GardenDesigns+more

2011 Perennial of the Year

2011-07-31T11:32:00.001-07:00

This year, the Perennial Plant Association has named Amsonia hubrichtii, more commonly known as Amsonia or Arkansas Blue Star, as the perennial of the year. It truly is a plant for the seasons:

In Spring, it is covered with small blue star-shaped flowers:

It’s foliage is very delicate, like a thread leaf.

And, in Fall, this is what you can expect:

From Garden Rant

The amsonia plant grows to 3-feet tall x 3-feet wide in a soft billowy mound and is a native of Arkansas and Oklahoma. It thrives in full sun to part shade in zones 4 through 9. Although I live in zone 8, I have yet to see one growing here. I must get one to see how it grows in my garden.

How does a plant get such an honor you ask? Each year, the Perennial Plant Association “Perennial Plant of the Year” committee selects four plants to be voted on by members of the association. Each plant must be suitable for a wide range of climate types; be low maintenance; be easily propagated; and must exhibit multiple seasonal interest.

To see past Perennial Plant of the Year winners go Here.

Skateboarder’s Dream House

2011-07-23T09:00:00.001-07:00

Imagine, a house built for grinding, carving and flying tomatoes?! This home is a skateboarder’s dream. Actually, the living area of this home was developed by Pierre-Andre Senizergues (PAS), founder of Sole Technology and a former pro skater. It is a prototype for a single-family home to be used for indoor skateboarding. Too fun not to share.

Check out the back of that chair and the wall partition. Is this home for you? To read more about this prototype house, go to Inman News.

I’m published!

2011-07-20T18:05:00.001-07:00

It’s the first time I’ve ever been PAID for it …

Wrightsville Beach Magazine

I was asked by the magazine to identify some well-designed gardens and explain why. Many of us know when we are in a pleasant space, but few of us can identify why. Enjoy, darlings!

A few more pics with my own camera …

Garden Number 1.

Poetry in motion!

Fell in love with this arbor with a rose on top. The large candelabra was designed by the owner of the home.

A proper way to end an axis.

Curves!

Garden Number 2.

View of the home from the street.

The view from my car of the front entrance. The formal parterre garden is obscured by a sea of maiden grass.

Inside the parterre garden at the entry courtyard.

Loropetalum chinensis espalier.

The rill garden consisted of two round pools connected by a nine-inch runnel.

The owner designed this so that water could flow in either direction.

I love the granite block and the perennials on this terraced garden.

Curved walls terrace down to the natural wooded area beyond.

View from the other direction. A symphony of herbaceous perennials!

Big leaf hydrangeas behind a Japanese boxwood hedge.

Such harmony!

Note: Did you see any green grass in these pics? No – there is none.

Garden Number 3.

A restoration of an historic home in Wilmington, NC.

Magnolia soulangiana “Saucer Magnolia”

Lilies and ferns.

Focal Point.

Fountain and fenestration.

A year later.

Motor Court with red brick and crushed slate.

Garden Gates

From Strawberry Pots to Tabletops

2011-07-10T05:02:00.001-07:00

Suddenly, succulents are not just for strawberry pots anymore. Remember when succulent plants looked like this?

Nowadays, in our waterwise world, they are looking more like this…

or this …

Bend Weekly

Yes, our beloved Hens and Chicks have found a new use or should I say many new uses. They have become the plant of choice for living walls, green roofs and even tabletops!

quinn tessentially me's blog

Sunset Magazine online can teach you how to make a tabletop garden such as this, step by step.

Sunset Magazine

Janice Eaton Kilby wrote the book on beautiful tabletop gardens.

And J Peterson at Garden Design gave it a pretty good review.

Yes, succulents have come a long way. With their good looks, low water requirements and low maintenance appeal, they have become the plant poster child for the green movement.

Besserina

It’s Earth Day!

2011-04-23T19:12:00.001-07:00

I’m hoping everyone will join in and do something to create positive change for our planet. This year’s Earth Day theme is “Earth Day 2011: A Billion Acts of Green.” To get involved with Earth Day events go Here. Take action! You also might consider visiting Oceana, the largest international organization whose focus is Ocean conservation.

Please take a moment this Earth Day to think about what small measure you can do to help our planet!

Happy Earth Day and Happy Easter!

Black Friday gift ideas

2010-11-26T07:20:00.001-08:00

Tis the season to get busy shopping! For those of us who prefer to let our fingers do the walking, here are a few gift ideas from the internet.

