We all have an idea about Greece and there is bound to be something ancient in it. Yet visiting can be so different from imagining. In landscape architect Thomas Doxiadis' version of Greece, new angles combine with ancient contours. The 40 acres of landscape and habitat he helped design on the island of Antiparos is what you would hope to find after dreaming about these islands in the Aegean Sea:

Photography by Clive Nichols.

Above: When the Greek developer Iasson Tsakonas bought this section of Antiparos, he had a singular vision: minimum impact on the existing landscape, while making room for eight houses, each with pool and sea view. Though the local vegetation is ground-hugging, it was important that one building did not interrupt the view from another. Tsakonas called in landscape architect Thomas Doxiadis, which was a good move.

Above: Doxiadis teamed up with architect Terpsi Kremali for this project, and they brought in a group of talented young architects and designers, who worked on the 40-acre project as a whole. The local vernacular in housing is one-story dwellings made of local stone. Even though the scale and size is so much bigger here, the houses still seem to rise out of the earth.

Above: To avoid destroying the local order of stone walls and vegetation in the buiding process, it was only permissable for machinery to move around on the footprint of the actual dwellings. Earth from the foundations was used to shore up and restore the terraces which had supported farming over the ages.

In her book Mediterranean Landscape Design, Louisa Jones (with photographer Clive Nichols) brilliantly describes a movement, across southern Europe, of new visionaries who have been able to re-purpose land which has moved out of its traditional use. Particularly vulnerable are agricultural areas which just happen to have a marvelous view.

Above: "We were all in love with the landscape," says Thomas Doxiadis in Mediterranean Landscape Design. This is the Greek phrygana, the natural state of these islands after millennia of grazing, forest clearance, and fires. The land is productive for growing lower down the slopes; higher up it is well-suited for grazing. The vegetation here is made up of the prickly Centaurea spinosa, Sarcopoterium spinosum, and pot marigold Calendula arvensis.

Above: Stone is integral to the terracing of this terrain and for enclosure. Individual roads leading to each house are actually new, though they blend in perfectly with the curves of the countryside. They remind us of how lovely roads can be.

Above: The development is called Oliaris. Much stonework was called for, carried out by mainly Albanian craftsmen.

Above: Planting around the house is naturalistic in the most deliberate sense. The pattern of vegetation on the hilly slopes has been examined by Doxiadis' team: groupings, drifts, and plant density seen in the surrounding landscape have been mimicked around Oliaris. "Nothing is arbitrary," Thomas says. His studio has been propogating its own selected plant varieties for the site as they are not the kind of thing you'd pick up in the local garden center.

Above: The houses here shimmer into the background, whether that is of land or sea. Limestone complements the lines of the infinity pool shown here; the sea blue is the color of the shutters which are so often chosen around Greece, on white houses. This landscaping is as elemental as it gets.

Fancy a walk through prickly bushes of the Mediterranean? See Hike of the Week: Camino de Cavalls, Menorca.

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Nothing concludes a satisfying stint in the yard like neatly wrapping up the hose. But a tranquil afternoon of gardening can deteriorate into a sweaty wrestling match if you have to manhandle 100 feet of synthetic rubber onto a hose holder. With a manually rewinding hose reel, a few turns of the crank zips the hose back into place like Lady (or the Tramp) sucking in a spaghetti strand. For durability and style, choose a metal version, like the ten fine specimens below.

Above: Liberty Garden Products’ Multi-Purpose Stainless Steel Hose Reel can be mounted on a wall or in the ground. It is 19 inches tall, can hold up to 200 feet of 5/8-inch hose, and costs $408.73 from Sustainable Supply.

Above: The Model 1041 Wall-Mount Hose Reel can be mounted in either a parallel or perpendicular configuration on a wall or fence. It wraps up to 150 feet of 5/8-inch garden hose onto its aluminum-alloy body. A braking system stops the reel from unspooling more hose than you want; $139 by Eley.

Above: For a portable version, consider a hose reel on wheels. A Swiss-made Large Galvanised Steel Hose Trolley has a steel frame, rubber wheels, and a comfortably sized hand crank. The Cadillac of hose reels, it is designed to be "the last one you'll purchase." It is 514€ from Manufactum.

Above: Designer-inventor Sean Weatherill makes the 35-inch-tall Axiom Razor of finely machined, premium-grade stainless steel. Can be freestanding or mounted to a stone base; handles 125 feet of 5/8-inch hose. Custom order from Blade Inc. for $985.

Above: A swing arm allows the Yard Butler Wall Mount Swivel Hose Reel to turn 180 degrees so the hose can be unwound at any angle from the wall. All-steel construction; holds up to 100 feet of 5/8” hose. Available from Lewis Tools for $132.25.

Above: The 3-in-1 Hose Reel by Liberty Garden Products handles 200 feet of 5/8-inch hose. Made of 13-gauge steel with a powder-coated tan finish and all brass/galvanized fixtures; $135.80 from Rittenhouse.

Above: Delight your inner firefighter with this oversized post-mounted number that holds 400 feet of hose on a powder-coated steel frame. Special order HRG-400FT-FIT from Valley Industries in Minnesota (1-800-864-1649); $157.45 with an extra fitting for garden hoses.

Above: A steel Swiss-made Alba Krapf Metal Hose Reel holds a hose up to 60 meters long and is £197.95 from Amazon UK.

Above: A Manual Rewind Hose Reel can be customized to fit several diameters and lengths of garden hose. Made of aluminum, it can be ordered with or without wheels; for more information and pricing, visit Perth, Australia-based dealer Real Ezy.

Above: The 19-inch-wide stainless steel RollX from Atelier Tradewinds in Belgium has a telescopic handle and wheels for easy mobility. Contact Jean-Pierre Galyn for pricing with delivery.

Above: A swiveling Wall-Mounted Hose Reel has a capacity to spool a 60-meter hose and is £24.99 from Screw Fix.

Above: A Wall Mounted Hose Reel made of die-cast aluminum is painted a dark bronze color and can be mounted for either left- or right-handed operation; $145 from Griot's Garage.

Above: Honeycomb-inspired cutouts detail the Hexy SS, made in the US of stainless steel by Blade Inc. Can be ordered with either 3/4-inch or 5/8-inch hose connections; $1,195.

Don't need a crank? See other tricks for detangling garden hoses in 5 Quick Fixes: Garden Hose Management. Sturdy and stylish is a pleasure in the garden. Outfit your hose as well; see 5 Favorites: Garden Hose Taps. 

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The ancient Greeks loved symmetry for a good reason. As do Ken and Jean Victor Linsteadt—for the same reason. By adding stone walls and a staircase to bisect and subdivide their sloped backyard into a series of mirror-image garden beds, the Mill Valley, CA couple have created a calming sense of balance.

