Chesapeake Home

The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) is a professional association representing landscape architects. Each year, the Maryland and Potomac Chapters honor a select group of landscape architects with awards that recognize achievement in land analysis, planning, design, management, preservation, and rehabilitation.
Honor Awards recognize the highest level of achievement, Merit Awards recognize superior professional accomplishments, [...]

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By Leigh Barnes
When I think of my favorite gardens, both public and private, all have one factor in common—the clever use of garden structures. Fences, pathways, hedges, and walls set off and define their spaces.

Gates provide an entryway or barrier. A gazebo serves as an outdoor room. Pergolas and arbors give shelter and often frame [...]

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Scented geraniums, the International Herb Association’s 2006 Herb of the Year, are much more than herbs. Traditionally, they have been used for their ability to add flavor and perfume, but they are also easy-to-grow houseplants, and they thrive in outdoor containers.

Recently, gardeners have been exploring their use as tender perennials in the garden, much like [...]

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By Leigh Barnes
Roses mean romance. I love the way they look and smell, but like many others, I feared the maintenance involved. Although shrub roses have worked well in my garden, I have been hesitant to grow any others. But their beauty keeps calling to me from the seductive descriptions accompanying lush photos in the [...]

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By Kevin Garvey
Perennials are herbaceous flowers that are hardy in this temperate zone (zone 6-7) and go dormant during the winter months. Each spring, perennials reemerge, treating us to a display of gorgeous hues. Due to perennials’ limited bloom times, a rather large area is required to create a perennial garden that provides color throughout [...]

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Looking out from the pool house over the silver-blue shimmer of the water, its cool length drawing the eye along a stretched sight line to a sculptural Ginkgo (Maidenhair) tree centered perfectly in the middle of three doorways that shape the view, you could easily think, this is how to compose tranquility. You might even [...]

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In the beginning, there was charcoal, and there was nothing else. But flammable gas has ushered in a new era of outdoor grilling. Some think it’s good; others call it heresy. Whatever side you’re on, cooking speed and temperature control are making a big difference in the backyard.

Propane and natural gas-powered grills turn on easier [...]