EXPERT INTERVIEW
Garden getaway. Design tips to take your living space outdoors.
Korina Petrozzi | Owner, The Plant Nerd She was called “Bug” as a kid because she was always playing with plants and putting creepy- crawlies in her pocket. “I thought I would be an entomologist,” she says, “but when I realized it was the plants that brought in all the fun insects, I turned my attention to horticulture.”
What’s the most important thing to consider when designing an outdoor living space? Petrozzi: Consider your lifestyle: Do you like to entertain, travel to wine country or host your kids’ sports team events? Focus on emotion to identify your overall style. Collect a handful of inspirational photos that evoke the feeling you want in your yard, and consider sun exposure, proximity to the house and how to connect space with the inside of your home. Sometimes, the idea of a sitting area in the corner of a garden might seem cozy and intimate, but it can end up feeling lonely and isolated. Color — reflected in the leaves, flowers, furniture and other features — will define the energy of your space. What DIY suggestions do you have? Petrozzi: Don’t start too big. Begin with a small seating area or a view from your bedroom. The rise of apps like Pinterest or other AI tools provide an infinite number of design ideas. Make sure the plants you select are well-suited to the areas you plant them. Given the right sunlight, soil and water, they will grow, change shapes, flower, bear fruit and undergo seasonal changes to keep the garden exciting all year.
The Plant Nerd has been designing outdoor living spaces and specializing in California friendly landscapes since 2003. Learn more at theplantnerd.com .
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