Planting Under Oaks
Planting Under Oaks Of the many icons of the Northern California landscape, the oak is both a beautiful and impressive individual. Both inland Valley Oaks and the Coast Live Oak can live to hundreds of years, grow into beautiful gravity-defying specimens, and support entire habitats within their surroundings. If such [...]
Autumn Celebration
Autumn Celebration Fall Fashion Here at the J. Montgomery Studio, we design outdoor spaces for every style. Some of our outdoor dining areas have a formal elegance, while others are casual and funky. Style, like fashion, is such a personal matter that it’s hard to write about, but we [...]
Orchards Part 3- Harvest
Harvest The ultimate reward after tending fruit trees is of course a bountiful harvest! As designers of Outdoor Living, we love the chance to experience such success in our own yards as well as our clients’. During the growing season, one can ensure a great harvest with a few clever [...]
Backyard Orchards Part 2
Backyard Orchards - Young Fruit Trees The early years of a tree’s life are the most important formative time in its development. When it comes to fruiting trees, that translates to the long-term health of the trees and the success of future harvests. Pruning and shaping the young trees is a science. [...]
Backyard Orchards Part 1
Backyard Orchards – Planning and Planting Here in the California Bay Area, we are blessed with a Mediterranean climate capable of supporting a wide range of fruiting trees. From citrus to pomes, the ability to grow our favorite fruit in our own backyards is a unique feature of California outdoor living. [...]
Hydrangeas for the Landscape
Hydrangea Care Hydrangeas are a well-loved favorite in traditional gardens, and when they are in full bloom, they can be completely spectacular! If you grow Hydrangeas, you probably know that they have particular needs. Here is our quick guide to Hydrangea care and pruning, which for some varieties is actually a [...]