Your Livable Garden

Bluebonnet Wine Tour

Daniel Kelly — Sat, 14 Jul 2018 13:00:00 +0000

The Texas wine industry is exploding. Steven Morgan of the Bluebonnet Wine Trail joins the show to share the insides and outs of this bustling business and how you can enjoy the fruits of their labor (we couldn't resist the pun-ortunity.)

Learn more at:

https://www.texasbluebonnetwinetrail.com

The Art of the Islamic Garden: An Interview with Emma Clarke

Daniel Kelly — Sat, 30 Jun 2018 13:00:00 +0000

The principles of Islamic garden design have informed almost all of the work at Mirror Lake since Shawn first learned of the concepts in school.

Today, Shawn and Blinda chat with Emma Clark, author of The Art of the Islamic Garden.

Emma Clark designs gardens with a fundamentally spiritual and holistic outlook, undertaking them for private clients and public institutions, both in the U.K. and abroad. She specialises mainly in Islamic gardens, focusing on contemporary interpretations of traditional principles.

She is Senior Tutor on the post-graduate Visual Islamic and Traditional Arts (VITA) Programme at The Prince’s School of Traditional Arts, London

It's a Southern Thing (continued)

Daniel Kelly — Sat, 02 Jun 2018 13:00:00 +0000

Continuing from last week, Shawn and Blinda discuss the various elements that define and distinguish the quintessential southern garden.

It's a Southern Thing

Daniel Kelly — Sun, 20 May 2018 13:33:00 +0000

Shawn and Blinda reminisce growing up in the south. Southerners have a unique relationship with their gardens, and along with guest "Skip" Richter, the three dish on zucchini-bikinis, black eyed peas, and more.

Nature Explore!

Daniel Kelly — Sat, 05 May 2018 13:00:00 +0000

The kids are getting antsy! There are only a few more weeks of school left, and if you have little ones you know that they're ready for summer.

Shawn and Blinda chat with Chris Kiewra of Nature Explore, a non-profit whose mission is to "to help children and families develop a profound engagement with the natural world, where nature is an integral, joyful part of children’s daily learning"

Chris offers insight into how best to get your kids away from their screens and in front of nature.

Front Yard Water Features

Daniel Kelly — Sat, 21 Apr 2018 13:00:00 +0000

A quick way to add curb appeal to your home is integrating a water feature to your front yard. It may seem like a bold or intimidating gesture, so Shawn and Blinda talk you through everything you need to know to create a welcoming space around the water.

Great Value, Great Coverage!

Daniel Kelly — Sat, 07 Apr 2018 13:00:00 +0000

If you need some attractive ground coverage at a great value, Shawn and Blinda have the answer for you. Are you looking for low maintenance and beautiful coverage with low maintenance? One of these options may be a great solution. Listen on!

Running in Circles

Daniel Kelly — Sat, 24 Mar 2018 13:00:00 +0000

Over 30+ years, Shawn has designed thousands of backyards and swimming pools. And he has noticed one fascinating phenomenon within these designs: our response to circles.

Sounds strange? Hear the man out...

Scaling On Up

Daniel Kelly — Sat, 10 Mar 2018 14:00:00 +0000

There's a trend within newer planned neighborhoods: larger lots - much larger than the neighborhoods we've been familiar with the last thirty years or so. With this increase in property and real estate comes a unique design challenge. Mainly, how do you design for so much more acreage??

Shawn and Blinda dish out some design solutions for these larger lots.

Front Yard Livin'

Daniel Kelly — Sat, 24 Feb 2018 14:00:00 +0000

The front yard is a unique area in our homes. It is where our private property intersects with our neighbors and communities. Too few people homeowners realize their front yard's potential. Shawn and Blinda discuss how to make the most of this neglected real estate.

How to Enjoy Your Pool

Daniel Kelly — Sat, 10 Feb 2018 14:00:00 +0000

Before you build a pool there are some things you should consider: Mainly, most of your time will not be spent in the pool; It will be spent around it. This consideration should inform a solid, comprehensive backyard design.

With 35 years of building pools, they offer much needed advice for soon-to-be pool owners.

DIY Pavers

Daniel Kelly — Fri, 26 Jan 2018 14:00:00 +0000

Shawn and Blinda have made a name for themselves owning and operating Houston's premiere landscape design firm, Mirror Lake Designs. But more and more, homeowners are turning to YouTube, Pinterest, and other sources to facilitate their need to DIY their own backyards. In this episode, Shawn lays down the basics of sand-laid paver patios.

What is Wrong With This?