Both the house and the garden were wrecks when the Linsteadts, who lived around the corner at the time, bought the property and overhauled it in 2007. Perhaps it's no wonder the Linsteadts share a penchant for proportion—he's an architect and she's a writer—or that their first impulse for the garden was to establish an overall organizing principle. "The original garden, when we first saw it, was overgrown and had one falling-down wall somewhere in the middle or it," says Jean. "It needed the structure of terraces." 

What is surprising—and makes the garden particularly charming—is how cheerfully the couple also chose to undermine the visual effect of that perfect symmetry. This is a garden where the plants are encouraged to be messy. Beans are taking over an arbor in the kitchen garden. A hedge of lavender is creeping over a wall. Climbing roses are running amok and threatening to overthrow the back fence. "I like the contrast between the way the stone walls create an overall organizing structure while within them the garden can loosen up and grow a little wild." says Jean. So do we. 

One morning last week Jean gave us a tour:

Photography by Nicole Franzen for Gardenista.

Above: The backyard. Four pencil-thin cypress trees line a central staircase that bisects the terraces, reinforcing the impression of a grid layout. The stone, hand-picked for color by architect Ken, is Elk Mountain. 

But first....the front yard.

Above: From the street, the house and most of the front garden are hidden, but a welcoming path invites visitors in. Here the stone is bluestone, hand-selected to match the brown and gray hues of the stone in the backyard.

For more of Ken Linsteadt's work, see Architect Visit: Ken Linsteadt in Mill Valley.

Above: Santa Barbara daisies—their Latin name is Erigeron karvinskianus—are planted as a low-growing ground cover to edge the front path. The tiny pink and white flower glow at dusk. A drought-tolerant perennial, Santa Barbara daisies thrive in partial shade in a Mediterranean climate.

Above: King of the castle. The Linsteadts' springer spaniel, Louis, greets visitors.

Above: "We're hidden from the street, and my husband sits in front and smokes a pipe a lot," Jean says. "It's amazing the conversations he's overheard from people passing by.

Above: In the backyard, the railing (and improvised dog gate) are weathered steel, allowed to rust naturally.

Above: The back fence, built by Ken Linsteadt and his son over the course of about six months, is constructed of 2-by-2-inch lengths of wood. In spring, the fences are covered by the prolific blooms of climbing 'Cecile Brunner' and 'Sombreuil' roses.

Above: Lavender is planted as a low hedge at the edge of the top terrace. Like many of the other plants in this garden, lavender is drought-tolerant and happy in a Mediterranean climate.

Above: Below the lavender, two beds on either side of the path are planted with herb and roses and edged with boxwood. In the distance, on the upper terrace (L), is an iron arbor from Cottage Gardens in nearby Petaluma. Beans grow on the arbor in spring and summer. "Even in the winter, when nothing is going on, the iron arbor and the fence are enough to be interesting," says Linsteadt.

Above: Potted plants are trained on metal tuteurs that echo the vertical shape of the cypress trees.

Above: Stepping stones and herbs lead to fragrance: Jean's favorite roses.

Above: A yellow 'Graham Thomas' rose bush is trained as a shrub.

Above: As ruffled as a peony, 'Abraham Darby' is also trained as a shrub (rather than as a climber). 

Above: At the top level of the garden is a patch of lawn ringed by boxwood.

Above: Louis on the patio waits patiently (more or less) to be let indoors.

Above: The view from indoors; this is a garden that brings the outdoors in year-round.

Are you in the throes of designing your own Mediterranean garden? Get more ideas from Rehab Diaries: Rescuing a 100-Year-Old Garden.  And for more of architect Linsteadt's work, see Steal This Look: Belgian-Inspired Kitchen by Ken Linsteadt Architects.

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Fêted French chef Raymond Blanc introduces this fascinating book, and his garden at Le Manoir Aux Quat' Saisons in Oxfordshire concludes Kitchen Garden Experts. Quite right, as Blanc's insistence on reviving the relationship between growing and cooking has changed the landscape of British food.

Photography by Jason Ingram.

Above: Beauty in straight lines, the productive plot made by head gardener Anne-Marie Owens at Le Manoir Aux Quat' Saisons. Neither an ethical-sustainable diatribe nor a coffee table tome, this book is really very practical. Food lovers share their experiences and tips while the photographs from Jason Ingram are reliably fresh. Although the word "expert" is not misleading, you sense that everyone is on a learning curve and there is no reason why you shouldn't join in.

Le Manoir opened 30 years ago when the idea of flown-in and out-of-season produce was still new and exciting. Blanc struggled with this and established his kitchen garden alongside the restaurant. It doesn't provide all, by any means, but the kitchen garden is integral to a Manoir visit.

Le Manoir Tip: Plant flowers with vegetables. Pelargoniums for instance attract beneficial insects.

Above: Vallum Farm, Northumberland. Chef David Kennedy and grower Ken Holland sit outside "The Pod," a wooden shed on wheels with three essentials: garden, kitchen, long table. Ken grows for various chefs around the North-East and they do guest spots at The Pod, using produce which has traveled yards, in minutes. The resident chef (above) also runs a more conventional restaurant 100 yards away called David Kennedy at Vallum.

Vallum Farm Tip: Do not overwater young vegetables; they need to build a strong root structure.

Above: Swathes of nasturtium at the Scottish Kitchen Garden. Chef Carina Contini grows produce at home with her gardener Erica Randall. It goes some way to supplying her two restaurants in Edinburgh. Nasturtium flowers are used by the chefs in salads while the leaves, which have a stronger flavor, are used in pesto.

Scottish Kitchen Garden Tip: Grow weeds (and flowers) to increase the biodiversity of your garden.

Above: Goats at The Wellington Arms, Hampshire. Not shown: chickens, sheep, and a pig. Keen gardeners Jason King (chef) and Simon Page (grower) were attracted to the large, untended plot when they bought the pub. Besides building four raised beds and creating a small orchard, they are mindful of food waste and its disposal. To this end they have eight biological digesters dotted around the garden, which convert waste into nutrients, which seep into the ground. Food scraps are fed to the animals, who provide a good source of manure. It's a virtuous circle.

Above: The housekeeper at The Wellington Arms wraps useful but not-so-attractive plastic pots in hessian. Plastic posts do a good job of retaining moisture (this pot contains strawberries), if you can bear to live with them. Also grown in pots of oak, zinc, and terra cotta by the back door are essential herbs: rosemary, thyme, tarragon, mint, and parsley.

Wellington Arms Tip: Save space by growing tomatoes with zucchini and pumpkins. Remove the first leaves of tomatoes to a height of 12 inches, to allow light to reach the ground-dwelling cucurbits.

