Take It Outside

A great list of ground covers

2011-07-18T13:58:00.000-07:00

After spending a good amount of time in the garden pulling weeds, I have been thinking about what ground covers to add. Here is a great list from Better Homes and Gardens. Most of them are for our zone too! Thyme is my favorite since it tastes good too.

The Benefits of Vegetable Gardening

2011-05-26T10:03:00.001-07:00

photo credit: gusandotherthings via pinterest

As we have just planted our midsummer vegetable crop, we have been looking forward to enjoying the many benefits of our labor. We only have a small vegetable garden, but we managed to plant a couple varieties of tomatoes, green peppers, red peppers, jalapenos, "big tom" peppers, tomatillos and various herbs.

Here are three reasons to start a fruit and vegetable garden:

1. There is an ever growing list of fruits and veggies that we should buy organic. This can be frustrating at times when the prices are high, the organic produce is less than appealing at the big box supermarkets and it's hard to remember which ones are high in pesticides. Planting a few of these in your garden will help ease that burden at least a little bit.

Here is a list of the fruits and veggies that you should consider buying organic whenever possible:

apples

bell peppers

celery

grapes (imported)

lettuce

nectarines

peaches

pears

potatoes

spinach

strawberries

Many of these are a great and simple addition to the garden!

2. Fresh produce is only a few steps away! One of our favorite things to do in the summer is check our crop and pick ripe fruit! It's exciting to watch something grow into a beautiful perfect piece of produce! It's also fun to make sauces with peppers (my personal plan with the tomatillos and "big tom"peppers) and herbs and freeze them for a quick and easy meal during the winter months. Canning, freezing and storing is a little bit of work for a LOT of benefit!

3. Sharing with others! It's so nice to receive fresh produce from a friend or neighbor. Really, it's the way humans functioned for thousands of years before our consumer dependence on big box stores began. What a great way to be generous and develop a sense of community by planting a garden and sharing it with those around you!

Get out, start planting and share the bounty!

Garden Design meets Floral Design

2011-05-20T14:49:00.000-07:00

It's finally that time of year when arrangements can actually be made from the garden! Snowball viburnum is in full bloom, a few tulips are still hanging on and the peonies are about to burst. Here at Olive Branch we love cutting gardens! A garden is meant to be enjoyed right? So, plant some flowers that can be used in the house and if you need arrangements for parties or weddings let us know! We now offer floral design services! These arrangements filled with viburnum, waxflower, purple spider mums and tulips were used for Hotel Deco's first luncheon banquette. We are very excited to be a small part of this hotel's opening!

Fine Gardening June 2011

2011-05-05T10:32:00.000-07:00

Hello fellow gardeners! We're very excited that Mike was asked to contribute to the June 2011 issue of Fine Gardening! He listed a few of his favorite picks for the Northern Plains region. The issue is on newsstands now so go check it out if you get a chance! Fine Gardening always has excellent ideas and tips whether you're an avid gardener or just want something easy. This one is particularly good with a mouth-watering article on heirloom tomatoes. Thanks for checking in!

A Garden Friend

2010-10-05T15:14:00.001-07:00

We found this guy relaxing on an iris pod recently. I think he was just as curious about us as we were about him! We also had an interesting encounter with a squirrel today. He charged at the cat! Luckily, there was a sliding glass door between them! Hope you are enjoying your fall. The weather has been beautiful here. There is a lot of fall planting to be done!

A really big pet rock.

2010-07-06T16:02:00.000-07:00

Water Features make great companions.

Adopt one today. There are many boulders out there looking for a good home. Nothing is better than the sound of water in the garden. Especially on a nice summer night. This particular stone is a basalt column which is a very dense volcanic rock.

A recirculating bubbling boulder really does make a great companion to any landscape. They are great as welcoming accents or clustered together for a very full sound. If you are using just one make sure to place it close to where you do most of your outdoor living. If it is placed too far away it might get lost in the rest of the garden. All that is needed is a nearby power outlet and enough room to dig a basin to hold the water.

Bubbling boulders fit into almost any space. If you have a open space, a larger and more prominent stone is preferable. If your space is more intimate, a smaller boulder with nice subtleties is probably best. Your local stone supplier should have a selection of pre-drilled stones to choose from, or you can pick your own and have them drill it for you. The character of the stone will determine the amount of noise it will produce. A smooth stone like the one above has a very consistent bubbling sound, while a rough stone will have a inconsistent splashing sound. If you already have a space in mind these characteristics will help you pick your new garden companion.

Here is a picture of basalt before it is harvested.

Columnar basalt at Sheepeater Cliff in Yellowstone. pic. from wikipedia

Sculpture so real even the birds are fooled

2010-06-10T16:53:00.000-07:00

Here a young blue jay is trying to make sense of this artful handrail. I guess this means we were successful in capturing a bit of nature in this recycled steel handrail. I should keep in mind that he/she is just a young bird and not yet wise to the world.