Daniel Kelly — Sat, 13 Jan 2018 14:00:00 +0000

Google and the internet has been a wonderful source for the 21st century gardener. Often times, the solution to our garden scourges can be found with a little self-investigation and a internet connection. However, other times our problems are more daunting. Wouldn't it be wonderful if the average homeowner could send in a sample of a disease-ridden plant, and get a professional diagnosis?

This is where Sheila McBride enters the story...

Our Absolute Favorites

Daniel Kelly — Sat, 30 Dec 2017 14:06:00 +0000

It's the most wonderful time of the year! Shawn and Blinda look back and discuss this years' favorites. Favorite plants, shrubs, memories...

It's a feel-good episode where Shawn and Blinda just talk about all those things that make us warm and fuzzy inside.

How To Make the Most of Your Front Yard

Daniel Kelly — Sat, 16 Dec 2017 12:00:00 +0000

"Use your lawn as a design element." Michael Shawn Kelly breaks down exactly how to make the most of your front yard, and how to use specific design elements to create a livable garden right outside your front step.

A Gift That Keeps On Giving...

Daniel Kelly — Sat, 02 Dec 2017 14:00:00 +0000

Shawn and Blinda experience electrical problems with their Christmas lights, and Texas A&M professor of Horticulture, Monte Nesbitt, gives us the dirt on a terrific and unique Christmas gift for the green thumbs in your family.

The Designer's Approach

Daniel Kelly — Sat, 18 Nov 2017 13:00:00 +0000

Shawn and Blinda tell the story of how they put together one of their favorite landscape designs for a client who had already "auditioned" several pool builders. So how does a trained and experienced landscape architect approach a new design? It begins with asking the right questions... and perhaps some rather blunt observations.

The Kid-Friendly Garden

Daniel Kelly — Sun, 05 Nov 2017 00:00:00 +0000

With enough children and grandchildren to fill an entire baseball roster, Shawn and Blinda know a thing or two about how to entertain and delight children in their garden. From wacky Dr. Seuss-like plants to delicious edibles, you too can introduce your children to the wonders of your own garden.

Composting - Better Dead Than Alive

Daniel Kelly — Tue, 17 Oct 2017 21:07:35 +0000

Shawn and Blinda chat with John Ferguson of Nature's Way about how to best create your own at-home compost pile. After all, now is the time to do it in preparation for spring plantings.

Plus, you'll be surprised how composting can affect how much and when you water your plants

Fall Lawn Prep

Daniel Kelly — Wed, 04 Oct 2017 16:28:00 +0000

Shawn offers some advice for preparing your lawn for the fall.

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The Client Side: An Interview with Steve Harris

Daniel Kelly — Wed, 27 Sep 2017 16:32:00 +0000

Shawn and Blinda chat with a client about his experience with Mirror Lake Designs

Game Day in the Backyard

Daniel Kelly — Fri, 22 Sep 2017 16:30:00 +0000

Shawn and Blinda discuss a clever trick to integrate your favorite football team into your flower arrangements.

We're Not Drunk - We're Educated

Daniel Kelly — Fri, 22 Sep 2017 16:26:00 +0000

Brock Wagner from Houston's own St. Arnold's Brewery joins the show to discuss the inner workings of our favorite beer.

Too Much Time...

Daniel Kelly — Thu, 24 Aug 2017 17:29:56 +0000

Between running an award-winning landscape design company, producing a horticulture podcast, and keeping up with their grandchildren, it came as a surprise that Shawn had some downtime. And when Shawn has downtime, odd things can occur.

Here are a couple of the radio spots that made their way on the air over the years... courtesy of an overactive imagination, and a few spare minutes of time in the studio.

Bizarre Botanicals: An Interview with Larry Mellichamp

Daniel Kelly — Thu, 17 Aug 2017 16:53:55 +0000

Your livable garden is about to get a little weirder. Shawn and Blinda chat with expert botanist of the bizarre, Larry Mellichamp about his discoveries while writing "Bizarre Botanicals: How to Grow String-of-Hearts, Jack-in-the-Pulpit, Panda Ginger, and Other Weird and Wonderful Plants"

"There's no reason to forsake lilies and petunias. But after reading Bizarre Botanicals, gardeners will want to take a walk on the weird side and try a few of these peculiar plants for themselves."

The Science Behind Smells: An Interview with Dr. Charles Wysocki

Daniel Kelly — Tue, 08 Aug 2017 17:51:12 +0000

Ah the smell of rain! But what are we smelling exactly? And why do some people love the fragrance of Carolina Jasmine, and our hosts can't smell it at all?

