SHaque Designs

Design Tip: Choose a color you love and then pick plants with different shapes and shades to bring color and joy to your garden. This is my late May study in purple - bearded iris, camassias, creeping phlox, and allium - all singing their purple hearts out!

Design tip: Go see gardens that wow you. I was fortunate enough to see the Piet Oudolf-designed space at the Calder Gardens in Philadelphia. I was not disappointed. In fact, I was running around squealing. The block planting, designed in harmony with the museum's architecture, was bursting with early spring colors of bright yellows, dark and light purples, blues, and soft pinks. It was so inspiring to see the shadier areas planted in his signature style as well. I highly recommend seeing one of his gardens in person if you're looking for design inspiration, planting combinations, or just want to soak in the gorgeousness.

One month from today, on Sunday, June 7, the historic Loring Greenough House will be hosting the Jamaica Plain Garden Tour. My garden will be on the tour, and if you're local, I'd love to see you there! A ticket to all the gardens can be purchased on the Loring Greenough House website and proceeds go towards the upkeep of the LGH gardens, which are open to the public 365 days a year. Gardens are meant to be shared, so please stop by, meet other garden lovers, and see your neighbors!