Author name: Rayna Syed

Rayna (she/her) is a landscape architect, a published author, and an acclaimed advocate for equitable landscape design. After completing a master’s degree in landscape architecture at the University of Toronto, Rayna pursued a career as a professional landscape designer. She has worked for several acclaimed firms and co-founded Common Space Coalition, a community-focused design non-profit organization. She launched Greensaus in 2022 with her partner in crime Jamie Reford to introduce sustainable landscape design to the mainstream. Rayna and Jamie currently live in a house full of plants in Portland, OR.

29 Best Native Desert Plants: Complete Growing Guide

Looking for desert-hardy plants? Explore 29 native desert plants that thrive in harsh conditions. This complete guide includes USDA zones, growing tips, and maintenance requirements for each species.

Mykonos, Greece

Mykonos, Greece  Hardiness Zone 10a August 2022 Related Posts Desert Landscaping Ideas A late summer family trip to Mykonos spent swimming, constantly hydrating, eating, laughing, and adoring all the Mediterranean plants and palettes. 

Snippets from Balboa Park

Portland Japanese Garden Hardiness Zone 8b February 19, 2024 Related Posts Japanese Plants Zen Garden Plants Zen Garden Ideas Zen Garden Ideas for Small Spaces Springtime stopping for wildflower photos in the park.

Japanese Friendship Garden and Museum at Balboa Park

Japanese Friendship Garden and Museum, Balboa Park Hardiness Zone 10b April 22, 2024 Related Posts Japanese Plants Zen Garden Plants Zen Garden Ideas Zen Garden Ideas for Small Spaces A springtime stroll through the Japanese Garden at Balboa Park. 

Desert and Cactus Gardens at Balboa Park

Desert Garden & Cactus Garden, Balboa Park Hardiness Zone 10b April 22, 2024 Related Posts Desert Trees Desert Landscaping Ideas A springtime stroll through the dry gardens at Balboa Park.

Portland Japanese Garden

Portland Japanese Garden Hardiness Zone 8b February 19, 2024 Related Posts Japanese Plants Zen Garden Plants Zen Garden Ideas Zen Garden Ideas for Small Spaces A winter stroll through the Portland Japanese Garden.  Japanese Maple blanket of moss and rhododendrons at the Japanese Portland Garden moss on an on old Japanese maple at Portland Japanese …

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desert trees in a collage watercolor style

Top 23 Desert Trees & Shrubs to Create a Water-Wise Eco-Friendly Landscape

Incorporating desert trees into your landscaping elevates the aesthetic appeal of your outdoor space with their unique forms and vibrant blooms. At the same time, it contributes to sustainability, significantly contributes to water conservation and creates ecological value for local habitat.

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