Fabulous semi-custom stationary from fabulousstationary.com Set of 20 notes and envelops. $45.00

Succulent Wreath from VivaTerra. 13” diameter hand-assembled wreath made out of living plants! $79.00

Tin can Angels with bottle cap faces are hand made in Guatemala! Made from old aluminum cans from VivaTerra. Set of 4: $17.00

Colorful handmade beads from Bead for Life, an organization whose mission is to eradicate poverty in Uganda. You can purchase these colorful bracelets or necklaces (made from paper) that range in price from $5 to $20.

“Love our Oceans” Gift set from glassybaby. These glass candle holders are made from a multi-layered glass blowing process. 100 per cent of the sales price of this set goes to assist Conservation International, an organization whose mission is to “responsibly and sustainably care for nature, our global biodiversity, for the well-being of humanity” including our beautiful oceans. Set of 3: $120

This recycled sailcloth collection of bags, shower curtains and dog beds is a must have for all those who are nautical-minded! The bags are durable and affordable and come in a wide range of sizes! Available from Ella Vickers.

Amaryllis Flower Kit. Make beautiful flowers out of paper! Visit Paper Source to find this kit and many others! $14.95

At last, tools designed for fun! Get these hammers and screwdrivers in mulit- or nauticual-stripes from Delight.com for $24.50.

Finally, here are some wonderful gifts available on Etsy …

This “Blooming Neck Gardens” scarf features hand-crocheted flowers on a crocheted chain. It is handmade with love by Scarf it up at Etsy. You can own it for just $48.00!

Delicate and dainty, this Family Tree Initial necklace features your initials and creates a personal statement for the wearer to keep close to her heart. From Soul Peaces on Etsy. $47.00

These chalkboard plant stakes will assist you with labeling your garden this summer! The best thing about them is that they don’t cause glare from the sun AND they are reusable! Get this set of 5 plant stakes from bradensgracewallart on Etsy for just $12.

This beautiful line of clothing pins can dress up any outfit! Get them from Bien Aimee at Etsy for under $30.

Happy Black Friday everyone! Feel free to post about any other great gift items you might find when you are out and about on the internet!

If plants could read

2010-11-13T05:29:00.001-08:00

Then you might want to show them these …

Made from recycled soda, juice and soup cans by VivaTerra, these colorful letters can add a little kitsch to your garden walls. Run, don’t walk to purchase these as they are currently on sale for just $29.

2010 World Expo Closes in China

2010-11-07T08:45:00.001-08:00

The architecture every one is talking about these days is not in Dubai, but China. On October 31, the Chinese finished hosting the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai where over 73 million people visited the 5.28 square kilometer (1300+ acres) site. Nearly 200 countries participated in the event whose overall theme was “Better City – Better Life” signifying Shanghai’s “new status” as the “next great world city.”

Perhaps the greatest part of the Expo are the Pavilions. This year, there were five central themes exploring urban development. They included Urban Footprints, Urban Planet, Urbanian, City Being and Urban Future. There were both National and Corporate pavilions. Here’s a look at a few of the National pavilions.

The Latvian Pavilion theme was “Innovation City of Science and Technology.” It featured an interior wind tunnel.

The Australian Pavilion had curving walls and a red exterior symbolizing it’s great natural monument Ayer’s Rock. Its theme was ImagiNation.

The Chinese Pavilion’s theme was “Chinese Wisdom in Urban Development.” It featured elements of traditional Chinese architecture dating back 2000 years that utilized interlocking wooden brackets or “dougong” for the roof. This building was called “The Crown of the East.”

Japan’s Pavilion featured a purple membrane exterior and was modeled after a breathing organism. Its theme was “Harmony of the Hearts, Harmony of the Skills.” The Chinese called it the “Purple Silkworm Island.”

The Brazilian Pavilion’s concept was to highlight the cultural diversity and dynamism of its cities. Its theme was “Pulsing Cities: Feel the Life of Brazilian Cities.” The green intersecting wooden lace exterior was symbolic of its forests and a recyclable material.

Canada’s Pavilion, shaped like the letter “C,” invited guests to enter through a gap in its exterior where they then proceeded through an interior courtyard to the building entrance. It featured a virtual waterfall and the Cirque du Soleil. Its theme was “The Living City: Inclusive, Sustainable, Creative.”

The French Pavllion appears to be floating and features the sights, smells, tastes and sounds of France. Its theme was “Sensual City.” The exterior is made of a special concrete mesh and featured planted walls as well as a green roof garden.

“Norway, Powered by Nature” themed the Norway Pavilion. The wood structure was made up of 15 “trees” covered with a semi-transparent roof that provided enough solar energy to make the entire pavilion self sufficient.

“Balancity” was the theme of the German Pavilion. It featured a cone-shaped structure that housed a revolving Metal Sphere.

