Design Mom — The Intersection of Design & Motherhood

A Few Things

May 24, 2013

French Farmhouse

Image and text by Gabrielle.

Hello, Friends. How’s it going? As you can tell by the photo above, the plants at La Cressonnière have really come to life this week. This is our 3rd time seeing the wisteria make its appearance and I can’t imagine ever tiring of watching Spring unfold with this stunning backdrop.

That said, it is actually quite chilly and wet today in Normandy. Our heaters our turned up, and I wore a full coat and scarf on my errands this morning. I had to keep reminding myself this is late May! Hah! I’m craving a long walk in the countryside this weekend, accompanied by my camera. (I hope the weather cooperates!) How about you? Any fun plans? Is this the first weekend of summer for you? Will you be warming up the grill?

While I pull on a sweater (and shake my head in wonder), here are a few things I thought you might like:

- Pet pillows for people.

- Is cranky contagious at your house? Thanks, Heather.

- Another sister + brother bedroom — Scandinavian style.

- Some people might say “This is the most important app ever made. Ever.”

- Ben Blair and Ralph are in London this weekend. We’ve been watching Ralph’s videos when we miss them (here’s the latest episode of Zombie Smash, and his most recent mini-movie — less than a minute long).

- I’ve been thinking about this essay on celebrities and inequality. Have you read it?

- How to create a focal wall.

- Let’s have a tea party!

- Morgan is getting rid of 5 items in her home every day for 90 days. That is some epic Spring Cleaning.

- Party mini buttons.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend and a Happy Memorial Day! We don’t have a 3-day weekend here in France, so I plan to share a post or two. I’ll meet you back here on Monday. I miss you already.

kisses,
Gabrielle

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Your Opinion, Please?

May 24, 2013

@designmom: What should be the prize for my first Instagram contest? KitchenAid Mixer (you pick the color!), Kindle Fire 32 GB, Dyson Vacuum DC 33, or iPad Mini 16 GB?

By Gabrielle.

Quick question: Next week I’m going to launch my first Instagram contest, but I can’t decide on a prize. What do you think would be best: A Kitchen Aid Mixer (you pick the color!), a Kindle Fire HD 32 GB, a Dyson Vacuum model DC 33, or an Ipad Mini 16 GB?

Just click your favorite above to vote. And watch for the contest on my Instagram stream next week!

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Children’s App Review: Peek-A-Zoo

May 24, 2013

By Koseli. Images by Treebettydesign.

I’m excited to share another educational animal app that I just love. It’s called Peek-A-Zoo. There’s also Peek-A-Zoo UnderWater app, which my son loves just as much. And the creators just announced a new version, Peek-A-Zoo Train, that will be available on June 14th.

First, I love the sense of humor and quirkiness behind the illustrations in this app. I also really like the app’s melody upon opening and the children’s voices that announce the name of each animal when you tap on them. I’ve been surprised at how quickly my one and half year old has picked up on the names and sounds of the new animals he’s encountered in the app. It’s really fun to watch! It’s easy for him to navigate all by himself, too. This would be especially fun to download before a big trip to the zoo or aquarium.

You can buy the app here. It’s available for iPhone and iPad only. Recommended for ages 6 months-3 years.

P.S. — More childrens app recommendations here.

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Judy Kaufmann Giveaway

May 23, 2013

I’ve got a wonderful giveaway for you today! Artist and pattern maker, Judy Kaufmann, is offering a set of 3 gorgeous prints. Fantastic!

map and birds poster

The winner will receive the large Map and Birds Poster plus two 13 x 19″ prints of their choice! Isn’t that fantastic? The Map and Birds poster is really big — 23.5 × 33 inches. Definitely go check out the detail shots — it’s a beautiful poster! I would hang it in a family room, playroom or child’s bedroom. I think the colors could make a great starting point for putting together an entire space.

Plus, the winner gets to pick 2 additional prints! If I won I would be tempted by identical twins (my favorite), Frida Kahlo and Neighborhood II. Use them to redecorate, or use them as gifts. Judy’s prints bring such a freshness to any room, they are sure to be beloved.

Judy Kaufmann Posters

I’m a big fan and have been writing about her work for ages. So I’m over the moon that I get to host this giveaway featuring her colorful designs.

Visit Judy Kaufmann’s shop and leave a comment below to enter — I’d love to hear what design catches your eye first. The winner will be announced on Monday. Good luck!