Above: Skye Gyngell made her reputation as a garden-to-plate chef at Petersham Nurseries, where she was awarded a Michelin star. Here at Heckfield Place in Hampshire, she is culinary director for a hotel with three restaurants and a further restaurant in central London. Heckfield Place is on an estate of 400 acres so it does provide, though Gyngell does not feel obliged to use only food with a Hampshire provenance. Paul Goacher is Heckfield's grower, with 20 years of experience at the Royal Horticultural Society's headquarters, Wisley. He makes use of the walled garden, newly planted orchard, herb garden plus a five-acre field with rows of crops grown on a rotation system. At what point, we ask, does a kitchen garden become a small farm?

Heckfield Place Tip: Apply bone meal to fruit trees in autumn; it is a slow-release fertilizer that will show its benefits in spring.

Kitchen Garden Experts: Twenty Celebrated Chefs and Their Head Gardeners is £20 from Frances Lincoln. For an early summer recipe from the book, come back later today for Peas, Ham and Cheese. Photograph by Kendra Wilson.

The Ethicurean walled garden, also photographed by Jason Ingrams, is included in this book. See Required Reading: The Ethicurean Cookbook.

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Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall's River Cottage restaurant is just one of the restaurants featured in Cinead McTernan's Kitchen Garden Experts: Twenty Celebrated Chefs and Their Head Gardeners. McTernan writes, "At River Cottage, [Head Chef Gill Meller] likes to place bowls of peas in the pod down the supper tables, carefully arranged next to bowls of salty pork crackling. This is more of an assembly than a recipe."

Call it an assembly or a recipe, here's a simple way to celebrate the sweetness of the homegrown pea:

Photography by Jason Ingram.

Above: River Cottage is so much more than a television program, many cookbooks, and a restaurant (although it is all of the above). The original rented cottage in Dorset (by the river), has been supplanted by River Cottage HQ, in nearby Devon. The message of its founder, food campaigner Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, was and still is: stop depending on the supermarket.

Above: Enter, freshly picked and podded garden peas.

Peas with Ham and Cheese

Serves 2-3 as a starter

Ingredients:

For the labneh:
1 3/4 pints plain, whole milk yogurt
1 tsp fine sea salt

To serve:
Handfuls of podded garden peas
8 slices of good quality, air-dried ham
Handful of tender pea tops, plus any with nice flowers
12-16 small mint leaves
A few small nasturtium leaves
Extra-virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper
Toasted sourdough bread

Instructions:

For the labneh, put the yogurt in a bowl, add the salt and mix well. Line a sieve with a thin cotton cloth and place it over the bowl. Spoon the yogurt into the muslin, then flip the sides over the yogurt to enclose. Leave in the refrigerator for from 24 to 48 hours. Turn over every now and then so the liquid drains evenly. The yogurt should resemble a soft cheese.

To serve, add peas to slightly salted boiling water for 1-2 minutes. Drain and refresh in iced water to stop the cooking process and retain the fresh green color. Divide the slices of ham between four plates, followed by a spoonful of labneh. Scatter over the peas, their tops and flowers, the mint, and nasturtium leaves. Trickle with good olive oil. Season and serve with toasted sourdough bread.

For more plot to plate ideas, see Required Reading: Kitchen Garden Experts.

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What Greek gardeners know: a Mediterranean climate requires you to embrace extremes. Dry summers. Wet winters. Hot sun. Oh, and little surprises from the sea (here's some salt spray and wind for you).

It's no wonder the classic Greek garden is designed, first and foremost, to stand up to the elements. Hardy plants, protective walls, and shaded patios are ubiquitous. These are scrappy gardens, designed to make do.

"In smaller villages, there was no tradition for a home to have a backyard, there was no soil even," says architect Eleni Psyllaki, a native of Crete and founder of the design blog My Paradissi. "The place that people had when they went outside was the street. They had to put pots with plants in the street. That's a typical garden."

Psyllaki, whose garden comprises a cluster of terra cotta pots outside her window, has made a study of the modern Greek garden—and understands that it's not necessary to compromise style to achieve sturdiness. Here are her ten essential elements of a typical Mediterranean garden (some of which you may do well to borrow, come July):

Photography by Eleni Psyllaki except where noted.

Above: Stone walls, archways, and a pale backdrop are typical features of a Greek garden.

1. A neutral backdrop. If you have hot summers, whitewashed walls and light-colored stone facades function as effective scrims to reflect the sun's heat and create a serene structure for a garden. 

Above: A non-fruiting olive tree. Photograph by Nicole Franzen for Gardenista.

2. Olive trees. The goddess Athena got a whole city named for her after she jammed her spear into the earth and turned it into an olive tree. Or so the myth goes. If true, she deserved the honor. Olive trees, in addition to being one of the most beautiful and graceful plants you can introduce to a garden, are endlessly useful. They're drought-resistant; they're long-lived, and their wood is prized for its beauty and durability. And then there's the oil.

Non-fruiting varieties (as seen Above) are descendants of the Mediterranean Olea europaea. Useful foils in a garden, their gray-green leaves and bark complement most other colors. Warning: if you live in a cold climate, you should grow yours in a pot and bring it indoors to enjoy a sunny southern exposure during the winter months.

Above: Succulents and drought-tolerant perennials are in the foreground; cypress trees are trained against the wall in the background.

3. An accent of bright color. Against a gray-green backdrop of herbs and drought-tolerant perennials, a pink or red flowering plant makes a dramatic statement. Pelargoniums, poppies, and perennial herbs are hardy choices. All it takes to pop is one.

4. Drought-tolerant natives. Check with local nurseries to find what qualifies as a drought-tolerant native in your growing zone. Whenever possible, opt for perennial herbs. They'll do double duty as ground cover and as a lure for pollinators. In a Mediterranean climate, rosemary, thyme, sage, chives, and parsley will run rampant. 

Rosemary as a hedge? See Architect Visit: Barbara Chambers at Home in Mill Valley.

5. Potted plants. Archaeologists know this is what the ancient Greeks had at home (rather than private gardens). Be sure to water them well. "Clay pots are a help," says Psyllaki. Clay retains moisture to keep roots hydrated longer in a hot climate. "We have a lot of pottery, and craftsman make such pots as a tradition."

6. Terra cotta. When you think of ancient Greece, you think of .... pottery. (OK, Doric columns too; but not everyone has room for one). Much of what we know about how the inhabitants of ancient Greek civilizations lived can be attributed to the shards they left behind for modern archaeologists to mull.

The benefits of clay pots are many. There's pretty much nothing that looks bad sitting next to one in the garden. And they make container gardening foolproof. Their porous nature makes it nearly impossible to over water a plant. Our favorites have the soft, aged coloring of antiques. We like these Aged Terra Cotta Flower Pots.

8. Symmetry. Remember the mythological Minotaur in the maze? The maze had a a perfectly pruned, symmetrical layout. Symmetry is a concept the ancient Greeks invented. In a modern garden, mirror-image beds create the same effect. See Garden Visit: A Modern CA Garden Inspired by the Classics.

