North Bay Woman

10 NORTH BAY WOMAN | S P R I N G 2 0 1 6 By PJ Bremier hether you have a deck, patio or simply a landscaped area, now is the time to spruce it up for the long, lazy days of summer ahead. And, for inspiration, we've asked popular local garden experts to share their best tips. Take pictures Good snapshots of your garden will bring into focus its strengths and weaknesses and they're helpful when shopping for new plants or accessories. Fix flaws Some flaws may require professional help but many are easy DIY projects and a quick stop at the hardware store is all it takes. Do you need to paint a wall, remove moss or rust marks, replace fence boards, reinforce stair railings or clean chairs or tables? Set aside spare time now to tackle these projects and you'll be ahead of the game. Plant pizzazz It's easy to fall in love with pretty summer annuals and perennials but Lisa Sechser, who owns the Corte Madera-based design/build firm Bon Terra Landscapes, with her husband Johnny Fort, encourages clients to consider beautiful grasses and low-water plants. "Festuca, Mexican feather grass, and penniseteum sway beautifully in the wind," she says. "And water-wise lantana is so colorful." Don't forget to tuck in some good summer herbs near outdoor dining areas, she adds. "Rosemary, bay leaf, or thyme are great for barbecuing, and mints, certainly, for drinks." Choose containers "Corten steel containers look cool and modern and are really interesting in a garden," Sechser adds. "Plant grasses in smaller ones or citrus trees in larger ones and, for nighttime interest, paint terra cotta pots that sit in full sun with glow-in-the dark paint." Sprucing Up Your Outdoor Spaces Summer 2016 Above: A TUCCI umbrella adds style and sun protection installed by Villa Terrazza at this Napa home. Below: Durable Sunbrella™ pillows offer long-lasting punches for color at a reasonable cost. – Photos by Villa Terrazza W

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