Happy endings :)

If you have taken a peek at my website (http://www.katebowersdesign.com/) then you may have seen the before and after pics of this fantastic project. My friend and neighbor asked me to help her design a yard worthy of the new, beautiful addition to her home. After lots of talking, shopping and planning we put together a fabulous but simple front yard that will give her and her family a place to hang out when outside and enjoy the view while inside looking out. I personally learned a lot of valuable lessons about how to work with contractors and keep focused on what the client wants. I truly appreciated the opportunity to create this yard and to help put the finishing touches on their home.



Things you have to do on the way to North Shore....

So I snuck up with friends to Reno this week. Drove through Truckee and found an awesome, funky little wine shop and tasting room. Be sure to stop in The Pour House http://thepourhousetruckee.com/. It's one street above the main drag and has cheese, wine accessories and a whole lotta wine crammed into a small space. Picked up some yummy Grenache and a Tempranillo at a great (like Trader Joe's great) price. We maintained control of our wine intake and then made our way up hwy 267 past Northstar to the newish and fabulous Ritz Carlton Lake Tahoe. http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/LakeTahoe.  We just wanted to take a look around but ended spending over an hour in the restaurant (OK at the bar, but it's all in the same room) where we had some great French Pinot Noir, Butternut Squash soup, an incredible cheese plate and other treats the chef offered to us to try. It's a ski in-ski out resort with a huge heated pool at the end of the run. I actually had to keep my friend from jumping fully clothed into the hot, steamy pool since it was a very cold day there up above Truckee and we weren't really dressed for the weather. The entire resort is absolutely gorgeous so take a moment to take a little time check it out when you visiting Tahoe!

Off and Blogging

OK I'm really starting my blog today! Because I want everyone to enjoy this page- not just other plant dorks- I'll be letting you know about fun local events (at nurseries, wineries, festivals, etc) as well as sharing info on current projects that I'm involved with through my brand new Landscape & Garden Design business (http://www.katebowersdesign.com/).  I'll also be throwing in a tip or two here and there about seasonal gardening and ideas for your own yards. Thanks for coming to visit me here at my blog!