9. Must-have plant: bougainvillea. Perennial in zones where temperatures don't drop below 30 degrees, bougainvillea behaves like that friend-of-a-friend who comes to your party and eats all the appetizers. The only way to neutralize it is with sharp pruners. But you're still grateful it showed up.

10. A shaded patio. "It is typical to have a shaded terrace, covered in ivy or jasmine, to protect you from the sun," says Psyllaki. "We have a lot of winds here, and if you are protected from the sun, the wind will cool you down and make it comfortable to spend time outdoors in the hottest months."

Awnings, canopies, and pergolas constructed of natural materials such as wood and bamboo are popular weather-resistant choices to support the weight of vines. For inspiration, see Steal This Look: A Greek Bamboo Canopy.

For more inspiration, see our other Garden Secrets to Steal posts.

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Nothing creates curb appeal faster than a well-designed front path. It's the first impression your house makes to visitors—and to you every time you come home.

The choices can be daunting. But through careful consideration of materials, dimensions, and landscaping, the improvement to your home's entrance will be well worth the effort. Here's everything you need to know to design a welcoming front path:

Above: A front path in Los Angeles by Naomi Sanders Landscape Design, made of pre-cast concrete stepping stones set in crushed stone gravel. "It's a totally budget friendly choice," says Sanders.

Are there design rules for a front path?

Wondering how to begin? Start with a design to complement your home's general style. A front path should speak to the architecture of your house or blend in with existing landscaping:

• Straight or curving? Either can work so long as the design makes it clear that a meandering walkway is headed straight to the front door.
• Material? Choose a material that echoes one used elsewhere in your yard. For instance, if you have a bluestone patio, a bluestone front path will marry well. Or choose concrete pavers that match the connecting sidewalk.
• Solid path?  If your primary goal is comfortable walking, you may opt for a solid path. For example, if you need to drag garbage cans once a week, as I do, a gravel path can make this task unwieldy. 
• Stepping stones? If your front path is primarily an an entry point (rather than doing double duty as a runway for the garbage cans), you may choose stepping stones. Stepping stones can make a small yard look more spacious (grass, moss or thyme grown between the stones will add to the effect). Set concrete or fieldstone pavers no more than 6 inches apart to avoid a tripping hazard. 
• Lighting? Path lighting should be staggered to right and left of path to avoid a runway effect.

Above: Concrete pavers set to match visitors' strides: the steps run 18 inches from center to center of each slab. Photograph by Mimi Giboin for Gardenista.

If you wish to soften a formal facade and prefer a straight path, you can edge a gravel or decomposed granite path with low-growing perennials. This is an inexpensive as well as an attractive choice. Keep in mind you probably will need to replace the plants after eight or ten years.

A note on materials: decomposed granite is firmer than gravel, but needs to be separated from the front door by another material to keep it from being tracked in to your house. For more, see Hardscaping 101: Decomposed Granite.

Above: A mortar-set bluestone front path at architect Ken Linsteadt's home in SF's North Bay. Photograph by Nicole Franzen for Gardenista.

How wide should a front path be?

While site constraints often determine the width of your front walkway, ideally a front path should be no less than 4 feet wide at its narrowest and no wider than 6 feet. At 4 feet, two people can walk abreast. A path as wide as 6 feet will give the entry a more substantive feeling, but needs to be in proportion with your entry, porch or front door.

Above: Granite fieldstone found on site was used for this sublime path to Chanticleer Farm, designed by Ann Kearsley Design. 

What are the most commonly used materials for a front path and what are their relative costs?

Pathway materials vary with respect to cost, ease of installation, and longevity. In order from least expensive and labor intensive to most, the commonly used pathway materials are: gravel; decomposed granite; concrete slabs; concrete pavers; naturally set fieldstone (for example bluestone, sandstone, granite, or limestone), brick, and mortar-set fieldstone.

 Above: A mortar-set fieldstone, flanked by boxwood, connects the original concrete steps to wooden porch steps. Boxwood is a good choice to frame a walkway if you have a wide front yard. Photograph by Ellen Jenkins.

Mortar-set fieldstone may be more costly than other choices, but assuming the stones are thick enough, will require little to no maintenance. Decomposed granite and gravel are inexpensive, but need to be replenished every eight to ten years. 

Above: Bluestone slabs for use as pavers or stepping stones. For everything you need to know about sourcing bluestone, See Hardscaping 101: Pennsylvania Bluestone. Photograph by Ellen Jenkins.

Front path recap:

• Design your path to complement your home's architecture.
• Walkways should be between 4 and 6 feet wide.
• A solid path is easiest for walking. Spaced flagstones or concrete pavers will make a yard look larger.
• Common materials for paths include gravel, decomposed granite, concrete slabs, concrete pavers, naturally set fieldstone, mortar-set fieldstone, and brick.

Planning a hardscaping project? For inspiration, see Hardscaping 101: Brick Patios and Hardscaping 101: Front Stoops.

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After dinnertime prep, there's no need to let your vegetable trimmings go to waste. Save seeds from citrus fruit or sprout seeds from legumes and watch them grow before your eyes. Save your vegetable trimmings—from carrots, beets, and garlic—and grow them into your very own "compost garden."

Gardenista editor-in-chief Michelle Slatalla shows us how easy it is to make more efficient use of your dinnertime scraps:

Sprouting Seeds

• Paper towels
• Seeds from citrus fruit (or use lentils, raw nuts, chickpeas, or mung beans)
• Plant mister or spray bottle

1. Using a spray bottle or plant mister, dampen a double layer of paper towels.

2. Sprinkle seeds on top of the paper towel, on one side only. Fold the paper towel onto itself so your seeds are covered, then moisten the paper towel again.

3. Place the moistened paper towel in a sunny, warm spot. Check back in a few days to see if your seeds have sprouted.

Compost Garden 

• Shallow tray with divided compartments (such as a cutlery tray)
• Leftover scraps from dinner prep, such as beet stalks, carrot tops, and cloves of garlic
• Gravel or small rocks
• Potting soil

1. Fill the tray with a layer of soil, plus rocks or gravel for drainage.

2. Gently tuck your vegetable scraps into the soil; use a different compartment for each kind of vegetable. You can even plant your sprouted seeds into one compartment. 

3. Add water to the top of the gravel, being careful not to soak them in the shallow tray. Keep them moist.

4. Check back in a week or so for growth from your plants. When you see hardy sprouts from each of them, transplant into your vegetable garden. 

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We love a house designed first with its landscape in mind. This one, in the south of Greece, takes pains to both live with the landscape—and hide from it.

The single-family house was designed by Workshop Dionisis+Kirki, a collaboration between Greek architect Dionisis Sotovikis and French-born architect Kirki Mariolopoulou. The house is built into a hillside cut by a series of stairs. Climb the first set from the street to the ground floor, and you'll find a fortress: an introverted concrete box only open to nature when the residents choose. Climb the next set and find an open, airy living space with sweeping views of the world around it. Climb the last set, and arrive in heaven: an all-glass swimming pool that hides from nothing.

