Hello Lisa.

Welcome back to THE PENCIL CASE! I am super excited that you're here! As many of you know, each of these issues will focus on a theme to encourage a fresh look at garden design and graphics. Did you know themes help you explore ideas in new ways? Pretty cool. Anyhoo, let's get to it...

GARDENS ROCK. 

Happy Collect Rocks Day! What a special day to take notice of a beautiful element in our gardens: stone. A garden can feel richer and more grounded when using a beautiful natural element. Some would even say it’s the “bones” of a garden (Spirit of Stone). Stone can be used in walls, paths, stairs, edging, plus as lovely focal points and sculptures. 

ROCK INSPIRATION.

I think we all have a secret love of rocks, because it's the most common thing I’m asked how to draw. To help you out we created a template of boulders in both plan view and elevation. You can learn more in my latest blog post: GARDENS ROCK. 

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There are so many fabulous ways to incorporate rocks into a garden. We were especially in love with this PEBBLE MOSAIC PAVING by landscape designer, Monica Viarengo. ​​ Speaking of paving, Betsy (who is part of our awesome team) created this PINTEREST BOARD of more inspiring ways to use rock on the ground plane.

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Landscape designer, Jan Johnsen, celebrates this natural element in her book, THE SPIRIT OF STONE, with so many amazing examples of how it can be used in the landscape. She states that “stone is timeless, condensing the past, present and future within it’s core.” That’s pretty powerful.

LET'S DO THIS!

As you explore ideas for your garden, draw in some strategically placed rocks from my template above to see how you can add bones to your outdoor space. Please share them with me on Facebook and Instagram.

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On a side note, I am honored to be on THE GARDEN QUESTION PODCAST this month (two episodes...wow!). The host, Craig McManus, totally rocks! You need to listen in.

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If you know someone that needs design inspiration, please feel free to share this newsletter. Anyone can subscribe right here. I also keep a VAULT of past issues in this secret location.

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Thanks for letting me visit your inbox and I look forward to seeing you again in two weeks!

Cheers,

Lisa

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PAPER GARDEN WORKSHOP