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The Period Store

May 23, 2013

The Period Store

By Gabrielle.

In February, I wrote about Le Parcel, a service that discreetly mails you a monthly package with everything you need for your period. Well, a related service launched about the same time. It’s called The Period Store. And instead of going for subtle, discreet and behind-the-scenes, they have a different approach. They are encouraging women to talk about their periods openly, and without embarrassment. One of the founders wrote to me saying, “We believe we are in a new age of feminism and that it is time for periods to be a more included part of our womanhood as much as our hair, skincare and cosmetic regimes currently are.”

To demonstrate their openness they make videos about women talking about their periods, they have a blog called The Periodical that covers a wide range of period topics — some funny, some more serious — and includes stories from real women, and they host events, like this Menstruation Celebration, throughout the year. Maybe my favorite thing: they brand their products with patterns made from silhouettes of tampons and maxi-pads. Hah!

I definitely grew up in the not-talking-about-it-camp. I remember blushing furiously if a tampon commercial came on the TV when I was watching a show with my brothers, or really, even my sisters! So I’m certainly someone who could learn to be more comfortable about my period. In fact, I was sort of amazed when I watched the video at how open the featured women were.

The Period Store

What’s your take on this idea? Are you already comfortable talking about your period freely? Or do you feel this is a subject you’d rather keep behind the scenes? Do you dread your period? If yes, would a site like The Period Store help you think about and experience your period differently? And can you imagine getting to a place where periods are talked about as openly as hair care or makeup?

P.S. — Yes, you can also subscribe to The Period Store’s monthly package. They offer brands like Kotex and Always as well as sea sponges, menstrual cups and international products from around the world — plus goodies like hand-crafted sweets, packets of tea, and a 5×7 art print.

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Restaurant Critic

May 23, 2013

By Raleigh-Elizabeth. Image via The Renshaw.

It’s a rare day that I get to taste the food I read about in restaurant reviews. From America’s most dazzling hot spots to small hole-in-the-walls where dinner for two costs my monthly diaper budget, I’m relegated to drooling over the words, not the plates.

And maybe that’s half the idea. Maybe restaurant critics write not just to sell us on the merit of a dish, chef, or fancy restaurant, but to let us have a taste of something they know we probably couldn’t enjoy without them.

That’s the truth Ruth Reichl discovered when she first started out as a restaurant critic for the New York Times. Newly returned to New York after a stint in California, she headed first to Le Cirque (among Manhattan’s fanciest fancy places) dressed not as herself, New York Times restaurant critic, but as the invented Molly Hollis, a Michiganer who wore pantyhose when it was hot out, got no special treatment, and was sat in the frozen tundra of the restaurant on a banquette she was forced to share with the menus and wine lists. When she started to peruse those wine lists (because her waiter had failed to give her one), it was unceremoniously demanded back because someone else – clearly, someone important – needed it. By contrast, when she appeared as herself, Ruth Reichl, Restaurant Critic, she was told — quite honestly — that the King of Spain would have to wait in the bar, but her table was ready.

More on restaurants, critics, and real food ahead!

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From Home Tour To HGTV

May 23, 2013

By Gabrielle.

Every time I hit publish on a Living With Kids home tour, I sigh with gratitude at the hard work and love that the contributors clearly put into them. And then I wish I could send them all two dozen French pastries to match their sweetness.

Well. Joanna Gaines got something even better than lemon tarts and pots de crème. After seeing the Gaines’ home here on Design Mom, a production company contacted Joanna. Fast forward a year and a lot of filming later, and HGTV is airing a pilot called Fixer Upper on May 23, at 7pm CST, starring Joanna and her husband, Chip! Isn’t that exciting?

I always end my tours with ”If you’d like to share your own home with us, just send me a note! It’s a lot of fun…I promise!” See? I’m telling the truth! You just never know how much fun! Hooray, Gaines family!

P.S. – It’s never easy to see yourself on television (Do I really sound like that?!), but I am glad our French house hunting adventure and brand new French accents were recorded.

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Living Well: 8 Secrets To The Perfect Burger

May 22, 2013

8 Secrets to the Perfect Burger

Images and text by Lindsey Johnson for Design Mom.

Do you remember the first time you had the perfect hamburger? I certainly do. It wasn’t too thick or too thin, it was juicy and flavorful, and I enjoyed every single bite.

