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. 

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. 

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...

 

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. 

"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.
 

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. 

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.

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.

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

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