Since installation, this functional sculpture has attracted many comments and much wildlife. Both being of the positive and negative sort. Of course we get the occasional comment about it being a pile of rusty twisted metal or something someones grandpa pulled out of their barn. Bird droppings are sometimes right where you don't want them, however, for the most part, the comments are kind and the wildlife is entertaining.

When presented with an opportunity fix or improve a space it is important to not only think functionally but also aesthetically. Seize the day, go out on a limb and try something new.

Late Spring Blooms

2010-06-03T18:49:00.000-07:00

Here is a nice late spring combination: giant allium and 'husker red' penstemon. The allium bring out the subtle purple streaks of the penstemon while the penstemon provide the perfect backdrop for the allium. It is important to consider texture and shape as well as color when choosing plant combinations. I like the contrast of a bold plant against a more delicate one. They aren't competing for attention but compliment each other nicely. These are planted adjacent to a patio but they would also look great from a distance in the garden. If you're going to use allium, don't skimp, they tend to get lost if there are only a few. When used in a group though, their whimsical shape is unmatched by any other flower.

Spring Blooms

2010-05-08T11:22:00.001-07:00

These "pigsqueaks" are one of my favorite plants for the landscape. They have a beautiful bloom in the spring, lush green leaves during the summer and have a subtle reddish tone in the fall. They look especially nice planted in mass or nestled between boulders for a pop of color in the spring and texture year round.

This year has been a little different for us here at Olive Branch. We've had a very busy spring. Landscape season is upon us and we are currently in limbo with our house on the market. We're doing a little less gardening of our own this year, but we do have a potted herb garden that is going strong and we're enjoying the work we've done in the past. After such a long winter, it's hard to believe the tulips have already come and gone and the peonies are about to bloom! Although we're missing a lot of the gardening we are used to doing, it's kind of nice to spend some time just enjoying what we have.

This spring Olive Branch added landscape maintenance to it's list of services! We are very excited to offer this to our clients. We take great care with proper maintenance and take pride in ensuring that our customer's landscapes are always at their finest.

"Boing"

2010-03-12T15:26:00.000-08:00

I love adding art to the landscape whenever possible. I added this "boing" by Diane Mattern to my parents garden last fall. I have enjoyed seeing it all winter standing tall above the snow cover. For this particular site I wanted an upright accent. The space was a little tight for a tall slender evergreen and I wanted instant impact. I am excited to see this sculpture change as the landscape grows and matures. For this particular piece I planted ornamental grasses around the base, once the grasses fill in it will appear as though the "boing" is rising out of the grass. Diane can do a "boing" in just about any size and any color.

Forsythia For All

2010-03-09T15:06:00.000-08:00

The snow is retreating and I can finally see the ground! This has been an unusually cold and snowy winter in Omaha and although I love winter I am glad to see it go. I rejoice in the knowledge that Spring is just around the corner. Just this past weekend the Robins arrived and a flock of Canadian geese made their return known yesterday. Among my favorite signs of spring is the bloom of the forsythia, nothing is better than the golden yellow blooms bursting open against the drab brown of the surrounding landscape. However, I will have to be a little more patient as the forsythia are still a few weeks from blooming. If your forsythia doesn't seem to bloom cosistently you may have a variety that is not hardy enough for your zone. Forsythia flower buds may get frozen off by cold winter temps. Among my other early spring favorites are Eastern Redbuds and Rhododendrons.

This forsythia balloon is just about ready to fly! Personally I enjoy the wild unkempt look, but to each their own.

Top Image by: Mr. T in DC
Bottom Image by: Scriptingnews

Spring is Around the Corner

2010-01-29T07:44:00.000-08:00

This has definitely been one of the snowiest winters I can remember, but take heart fellow gardeners, spring is just around the corner! Now is a great time to be planning for spring. It's also a great time to consider a landscape design. Designers are less hurried and often offer winter discounts. Then you'll be ready, when the ground is warm once again, to start digging! I'll be ready to trade in my snow shovel for a trowel that's for sure!

Bubble Wrapped Deer

2010-01-25T15:55:00.000-08:00

We thought this was kinda funny. We ordered this decorative deer for one of our clients recently. It's not everyday you receive a giant, bubble wrapped deer with a fragile sticker on it's behind! It was waiting for us just like that when we got home. We got a laugh and wondered what the neighbors thought.

Winter Pots

2010-01-16T13:27:00.000-08:00

Okay, admittedly, these photos are a little late for the season! It's always good to plan for next year though right? This is a pot we decorated for some clients. We kept the look natural with a grapevine wreath shaped into a ball as the focal point. We then wrapped it with white lights. The rest is so simple, but classic: fresh mixed greens, some gold twigs, chocolate brown ornaments and a chocolate brown bow (which is hard to see in these photos). We love doing holiday decor here at Olive Branch! We offer container planting and decorating year round, as well as consulting, services and products for larger holiday decor projects (commercial or residential).