Charles Wysocki breaks our sense of smell down to a molecular level, and reveals what he thinks a skunk smells like... you won't believe his answer.

The Summer Sultry Garden: Surviving the Heat

Daniel Kelly — Sat, 29 Jul 2017 12:00:00 +0000

It may be 105 degrees out, and you may be looking for a cool retreat out in your backyard. Is it possible? Yes! With a little imagination and the right materials, you too can enjoy your backyard in these dog days of summer.

Interview with Emma Clark, author of The Art of the Islamic Garden

Daniel Kelly — Mon, 24 Jul 2017 18:15:01 +0000

The Islamic garden is regarded as one of the highest forms of visual art in the civilization of Islam, and this guide explains these gardens' history and symbolism.

Buy the book here.

Small Space, Big Design

Daniel Kelly — Sat, 13 May 2017 12:00:00 +0000

Not everyone lives onacres of land out in the country. Many of our designs take advantage of very limited real estate. A small yard doesn't mean you can't have great design.

Shawn and Blinda discuss the different varieties of courtyard designs that Mirror Lake specializes in.

Ask The Expert: Fire Ants

Daniel Kelly — Thu, 11 May 2017 20:30:00 +0000

Fire ant mounds. They pop up out of nowhere. One day you have a clean, clear entry into your backyard, and the next morning you have an entire infantry of fire ants.

Shawn and Blinda enlist the help of Dr. Paul Nester of Texas A&M University to learn more about when you can expect to find these critter's homes and more interestingly, why.

Color and Heat! with Darrin Duling

Daniel Kelly — Sat, 06 May 2017 16:38:00 +0000

Darrin Duling from the Mercer Arboretum offers choices for color in your yard, even as the heat persists...

A Landscape Architect? What the heck is that?

Daniel Kelly — Sat, 29 Apr 2017 11:00:00 +0000

Most folks don't even know that a Landscape Architect is a profession. Their only experience, after all, is with pool builders and pool contractors. But there is a huge difference between the landscape architect, and a guy with a shovel.

Let Texas Registered Landscape Architect No. 869 (Michael Shawn Kelly) explain the difference.

Focus... focus...

Daniel Kelly — Wed, 26 Apr 2017 14:00:00 +0000

One element of great design technique is creating a focal point in your yard. But, you may be asking, what creates a great focal point?

Glad you asked...

Kids, Meet Nature. Nature, Kids.

Daniel Kelly — Sat, 22 Apr 2017 13:00:00 +0000

Sometimes it feels like we have to coax our children to get outside and play. Luckily there are programs like Nature Explore that help make this a little easier on us adults. Chris Kiewra from Nature Explore tell us more...

Reclaiming Your Front Yard

Daniel Kelly — Wed, 19 Apr 2017 02:58:50 +0000

There once was a time when we would spend our evenings out on our front porches. We would enjoy a beverage as the sun set, and wave as the neighbors took a stroll around the block.

Smart, beautiful landscape design can help you reclaim your front yard. Shawn and Blinda tell you how.

A front yard design by Michael Shawn Kelly & Mirror Lake Designs

Easter Egg Coloring

Daniel Kelly — Wed, 12 Apr 2017 18:35:00 +0000

Uh oh, Easter is coming up. And there are going to be a lot of kids coming over! How do you keep them busy?

How about Easter Egg coloring with a twist! Blinda explains more...

The Case for Azaleas

Daniel Kelly — Sat, 08 Apr 2017 23:00:00 +0000

Azaleas don't get the credit they deserve. Shawn and Blinda discuss the missed opportunities that azaleas offer.

An Interview with Raymond Haak of Haak Vineyard & Winery

Daniel Kelly — Wed, 05 Apr 2017 19:00:00 +0000

Looking for a fun day-trip around the Houston area? Somewhere you can enjoy a local wine, some dancing, and great food? Take a little trip down to Santa Fe, TX where Raymond Haak tends to his three acres of grape vine at Haak Vineyards & Winery

Shawn and Blinda interview Raymond and learn more about this local vineyard.

The Gentleman Farmer's Lot

Daniel Kelly — Sat, 01 Apr 2017 11:00:00 +0000

We are surrounded in the Houston area with subdivisions of two-acre lots. Typically, these homes are built up several feet above native elevation. The intention is good - to keep the home dry. But too often, the homeowners and the builders themselves do not know how to mitigate the unforeseen consequences.

Shawn and Blinda explain...

Part II - The American Porch: An Informal History of an Informal Place

Daniel Kelly — Thu, 30 Mar 2017 17:26:00 +0000

Part II of an interview with Michael Dolan author of The American Porch: An Informal History of an Informal Place.

