The GardenOwl Audits
Deep-dive diagnostics, design critiques, and visual master plans to solve your toughest landscape challenges.
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Stop Outlining Your Roof: How to Design Exterior Lighting That Looks Expensive
Thinking about LED strip lights for your roofline? Stop. Learn why tracing your house with lights ruins its curb appeal and how to use uplighting correctly.
Fixing a Muddy, Shaded Dog Yard: Why Grass Fails Under Big Trees
Struggling to grow grass in a muddy, shaded backyard with heavy dog traffic? Learn why turf fails under large trees and how to build a durable hardscape.
Are Old Landscape Timbers Safe for Raised Beds? Fixing the 'Frankenstein' Retaining Wall
Learn how to identify toxic treated wood in your garden, why mixing wood and concrete in retaining walls is a structural disaster, and how to build safe raised beds.
Why Your Front Entry Looks Awkward
Wondering why your front entry looks awkward even after new plants and paint? See how small changes to depth, width, and roof form fix the whole approach.
How to Landscape Above a Boulder Retaining Wall: Fixing the Weedy Slope Trap
Stop fighting weeds on a steep grade. Learn how to landscape above a boulder retaining wall using creeping groundcovers, sweeping plant masses, and wood chips.
How to Patch a Rotted Planter Wall (And Stop It from Ruining Your Foundation)
Learn how to replace a rotted railroad tie in a raised planter, fix soil-to-stucco moisture traps, and protect your home's foundation from expensive rot.