More Fall Faves

2009-12-04T14:50:00.000-08:00

This "pig squeak" or Bergenia cordifolia is a great addition to any garden. Not only does it provide great interest throughout the growing season but it is also one of my favorite perennials for fall and winter. The leaves persist long into fall turning from green to a deep red. They provide a great contrast against the brown and grey of the fall landscape. These almost tropical looking perennials will slowly multiply and become a great mass. I especially like them amongst granite boulders.

A Favorite Fall Plant

2009-11-18T21:12:00.000-08:00

We may have lost some blooms to the early October snow, but we still have some plants blooming and it's almost Thanksgiving. This one is Lamium which we've seen bloom late into the season multiple times. I also like how it fills in around the boulders. I would recommend adding this plant to your rock gardens, shade gardens or they would be nice as a border plant.

A Beautiful Fall

2009-11-06T15:32:00.000-08:00

My apologies for the lack of blogging lately. We have had a surprisingly beautiful fall here in Omaha, which has allowed me to be out working on fall landscape clean up for my clients. I thought, with the early snow, that this fall might be pretty rough, but it has been really nice!

We also have moved our business back into our home this fall. We are very excited about the future of Olive Branch and reorganizing the business in order to better serve our clients and be able to focus on designs and projects without the distraction of the retail side of our business. We are still available to special order outdoor furniture, sculptures and pottery for anyone interested. We really enjoyed having our studio in Rockbrook Village and will miss the community there, but my wife and I are looking forward to the opportunity to work from home.

Staircases in the Garden

2009-10-22T11:20:00.001-07:00

Here are a few examples of staircases that we have designed for some of our clients. I know the gardeners out there will be disappointed for the lack of plants, but it is still nice to show a good foundation for a garden. I love stairs in the landscape because they give a person a destination. They can lead someone to a patio, a sunken fire pit, a water feature or simply another area of the garden. They can also frame a landscape as in the top photo and cause a person to pause and take in the view. They also offer so many possibilities as far as container gardens, lighting display and even a place to set the pumpkins in October.

Fall Renovation Project

2009-10-21T14:12:00.000-07:00

Today we installed a small ornamental grass and perennial garden at my parent's house. We ripped out several overgrown evergreens, various overgrown shrubs and shrub roses. Unfortunately, I didn't get before photos, but you can see one overgrown evergreen in the third photo from the top. (Ripping that out tomorrow). The large grasses will eventually grow rather tall and add some interest through the winter. We also had the challenge of hiding leftover stumps. The grasses and perennials that we chose should do a really good job of that. The yarrow will thrive and add a nice swath of color. We also chose a trial geranium, in the final photo, that has been tested to be hardy to zone 6 (we're zone 4/5) so we'll see what happens with that. I guess since it's my parent's house, I can get away with being experimental! Hopefully, we will luck out and they will do really well.

There are still some finishing touches to be done with this project. We will, of course, rip out the evergreen shrub at the corner and attempt to save the greens for my wife's holiday decorating. Then we will extend the yarrow around the corner and possibly add a unique, small evergreen which I have yet to choose. Any suggestions? We will also add some bulbs for spring color, a fresh layer of mulch and possibly a sculpture nestled somewhere in the grasses.

Landscape Photography Part 2

2009-10-15T15:15:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple more of our favorite detail shots from our recent photo venture. It was nice to capture the impatiens in their final glory days. Look for these and many more new photos on our website soon!

Landscape Photography

2009-10-14T09:10:00.000-07:00

My wife and I both really enjoy dabbling in landscape photography. We have been pursuing it more lately since she started working with me this summer. These are some of our most recent photos that we took for a local landscape contractor.

Is it still Fall?

2009-10-13T14:21:00.000-07:00

This has been an interesting fall so far. It has already snowed four inches. Today there was a little sleet and the leaves have only just begun to fall from the trees. A taste of an early winter is helping me to appreciate every morsel of fall that I can get. It's also going to help me get all the garden chores done quickly this weekend before it's too late! It's a little sad to see the annuals and vegetables die, but there is something to be said for getting a little rest from the garden for awhile. I hope you will be able to enjoy some of your favorite fall activities before winter weather takes over. Check out an aspen leaf painting by my wife if you need a reminder of fall.

"A few days ago I walked along the edge of the lake and was treated to the crunch and rustle of leaves with each step I made. The acoustics of this season are different and all sounds, no matter how hushed, are as crisp as autumn air."
- Eric Sloane

The Three Phases of Landscaping

2009-10-08T15:41:00.000-07:00

Phase 1: Landscape design. A landscape design helps a person visualize the potential of their outdoor space. Whether you hire a professional landscape designer or come up with your own plan, having it on paper will help you in the long run. The design can help determine the installation phases and the overall budget of a project. A comprehensive plan includes not only plantings, but also elements such as decks, patios and water features. These elements provide the backbone for a great landscape. A beautiful outdoor space can be accomplished in one season or over many years and can add a great deal of value to a property.

