The Journal
A seasonal record of growing, making, and living — documenting gardens in progress, skills learned through practice, and the philosophy behind why any of it matters.
Planting Bare Root Peonies: A Step-by-Step Guide
Learn how to plant bare root peonies step-by-step for strong roots and abundant blooms. Duchess de Nemours was the first peony I ever smelled from across a room — and she remains the fragrant centerpiece of my white garden. Here’s exactly how to plant them correctly so yours thrive for decades.
Building a White Garden: Perennials First, Seeds Second
A white garden isn’t built all at once. It’s layered over time, beginning with perennials that establish structure, rhythm, and return — and only later filled in with seed-grown abundance. This is how I’ve learned to build a garden that feels settled, generous, and meant to last.
The Courtyard Garden: Learning to Make a Place You Want to Be
When we moved to Hilltop, the courtyard was beautiful—but it wasn’t a place you entered. This entry traces the first phase of learning how to turn a landscaped space into a garden meant to be lived in.
Why I Chose a White Garden
A white garden wasn’t a trend choice for me — it was a way to create calm, continuity, and restraint. This piece explores why I was drawn to a limited palette, how white can be expressive rather than stark, and what a white garden makes possible across seasons, light, and daily life.