Designed as a “hand-weaved” wicker basket, Spain’s Pavilion was themed “From the City of our Parents to the City of our Children.” Each panel on the exterior was hand made and unique.

The United Kingdom’s Pavilion featured the theme of “Building on our Past, Shaping our future.” It was dubbed as the “Seed Cathedral” and the area around it represented wrapping paper, that had fallen away to reveal the treasure inside. It featured a tour of it’s major cities including London, Belfast, Edinborough and Cardiff, as well as a special Olympic Corner previewing the 2012 Olympics.

Finally, the United States’ Pavilion was designed around the theme of “Rise to the Challenge.” It was a large grey steel structure that symbolized an eagle spreading its wings. It conveyed four core concepts of sustainability, teamwork, health and the spirit of striving for success and presented the U.S. as a place of opportunity and diversity.

I can only dream of going to something like this one day. I can’t imagine being there!

These great World Expos or Fairs take place roughly every three or four years, depending upon which country commits to hosting it. Italy will host the World Expo 2015 in Milan. The history of these world fairs began in London in 1851. Their purpose was to express the hopes of the day, showcase outside cultures, scientific advances, new inventions and also, to generate revenue. To learn more about the history of these great events, go Here.

Finally, Shanghai has announced its plans to build a World Expo Museum and intends to conserve expo exhibits and popularize world expo history. To read and learn more about the 2010 World Expo, visit their website Here.

Shipping Containers in the Sky

2010-10-30T05:39:00.001-07:00

Sky is the Limit 2008 was designed by Mesarchitecture as a Tea House in Yang Yang, South Korea. Basically, the structure suspends two shipping containers 20 meters above the ground.

Sky is the Limit 2008

Here’s a view inside one:

I’d like to go up there and have a look, but would hate to be up there on an especially windy day!

Hot fireplaces for modern homes

2010-10-17T05:08:00.001-07:00

“Gate” by Carsten Gollnick for Conmoto is a built-in fireplace for the home that looks like furniture. It consists of twin glossy black cabinets with glass fronts. One side contains the wood-burning fireplace while the other stores the wood.

How simple is that?

If you’re not into the vertical design, look at this horizontal fireplace design from Peter Maly for Conmoto.

Or consider this round option called “Roll Fire” by Sieger Design for Conmoto. This flueless fireplace could fit just about anywhere indoors or out.

Who would have predicted 10 years ago that we’d now have moveable fireplaces in the home or furniture that doubles as fireplaces?

A New Look for Chiquita Bananas

2010-10-09T14:02:00.001-07:00

This summer Chiquita Bananas had a contest to design new stickers for their bananas. 100,000 votes were cast for the 50 top finalists with winners being determined by popular vote and the 18 winners are pictured below.

And the winners are...

Look for these stickers to adorn your favorite bananas in November. Fun!

Art imitates Life

2010-10-02T14:57:00.001-07:00

The Highway overpass. A true engineering feat! A complicated maze of concrete, steel and asphalt all designed for the movement of vehicular traffic.

T-Bisqit @ flickr

Dynamic and fluid. Ebbing and flowing like the tide. How many pass through these places each day?

Inspiring some to art.

Historic Garden Renovation, Part 2

2010-09-19T06:22:00.001-07:00

As I mentioned in my earlier post Here, last Spring I recently completed the renovation of an Historic Home in Wilmington, NC.

My first task was to record the existing landscape as I found it. I had to identify all plants on site and all other landscape elements such as walls, fences, walks, etc. Here is my original site inventory. I hope you can read it.

From this information, I composed a plant list of all existing plant material. It was my goal to recycle as many of the existing plants as possible. Any plant that was determined to be worthy enough (i.e., was in good condition and form) would be spared and I am happy to say that we reused about 95% of the existing plants. Out of these, nearly 40 per cent were transplanted to different locations on site, while the remaining plants stayed put.

When I began to work on site, the detached garage was under construction. There was also no driveway to speak of. It was all mud. In this photo, you can see the wood garage going up in the upper right corner and the dirt that would become the driveway on the right side.

In the plan, the hatching to the right (North side) of the property is actually a large apartment building – the Carolina Apartments. It is six stories high. Notice it has no setback and actually sits about a foot or two off of the property line.

Photo from www.movie-locations.com

The Carolina Apartments (View from Market Street)

The plan also shows an existing brick path at the upper left side of the drawing. It extends from a wood arbor at the front side of the Bride’s room and runs to the first set of brick steps in the back.

