Chris Sothen: Expert Tips for Your Outdoor Design and Landscaping

Author Chris Sothen

Fertilizing Timing: Your PNW Lawn for Spring

Prepare your Spokane lawn for a vibrant season with our expert guide to spring care. Following a mild winter, learn the best timing for fertilizing, dethatching, and core aeration in the Inland Northwest. Discover DIY tips to rejuvenate your turf and build a healthy foundation for the summer months from the team at Blend Outdoor Design + Construction.

Rustic log cabin landscaping with natural stone pathways and native plants

A Homeowner’s Guide to Designing Captivating Backyard Fire Pits​

A Homeowner’s Guide to Designing Captivating Backyard Fire Pits Many homeowners view an open backyard as a blank canvas with untapped potential. With thoughtful planning, a simple patch of grass can be transformed into an alluring outdoor retreat centered around the warmth of a crackling fire. If you’re considering elevating your landscape, let’s explore various …

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A swimming pool with lounge chairs near a forest | Landscaping Project

Maintenance Basics for Your Outdoor Water Features

Maintenance Basics for your Outdoor Water Features From the gentle sound of trickling water to the playful dance of koi fish in ponds, water features transform outdoor spaces into serene havens. But like any landscaping element, they require proper care to look their best year-round. To simplify water feature maintenance, let’s explore its main tasks …

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How To Prepare Garden Beds for a Spring Landscaping Makeover

How To Prepare Garden Beds for a Spring Landscaping Makeover Are you thinking of revamping your outdoor space? Then, it’s best to start planning before spring arrives, and one primary task to tackle is soil preparation. It hinges on ensuring healthy soil, the key element of environments conducive to plant growth. Let’s discuss what you …

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Maximizing Waterfront Views Through Landscape Design

Maximizing Waterfront Views Through Landscape Design Owning a home by the lake is a dream for many, as it offers tranquil and mesmerizing scenery. However, maximizing such views calls for thoughtful landscaping that complements the waterfront’s natural beauty while maintaining functionality. This guide discusses critical considerations and tips for designing an enchanting lakeside landscape. Design …

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Lush shade garden featuring colorful flowers, decorative urn, and serene lakeside backdrop, emphasizing tranquil outdoor design and landscaping aesthetics.

A Homeowner’s Guide to Designing Captivating Shade Gardens

Many homeowners think underutilized shaded spaces are limitations in landscaping. But with thoughtful planning, they can become alluring retreats with lush foliage, delicate blooms, and a tranquil atmosphere. If you’re considering creating one, let’s explore the different shades and design tips you can implement. Understanding the Degrees of Shade Shaded lots often have varying light …

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Modern lakeside home with expansive deck, stone accents, and manicured lawn, surrounded by lush trees and serene landscape, exemplifying effective outdoor design for maximizing waterfront views.

It’s 5 O’Clock In Cougar Bay

Home Nestled near the shores of Lake Coeur d’Alene, It’s 5 O’Clock in Cougar Bay harmonizes functional landscape design with the surrounding natural beauty. Completed in June 2024, this project transformed the property into a seamless blend of manicured lawns and native grass, incorporating deer-resistant plantings with vibrant textures and colors. To overcome the challenges …

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Cozy outdoor seating area with a green sectional sofa and colorful cushions, surrounded by lush foliage, flowering plants, and a stone patio, ideal for maximizing small garden spaces.

Clever Landscape Design Ideas for Maximizing Tiny Outdoor Spaces

All backyards and gardens have landscaping potential, regardless of how teeny they are. It takes practical design choices and creative planning to turn them into stylish, functional, and inviting escapes. If you want to upgrade your little plot of land and make the most of every square foot, follow these small backyard design tips: Define …

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