The GardenOwl Audits
Deep-dive diagnostics, design critiques, and visual master plans to solve your toughest landscape challenges.
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The "Pocket Lawn" Trap: Why Grass Fails in Small Courtyards (And What to Build Instead)
Don't force a lawn into a tiny, shady courtyard. Here is why turf turns to mud in enclosed spaces and how to design a lush, low-maintenance hardscape.
Don't Let That Hill Fail: How to Stabilize a Steep Clay Slope Above a Retaining Wall
A bare clay slope above a new retaining wall is a disaster waiting to happen. Here is how to use jute netting and 'Blue Rug' Juniper to stop erosion cold.
The "Bare Dirt" Backyard: Why Grass Won't Grow Under Your Trees (And What to Plant Instead)
Struggling with a muddy, shaded backyard in Ohio? Learn why grass fails under large trees and how to fix it with fine fescue or a native woodland garden design.
Renting a Gravel Pit? How to Fix a Rock Yard Without Losing Your Deposit
Stuck with a rental yard full of rocks? Learn how to use large containers, 'sled-base' furniture, and lighting to turn a gravel pit into a patio oasis.
The 'Bulldozer Special': Why Your New Yard Needs More Than Just Sod
Starting with a dirt lot? Don't just lay grass. Learn why construction compaction kills new lawns and how to design outdoor rooms that add value.
The "Permanent Mulch" Trap: How to Fix a Yard Full of Crushed Brick
Inherited a yard full of red shards? It’s likely crushed brick mulch gone wrong. Here is how to scrape it out and restore your soil health.