Because the contractor who put in the new brick steps gave no notice to the existing landscape or grade (see photo below), and the width of the walk was very narrow – less than 2-feet – we elected to remove this walk entirely.

The existing brick walk at the front of the house leading from the front door to the driveway was worth keeping.

Finally, I noted that the previous owners had begun chopping up the yard into various sections. If you look at the plan above, the side yard adjacent to the south side of the Bride’s Room is completely fenced in. A fence ran from the arbor in front to the south property line where there was another fence. And yet another chainlink fence ran back toward the rear wall of the Bride’s Room. As there wasn’t much of a view in that area, I am thinking that possibly that was a dog yard at one point.

Further around the back of the house, they subdivided another yard using Sasanqua camellias. I have no idea why they would subdivide the yard in this manner. But, as you will soon see, we elected to subdivide it in a different way.

That’s it for now. Next up, is my proposed site plan. Keep checking back to see the progress of this project!

The Renovation of an Historic Garden

2010-09-11T07:19:00.001-07:00

I’ve been busy over the past nine months working on a project in the Historic District of Wilmington, NC. The Italianate-style house was built in 1868 for merchant George Washington Williams. In 1886, the Williams family added the Queen Anne East Lake parlor otherwise known as the “Bride’s Room” to accommodate their daughter's wedding reception.

The house remained in the family for three generations. After that time, it was sold and eventually turned into an “apartment” building and subdivided into eight separate apartments. The house and yard had fallen into complete disarray. Both had been neglected for decades.

The current owners have totally restored the 8,000-square foot home and returned it from multiple apartments back to single family. My mission was to design a garden fitting of such a house that would be both appropriate to the time period of the house and to the Cape Fear region.

Photo by Wilmington Historic Foundation

I was first called to the site in June, 2009. I found the grounds to be in total neglect. My job was to first and foremost, design an outdoor setting that would befit such an historic mansion. It was also to present the design to the Wilmington Historic Commission and this entailed hours of preparation. My first task was to identify all the plants existing on the site. Here is that plan:

Front facade after restoration work

Original Front Gate with new steps

Side View of new front step area and existing brick walk and wall to remain.

Front yard is neglected and overgrown, but that lamp still works.

Underneath those weeds is a Mock Orange (Philadelphus sp.) and a few scraggly azaleas.

Side yard looking toward the “Bride’s Room” which as was noted above, was added onto the house in 1886.

Another view of the “Bride’s Room” and side porch from the Street. This side yard was one of the sunniest spots in the yard.

This Tulip Magnolia or Saucer Magnolia (Magnolia soulangiana) was the prettiest plant speciman on the site. One day I arrived on site to find this mess stockpiled underneath it by the construction workers! This is a great way to kill a beautiful tree. It should have been completely barricaded around it’s root zone. When I saw this, I had the stockpiled debris removed immediately.

This brick path was lined with liriope. Look at the condition of those azaleas! Not so good, but I imagine those plants survived with little to no care for decades!

This is the north side of the house completely defaced by construction debris. The tree in the foreground is a dogwood (Cornus florida). The tree in the midground is a large Burford holly (Ilex cornuta ‘Burfordii’). In the background right side you can see the beginning of the construction of a two-story detached garage.

We liked the brick lattice work we found beneath the porch.

Here is the back of the house. Both sets of steps you see were not original to the house, but rebuilt by the first contractor, who made them extend much farther out into the landscape than the original steps. He also built them without consideration of the final grade. Because this was a tight site, construction debris was piled up every where. Most of the site was demolished by the construction debris and traffic. Fortunately, there wasn’t much there to begin with. However, the soil does not benefit from all of the compaction.

This wood screen is the original wood detailing adjacent to the back steps to the wine cellar. We repeated this theme on other structures in the landscape.

Here is the back door to the kitchen. It will terminate a future axis in the landscape.

An old peach tree that was properly barricaded. Note the brick lattice wall behind it. It is in “falling down” condition. I don’t think it was original to the site as it divides the main house from what was once its kitchen and kitchen garden. However, it is sacred to the Historic Commission. We could not harm it or go near it!

A row of Camellia sasanqua was planted to subdivide the yard. You can also see a bit of a brick path that wrapped around the whole house.

Here is the southwest corner of the property. Note the tree in the foreground. It is a Persimmon. It is half dead. There is a chain link fence in the background that is being overtaken by wisteria. To the right, you can see Sabal minor palms that have volunteered on the site.

A new home for the HVAC units and an old Nandina domestic growing at the corner of the house.

Another Sabal minor that volunteered on the site adjacent to the back wall.

A brick walk that wrapped around the whole house. Note, the new steps in the back of the house extended several feet past the originals.