Phase 2: Landscape Installation. Having a landscape design will help you prioritize the phases of your landscape. If you are a do-it-yourselfer, you can chip away at it as time and money allows. If you choose to have it professionally installed, they can use the plan to estimate the different phases of your project. It is important to install the major landscape elements first, such as decks, patios, pools and retaining walls. Large elements, such as these, cause the biggest disturbance in a garden during the installation phase and provide a backdrop to all other elements. A good landscape company will implement the design while keeping longevity and function in mind. It is crucial to maintain proper drainage, quality craftsmanship and correct planting techniques.

Phase 3: Landscape Maintenance. Once you have installed your outdoor living space, there will be some maintenance needed to keep your garden looking its best. Decks need staining, shrubs need pruning and mulching will be needed at least once a year. Even the lowest maintenance garden will need some seasonal upkeep. In order to keep plants healthy, weeds will need to be controlled and the soil conditioned. Providing a fresh layer of mulch (three inches deep) will keep weeds at bay and provide nutrients for the soil. As a garden matures, plants will need to be divided and reorganized to prevent over crowding.

Olive Branch can help with all of your landscaping needs! Here at Olive Branch, we are passionate about the landscaping process and we provide landscape design services, installation and garden maintenance. We would love to give you a space worth coming home to!

Nebraska Autumn

2009-10-06T13:59:00.000-07:00

My wife and I like to venture out to get inspired by nature whenever we can. I always find that it helps my designs when I observe how things grow in nature. Here are some of our best shots after visiting a nearby lake last week. The prairie is really beautiful in the fall. I hope we can get out again!

Fire Time

2009-10-01T14:27:00.000-07:00

It is now officially cool weather in Nebraska. This is a fire pit area we created for a Street of Dreams home back in 2006. I was just thinking it looks like a nice spot to visit right about now. Not without marshmallows and cider, of course.

This is a really simple fire pit design. Sometimes simple is best. We were going for a really natural look, almost as if you stumbled upon it while walking in the woods. Wouldn't that be a nice surprise?

There is nothing better than a good fire during crisp autumn weather. Wish I could go build one right now.

Beautiful Container Combination

2009-09-30T14:00:00.000-07:00

Spotted this container combo at a restaurant in Kansas City this past weekend. Thought I would share it with you and maybe try it next year! I love how the 'dragon wing' begonia peeks out of the lime coleus. I also like how they combined two different types of coleus and the creeping jenny underneath. Gotta love surprise inspiration.

Patio and Landscape Upgrade

2009-09-25T09:01:00.000-07:00

With this particular design, we were challenged to make a small yard more functional. We chose an otherwise awkward, unusable space in the side yard to feature a new concrete patio. Although it isn't yet furnished, it will be a nice spot to sit and enjoy a cup of coffee and talk with the neighbors. This patio will function almost as a substitute for the traditional front porch.

We extended the patio into the backyard in order to have a more private place to sit and also a place to hide the grill. The backyard is small, but we left plenty of green space for the dogs, for play and for future gardening. Once the plants grow in and the patio is softened with some container plantings, it will be a very enjoyable little spot.

Beware Arachnophobes!

2009-09-23T13:08:00.000-07:00

You know it's fall when the spiders start making their presence known! We found this spider spinning her web on our porch last night. When we left the house this morning, her web was complete and there she was waiting patiently for her prey. She is very large and beautiful! She is an argiope aurantia otherwise known as the "writing spider" because of the intricate zig zag down the center of her web. The males are actually much smaller and are only seen when it is time to mate. They are not poisonous so no need to rush to kill them! They are actually quite common all over the world, so you may find one in your garden one of these days! Has anyone else seen a "writing spider" lately?

A Master Plan for the Garden

2009-09-17T14:52:00.000-07:00

This is an example of a detailed master landscape plan. There are many ways of shaping an outdoor living space. For many, it happens over years of hard work and a few mistakes and victories along the way. (That is how my wife and I do it). For others, a major overhaul may take place in one season. They want it done so they can spend their time enjoying their space. We design master plans for both types of people.

Often, a client wants to chip away at their yard over the years, but they need a plan to guide them along the way. They will be able to refer back to the design whenever they want. Having a design done with their specific needs in mind will help to ensure proper plant placement and hopefully save them some time and headache in the future.

For those that are professionally installing a landscape in one season, it is crucial that a professionally designed plan be followed. The above plan includes many different elements including a paver patio with an outdoor kitchen and firepit, a kid's play area, a driveway with coordinating paver banding and, of course, several perennial gardens. Having a plan helps the homeowners and the different companies involved in the installation to be on the same page at all times. It also helps the landscape installation company work more efficiently. If the homeowner is concerned with plant placement (one would hope..) a design will keep things on track.

Most gardeners love the process of planting and working the garden over a lifetime. I love to experiment with plants and see what works and what doesn't, but a landscape design sure does help to visualize a project and keeps one from making a potentially expensive mistake.

