Spring is officially here and that means that I can allow myself to launch full force into garden planning for the coming months. We might be moving in a bigger place with a bigger yard, which will be an exciting project in and of itself. But, whether we do or not, there are several things I want to try in my garden this year.

First off, I'm making one of these succulent "fountains". When I saw this for the first time (thank you, Pinterest) I was obsessed. I freaking LOVE this. 

Second, I'm going to plant some wisteria because... well, why not?! It's gorgeous, fragrant, romantic, dreamy... 

Last year I set up an outdoor eating area with string lights which I was pretty pleased with, but this year I'm going to really try to perfect it, like these:

We grow veggies every year, but if we get a bigger space my goal is to build some raised beds OR get some of these cool oversized galvanized contaners! They don't rot, and the have a built in spiggot to ensure good drainage.

I've also always wanted a cool fire pit to sit around, like this guy:

Well... more like this:

Or maybe a chiminea...

Ok, I know that's a lot of goals... but I'm a project lover. I'll keep you posted on my progress if I make any. In the meantime, what are your plans for your garden this spring?

Right now the Bay Area is experiencing an unseasonably warm, dry winter. Some of us are suffering from spring fever, but we’ve still got a ways to go. Now is the perfect time to dream, plan, and set goals for the changes you want to make to your garden this year.

The crisp and sunny days keep making me think of arid landscapes and desert plants, and this months issue of Garden Design just happened to feature one of the most enchanting botanical gardens I’ve ever seen, the Jardin Etnobotanico de Oaxaca in Mexico. 

Organ pipe cactus make the most fabulous border, and their mirrored reflection in the water is breathtaking!

I love the contrast of clean, geometric Hechtia against the rustic beauty of the Santo Domingo monastery. Hopefully someday I can visit it. For a more practical application, the following photos are from an older Garden Design issue featuring a serene cactus garden in Los Angeles...

Love it! Even if arid desert isn't your thing, the simple, sculptural beauty and contrasting shapes and colors can certainly be applied to other garden styles. 

What kind of garden are you dreaming of this winter?