Basically, when I first came to this site, I found plants that had been randomly placed throughout the yard OR had volunteered from seed. It was survival of the fittest as the yard had been neglected for many, many years. Just one of the tasks that I had to do for the Historical Society was to identify all of the plants on site and place them on a site plan – a plant inventory.

The above photos are just some of the “before” photos. Over the next few weeks, I will post more information about this project and tell the story of its metamorphosis! It is interesting.

Come dine with me!

2010-09-05T07:46:00.001-07:00

Now that the dog days of summer are practically behind us, temperatures are just right for dining al fresco! This is the time of year when the weather is perfect for such an event.

AHBL

Oehme, VanSweden & Associaties

Oehme, VanSweden & Associates

There is no more pleasant way to dine with good company than in the midst of a light breeze combined with birds chirping in the background! It’s good to be outdoors!

A table and chairs can automatically transform an ordinary outdoor space into an outdoor room. Do you have a spot in your garden for outdoor dining?

Cool Works of Art

2010-08-20T18:44:00.001-07:00

Here’s something to cool you off from the summer heat! Duncan Hamilton and his team of ice sculptors create beautiful and temporary works of art for any occasion.

London Skyline

Ashe Park Beverage in Leicester, England

Disco Ball on Ice

Skate Board

Dining al fresco with Ashe Park beverages

Check mate!

Pink Ribbon Home

Nautilus

How COOL is this! Which one do you like best? Find out more about Duncan Hamilton and his team and see more of their work at Duncan’s website Here.

A New Logo for BP?

2010-07-22T17:35:00.001-07:00

Not to make light out of what is occurring in the Gulf of Mexico, but some very clever designers have created new logos for British Petroleum. Over at logomyway.com you can enter to win $200 by designing a new logo for BP. Here are some of my favorites.

Go Here to read the Contest Brief and see the hundreds of entries.

Finally, if you are in need of a graphic logo, this might be the website for you!

Water in the Garden

2010-07-18T05:46:00.001-07:00

There is nothing like a water feature to take your mind off of summer heat. Still water is reflective and calms the spirit.

Oehme, vanSweden & Associates

Oehme, VanSweden & Associates

Water can support plant life …

Blasen Landscape Architecture

as well as fish!

Ecoaquatics Ltd.

Blasen Landscape Architecture

Bill Bauer

The sound of moving water can drown out nearby unwanted sounds such as traffic, barking dogs or loud neighbors.

Michael Kersting

It is human nature to be drawn to water and there is no better focal point or feature for the garden.

Triscuit promotes Grow Your Own

2010-07-04T10:27:00.001-07:00

Nothing compares to fresh-picked home grown fruits and vegatables!

A big Green Thumbs Up to Triscuit who has joined the Home Grown movement! Partnering with non-profit Urban Farming, Triscuit has created a home farming website where novices and pros can meet to inspire, encourage, brainstorm and generally interact. It’s all about home farming and the every day joy that grows out of it!

The website tells you all about how to go about growing your own fruits and vegetables at home as well as where you can go for assistance. Finally, Truiscuit and Urban Farming are working together to create 50 community-based home farms. To find a location near you, visit this Map.

Learn more about it at Triscuit’s Home Farming website.

Let’s go to the Tree Museum!

2010-06-15T17:45:00.001-07:00

The Tree Museum opened it’s gates recently near Upper Lake Zurich, Switzerland. The brain child of Enzo Enem, this outdoor museum was “conceived as an oval-shaped, open-air museum, divided into a series of rooms, each with their own atmosphere and character.” The museum features approximately 50 trees from the collection of Enem. It’s intent is to emphasize the exceptional beauty and presence of the individual trees where the plants are shown unnaturally as individuals and not as part of the group.

A new way of appreciating nature, perhaps? Read more about it Here.

It’s all in the details

2010-05-30T17:56:00.001-07:00

Bill Bauer

Very nice. Happy Memorial Day!

More Shipping Container Homes

2010-05-15T04:54:00.001-07:00

Can less be more?

Indoor Gardens

2010-05-06T18:11:00.001-07:00

Sometimes, the best gardens can be found indoors …

Atoche Railway Station, Madrid, Spain

How’s this for an Indoor Park?

Beneath tall office buildings in Tokyo lies a series of research gardens. Staffed by local youth, the gardens are dedicated to researching indoor plant growth as well as producing healthy edibles. Imagine, picking up your daily veggies from the basement of your workplace!

Babylon revisited? No, it’s just an indoor garden designed by Sadar Vuga Architects for the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Ljubljana, Slovenia.