Scabiosa

2009-09-16T18:21:00.000-07:00

The scabiosa are still going strong in our yard this year. The "black night" scabiosa is such a striking color. They are a great flower to plant for a cutting garden. They last for quite some time in a vase and look really beautiful when paired with hydrangeas and roses. In the garden they can kind of flop over, but would look really nice in front of or on top of a rock wall. That way, you would be sure to see the blooms. Scabiosa are also surprisingly tough, our dog trampled them more than once this year and they still look great!

Rockbrook Art Fair

2009-09-11T12:53:00.000-07:00

Come visit us during the Rockbrook Art Fair this weekend! We have local art on display in our store as well as beautiful containers and garden art. We would love to see your smiling faces!

Hours:
Saturday 10-6
Sunday 10-5

Location:
Rockbrook Village - 108th & Center
Olive Branch Integrated Outdoor Design (across from Great Harvest Bread Co.)

Backyard Pathway

2009-09-09T10:47:00.000-07:00

Here is a smattering of images taken of the "wedding" project we completed last week. A big thanks to VIP Outdoor Living and David Jordan Remodeling for the amazing work they do implementing our designs. We had a very important deadline on this project and due to rain, we were pushed to the wire. We completed it Friday afternoon, a few hours before the wedding rehearsal. phew. It is good to be challenged and know that we can accomplish quality work in a limited amount of time.

There were many big decisions to be made by the homeowner and she didn't have the luxury of time that most people do for such a large project. She did a great job and has great taste. She has a unique home for small town Nebraska. She is inspired by all things Asian which was fun to include in the design.

The pathway and the fence include bamboo pieces from CaliBamboo. This is the first time I have edged a garden with bamboo and I think it does it's job beautifully. It won't be the last. The homeowners also love copper (notice their copper windows) so we decided to include copper panels on the fence. These will patina naturally over time. The fence and pathway were designed to direct visitors to the homeowners garden which includes a beautiful pond and waterfall. Previously, people would just walk straight across the lawn, bypassing much of the plantings and garden space along the way to the pond. Now they will have to slow down and enjoy the journey!

Functional Garden Art

2009-08-31T14:05:00.000-07:00

We had this handrail made for us by the talented artist Diane Mattern. She is a local artist here in Omaha and we actually carry a handful of her sculptures in our shop. Diane has an eye for rustic garden art and we love to use her work in our client's landscapes. She does amazing arbors and will even do a unique detail on a garden gate. We have enjoyed our new handrail since April and we have watched it form its beautiful patina over the summer. We are so excited to see what it looks like in the snow!

Of course, as a landscape designer, I am a little more concerned with my client's landscapes and projects during the warm months. You can see in the bottom photo that we are working on our front porch. We have been slowly chipping away at it all summer. It should be completed soon and we will post some pictures for you.

I am also very busy this week with a project in Fremont, NE. There is a wedding in their backyard this Friday (yikes) and due to the recent rains in our area, we are rushing to complete it! We will have it done though and I look forward to posting about it soon.

Costa Rica Green

2009-08-25T13:56:00.000-07:00

I recently returned from a mission trip to Costa Rica so I thought I would share some of the photos that I took of the lush vegetation. I have never been anywhere more green! I also love that it is not unusual to have orchids growing in your front yard there and they happen to have the LARGEST hydrangea blooms I have ever seen! Not to mention, countless mystery plants. It is such a nice place for a gardener or a landscape designer or a florist to visit... or anyone who appreciates things that grow! I highly recommend a trip.

I have been playing catch up since I got back from Costa Rica, but I hope to have some photos of some of our current projects soon!

Fuschia Blooms

2009-08-20T14:38:00.000-07:00

A Scabiosa bud and a Mandevilla bloom.
Two of my favorites.
I'm looking forward to fall but a little sad to see the summer blooms fading.

Gourd Time

2009-08-12T15:54:00.000-07:00

Our gourds are finally covering our random piece of chain link fence in the backyard. We tore down the rest of the fence last year, but decided to keep this small section because we knew it would be handy for something... we just didn't know what. There is a compost bin behind the fence and the gourd vines do a good job of hiding it from view. Now that it has grown in, it is also providing a second "wall" to our outdoor living space. Our gourd tee pee is in the second photo, but we're not sure it is tall enough! It looks like the gourds are making a break for the power pole! The fruit is coming along nicely and it looks like we'll have an abundance of gourds!

A Multi-Level Backyard Project

2009-08-07T12:29:00.000-07:00

This project was a challenge, but also very rewarding in the end. The yard had a unique slope that wasn't really user friendly, so we made it a multi-level garden space with a spot for eating dinner, a spot for the hot tub and the crowd-pleasing fire pit. It is the ultimate party spot (for suburban America anyway)!

This is the view from the fire pit. There is an upper level patio for dining and also the empty space to the left probably has a table on it by now. We used a variety of materials, including flagstone, boulders and stamped concrete.

Here is the focal point of the yard, the fire pit. There is a flagstone seat wall surrounded by grasses. It was a fun project.

View from the upper level dining area.