Photography by Vangelis Paterakis courtesy of Europaconcorsi. 

Above: The structure is divided into two volumes with two distinct identities: the extroverted top floor is open to the landscape, while the ground floor is private, open to the outdoors only when residents choose.

Above: The lower level contains the house's private spaces, such as the bedrooms. Via heavy concrete doors, residents can choose to interact with the landscape or to be completely shut off.

Above: The top floor of the house—the extroverted portion—has an artistic presence at nightfall with a wall of stained glass windows.

Above: The top floor's rooms, including the living room shown here, feature full-height glass walls to maximize views of the landscape. To the left of the house, perched on the hillside, is a swimming pool. 

Above: A staircase leads from the top floor of the house to a planted terrace, from which a bridge connects to the swimming pool, half-suspended over the hillside.

Above: The kitchen, dining, and living spaces are on the top floor of the house; full-height glass walls bring the outdoors in.

Above: The ground floor is not completely isolated; partial glass flooring allows for some shared interaction and light between the two.

Above: With its concrete door tightly shut, a washroom on the ground floor is completely closed off from the outdoors. When the door is opened, light and fresh air fill the space.

Above: The entrance from the street is dramatic: a staircase suspended between two high concrete walls leads to the ground level of the house. (An alternate entry from the street, albeit a much longer one, leads directly to the top floor.) 

Above: The view of the Greek countryside from behind the staircase. 

For more of our favorite Greek spaces, see Landscape Architect Visit: Thomas Doxiadis on Antiparos; Steal This Look: Greek Bamboo Canopy, and on Remodelista, A Greek Taverna on the Beach, Breeze Included. 

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• 10 Easy Pieces: Architects' White Exterior Paint Picks

Presiding over a corner lot in the historic neighborhood of Travis Heights in Austin, Texas, a grand landmark Victorian house looks down with bemused pride at a new 500-square-foot structure, a combined art studio and garden shed designed by Clayton & Little Architects (members of the Remodelista Architect and Designer Directory). Gently hovering over a younger, more sassy and feisty version of herself, a southern matriarch presents her granddaughter, the belle of the block. 

Photography by Casey Dunn.

Above: In its geometry, proportions, and materials, the new art studio and garden shed recalls the southern historic precedents of its Victorian neighbor while looking modern at the same time. 

Above:  A small porch outside the entry references the porch of the main house while the columns of stacked windows mimic narrow Victorian windows.

Above: Wood shingles and siding with modern detailing take their cue from materials used in the main house. The siding has been painted with November Rain from Benjamin Moore and Aqua from One Shot.

Above: An outdoor shower was installed between the doors to the garden shed. Gutters under the standing seam metal roof collect rainwater for reuse. In our recent survey of Remodelista Architect/Designer Directory members for their favorite roof materials, standing seam metal came out as the winner. See Remodeling 101: Standing Seam Metal Roofs to learn why.  

Above: Large-scale artwork moves in and out of the art studio through a glazed garage door at the rear. 

Above: When the glazed garage door is raised, the studio becomes an indoor/outdoor room. 

Above: At night the matriarch and the southern belle are both busy with activity. 

Who doesn't love a good outbuilding? See more in our catalog of Outbuildings, including a Retro '60s Camper: Outdoor Bathhouse Included and a Sauna Box by Castor Design Studio. And on Remodelista, the outbuilding has wheels in On the Road: A Makeover for a Maine Bus.

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• Architects' Roundup: Our Favorite Outdoor Living Rooms
• Landscape Architect Visit: A Lush NYC Backyard by Robin Key
• Landscape Architect Visit: Scott Lewis Turns A Small SF Backyard Into an Urban Oasis

On the Aegean island of Paros, off the coast of Greece, garden designer Carolyn Chadwick created a coastal garden with waves of plantings to emulate the blue waves below.

To capitalize on sea views from the house, Netherlands-based Chadwick created a series of undulating garden beds filled with plants such as lavender, cacti, and ornamental grasses that require little water even in a sunny, hot climate. With an emphasis on blue and white plants, the garden's colors echo the colors of the water on the horizon.

Photographs via Carolyn Chadwick.

Above: Overlooking the garden, the house has typical Greek whitewashed walls to reflect midday sun. To create the same look, see "DIY: Whitewashed Greek Walls."

Above: The unobstructed sea view, from the house.

Above: Agapanthus, a native of South Africa, is drought resistant.

Above: A stone terrace surrounded by blue, white, and purple flowers also has views of the sea.

Above: Smooth local rock creates a seating arrangement on the terrace.

Above: Paths of crushed stone edged with irregularly shaped rocks meander through the garden, where plantings are kept low to avoid blocking sea views.

Above: A rose under a hot sun.

Above: Agapanthus buds, daisies, lavender, and ornamental grasses.

Above: The front of the house, and garage, face inland, with a pergola-shaded terrace to provide shade.

For another of our favorite seaside gardens, see Rustic Living on the Beach in Uruguay. For more Greek garden secrets see 10 Garden Ideas to Steal from Greece.

N.B.: This is an update of a post originally published August 12, 2012.

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• Landscape Architect Visit: A Lush NYC Backyard by Robin Key
• Landscape Architect Visit: Scott Lewis Turns A Small SF Backyard Into an Urban Oasis

Along with sunshine and warmth, summer offers spare time (or at least the illusion of it). Beach days mean toes in the sand and a good book in hand. 

If you love plants and gardening as much as we do, your dream volume is probably a beautiful book of tantalizing photos of the garden you wish you had, the flowers you'd like to grow, the places you'd like to visit, and the dinners you'd like to make from the vegetables you're hoping to grow.

We spent the past few months reviewing spring's new books, and here are our favorites:

Above: British cook book writer Elizabeth David was known for her brilliant writing of extremely complicated and difficult-to-duplicate recipes. Fortunately for those of us who love deliciously prepared vegetables, Jill Norman has interpreted Elizabeth David for the modern reader and cook. Get the full details in Required Reading: Elizabeth David on Vegetables. Photo by Kristin Perers.

Above: Landscape designer Judy Kameon's specialty is the indoor/outdoor room. This one—a perfect example of her colorful, casual style—happens to be located at the headquarters of her company Elysian Landscapes in Los Angeles. Learn more about Kameon's techniques for creating comfortable, user-friendly outside rooms in her book Gardens Are For Living: Design Inspiration for Outdoor Spaces. Head to Required Reading: Gardens Are for Living for more details. Photo courtesy of Rizzoli.

Above: In his book, Close: Landscape Design and Land Art in Scotland, photographer Allan Pollock-Morris invites readers to explore the beauty of the Scottish Isles—everything from castles to labyrinths to sculpture gardens to cairns in fields—from the comfort of home. For more Scottish eye candy, see Required Reading: Close: Landscape Design and Land Art in Scotland. Photo by Allan Pollock-Morris.