The Atriums and Gardens of Opryland include nine acres of lush, indoor gardens. These gardens are divided into three distinct areas -- the Cascades, the Delta, and the Garden Conservatory.

The Cascades feature a 44-foot tall waterfall.

While the Delta houses a quarter-mile river upon which one can take a ride on a river boat.

Vertical gardens also lend themselves to indoor applications. They are just right for the office!

For those who love plant collections, there are many indoor gardens contained in botanical gardens throughout the U.S. Here’s a beautiful indoor garden at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens. The garden buildings were designed by Frederick Law Olmstead in 1868 and 1876.

As for me, I love to find gardens indoors. Although my green thumb seems to only apply to the out of doors.

Grow Your Own Food

2010-04-30T16:02:00.001-07:00

Now, it’s easier than ever to grow your own veggies at home! Friends, meet the Food Map Container. A garden on wheels. Coming soon to your neighborhood I hope!

To order one for your home or garden, go Here.

A Modern Landscape for a Johannesburg Home

2010-04-27T18:39:00.001-07:00

In the heart of Johannesburg, South Africa, one can find this modern oasis. Home to former international model Karin Hamilton-Brown and her Italian husband Alessandro. What a relationship between outdoors and in!

A simple setting.

By my count, only 7 different plants were used to create this landscape! Truly an example of less is more.

Found at Frank Features after reading Pretty Prowler’s blog. Love this!

A New Use for Scrap Metal

2010-04-18T18:23:00.001-07:00

Check this out!

Seattle-based Iron Age Designs has come out with a wonderful product line making good use of old engine blocks and brake drums by recycling them into drainage and tree grates.

Can’t wait to specify these! To learn more about the company, check their website out Here.

Modern Architecture from Italy

2010-04-16T17:44:00.001-07:00

Thumbs up to the wood decking leading to this house. Wood is pervious, allowing water through the cracks. The modern outdoor light fixtures illuminating the walkway to the house are also very cool and the wood screened courtyard provides a sense of mystery -- making me want to see what is behind it.

From the street, I guess you could say that this house looks rather ordinary – like any other modern dwelling.

But once inside however, one can see that it is special. I see a zen view window in the kitchen. I am sure that the white interior makes the narrow space feel much bigger. The dining area opens up nicely to the outdoors. Also, it looks like crystal chandeliers are still “in” … did they every go “out?”

WoW! I can’t tell where the house stops and the landscape begins.

The pool sits at the edge of the home with water cascading down from the roof overhang, offering a great connection between the nature outdoors and the living indoors.

Love this! House design is by Damilano Studio. It is called Maison De La Lumiere and it is located in Bologna, Italy. I stumbled upon it at chic tip.com.

Patio Furniture

2010-04-11T11:32:00.001-07:00

With the warm months arriving as we speak, it is that time of year to consider new patio furniture.

The Leaf Lounge Chair by Dedon is both beautiful and organic.

Another sleek poolside lounger from David Trubridge. A wooden hammock.

Landscape Forms’ Chill Bench is both colorful and durable! This has been out for several summers now and I am still drawn to its beauty and simplicity.

The Flexy Chaise Lounge by Henry Hall looks as if it floats on air.

The Stylish Woven Lounge chair from Woven Furniture Designs Inc. or “WFDI” is a natural on any pool deck or patio.

This Modern chaise lounge from Sands Mulholland is hand-crafted using the finest wood including multi-layered cherry rails. These chairs come with legs …

or without them …

I love this wicker table and chairs from Allegro Classics.

And how about this modern version of the picnic table? It''s called the Talt Outdoor Table and Chairs from Modern Outdoor. Very sleek.

From Barlow Tyrie, a fun and comfy-looking poolside love seat and ottoman.

And here is the wicker “Seashell Collection” from Dedon.

I would like very much to relax pool or yardside in these Etra Club Chairs from Modern Outdoor.

Now that summer time is here, why not see ….

a view from above of the Fiore Collection from B-alance. This collection of outdoor furniture is very versatile and can be arranged in a number of different ways.

Lose the Lawn

2010-04-02T18:10:00.001-07:00

Design/Build Rebecca Sams and Buell Steelman, Mosaic Gardens, Eugene, OR

Norm Plate

I don’t know about your area, but the price of water sure has gone up in mine. We should all consider using xeriscape plantings now instead of a grass lawn. Now, more than ever, it just makes sense.

Weekly Garden Fix

2010-03-28T05:53:00.001-07:00

From one of my favorite firms, Secret Gardens of Sydney- a lawn with a view.

City Rooftop Apartment Garden, Sydney, Australia. 25 stories up and perfectly symmetrical!