Cool Water Feature for Hot Days

2009-08-05T09:24:00.000-07:00

This is a water feature we designed as a focal point for a patio. On a hot day like today, it would be a nice addition to any garden space. We included italian mosaic tile, copper and mexican beach pebble to give it a beach-y vibe. For us land-locked Nebraskans, a little water goes a long way!

Favorite Time of Day

2009-08-03T09:41:00.000-07:00

This is Jess, our cat, enjoying a nice little spot next to the lamb's ear in our garden. She lives for meal time and garden time! She is normally an indoor cat so getting to sit outside with us is a special treat.

We are trying to find time to work on our own garden. Being in the landscaping business it can be a challenge because we are often working on someone else's garden. We wouldn't have it any other way though, it is what we love to do! We like to work on it in the evenings while enjoying a cold refreshment usually! It is probably our dog and cat's favorite time of day. They love to watch us work!

We also really enjoy composting. It's great to generate your own dirt! We have a had a basic compost pile for quite some time, consisting of mostly leaves, weeds and some kitchen scrap, but we want to make it a richer, healthier soil. Just found this list of 75 Things You Can Compost via the Dirt Du Jour blog. It's eye-opening to see just how much you can put in your compost pile. We may need to expand our bin, it's already overflowing!

Happening in Our Vegetable Garden

2009-07-30T11:20:00.000-07:00

The bees are loving the summer squash blooms. We find them in the mornings just hanging out inside, either drunk on nectar or taking a nap... not sure which one.

The cherry tomatoes are starting to ripen. The tomato harvest begins... very exciting!

Baby gourds. This is the first year we've ever grown gourds and it looks like we will have an abundance! We are growing the vines to conceal section of chain link fence. Hopefully by fall it will be a beautiful wall of gourds.

Happening in Our Garden

2009-07-29T11:02:00.000-07:00

Here is a sampling of what is blooming in our yard this year. The coreopsis is doing well, despite the small amount of sunshine that it receives. I like the way it looks growing around the boulders.

The hydrangea is blooming! (Late Panicle Hydrangea) It glows when the late afternoon sun hits it just right.

The hostas are also blooming.

We also have plenty of ground cover sedum doing it's job and spreading like crazy.

When Man Gets In the Way

2009-07-27T13:57:00.000-07:00

I had to get a picture of this when I was in a forested area outside of Omaha recently. You don't want to get in the way of a tree. They mean business.

A Vine Time Part 2

2009-07-24T14:07:00.000-07:00

These vine images are from a client's house. I honestly don't know what kind of vines they are, but I thought they were so cool I had share them with you. I like how sculptural the last one is, I don't know if I've ever seen a vine with that much character before. The vine growing up their house does a nice job of breaking up the wall space in their backyard. It is nice to have a different texture. It will look really great once we install the landscape. My favorite thing about vines is their imperfection. They seem to have a mind of their own, but they are fun to work with. I am excited to see how our new landscape plan will work with these established vines. It is going to be beautiful... (it better be)... they are having a wedding in their backyard this fall! (stay tuned for follow up photos).

The Shop

2009-07-21T11:21:00.000-07:00

Here is a peek inside our small store/design studio in Rockbrook Village. We carry art, sculpture, pottery and even hand lotion for gardeners. The fire pit pictured above is artisan made.

We are currently having a midsummer sale! Our large pots are 50% off!!

The Gilden Tree lotions are also on sale at 30% off! Fun fact about Gilden Tree... it is made locally here in Omaha and has been featured in magazines for it's popularity on the east coast!

If you are ever in the Omaha area, please stop by and say hi!

Natural Stone Driveway

2009-07-20T13:28:00.000-07:00

The intent of this project was to have a third driveway stall that is somewhat disguised from the street and from the neighbors. We also wanted it to have a double life as a patio when desired. The homeowners could set out a table and chairs or a fire pit and have a nice spot to relax in their front yard.

The homeowners are avid art collectors so they included sculptural elements including basalt columns and steel garden art. (btw, we have a very similar steel sculpture in our shop in Rockbrook village available right now!) The smallest basalt column catches water for birds which is cool. They live at the edge of a forested area where there is a lot of wildlife.

We included Weigela and "Little Titch" cat mint.

Since they live in a wooded area it was very important to them to have things looking natural and a little wild.

The boulders add to the rustic, wooded feel to the addition as well.

This is a nice way to add functional space to the landscape without having to pour another slab of concrete. The trees, flowers and the natural stone birdbath will be inviting to both humans and friendly woodland creatures for many years to come!

Coneflower and Liriope

2009-07-16T12:34:00.000-07:00

I am really enjoying our coneflower plants this year. I know they are pretty standard issue, but how can you not like them? We planted some several years back, loved them and then they got that yellows disease and we sadly had to rip them all out. Last fall we planted three "Kim's Knee High" coneflowers and they are large and beautiful this year. It's good to have them back.

We are also enjoying an abundance of liriope which makes me happy because we had a harsh winter last year and it seems to be thriving in it's sunny location. I'm looking forward to it's blooms.

