9, 2019. By Jaime Weibe: A lush green lawn full of vibrant plants and flowers can simultaneously be a source of delight and your worst nightmare: the constant mowing. Watering without getting dirty looks from your drought-conscious neighbors. Weeds—so many weeds. And why do things keep dying?

You can keep pouring money into your outdoor space, or give up and go with a scorched-earth approach. But those aren’t your only options.

5 Affordable Ways to Make Your House More Green

PolicyGenius. April 5th, 2019. By Mia Taylor: Being more conscious of our impact on the environment is becoming increasingly important. With Earth Day on April 22, now may be the time to take small steps to become more environmentally friendly.

Mulch for a Healthy Lawn

LawnStarter. March 20, 2019. By Daniel Ray: The verdict is in from gardeners, environmentalists, and scientists: Don’t bag your grass clippings. Let them mulch your yard. Your lawn and the environment will both be happier for it.

In the not-too-distant past, the standard advice was the opposite.

7 Spring Maintenance Tasks

Realtor.com. March 20, 2019. By Jamie Wiebe: Thank the heavens! After a long, blustery winter filled with weather events you could only imagine in a dystopian sci-fi film (we’ll take your polar vortex, and we’ll raise you a “bombogenesis”), spring has finally sprung.

But before you mix up that Moscow mule and get ready to take your perch on the porch, know this: With warmer—and often rainier—weather comes a host of home maintenance problems.

The Gateway at Willowbrook Grand Opening

KTLA. February 6, 2019. By Danielle Pendleton and Gayle Anderson: Gayle Anderson was live with Thomas Safran & Associates for the official grand opening and public unveiling of The Gateway at Willowbrook. The $44 million, 105-unit affordable living development features twenty-two unit reserved for formerly homeless individuals. The property is beautifully landscaped with an outdoor barbeque area and seating.