HDO Design

"They who for their country die,
shall fill an honored grave.
For glory lights the soldier's tomb,
and beauty weeps the brave."
- Joseph Rodman Drake

My favorite Memorial Day picture of my kids back in 2018 watching the American Legion at a program we try to attend each year. We are grateful beyond words for those who have sacrificed all for the freedoms and life we are blessed to have. 🇺🇸

Thursday I was able to attend with Mom and some other family. Of course walking across campus I had to stop and take a picture of this beautiful tree (I believe Red Horse Chestnut?). Anyway, it was an enlightening day where I left feeling uplifted and encouraged, motivated to create a closer relationship with my Savior, Jesus Christ.

Happy Easter! He is risen, as he said. (Matt. 28:8)

“I wonder if we fully appreciate the enormous significance of this belief in a literal, universal resurrection. The conviction that death is not the conclusion of our identity changes the whole perspective of our mortal life.” - Pres. Dallin H. Oaks

Hello March! I'm still holding my breath that it will still be really cold and freeze or snow or something crazy but the proof is here. Spring is on its way, my crocus are blooming and other flowers are on their way! I made a flower top sourdough also. 🙃
It's been a minute, things have been busy but hopefully I'll share more of what I've been busy doing soon!

This phrase had been in my head for the last week or so. This world feels so weary but there is hope, a hope so great that deserves rejoicing as we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. There is hope, light and peace available on Him.
Merry Christmas, to all! 🎄❤️
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Happy Winter Solstice! 🕯️❄️🎄

I look forward to this day more each year as there will start to be more and more light each day. The darkest days are behind us.
Light is fascinating. I'm all for the natural light and sunlight so you can imagine I love all the holiday lights. I love watching tv with my Christmas tree lit up next to it.
There is no coincidence that Jesus Christ is called the Light of the World. I love this song and singing it each year but today the words hit a little different as we sung them in church:

Silent night! Holy night!
Son of God, love's pure light
Radiant beams from thy holy face,
With the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord, at thy birth;
Jesus, Lord, at thy birth.

My holiday florals! I'm loving my Ice Crystals poinsettias and my Christmas cactus is blooming right on time this year. Swipe to see them close up and their beautiful color. Flowers are always a good idea.

Hello December! It snowed and there is something I love about the sun and snow. It always reminds me of this quote:

"Stop seeking out the storms and enjoy more fully the sunlight. I’m suggesting that we accentuate the positive. I’m asking that we look a little deeper for the good, that we still our voices of insult and sarcasm, that we more generously compliment virtue and effort." - Gordon B. Hinckley

Plans are great for so spatially laying things out and construction but most people can't visualize what it really is going to look like. This project started to create some images for the clients to better understand and visualize some of the future spaces coming to their backyard. A basement patio/entertainment space and a more natural fire pit area are two such spaces.

I designed this xeriscape front yard with the goal of keeping color and interest year round. There are evergreens for winter and blooming perennials and shrubs for color. A couple of my favorite plants from this design: Lo and Behold Butterfly Bush, Knockout Rose (Pink), Plumbago and Blonde Ambition Blue Grama Grass.

I've had people tell me they don't like ornamental grasses and usually it's because they're only seeing a few varieties. This one is so fun and unique - it's beautiful blowing in the wind.

Xeriscape yards are beneficial for a few reasons. Obviously less water usage but also less maintenance - no grass to mow and many of these plants spread to help with w**d control.