Kier Holmes

California

Contributing Writer at Freelance

Writing appearing in Martha Stewart, Sunset Magazine, Gardenista, Sonoma Magazine, Marin Magazine, garden and science educator, and landscape designer.

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Articles

ORCA's Landscape Redesign of a House Designed by Cliff May Is the Epitome of Indoor-Outdoor Living

2 weeks ago | gardenista.com | Kier Holmes

The core goal of all landscape designs by ORCA is to reconnect humans with nature by bringing together specific plants and sourcing raw materials. “By using underdone materials that are not pre-fabricated or refined, there is an honesty to the bench you are sitting on or the table you dine at. It allows us to see what was provided from the land, and appreciate the beauty that is native to the landscape we occupy,” explains founder Molly Sedlacek.
How to Make Hummingbird Nectar the Right Way

3 weeks ago | marthastewart.com | Madeline Buiano |Kier Holmes

Photo: Jeff R Clow / Getty Images Hummingbirds are spectacular to watch, but if you've been having a hard time attracting the birds to your backyard, there's one thing your landscape may be missing: hummingbird nectar. Due to their extremely high metabolism, hummingbirds have to visit hundreds of flowers a day. By making hummingbird nectar at home, you can help give these winged beauties the glucose energy they need to keep on humming.
How to Grow and Care for Scleranthus Biflorus

1 month ago | gardenista.com | Kier Holmes

Australian Astroturf, Scleranthus biflorus Some hear the word “astroturf,” and they recoil and roll their eyes. But rest assured, this is not what you think it is. Australian astroturf is a real, living plant, not plastic faux grass. And while its common name is admittedly not the most appealing, this verdant, charmingly squishy ground cover is—and worth searching out.
The Best Plants to Attract Hummingbirds to Your Garden

2 months ago | gardenista.com | Kier Holmes

The humble hummingbird has always been a pollinator favorite among gardeners, but lately it’s been attracting more (and new) buzz. Katie Tamony, chief marketing officer and trend spotter at Monrovia, tells us she’s been seeing increased interest in drawing hummingbirds to the garden. “I’ve heard it called the next glamour animal—the one they most want to take a photo of, the one that stops them in their tracks when they encounter it in the garden,” she shares.
All About Mahonia Eurybracteata 'Soft Caress': A Growing Guide

2 months ago | gardenista.com | Kier Holmes

Mahonia eurybracteata ‘Soft Caress’ This year I promised myself that I would incorporate more plants that can multitask and require less work and stress. One such plant that I have added to my ever-expending must-have list is Mahonia eurybracteata ‘Soft Caress’. Trust me on this—you’ll soon be adding it to yours, too. Please keep reading to learn about this fantastically functional plant: Let’s start with the plant’s name.
The Best Heart-Shaped Plants to Give for Valentine's Day

Feb 14, 2025 | gardenista.com | Kier Holmes

Sure, you can be predictable and buy flowers or chocolates for Valentine’s Day, but there are better, more enduring, more sustainable options out there. This year, give your significant other a small plant that announces your love with heart-shaped leaves. (Or maybe just gift yourself one of these sweethearts and consider it self care). This trailing plant gifts delicate and petite green and silver heart-shaped leaves.
How to Grow and Care for Lepechinia

Feb 5, 2025 | gardenista.com | Kier Holmes

Pitcher Sage, Lepechinia When I first learned about these plants, I thought they were simply unfamiliar salvias, and as a true salvia fan I felt a wee bit remiss. Turns out, salvias and lepechinias are related, and lepechinias are actually known as “false sage.” I also found out that pitcher sage is in the mint family, Lamiaceae, but they aren’t scary spreaders that you’ll later regret adding to your garden; rather, they share the family’s pleasantly aromatic trait.
The Conservatory of Flowers in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park

Jan 8, 2025 | gardenista.com | Kier Holmes

As soon as it gets cold and wintry outside, I act like a moth to a flame and instantly gravitate to greenhouses, garden stores, and humid conservatories. One historic indoor spot that I have been visiting since childhood, especially in winter, is the Conservatory of Flowers in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. Established in 1879, this Victorian-style building is not only the oldest structure in Golden Gate Park but also the oldest wood and glass conservatory in all of North America.
An English-Style Luxury Glasshouse

Jan 1, 2025 | gardenista.com | Kier Holmes

If you are lucky enough to have some surplus space in your garden or on your property, the idea of adding a greenhouse has likely crossed your mind. And if you are familiar with Alitex‘s collection of extremely charming Victorian-inspired greenhouses, the idea has probably crossed your mind multiple times. Founded in 1952, U.K.-based Alitex is endorsed by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Everything You Need to Know About Anise Hyssop (Hummingbird Mint)

Dec 11, 2024 | gardenista.com | Kier Holmes

Hummingbird Mint, Agastache The common name really says it all. If you adore hummingbirds (who doesn’t) and want more (you betcha) to visit your garden, then consider adding some Agastache to your plantings. I’m always on the prowl for pollinator-friendly plants that don’t demand a lot of water or attention and have a lot to offer in the color department. This plant delivers on all fronts.