Trying to recreate the perfect hamburger at home is actually easier and simpler than you might think. It’s just a matter of understanding a few basics and getting the timing down, and then you’ll be well on your way to a summer filled with juicy grilled burgers.

8 Secrets to the Perfect Burger

Are you ready to get grilling?

Find out all the secrets! Click here.

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Summer School 2.0: Fun Online Classes for Kids

May 22, 2013

playful learning e-course

This post is brought to you by Playful Learning. Amazing Online Classes for Life’s Big Lessons.

By Gabrielle.

I was watching the Alt For Everyone tweets at the end of last week (did any of you attend?), and it reminded me how enjoyable taking a good online course can be. It got me thinking that it would be really fun to sign my kids up for a few internet-based classes this summer. It’s like a new, better version of Summer School. Let’s call it Summer School 2.0!

Just think, you can pick out something different for each child — no chauffering involved. Even better, no having to choose between two different classes because of overlapping schedules. And since location doesn’t matter, we could start a class while living in France, and finish it when we’re back in the States. I’m kind of psyched about the whole idea!

In case you’re feeling as enthusiastic about the idea as I am, here are 8 Online Classes that I think would be great for kids:

- A Photo Prompt class. I love the simple idea of having a new photo goal to take every day. This one would be an especially good fit for Olive. She’s taken quite a liking to Instagram and seems to really have a knack for taking beautiful photos. This would be a nice way to help her keep developing that talent.

- A Kids Kindness class. This course teaches children about the power of their words and the affects that put-ups and put-downs have on how people feel. No doubt my kids will be getting on each others’ nerves this summer, so this would be a great fit. And it’s a bargain at $17! This course about stress-management for kids looks good too.

- A Programming Class. Your kids can learn to create their own app or video game. Cool, right? Who knows, you may be raising the next Bill Gates or Steve Jobs. It would be fun to give this a try and find out if your kids have a natural passion for programming.

Five more class recommendations. Click here!

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Tiny Treasure: The Perfect Shade of Lipstick

May 22, 2013

By Koseli. Image here.

For the past several years(!), I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect lipstick. Not a gloss, a stain, a fruity chapstick, an all-in-one blush cheek and lip balm. (Though I love and have all of those.) I wanted the original. A simple tube of lipstick that glides-on smooth, smelled beautiful, and was finally, finally the perfect shade for my complexion. But if you’ve been on the official Lipstick Hunt too, you know how hard it is to find something that fits all of your criteria.

A couple of weeks ago on a solo adventure in Manhattan, I found myself seated at a Sephora counter at the Columbus Circle mall, anxiously eyeing the shopgirl as she picked out various pink and berry lipstick shades from around the store. I’d already tried ten or fifteen myself with no happy results (too orange! too runny! this tastes like watermelon sour candy!). But on only her second try, this make-up saint planted the smoothest, prettiest lipstick on my lips and I knew I had finally found the perfect shade.

I don’t consider myself a super girly-girl but I do love make-up. But I had never ventured into “real lipstick” territory until now. It almost felt too mature for me. Has anyone else felt that way? Also, do you wear lipstick ? If so, what is your absolute favorite color and brand? I’m also curious if you wear it everyday!

P.S. — Our Tiny Treasures series features small, inexpensive things that give a big boost to quality of life. Find all the Tiny Treasures here.

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Living With Kids: Meg Zaletel

May 21, 2013

By Gabrielle.

Meg Zaletel and her husband Zach were this close to not being able to participate in a Living With Kids tour: they didn’t want kids! Luckily for them both, they changed their minds and Zelda came into their lives. Theirs is a lovely, lovely story, and I found myself re-reading sections of this interview more than once. There’s a lot to take in, from wild paint colors and Alaskan decor to an incredibly generous look at open adoptions and a wonderful philosophy on decorating with Zelda in mind from the very beginning. It’s just nice, all of it. I know it will make your day better. My dear Readers, I’m pleased to introduce to you my new Anchorage friends! Enjoy the tour.

Q: Tell us how you turned this house into your home.

A: My husband, Zach, and I were comfortably renting and not really looking to buy, but he went to an estate sale at this house and later we learned it was for sale. We stomped through many feet of snow to peek in all of the windows to get a closer look, and learned that the house was really perfect for us.