A Place to Sit

2009-07-15T16:31:00.000-07:00

In a town filled with art, the creators or this bench were no doubt challenged to come up with a unique place to sit. Most US cities are lacking beautiful, creative public spaces, but Santa Fe is filled with them. With a little more thought and design, many a drab city corners could be turned into works of art. Not only does this bench offer a pleasant place to sit, it also has a garden beside it for passersby to enjoy. The bench has also become a nice stone backdrop to that garden. I had to snap a picture of it last time I was there because I was so happy to see some creative city landscaping. Kinda wish I could be there right now...

A Vine Time

2009-07-13T12:58:00.000-07:00

This is the time of year when vines really carry their weight in the garden. A well positioned vine can provide a tremendous amount of shade and comfort during these hot summer months. A vine can also transform a space from blah to beautiful. To me, well tended vines on pergolas, homes, or any garden structure takes a landscape to the next level. They are one of those elements like art and water that can really define a space and take the viewer to a different place. Being from the mid west most of my life I feel like outdoor spaces with vines makes my mind wonder to old gardens in Europe or on the coast. As these wisteria vines continue to cover this wine bar patio it will become more and more like a old European vineyard.

Astilbe Love

2009-07-10T16:45:00.000-07:00

I've grown to love astilbe this year. It can be a great addition to a "woodland" style garden. I like seeing it in a large mass like this.

Hope you all have a great weekend!

Live your Life Outside

2009-07-08T13:37:00.000-07:00

A deck doesn't have to be boring. Too many backyards go unused simply because they don't have an inviting transitional space. This deck is inviting and multi-functional. The main area is ideal for dining and everyday use. The pergola provides shade and the fan keeps you cool in the summer heat. There is a secondary, functional landing as well that is perfect for when entertaining a crowd. Finally, there is a rustic, flagstone patio with a fire pit to warm you up doing the colder months. This deck increases the usable space in the homeowner's backyard and invites people to sit and stay awhile... no matter what time of year. We love to design something that looks good, but also truly enhances the functionality of your outdoor space.

A transitional space doesn't have to be a fancy deck either. An herb garden right outside the kitchen is functional and invites us out daily during the growing season. A small patio with some seating and perhaps a fire pit would also do the trick. It is nice if these spaces relate to the adjacent indoor rooms such as a small and private patio for two off of a bedroom or a larger patio designed for entertaining off of the kitchen or living room. There are small things we can do to really increase our homes living spaces and encourage ourselves to step outside!

Take a look at a few of our other decks, patios and structures for some ideas.

Visit our website for more information about our company and what we do.

A Place to Entertain

2009-07-06T15:12:00.000-07:00

Here are some images from a project we completed this past spring. There are a lot of fun features including a fire pit, two water features, a built-in grill, and an inviting seating wall.

Cooper, the neighbor's dog even enjoys hanging out here until his mom gets home from work!

This was a really fun project to work on and I am excited to see it once the plants get established.

As you can see, there is plenty of space for entertaining or dining al fresco.

Flower Bombs

2009-07-02T10:01:00.000-07:00

Happy Fourth of July everyone! Here are some firework-like plants from our nation's capitol. All taken at the D.C. Botanic Gardens. Beautiful. Have a great holiday weekend!

Hopscotch Anyone?

2009-07-01T15:00:00.000-07:00

A good example of how a pathway can be inviting and add interest to an otherwise uninteresting space. Kids would love this to play a little hopscotch too! The plants have surely grown in by now. I need to get out there and get new photos of some of the gardens we have designed. Anyone know where I can find the time to do that this time of year??

Recent Design Plans

2009-06-30T08:50:00.000-07:00

This is one of our more recent designs. The images are a little dark, but you can see that there is a beautiful water feature and patio space, boulder lined flagstone pathways and areas for new plant material. This is a hardscape concept plan, the next step is the planting plan.

The top photo shows us what the water feature will look like. There are a few waterfalls that will run down the stone walls and a stone pathway that winds along the water feature so you can enjoy it from all angles. There will also be a bar and seating area... a nice place to enjoy a glass of wine!

The middle image deals with an awkward space in the garden... underneath the deck. Container plantings help to green up the space, while the lighting will make it an inviting spot in the evenings.

Check out some of our other design work on our website.

Perennial Pathway

2009-06-29T09:44:00.000-07:00

This pathway transformed a bland hillside into a lush focal point in a backyard. It leads to a vegetable garden that is disguised by well placed perennials. The stone steps were designed to look as if they had been there forever and the plants were placed to look natural as well. We chose hardy perennials such as salvia, yarrow, coneflower, ornamental grasses, veronica and russian sage. Hardy shrub roses and rhododendrons were used to anchor the perennial garden. A perennial pathway is a nice way to add a little excitement to your daily walk to the vegetable garden.

Is this a mirage?

