Top 5 Eco-Friendly Home Designs Making Waves in 2024

Homeowners are increasingly drawn to eco-friendly homes that prioritize efficiency, reducing environmental impact while ensuring comfort remains uncompromised…

Most homeowners typically consider simple eco-friendly changes like LED lighting or energy-efficient appliances for sustainable home design. However, the realm of sustainable design goes beyond these practices. Many are now embracing green homes that prioritize efficiency, comfort, and environmental consciousness. With advancements like 3D printing and alternative building materials, sustainable homes are becoming more accessible and affordable. This article from U.S. News explores various innovative ideas, from using renewable materials to water catchment and recycling, especially crucial in regions like the Pacific Northwest.

A History of Cottage Gardens and How to Plant One

According to House & Garden, the English cottage garden has undergone significant evolution over the past centuries, shaping modern gardening practices. Despite its rustic charm, the term "cottage garden" evokes romantic imagery of flowers cascading over thatched roofs and quaint countryside scenes.

Originally born out of necessity for self-sufficiency, these gardens have experienced numerous revivals, from the Arts and Crafts movement to recent showcases at the Chelsea Flower Show. They serve as a foundation for naturalistic planting design, embodying an informal and haphazard aesthetic.

In the nineteenth century, the cottage garden transitioned into a stylized form, with flowers taking center stage within the wild framework. Figures like William Robinson and Gertrude Jekyll praised its artistic merits, emphasizing the beauty found in simplicity and spontaneity. This lack of rigid planning allows the flowers to tell their own story, creating a unique charm that embraces freedom from rules.

The Incredible Edible....Garden

I never understood why Mary in the Mother Goose rhyme was so contrary, but even she put some planning into it.

This month, Houzz.com contributor, Rebecca Cuttler, writes about getting your hands into the soil and growing beautiful plants that are edible too! Whether you’re starting a new garden or returning to a well-established one, here in the Pacific Northwest, the planting and reaping seasons are year round and planning is very necessary. And a beautiful garden makes for luxurious curb appeal and pride of ownership - a worthy investment in any home!