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.

Think Newly Built Homes Are Problem Free? Think Again.

Interest.com. July 18, 2012. By Amy Fontinelle: Buying new construction seems like a great way to avoid the hassles and expenses that come with buying a home that’s been around the block. Any older house will have things that need repair or replacement. Brand-new homes are perfect and move-in ready. Right? This is a faulty belief that can leave you battling issues with your home for years to come.

Prevent Natural Disasters with Smart Landscaping

Naturally Vibrant Living BlogTalk Radio. Fall 2012. Interview by Diane Brandon: Planting shrubs and trees not only beautifies our homes, but also allows us to dig in the dirt and develop a closer relationship with nature. There can be many factors and considerations that go into landscaping and choosing plants, but one may be overlooked. Can you landscape your home in a more sustainable way? And could you actually landscape in a way that helps to prevent natural disasters?

Showcase House in La Cañada

Pasadena Sun. May 1, 2012. By Kat Ward: And what a show it is. Holy moly (yes, this will be the tone of this post, can’t help it, fresh from the tour, brain still buzzing).

If you’re intrigued, amused, or even disdainful of how the 1% live, get your ticket and go. This tour is fascinating, inspirational, amusing and just dreamy. We’d go again just for the views of the San Gabriel mountains. Tennis, anyone? A game of “H-O-R-S-E”?