Our home purchase was quick; only about two months after we made an inquiry. This was my first home purchase and it was a very smooth and easy experience. By the end of our first night in our home I had the living room, bedroom, and kitchen all set up. Of course, the purchase of a home together often leads to other things. Within six months my husband and I were getting married after many years together and having our wedding reception in the backyard. Really, there’s no better house warming than that!

So much loveliness ahead!

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The Infinite Possibilities to Create

May 21, 2013

Águas poster. By Kevin Cantrell.

By Gabrielle.

France is 6 hours ahead of the East Coast. Nine hours ahead of California. Seven hours ahead of Oklahoma City. Most of the time, I love the time difference. It feels good to get up and get my work done while my inbox is quiet and the U.S. is still sleeping. But sometimes, the time change means waking up to heartbreak. The devastation in Oklahoma City happened after I’d shut down my laptop for the night and tucked all the kids in bed.

So I’ve spent the morning reading the news, scrolling through Twitter, and trying to grasp the devastation. Which is impossible, of course. If you’re feeling as helpless as I am, this post by Sarah of Whoorl (she’s an OKC native), is a good place to start.

A few months back, I wrote about a poster series by Kevin Cantrell called Seven Days, referencing the 7 days of creation in the Bible. The first poster was about Light. The second poster just became available, it’s called Águas. The text is taken from the first few verses in Genesis, suggesting the infinite possibilities to create.

That idea — the infinite possibilities to create — was soothing to me today, implying fresh starts and rebuilding. And I hope the idea will be soothing to you too.

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11 of the Best Designed Board Books

May 20, 2013

Board Books for Hipster Babies | Design Mom

By Carter.

I love board books. Literacy for the littlest. Sturdy pages for stubby fingers. Visually spectacular to developing brains. I adore them so much that I have a growing collection, despite having zero kids in my house. But I obsess over my portable art, and these books are stunners. For this particular roundup, Gabrielle and I gathered some of the very coolest-looking board books out there — selections with a design or art angle. Think of them as board books for hipster babies. : ) I hope you’ll find some new treasures in this list for your tiny reader — or the perfect baby gift for your graphic-designer-best-friend.

1) Since board books are designed to be tactile (also chewed up and drooled on, dropped and kicked and loved hard), one inspired by a textiles designer makes perfect sense. Alexander Girard’s simple sophistication and playful patterns are a perfect match for this bright board book, Color. I love that the hues are not your usual primary colors – cyans and fuchsias, pale pinks and muted golds leap off the page, too.

2) A Book of Sleep by Il Sung Na. The story here is just as soothing as the pictures. Both are lush and sweeping, but quiet — which sets the perfect tone for a nighttime (or nap time!) read. An alert owl details how other animals sleep – some are noisy, and some sleep standing up! They all snooze at night, but when the day rises, it’s the owl’s turn.

3) Picture This… by Alison Jay pairs singular words with paintings inspired by the American primitive style. But if you spend a little more time in the illustrations, it becomes much more than a simple language primer. Images featured on one page become hidden details on others, and their recurring cameos make this an extra engaging read. Also, note the subtle shift of the seasons as the book progresses. Really smart stuff packed into a really short read! Find more of Alison Jay’s beautiful board books here.

4) Another tip of the hat to the large world of tints and hues is Orla Kiely’s Colors. The concept of color is a popular one in these formative books, (and rightly so!) but this one especially dazzles. Perhaps it’s the fashion designer sensibilities at work, but the tones are especially striking. And it’s cloth bound, so it’s lovely to the touch.

Keep reading for 7 more!

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When Helping Friends Who Hurt

May 20, 2013

blurred trees by Justin Hackworth

By Amy Hackworth. Image by Justin Hackworth.

There are moments when I see a friend in need and I can rush to her side with the perfect offering of support and care. I feel useful and deeply satisfied when I know I’ve been just the friend someone needed me to be.

More often, though, I’m unsure of how to help a friend who’s hurting. I wish I had a delicious dinner to take her, or the perfect bit of encouragement to offer. My insistence on “just the right thing” sometimes, sadly, means I do nothing (still working on my tendency toward overthinking).

I’m slow to remember that what helps me most when I’m hurting is usually simple — just feeling loved, listened to, cared about. I’m slow to remember that’s what my friends need most from me. My friend Melody recently shared this short piece from the L.A. Times and it’s been such a great reminder that our listening ears (ok, and maybe our pot roasts) have such power to help our hurting friends.