2009-06-26T09:28:00.000-07:00

You wouldn't guess this swim-up bar is in Nebraska would you? Sure would feel nice on a day like today. The homeowners on this project really wanted their backyard to feel like a resort. They wanted a place to entertain the adults as well as the grandkids. It was a small space but we managed to work in all of the desired elements including a bar/grill/dining area, a custom pool and spa with a natural stone "diving board" and even a fire pit. I don't know about you, but I could kick back and relax in a place like this!

Sculpture in the Garden

2009-06-24T12:47:00.000-07:00

This is a "boing" sculpture by Diane Mattern. Her sculptures are a beautiful addition to any garden! She recently installed a hand rail at our home (I will post pics later) and it looks great! Sculpture can really put the finishing touch on a garden and also provide a focal point. Here are a few other pics featuring sculpture in an outdoor space. They were all taken outside of art galleries in Santa Fe, NM.

side note: that's a pretty sweet rock wall.

Shade Needed

2009-06-23T09:22:00.000-07:00

110 degree heat index has me realizing how unprepared for hot summer weather I am! Those umbrellas would be a nice addition to my backyard right about now. I love the idea in the above picture from marthastewart.com for a DIY shade structure using a drop cloth! Our dog would love it too... we often find him lying behind a perennial desperately trying to get shade! Some sort of shade structure is definitely a necessity for our backyard. We have it on the to-do list!

Flagstone Pathway

2009-06-22T14:25:00.000-07:00

We installed this flagstone pathway recently to add functionality to a do-it-yourselfer's garden. The client does a beautiful job taking care of his favorite plants and keeping a tidy little garden, but just needed some help adding a flagstone path through his yard. We love improving an outdoor space whether the project is large or small. A path is a nice way of drawing people away from the home and into the garden. Why not invite people to explore your plants and appreciate all of the hard work that you've put into your garden?

Backyard Oasis

2009-06-19T11:10:00.000-07:00

This beautiful backyard was designed with entertaining, outdoor living and gardening in mind. Actually, it was one of our first completed projects here at Olive Branch. The perennials have had a several years to get established so I snapped a few photos the other day. The perennial garden includes hydrangeas, hostas, iris, allium, penstemon, wild geranium and daphne shrubs. We also plant up their containers each year. This year we filled them with cosmos, zinnias, impatiens, cannas among other tropicals. The plants are only a small feature of this versatile garden. There is also a spa and water feature that accompany the space and make it usable year round. We have had a lot of fun working on this project and watching it grow.

A Primeval Fern in DC

2009-06-15T20:15:00.001-07:00

Took some beautiful photos at the Botanic Gardens in Washington DC today. Could have spent all day doing that, but had many things to do and see! This little fern frond was growing in the Primeval garden which was really nice. The whole room was misty like a rainforest... who doesn't love mist? I will post more photos later!

Garden Party

2009-06-11T14:39:00.000-07:00

It's funny how when you're working on someone's outdoor project, they often say they will have a party and invite you as a thank you... most of the time that doesn't happen... but last week it actually did happen! This was a complete outdoor living renovation featuring a built-in grill, several water features, a fire pit and plenty of space to entertain. The kids love it so much they actually do their homework out there now! The client also said that she has to keep the ingredients for s'mores stocked in case of a sudden craving. These clients were great to work with and had this party to thank all who were involved in creating this space. This patio is one of my favorite projects and I will be sure to post more pictures of it in the future.

Joslyn Sculpture Garden

2009-06-10T12:56:00.000-07:00

We explored the new sculpture garden at Joslyn Art Museum last night. It's definitely worth a trip! The reflecting pool is beautiful... unfortunately the "river" water feature wasn't on so we weren't able to get the full experience. It looks like they are planning to continually add to the sculpture collection which is exciting.... there is a lot of room for additional art! I personally think the plant choices for the garden could have been better, it would've been nice to see the plants used more sculpturally. They were lacking in movement and interest (too many daylilies and a lack of perennial combinations) but overall it is a great addition to an already spectacular art museum. The sculpture by Omaha artist Kaneko (pictured above) stands out as well as some of the other figurative sculptures. We will definitely be back to see the water feature in its full glory and see how the garden looks as it gets established.

2009-06-09T10:37:00.000-07:00

Don't you love a beautifully planted container? We do. They do so much for an outdoor living space. They soften corners, invite butterflies and provide fragrance. Not to mention they are fun to watch as they grow. I am always looking for an opportunity to get the most out of my container gardens. The Mexican heather pictured above will actually last indoors over the winter in a sunny spot and winter hardy succulents such as a sedums or hens and chicks can be planted in the ground in the fall. This way the plants don't have to go in the compost pile, but can be enjoyed next year!

Welcome!

2009-06-08T16:15:00.000-07:00

Welcome to our new blog about anything related to landscapes, gardens and their design. At Olive Branch Integrated Outdoor Design we love outdoor living and we want you to take it outside! We will be posting gardening tips and ideas, local garden-lover events, happenings here at Olive Branch and anything else that inspires us! We hope that you will find something here that inspires you to get outside and make a space of your own!