Back to the Books

2010-03-26T18:11:00.001-07:00

Here’s an idea for all of you book lovers …

A new use for old books. Cut a hole in them and plant a tree!

Life has come full circle.

From ette studios. You like?

Beyond the Yellow Brick Road

2010-03-20T18:12:00.001-07:00

This paving sort of reminds me of the yellow brick road …

HGTV

Looks very slick. Must be in a dry climate. I think it would be very slick if it got wet. Can’t say I approve of the way it adjoins the brick path beyond at such an angle. Also, I have to wonder who is going to want to sit on that bench? It looks like a dead end to me. I have to assume there must be a view?

Pretty colors though! Thoughts?

The Irish Shamrock

2010-03-17T18:45:00.001-07:00

Photo by Jon Fravel

Oxalis regnellii, otherwise known as the Shamrock, was a sacred plant to the Druids of Ireland as its leaves formed a triad, and three was a mystical number in the Celtic religion. St. Patrick used the shamrock in the 5th century to illustrate the doctrine of the Holy Trinity as he introduced Christianity to Ireland.

Over time, the shamrock has become the most recognized symbol of Ireland. Once worn on the lapel, it is what is referenced by the slogan “wearin’ of the green.”

To all my friends in Blogland, Happy Saint Patrick’s Day!

‘May the roof above us never fall in.

And may the friends gathered below it never fall out.’

A Fence is a Fence

2010-03-12T17:18:00.001-08:00

Phillips Farevaag Smallenberg

Absolutely love this! What a wonderful backdrop for this mass planting!

Wall flowers

2010-02-28T06:34:00.001-08:00

Wall art from Delight.com.

Turn your boring wall into something a touch more artful. 25 polypropylene flowers that have embedded magnets allowing them to mount with a simple tack or magnet. Five sizes of flowers ranging from 2.5 x 2.5 x 1" to 4.5 x 4.5 x 2.5" . Available in Black, White, Pink, Lime or Chrome.

It certainly adds texture and dimension! You like?

Weekly Garden Fix

2010-02-24T18:07:00.001-08:00

From Phillips Farevaag Smallenberg, a Checkerboard Park in B.C.

Wall Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia

Thought I’d post this since all eyes seem to be on Vancouver these days …

Eco Trash

2010-02-15T17:21:00.001-08:00

Just what will they come up with next?

Eco Trashcan. Envi promotes green by processing biodegradable waste.

Yes, that’s right. It actually turns biodegradable waste into organic compost, which in turn, sustains the plant which it carries and lives in harmony with.

Most of the compost produced by Envi can be removed from the container and used for other applications.

This project uses bio-reactive substances based on photo catalysis to accelerate the degradation process of waste into organic compost. If used properly, the plant within the container will grow and thrive. If not, the plant dies.

A Southern Winter Wonderland

2010-02-13T05:55:00.001-08:00

It’s not often that Wilmington, NC finds itself in the path of a major winter storm event. Maybe this happens once every decade.

Well, it happened for southern North Carolina residents last night. Here is what we woke up to this morning!

The snow-covered landscape seems surreal--

Last night on the evening news, Brian Williams reported that 49 of our 50 states reported measurable snow last night. That is quite a statistic!

Snow is especially appropriate now as all eyes are on Vancouver for the Winter Olympics.

If the snow has found you today, I hope you enjoy it as it will soon be gone!

Best Blog Award

2010-02-09T16:26:00.001-08:00

Woo and Hoo!

More kudos pour moi!

Many thanks to Live Your Style for this wonderful award! I am most grateful and thrilled that you visit my site and like it.

Now, in order to accept this, I must follow a few rules …

Rules:

1. To accept the award, you must post it on your blog with the name of the person who has granted you the award, and a link to their blog.
2. Pass the award on to approximately 15 other blogs that you recently discovered, and think are great!
3. Contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award

Here are my picks for “Best Blog Award”

If The Lamp Shade Fits

Colour Me Happy

Design Ties

blue PLANET garden Blog

Hello Gorgeous

A Beach Lover's Place

COCOCOZY

dh designs

live in full color

The Greenhouse Diaries

Landscape Design Decorating Styling

The Inspired Room

Fifi Flowers Design Decor

Funky Junk

Lime in the Coconut

Please pay these blogs a visit. I know you will grow to love them just as I do!

Edges

2010-01-30T17:38:00.001-08:00

Edges in the landscape. These man-made “edges” provide transition between different elevations.

These edges frame a lawn and pools. Modern materials such as steel and concrete allow us to manipulate nature into a desired geometric shape or pattern. Man over nature. Question is, have we improved upon it? I think so.