Above: If you've ever thought you'd like to have your own flower garden, get your hands on a copy of The Cut Flower Patch by Louise Curley. Curley, aka Wellywoman, is a gardener, blogger, freelance writer, and stylist. Her book is filled with useful tips on how to have a productive, constant-bloom cutting garden and which flowers to select for it. Learn more in Required Reading: The Cut Flower Patch.  Photo by Jason Ingram.

Above: The traditional flower bouquet is lovely, but if you crave something a little longer lasting you'll want to pick up The Plant Recipe Book by Baylor Chapman. It is a collection of living plant arrangements with instructions on how to make your own. Chapman advocates found containers and offers lists of plants and other materials you will need to create a beautiful miniature landscape. Get inspired with Required Reading: The Plant Recipe Book. Photo by Paige Green.

Above: A book that is both an excellent guide for the novice gardener and a delightful read for the more experienced plant lover is Nancy J. Ondra's Five Plant Gardens: 52 Ways to Grow a Perennial Garden with Just Five Plants. Ondra says she settled on five as the perfect number of plants for a small garden because it is enough to provide variety while still being manageable and affordable. Get the full scoop in Required Reading: Five Plant Gardens. Photo by Rob Cardillo.

Above: Just the thing for inspiring decorative touches in the beach house, Decorate With Flowers by Holly Becker and Leslie Shewring is a full of fresh, no-fuss ideas for displaying flowers. See more in Required Reading: Decorate With Flowers. Photo courtesy Chronicle Books.

Here's hoping your summer reading brings enough flowery inspiration to last you until Labor Day. For more summertime ideas, read The Screened Porch Roundup from Remodelista and learn how to make a great spot for a nap in Steal This Look: Greek Bamboo Canopy.

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• Table of Contents: Outdoor Living
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• Required Reading: The Edible Balcony

There's too much to love about Greece only to focus on the gardens. This week on Remodelista the editors have taken a look at the architecture and interiors of the Greek Isles and we've taken notes. Breezy white interiors, ample use of outdoor spaces, and accent colors chosen to match the sea make up the simple recipe for recreating the serenity of these mythic islands. 

Here are a few of our favorite posts from the past week:

Above: Notice anything unusual about this olive branch? No? It had us fooled, too. Discover its secret in Design Sleuth: A Low-Maintenance Olive Branch Arrangement.

Above: Can't imagine a more perfect place to enjoy an afternoon meal au soleil. See more from this indoor/outdoor wonderland in A Greek Taverna on the Beach, Breeze Included.

Above: Margot found a shop full of Soulful Souvenirs to indulge in, no passport required.

Above: We fell for the simple interior and understated accents of the villa featured in An Aegean Idyll on a Greek Island. (Good news: it's available to rent.)

Above: Meredith gathered a collection of sea-colored paints to keep in mind for your next project in Palette & Paints: Greek-Inspired Cerulean and Aegean Blues.

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• Table of Contents: Outdoor Living
• Trending on Remodelista: Modest Modern
• Required Reading: The Edible Balcony

Take a look at what's been on our radar this week:

• Above: A straight-from-the-garden skillet meal. Photograph courtesy of Dolly and Oatmeal. 
• Unexpected ways to bring flowers indoors.   
• Fruit flies begone! 

• Above: Designing an outdoor kitchen? Experts offer some helpful tips. Photograph by Richard Sexton. 
• Confessions of a first-timer's trip to the Chelsea Flower Show. (See our Chelsea Primer for more.)
• A Philadelphia neighborhood transforms an empty lot into a community garden, potluck dinner included. 

• Above: For the gardener with a grill. 
• How to plant a garden by color. 
• On outdoor siestas. 

• Above: Boozy garden party inspiration. Photograph by Spindle Photography. 
• Heath Ceramics LA introduces a once a month farmers' market. 
• Outdoor planters for the color-loving set. 

• Above: The backyard of our dreams includes a pizza oven. Photograph by Rob Cardillo. 
• How to: Edible rooftop gardening.
• A foolproof guide to drying herbs. 
• We are thrilled to announce that our 2nd Annual Considered Design Awards will launch on June 1st. We've invited a panel of all-star judges and look forward to another round of submissions by both amateur gardeners and professionals. Check back soon for more details. 

If you missed our voyage to Greece this week, you can catch up with the entire issue here. For this week's posts on Remodelista take a look at their Greek Isles issue. 

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Since November, we've been following the adventures of bride-to-be Tara Douglass, a Brooklyn floral designer whose desire to grow her own wedding flowers was so strong that she traveled last fall to Columbia, Missouri to plant 4,325 bulbs. With a plan for a spring wedding at her grandmother's house, she planted the bulbs and ... crossed her fingers. 

Months later the big day arrived. May 3 turned out to be exactly the kind you would order for your own wedding if you could: it was sunny, and the temperature was a balmy 72 degrees. How did Tara's home-grown wedding flowers turn out? Read on:

Photography by Scott Patrick Myers except where noted.

Above: Not all of Tara's bulbs bloomed on time for the wedding, so she foraged for substitutes in the woods. 

First, a recap. Shortly after Tara planted the bulbs (for that installment of the story, see Tara Getting Married, Part I), winter arrived.  It wasn't just any winter: it was the longest, coldest, stormiest winter in recent memory. In Missouri, relatives and friends battled snow and ice and kept watch on the bulbs—and in Brooklyn Tara battled snow and ice and kept her fingers crossed.

In early April she went back to Missouri to see the progress (see Tara Getting Married, Part II) and to hire three local "crafty" young women to assist her in making the floral arrangements.

Bulbs were up in April, so when Tara made her final trip to Missouri five days before the wedding, she didn't immediately plunge into nuptial preparations. Instead she went off to the woods to hunt mushrooms. Rumor had it that it was an epic season for morels, so Tara grabbed a basket.  Fortunately she also took her camera.  The woods on her grandmother's property were full of wild plants in bloom: paw paw, sassafras, redbud, dogwood, and may apple.  Lilacs bloomed beside an abandoned house. Photographs of all of them came in very handy after it became obvious that not all her bulbs would be wedding worthy (alliums bloomed late, lily of the valley in her mother's garden was too early). Tara showed her helpers the photos of the flowers in the woods  and sent them out to gather as many as possible.  She also had them cut cedar for garlands.

Above: Tara's arrangements included foraged plants such as dogwood and may apple.

Back at the farm, Tara's Pheasant Eye daffodils were blooming. Tulips in bloom had been moved into the old tobacco barn to keep them out of the sun and in top form. Of 500 tulips planted, only about 20 were past their peak and couldn't be used.  

Above: The tobacco barn sheltered Tara's tulips until it was time to cut them to make the wedding arrangements.

