Stock tank pools are an outdoor trend I came across just recently and I have to say, I’m feeling like I’ve been living under a rock. Just in case you’ve been under one too, a stock tank pool is a galvanized tank normally used to water livestock that’s repurposed into a small, backyard pool - typically around 8’ diameter and 2’ to 3’ deep. It’s a budget-friendly backyard trend with legs, and they’re many creative, industrious people out there who’ve made them into total Insta-worthy assets for their own outdoor oases.

Where’s this trend coming from? They say necessity is the mother of invention, and I think families are getting pretty desperate for some outdoor fun (and to maintain their sanity) for their requisite stay-cations right now. Now that they’re on my radar, I feel like stock tank pools are cropping up everywhere like mushrooms, from Instagram to articles in major media outlets like the Wall Street Journal.

This is such a great idea for outdoor fun that looks good with out spending a fortune. Let’s take a look at traditional pool options and then explore this summer-style trend that just might be the perfect addition for your patio or backyard!

Cistanthe grandiflora, a.k.a. Calandrinia spectabilis or Rock Purslane is what I call a "Super Succulent." It blooms for months straight, is cold hardy (frost tolerant) to 15 F, has succulent blue-green foliage, and is drought tolerant. It's also really easy to grow in the garden and propagate from cuttings making it a fun and rewarding plant for even a novice plant parent or gardener.

Fire is a natural design choice for outdoor entertaining and family enjoyment. It creates a warm, cozy atmosphere, enticing friends and family to stay and hang out, especially on chilly nights. We all love to gather around a crackling fire; as humans we're naturally drawn to it . So let's take a look at some options including fire pits, fire tables, and outdoor fireplaces.

Do you have a fiddle leaf fig (Ficus lyrata) that is one tall stalk with no branches? Do you really want a tree-like fiddle leaf with a single trunk and multiple branches at the top? If so, you’ve come to the right post. We’ll get into 2 specific techniques of pruning and notching with step by step guidelines for making your bush-like fiddle leaf into a beautiful branching tree.

Looking for some inspiration to fuel your outdoor oasis dreams? It’s that time of year again - the weather is warming up, and soon we’ll want to be outside enjoying it all. Time to plan our outdoor living space so we can enjoy with friends and family. I’m finishing up my own backyard garden re-design and I’ve been looking at lots of images and inspiration, so I thought it would be fun to share.