Keep reading for expert advice on what words to use — and not use — when comforting a friend.

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A Few Things

May 17, 2013

Image and text by Gabrielle.

Hello, Friends. How are you? I hope you’ve had a wonderful week! My family was so delighted to be back to a normal schedule. Housework isn’t always on my thumbs up list, but this week I found such contentment doing the everyday normal stuff — getting the laundry and ironing done, making beds, staying on top of the dishes… Sometimes regular old life is my favorite.

We’ll be doing some Olive Us shooting in Paris tomorrow, so I’ve got some prepping to do (I’m sure we’ll be instagram-ing if you’d like a sneak peek). While I get things ready, here are a few things I’ve been wanting to share with you:

- Homemade fruit leather. Yum.

- Back online after a year without the internet.

- Negative Space Animals. Thanks, Sara.

- We see what we look for.

- Brother & Sister bedroom done right.

- Remember the Strategic Plan poster we all loved? Well, good news, use the coupon code “DOINGTHINGS” for 20% off any prints in Baltimore Print Studio’s online store. The code is good till May 24th at midnight.

- This may be the most relaxing commercial I’ve ever seen.

- Olive Us just turned one! A year ago yesterday, we shared the first Olive Us episode. It’s called Garden Day.

- Are you a graphic designer? Get super fast feedback on your design here.

- It’s the end of the school year, so I’ve gathered up lots of Teacher Gift Ideas.

I hope you have a terrific weekend. I’ll meet you back here on Monday. I miss you already!

kisses,
Gabrielle

P.S. — I snapped the photo at top when I was in Paris yesterday. I was there visiting the US Consulate because we had a tax question. Sigh. Not the most fun reason to visit Paris, but the city was lovely all the same!

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Taxidermy

May 17, 2013

By Gabrielle. Faux taxidermy available at Tillie & Tweedle.

After I posted a Living With Kids Home Tour that showed taxidermy in several of the photos, I received feedback that some readers were upset. One wrote: How can you teach kids to be free, respectful and caring when half your walls have cadavers? And: There is no style in cruelty. Another said: Once I see dead animals/animal parts used for decor, fake or real, the house no longer looks cool.

Those are strong reactions!

My take: I’ve never hunted, I’ve never owned a gun, I’ve never purchased taxidermy (fake or real) for my home. But. I grew up with hunters — in fact, one of my very best friends in high school, Jandi Jones, had her own gun cabinet. And my town had a school vacation built around the annual deer hunt. So I’m familiar with how taxidermy fits in to certain cultures. And when I encounter taxidermy, words like “cruel” and “cadavers” don’t come to mind for me, but obviously they do for others.

The topic brings up all sorts of questions for me, as I seek for a more nuanced understanding about how people feel. Are you someone that believes taxidermy is automatically cruel no matter what, even if the animal died of natural causes? Does it make a difference if the taxidermy was found at a thrift shop or garage sale? If you’re a meat eater (I am), can you even be against taxidermy? Or is that hypocritical? What about Natural History Museums that are full of examples of taxidermy — if you have strong feelings against taxidermy, do you feel that even in museums, taxidermy should be removed? And related, we posted about conflicted feelings overs fake fur last winter, and the comments were pretty mild. Does seeing fur trim on a sweater give you the same reaction as seeing a mounted set of antlers?

What’s your take? Do you have strong reactions to taxidermy when you encounter it in photos or in real life? Would you ever use taxidermy in your own decorating? Would you boycott a store that uses taxidermy in its displays? Do you feel fake (think cardboard or plastic) taxidermy is a fun alternative to the real thing? Or is it still a reference of cruelty for you? Any other thoughts on the subject? I’m so curious. Let’s discuss!

P.S. — For the Clue Party at January’s Alt Summit, the parlor was filled with taxidermy. I thought it was a bold entrance!

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Clementine Giveaway

May 16, 2013

By Gabrielle.

Oh man. You will LOVE today’s giveaway. One of my very favorite shops, Clementine, is offering a $150 gift certificate so you can pick out something lovely — for yourself, for a friend, or both!

Clementine Shop

Clementine offers a tightly edited collection of goods. Really beautiful, unusual items that will make your heart go pitty-pat with desire. It’s an ideal spot for finding exceptional gifts. In fact, with the arrival of Spring, I’m betting you have a baby shower or two on your schedule, so here are some excellent gift ideas for Moms and Babies from among Clementine’s wares. Each of these items is handmade by small businesses — mostly women!