Above: Tulips in the barn, waiting for the big day.

Above: Purple Queen of the Night tulips are mixed with white 'Maureen' tulips.

Two days before the wedding Tara's friend Kelli Galloway, also a floral designer, arrived and the two began work in earnest, setting up workspaces, gathering tools, and materials.  With 160 guests expected, 21 centerpieces had to be made as well as four bouquets and seven boutonnieres.  Oh yes, and three garlands, totaling 33 yards of greenery.  Tara used vases from her grandmother's huge collection, deciding with Kelli that clear glass and silver would best show off her purple, blue, and white flowers. 

Above: Tulips making the trip from the barn to the house where Tara and Kelli had set up their floral design studio.

The day before the wedding the garlands were built and hung, and work was begun on the bouquets and arrangements. The weather, which had been unseasonably cool at the beginning of the week, was now heating up.  Tara and Kelli stored their creations in a dark part of the kitchen to keep them cool and fresh overnight. 

Above: Tara and Kelli arrange wedding flowers in antique containers. 

On Tara's wedding day, the ceremony was scheduled to begin at 5 pm, giving Tara and Kelli a few hours to finish and place the arrangements. There were a few last-minute glitches (bulbs planted in urns outside the house failed to bloom and had to be replaced, for instance). But overall? The event ran smoothly. The flowers—both cultivated and foraged—held up. And Tara even received compliments for being an amazingly calm bride.

Above: From barn to bouquet. The bride and groom stand below a cedar and redbud garland. Wedding photo by Meredith Parry. 

Now that Tara is married and back in Brooklyn, she says she is very glad she chose to grow and arrange her own flowers. She is grateful for the time she spent planting bulbs alongside her dad and feels that the wedding was inspired by the artistic vision of her grandmother.

Above: Purple tulips stand out against a cut glass vase.

While there were worries along the way, Tara says at some point she just "trusted Mother Nature would take care of it."  In fact her collaboration with Kelli was so enjoyable and so successful that the two plan to set up a consulting business for other brides who want to grow their own flowers. "We will plant and arrange for weddings anywhere," is their aim and might well become their slogan.

For more wedding flower inspiration, see Ask the Expert: 10 Tips for Wedding Flowers from Kate Middleton's Florist.

Foraged flowers are fun: take a look at Foraged Ikebana Arrangements on Remodelista and A Foraged Botanical Tablescape for Mid-Summer.

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Welcome to the outdoors. We consider Memorial Day the official kickoff to summer in the city, and we'll be spending the week visiting some of our favorite balconies, terraces, and fire escapes (hoping for a breeze).

Join us for an exclusive look at 66 Square Feet blogger Marie Viljoen's new terrace garden—she recently decamped from Brooklyn to head uptown to Harlem. We'll also share some foolproof tips for creating an adorable small scale garden of your own. (Start with stylish brackets to hang your window box from a railing—we've found 10 choices—and add our favorite folding furniture.)

Tuesday

Above: In this week's Steal This Look, Erin shows us how to turn a city balcony into an instant outdoor room...with a little help from Ikea.

Wednesday

Above: Erin found ten stylish brackets to hang window boxes over balcony railings; we want them all. See this week's 10 Easy Pieces for details.

Thursday

Above: Here in Harlem, the weather's fine. Cookbook author Marie Viljoen of 66 Square Feet shows us around her new uptown balcony in this week's Garden Visit. 

Friday

Above: Moss is having a moment, as Margot discovers. She gives us the lowdown on colored live reindeer moss. Wondering about some of the 1,001 ways to use moss? See DIY: A Desktop Zen Garden.

Check out what's going on over at Remodelista this week, where we have a full report on Modest Modern style.

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• Table of Contents: Outdoor Living
• Trending on Remodelista: Modest Modern
• Required Reading: The Edible Balcony

Behind an unassuming stone facade and through a corridor covered in lush vines and plants, you will discover a quiet and charming courtyard in the heart of the city. The space, the brainchild of Buenos Aires-based interior designer Pablo Chiappori, is a design maven's dream—a secret garden with a tea shop, a florist, café, and a home wares store. Plus a wine bar:

Photography by Sophia Moreno-Bunge for Gardenista.

Above: The courtyard entrance, behind an old facade.

The courtyard is home to a café called Decata, a flower shop called Tata, a teashop called Tealosophy, and a home decor store called Paul. The space is located in the heart of Palermo Soho, a very green neighborhood of cobblestone streets lined with shops, restaurants, and bars.

Interior designer Pablo Chiappori has infused the space with the effortless and elegant sensibility that distinguishes Argentina's best design. Argentines have mastered the union of the old world and the rustic: combining their Spanish and French ancestry with the wonder of their varied South American landscapes: from the jungles of Iguazú, to the dramatic glaciers and mountains of Patagonia, to the Pampa's vast farmlands. At Paul, you will find linens in every neutral tone imaginable; delicate wools from the South of Argentina; wood and metal furniture, and beautiful light fixtures, among other things.

Above: I was told that the space used to be a coal yard; the cart that was once used to transport packages of coal from the street to the studio is now decorated with plants, beckoning passersby. I can't get enough of those huge black doors.

 Above: Hanging plants from Tata Flowers line the corridor.

Above: Potted plants from Tata. 

Above: The corridor gives way to the courtyard; the Decata Café stand is on the right, Tata Flowers and Tealosophy are on the left, and the entrance to Paul is at the back end of the space.

Above: The stand sells delicious pastries and coffee, and Tealosophy teas (I tried a lemongrass hibiscus tea that was incredible).

Above: The perfect place to relax in a busy city.

Above: Tables fill the courtyard.

Above: The structure that houses Tealosophy and Tata Flowers reminds me of a greenhouse.

Above: The flower shop, where I saw lots of orchids that seem to do well in the humid Buenos Aires climate.

Above: Tealosophy's nook, lined with walls of teas; they had so many interesting flavors, including White Peony.

Above: Paul has two stories of amazing home goods; the second floor also houses a small wine bar that lets out onto a terrace.

Above: I love the industrial windows and doors used throughout the spaces. 

Above: The view from the terrace.

View Larger Map

Above: Looking for the secret courtyard? It's at Gorriti 4864, Buenos Aires. There is a street number on the large black door at the entrance—it's hard to miss, but just in case, it's between Gurruchaga and Armenia.

Planning a trip to Buenos Aires? For lodging, see our post about Hotel Home. And for more of Argentina's signature style, see The Coolest Flat in Buenos Aires on Remodelista.

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Even the smallest urban garden terrace can offer a welcome spot to pot up a few favorite plants and enjoy a cool evening breeze. This eclectic terrace keeps popping up on our Pinterest feed so we decided to do some sleuthing for its components. What we found surprised us.

