Privacy Hedges: Why A Mix of Plants Is Better Than One

Los Angeles Times. April 26, 2013. By Craig Nakano and Cassy Aoyagi: You might recall that when a reader wrote about twin rows of Italian cypress — one established and healthy, the other newer and dying — the SoCal Garden Clinic asked a Pasadena nurseryman to tackle the question of why the plants might be struggling for survival. Now, with spring planting upon us and installing privacy hedges a priority, we thought we’d get a second opinion from landscape designer Cassy Aoyagi, co-founder and president of the Tujunga firm FormLA Landscaping.

LA at Home: 2013 Pasadena Showcase House Preview

Los Angeles Times. April 18, 2013. By Bob Chamberlin: The annual Pasadena Showcase House of Design, open Sunday to May 19, features the work of more than 25 designers who transformed a 1941 Monterey Colonial in Arcadia originally designed by Roland E. Coate Sr. Take a look at some of the home and garden design ideas that await visitors.

Garden Walls Come Alive with Color and Texture

Washington Post. April 30, 2013. By Sarah Wolfe for the Associated Press: Looking for a fresh way to liven up your garden walls? Think plants, not paintings. Living pictures — cuttings of assorted succulents woven together in everything from picture frames to pallet boxes — have caught on among garden designers and landscapers this spring as an easy, modern way to add color and texture to an outdoor space.

Patios and Walkways: Do It Now, Do It Fast, Do It Right

Tauton Press. Copyright 2013. An attractive walkway or terrace dramatically improves a home’s curb appeal and livability. In many older homes, walkways and terraces need updating or replacement, and new homes are often sold without these enhancements. The projects illustrated in Patios and Walkways, from rustic stone paths to handsome new patios, can be completed within 1-3 days and are explained step-by-step…

What Not to Plant Around Your House

New Home Source. February 15, 2013. By Patricia Garcia: With spring on its way, you may have some grand ideas for your lawn or garden. Maybe you want to add some flowers for color or plant a tree for some shade. Before you do, make sure that the plants you choose are right for you and your home.

Plants are living things and require maintenance as they grow, says Los Angeles landscape designer Cassy Aoyagi. Needs will vary by plant and plant type, so it’s important to identify what you want from your lawn and what you can accommodate in your lot.

Three Kid Friendly Lawn Alternatives

Los Angeles Times. January 23, 2013. Cassy Aoyagi Answers: Do you have any suggestions for drought-tolerant, kid-friendly ground cover? We’ve read that dymondia works well to fill in space between pavers but haven’t found any talk of how well this plant works as a grass substitute, spread across a yard.

Can our kids walk barefoot? Will the dymondia attract bees? And will it flourish in an area that gets sun and shade?

Inside Top Showcase Homes

Home Colors Magazine. January 1, 2013. The spice and teal color palate of the 2012 Pasadena Showcase House of Design informed the design of both interior and exterior spaces of the Spanish style home, most especially in the Andalusian Courtyard. Click the photo to purchase the issue.

In Her Own Way

In Her Own Way. Copyright 2013. By Lee Anne White: Profiles of women who have followed their callings to create an authentic life, including FormLA Landscaping President Cassy Aoyagi. Click the photo to get the book.

Get Ready for Football Season

Team Snap Blog. June 12, 2013. By Emily Cohen: It’s summer and temperatures across the country are soaring into the triple digits. Most of us are doing everything we can to stay cool and indoors, out of the scorching heat, but it’s ‘high season’ for sports tournaments. That means hoards of young and teenage athletes are participating in baseball, soccer, lacrosse, softball, and other field sport games from early morning until sundown—and often even later, with lighted fields.