Linen ‘Bon Appetite’ tea towels to add some elegance to the kitchen, polka dot gold dish — a perfect spot for your rings at the end of the day, blueberry bud earrings just because they’re so pretty, and a hand drawn alder branch decal that would look sweet over a crib. Plus 4 more picks below.

Clementine Shop

Watermelon stars tote — a perfect summer bag, cheerful You Are My Sunshine print for the nursery, Baby Booties in aqua and citron that are pretty much irresistible, and the Bears Bow Tie — designed for little guys with vintage and new fabric. So many cute things! How will you ever choose? : )

Extra fun: Here’s a discount especially for Design Mom Readers. Use code “DMLOVE” to receive $5 off all purchases over $25! Good through the end of May.

Visit Clementine and leave a comment below to enter — I’d love to hear if anything special catches your eye. The winner will be announced on Monday. Good luck!

——

Lesley is the lucky winner. Thanks for playing!

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Breakfast

May 16, 2013

By Raleigh-Elizabeth. Image by K. Blueice.

“Never eat anything for breakfast you wouldn’t eat for dinner.”

This great advice was served to Jeffrey Ozawa, or Gorumando, along with a traditional Japanese breakfast one morning in the Japanese countryside. One by one, a little old woman in a little pink kimono dished up the traditional Japanese dishes of rice, pickles, green tea, miso soup, and broiled fish. A perfect, traditional morning routine.

Breakfasts in other cultures have long intrigued me (partly because I’m so resistant to our own Lucky Charms and pancakes variety) but the Japanese breakfast holds a peculiar fascination: it’s like they skipped breakfast and went straight on to lunch.

Wait till you hear about breakfast in Germany.

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The Best Advice from David Foster Wallace

May 16, 2013

By Koseli. Illustration by Lim Heng Swee.

I recently came across a commencement address given by David Foster Wallace in 2005 that hit me squarely in the forehead. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, sad, annoyed, or bored by “the average adult life” this just might be the best nine minutes of your day. It’s some of the most sound life advice I’ve ever heard, not to mention a simple, clear argument for education. Absolutely beautiful.

It is about simple awareness — awareness of what is so real and essential, so hidden in plain sight all around us, that we have to keep reminding ourselves, over and over: “This is water, this is water.” It is unimaginably hard to do this, to stay conscious and alive, day in and day out.

How do you “stay conscious and alive, day in and day out“? Do you find yourself choosing love and fellowship in difficult situations? If so, how do you do it?

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Living Well: 7 Secrets For a Successful Container Garden

May 15, 2013

How to Plant a Successful Container Garden - 7 Secrets! | Design Mom

Text and images by Lindsey Johnson for Design Mom.

Gardening is one of my favorite hobbies and has become such a source of happiness over the last six years. That’s right, it’s been six years since I planted my first container garden on the balcony of my second floor apartment. I was determined to make it work even if it was only a few herbs, lettuce, peas, chiles, and a cherry tomato plant.

Alas, it was almost a complete failure. I planted too many herbs in the same pot. The lettuce was horribly bitter. The chiles and cherry tomatoes both had blossom end rot (more on that later). Only the peas were a success that year. I was tempted to feel defeated, but I turned my failures into lessons and have continued to be more successful each year.

I can’t say I’m a Master Gardener, but I’m working hard to become one. I’ve talked with seasoned gardeners. I’ve read forums and researched articles online. I’ve chatted with the horticulturists at my local nursery. And I keep trying and keep planting. I wouldn’t call myself an expert yet, but I am on my way there. I hope you find my advice helpful and chime in with your own knowledge. Sometimes I think gardening is a team sport!

Now, back to the particular topic of this post: Container Gardening. I no longer live in a second floor apartment, but I still rely on containers to expand my growing area — and I like the way they look lining the back of my driveway.

It’s amazing what you can grow in pots! Containers can add a lot of interest in a landscaped yard, make apartment landings more beautiful, and make things cheery indoors.

As I’m sure you can guess, comprehensive information about container gardening is more than I can fit into this single post. So consider this an overview. We’ll cover prep, planting essentials, and miscellaneous tips to get you started.

Bonus: the information in this post applies to both vegetable container gardens and decorative ones (sometimes gardens can be both!). And it applies to indoor gardens as well.

Let’s get planting. Click here!