Porch & Press

Garden Design

6 articles

Editorial illustration for From Vine Support to Outdoor Room: A Timeline of the Pergola's Evolution
Gardens & Gatherings

From Vine Support to Outdoor Room: A Timeline of the Pergola's Evolution

The pergola has evolved over millennia from a practical structure for supporting vines and providing shade to an elegant architectural statement, a romantic garden feature, and a functional modern outdoor room. Understanding its historical context helps in designing a pergola that enhances both aesthetics and functionality in contemporary gardens.

Brandon Lee·October 31, 2026
Editorial illustration for Designing a Colonial American Herb Garden: The Quadrant Layout and Purpose-Driven Planting
Gardens & Gatherings

Designing a Colonial American Herb Garden: The Quadrant Layout and Purpose-Driven Planting

Design a colonial American herb garden using the traditional four-quadrant layout, dedicating each section to a specific historical purpose like culinary, medicinal, tea, or household uses. This guide helps you select historically appropriate herbs and implement a functional, purpose-driven planting strategy.

Brandon Lee·October 20, 2026
What UK Homeowners Should Know About Chairs and Tables' Sustainable Teak Sourcing
Hearth & Home

What UK Homeowners Should Know About Chairs and Tables' Sustainable Teak Sourcing

For UK homeowners investing in outdoor living spaces, the origin and sustainability of their furniture have become as important as its style and durability. As consumer priorities shift towards eco-friendly materials and…

Sponsored by Chairs and Tables·August 6, 2026
A tranquil, minimalist garden featuring clean lines, sparse planting, and a reflective water feature, embodying peaceful simplicity.
Gardens & Gatherings

Meditative garden design emphasizes minimalism for tranquility

Jennifer Garner's poolside retreat, stripped of bulky furniture and excessive accessories, offers a masterclass in pared-back design.

Nora Haddad·August 2, 2026
A modern garden shed transformed into a functional and serene outdoor entertaining space, bathed in warm afternoon light.
Gardens & Gatherings

Outdoor entertaining trends 2026 focus on sanctuary and function

The Shed of the Year competition just unveiled its 2026 shortlist of 38 standout garden buildings, revealing how seriously homeowners approach their outdoor spaces.

Brandon Lee·June 27, 2026
A serene, ecologically focused garden at the Chelsea Flower Show 2026, designed to attract bats, with a still water pool and native plants under a twilight sky.
Gardens & Gatherings

Chelsea Flower Show 2026: New Garden Design Welcomes Bats

At the 2026 Chelsea Flower Show, a garden designed for bats will feature a still water pool: a 15cm deep, 1m wide metal vessel.

Brandon Lee·May 21, 2026