Above: What we imagined to be a private urban gardener's personal oasis is actually an image from the Ikea PS 2014 catalogue. The terrace features a folding Ikea table paired with a mishmash collection of pots and plants, proving that with a few pieces of basic furniture and plenty of more personal treasures any space can achieve a cozy vibe.

Above: The new Folding Table ($129) and accompanying Folding Bench ($75) from Ikea feature a white, laminate top made to resist scratches and spills; perfect for a terrace where you need a potting table by day and a dining table by night.

Above: Hanging from the iron balcony balustrade, we spotted a classic galvanized window box. The similar Galvanized Steel Balcony Box (25.50€) and accompanying Galvanized Steel Balcony Pot/Box Holder (38€) are available at Manufactum. (See 10 Easy Pieces Metal Window Boxes for more of our favorite options.)

Above: Paired with the modern folding table are a set of vintage iron garden chairs. A pair of classic Fermob 1900 Stacking Chairs would make for a similar look; $718 at The Garden Gates.

Above: Found it! Hanging from a thin suspension wire, an antique birdcage. For a splurge on the real deal, the Whimsical "Pagoda" Birdcage is available for $1,750 from 1st Dibs.

Above: If you prefer a more modern (and affordable) birdcage, a Pols Potten Birdcage in orange is our choice; $176 on Amara.

Don't have a canary that needs a home? Consider using the birdcage as a makeshift hanging planter instead.

Above: Heavy weights on balcony and rooftop gardens can be a concern for urban gardeners. Lightweight Poly Planters from Tuscan Imports look like the real thing, but don't carry such a heavy load. To purchase in the US, call 1.866.215.4232.

Above: Like the look of the glass veranda itself? Custom glass garden veranda companies are plentiful in the UK but more difficult to find in the US. For UK readers, consider contacting Verandah Living for a quote.

Hoping to steal other bright ideas? Browse our entire Steal This Look archive. Ikea fan? See Domestic Dispatches: What We Love (and Hate) About Ikea on Remodelista.

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• Architects' Roundup: Our Favorite Outdoor Living Rooms
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Anyone who follows British gardeners on Twitter will know that they are generous and a bit of a laugh. So it is with the Chelsea Fringe festival: instead of sulking about missing out on tickets to the Chelsea Flower Show, garden appreciators host a parallel event and—quite possibly—have a better time. Some highlights of the Chelsea Fringe, now in its third year:

Above: Leeds Castle, Kent is moated, all the way around. The perfect setting then for a floating English garden, arranged by the castle florist and punted about all day. Image via the Leeds Castle blog.

The Chelsea Fringe has been running concurrently with the Chelsea Flower Show as well as Chelsea in Bloom, in which local retailers dress up their shops in a floral competition. Events run until June 9, some every weekend, some every day and some are one-offs. Visit Chelsea Fringe for more details.

Above: Last year the lawyers and gardeners of the Inner Temple put on a dog show and the hound of a judge won the prize for "dog most like his owner." On 1 June this year, a lengthy scroll of paper will be unfurled in front of the Long Border for The Long Draw, in the celebrated Inner Temple gardens in central London. Head Gardener Andrea Brunsendorf likes a full border so there will be plenty to record, including the buildings or "inns" all around the parameter. Photograph by Kendra Wilson.

Above: Photographer Paul Debois is exhibiting his pictures of "wildlings," such as the Oxalis corniculata (Above L) and Achillea growing out of the asphalt of a disused tennis court. With commentary from Alys Fowler, Where the Wild Things Grow is on at the Oh! Gallery, Bethnal Green, for the duration of the fringe festival.

Above: The Flower Peep Show, a blacked out shepherd's hut, reminiscent of a Victorian Auricula Theater. Lights, buttons, and some secrecy contribute to a suitably eccentric event at Petersham Nurseries. Performances last for five minutes and are ongoing until June 9. Photograph via The Teddington Gardener blog.

Above: Nathan Cable of The Gin Garden, will be popping up at The Chelsea Physic Garden on June 7, from 4 to 8 pm. This event is available to anybody with garden entry, but booking in advance is essential for the whole day package. This involves in-depth "botanical related activities for gin lovers," including a tour of Sipsmith's London Dry Gin distillary, just down the river in Hammersmith. Image via The Gin Garden.

The Walled Nursery in Kent is also participating in the Fringe. Before visiting, see: The English Gardener: One of the Finest Examples of a Walled Garden in the Land. 

Curious about the Chelsea Flower Show? See The Greatest Flower Show on Earth: A Chelsea Primer.

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• Table of Contents: Outdoor Living
• Trending on Remodelista: Modest Modern
• Required Reading: The Edible Balcony

Peony; Paeonia: "The Mistress"

Peonies can be shrubs or they can be trees, and one of the only sad things about living in a warm climate is it's difficult to grow either. A peony likes a nice freeze in the winter.

With its fluff of thin ribbon petals, a peony is as frivolous as it is majestic. Add a single stem to any everyday floral arrangement and people will believe you got it from a rock-star wedding florist in Williamsburg.

Above: For more images, see Perfect Peonies in our Gardenista Gallery.

Long before the peony conquered Williamsburg, it stole other hearts. In 1903, the Qing Dynasty named it China’s national flower. This was not a risky choice; for centuries the peony has symbolized prosperity and fertility in Asian art. The practice of Feng Shui affirms the peony’s erotic potency.

Above: For help arranging peonies, see Perfected Peonies from the Little Flower School.

To spice up your love life, trim some pink peonies and place them in the southwest corner of your bedroom. But take heed: according to tradition, older couples with bedroom peonies  are inclined to stray toward youthful lovers.

Above: Peonies in the cooler, raised by organic flower grower Dancing Moon Farm in Hood River, Oregon.

Cheat Sheet:

• Choose well; these perennials have extremely long lives and some thrive for more than 100 years.
• Pairs well in the garden with companions like irises and roses.
• Some of the most fragrant varieties are old peonies: Chester Gowdy (introduced in 1913); Duchesse de Nemours (1851), and Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt (1932) are among our favorites.

Keep It Alive:

• Peonies are jealous of their space and can have a hard time sharing. Don't make them compete with trees or shrubs for  sunlight.
• Perennial in growing zones 3, 7, and 8.
• Wait to divide them until September, when temperatures start to cool.

Above: Antique varieties such as 'Frances Willard' deserve their reputation as heirlooms (national treasure is more like it). Photograph by Mbgna via Flickr.

And if you are lucky enough to have a tree peony blooming in your garden, do not try to move it. It hates that and to punish you may not bloom for several years after being transplanted. Take heart: it can live to be more than a hundred years old. It will bloom for your grandchildren.

Shop Our Favorites:

Shopping for peonies? One of our favorites is Coral Charm. And Polar Star, a Japanese peony introduced in the 1930s, is a favorite of bees. If you're planning your spring garden, see the rest of our Field Guide posts for plant advice.

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• Field Guide: Foxglove
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