The American Porch: An Informal History of an Informal Place

Daniel Kelly — Sat, 25 Mar 2017 16:26:00 +0000

Shawn and Blinda interview the delightful Michael Dolan, author of The American Porch: An Informal History of an Informal Place.

“In this charming look at an American icon, journalist and documentary scriptwriter and producer Dolan traces the history of the porch, using this history to explore subjects such as architecture, history, slavery, colonialism, trade, anthropology, sociology, consumer behavior, and publishing. He begins with an account of remodeling his own front porch and then takes us on an irreverent yet informative tour of the development of the porch, from its origins in ancient Greece and Rome, Africa and India, with stops along the way in Brazil, the Caribbean, Renaissance Italy, Georgian England, and Colonial America. From there, he charts the rise, decline, fall, and reemergence of the porch in America, from Greek revival architecture to plantation culture, from Victorian bungalows to suburban ranch homes, from front porch conversation to air conditioning and television, and from Modernism to the New Urbanism. Throughout, the author supplements his own research by calling upon an impressive array of authorities. Considering the book’s accessibility, the amount and quality of its coverage, and the current lack of comparable titles, this is highly recommended for both academic and public libraries”

Book Review: The Living Waters of Texas

Daniel Kelly — Wed, 22 Mar 2017 17:56:00 +0000

Shawn and Blinda interview the photographer, Charles Kruvand, the artist behind the gorgeous photographs in The Living Waters of Texas.

See some of Charles's beautiful artwork at his website: www.CharlesKruvand.com

“In ten impassioned essays, veteran Texas environmental advocates and conservation professionals step outside their roles as lawyers, lobbyists, administrators, consultants, and researchers to write about water. Their personal stories of what the springs, rivers, bottomlands, bayous, marshes, estuaries, bays, lakes, and reservoirs mean to them and to our state come alive in the landscape photography of Charles Kruvand.”

Jerk on the Grill

Daniel Kelly — Wed, 22 Feb 2017 17:11:00 +0000

Scott Thomas offers his killer Jerk Steak recipe for a fun weekend grilling recipe.

The Ugly Duckling

Daniel Kelly — Mon, 20 Feb 2017 16:46:00 +0000

Don't dig it up! Shawn and Blinda save you the hassle of removing ugly and dying plants.

Not Enough Aloe

Daniel Kelly — Thu, 16 Feb 2017 17:49:00 +0000

Shawn and Blinda recall a time when Shawn was saved by a giant Aloe Vera in their backyard...

The Mushroom Hunter

Daniel Kelly — Thu, 16 Feb 2017 16:49:00 +0000

An interview with Author Langdon Cook on his book, The Mushroom Hunters

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Big Tree Shade

Daniel Kelly — Wed, 15 Feb 2017 17:47:14 +0000

Which offers better shade: a giant tree, or a gazebo? Your Livable garden hosts, Michael Shawn and Blinda Ann Kelly, explore the strengths of a shade tree in a backyard design.

Dreaming Big

Daniel Kelly — Mon, 13 Feb 2017 17:42:00 +0000

Sometimes shifting your perspective will allow for design possibilities to flourish.

Working with Contractors

Daniel Kelly — Mon, 06 Feb 2017 17:38:00 +0000

Designers and contractors are not the same thing. Shawn and Blinda discuss the difference between the two, and how to best communicate with a contractor.

An Alternative Solution

Daniel Kelly — Mon, 30 Jan 2017 17:11:00 +0000

Maybe that giant plastic play set isn't the most reasonable choice for your children...

One Expensive Band-Aid

Daniel Kelly — Mon, 23 Jan 2017 17:08:00 +0000

Shawn and Blinda share the story of a client narrowly avoiding a very costly mistake.

Transplanting Know How

Daniel Kelly — Mon, 16 Jan 2017 17:01:00 +0000

A few helpful pointers before you throw your back out transplanting that tree...

The Kid Friendly Design

Daniel Kelly — Mon, 09 Jan 2017 16:55:00 +0000

Shawn and Blinda discuss how a well designed backyard can be the perfect environment for raising a kid.

The Biggest Waste of Space

Daniel Kelly — Mon, 02 Jan 2017 16:34:00 +0000

Shawn and Blinda reveal the #1 most wasted space in nearly every yard across Texas.

Design Solutions: Perimeter Fencing

Daniel Kelly — Sun, 01 Jan 2017 17:51:00 +0000

Shawn and Blinda discuss how to make the most out of ugly perimeter fencing.