Weekly Garden Fix

2010-01-21T13:36:00.001-08:00

Plan View

Who would have guessed that this beautiful garden exists atop a 17-story bank building?

Washington Mutual Bank Roof Garden in Seattle, Washington by Phillips Farevaag Smallenberg.

Thoughts?

Me, Jane …

2010-01-18T18:40:00.001-08:00

… Who wouldn’t want to swing from the trees with an abode such as this?

Tree House by Robert Harvey Oshatz, Portland, OR.

Check out those curves!

Love this semi-circle glass door and the flagstone paving that runs inside and out.

But the views! They are to die for!

You like? Read more about it at Canopy Living: The Ultimate Tree House at Twisted Sifter.

Want a stunning groundcover? It’s a Breeze!

2010-01-16T05:31:00.001-08:00

Lomandra longifolia, otherwise known as Breeze grass is quickly becoming my new favorite plant!

Lomandra longifolia ‘Lime Wave’

This plant is tough and looks beautiful all year long due to its fine texture and evergreen habit. It blooms small flowers in Spring.

This little beauty hails from down under, Australia, and is an extremely versatile plant, growing in both sandy and wet soil conditions! Once established, it tolerates drought beautifully!

Growing best in full sun to part shade, Breeze grass offers a great alternative to shrubs and ground covers. It has a medium growth rate and grows 2 to 3-feet tall x 2-feet wide. Breeze grass grows in US hardiness zones 7 through 11 and once established, requires very little care! Sorry yankees – this plant likes it in the warmer plant zones.

You know a plant is tough when it can hold up in seriously hot, windy and dry conditions such as a traffic island!

Not only will it look good en masse, but I also envision it as beautiful solitary specimans, in pots, or as excellent border plants. Deer tolerant, Breeze grass is an extremely low maintenance plant. Who could ask for anything more?

This is definitely a plant US Southern gardeners will be seeing a lot more of! Enjoy!

It’s my new favorite! What’s yours?

Leaf Art

2010-01-11T18:56:00.001-08:00

“Bio Diversity” from Abstract City by Christoph Nieman. Also found at Tiger Butter.

Physical graffiti

2010-01-07T17:19:00.001-08:00

One man’s mark on the land.

Zeebrugge beach, Belgium

Or should I say sand?

Cape Town, South Africa

Beautiful and temporary.

The artist is South African Calligrapher Andrew van der Merwe. An avid surfer, he spent a lot of time doodling in the sand. Over time, he began developing instruments that would allow him to make deep angular cuts in the sand while at the same time catching the sand so as to prevent it from stockpiling into his grooves. It also appears that he developed shoes he could wear while working on his art that would leave no trace in the sand.

See more of van der Merwe’s work and learn more about his artform Here. See more beach calligraphy at African beach calligraphy doodles.

Finally, a history of van der Merwe’s artform is Here and it is fascinating!

Why not …

2010-01-04T17:49:00.001-08:00

Griffin Enright Architects

Spence Harris Hogan & Associates

Bring the Outdoors in?

Weekly Garden Fix

2009-12-26T17:14:00.001-08:00

From Matthew Cantwell and his team of talented designers and plantsmen at Secret Gardens of Sydney.

An outdoor room designed for living.

Plant in foreground links to the plant on the table with similar form, line and color.

Plan view shows fountain as central focal point.

Deck the Halls with Boughs of Holly

2009-12-13T08:13:00.001-08:00

At this time of year, evergreen holly with it’s prickly leaves and bright red berries is front and center!

Romans gifted Christmas holly to their friends during Saturnalia as a sign of good luck charms and safety against evil.

How did it come to be associated with Christmas you ask? Well, long, long ago Christians believed that Holly helped in driving away the evil spirits as it was endowed with magical powers. During Christmas time, the Holly was hung on doors and windows to prevent the entry of witches and evil spirits.

We continue to this day, to hang evergreen wreaths on our doors and windows at Christmastime.

Southern Living

Holly also became associated with the Christmas festival. Christmas festival was a time to celebrate and enjoy. The entire month of December was utilized to prepare for the Christmas festival.

Because of its evergreen foliage, it was believed that the Christmas holly plant was sanctified. According to Christians, one winter night, the holly amazingly grew leaves in off-season to hide the Holy Family from Herod's armed forces. Since then, it has been an evergreen Christmas plant indicative of Christ's gratefulness. Christmas Holly is also said to be the tree of Christ's cross.

Germans believed that its twigs were woven into an agonizing crown and placed on Christ's skull and its berries were white until Christ's blood left them with a permanent red color.

Holly came to symbolize the crown of thorns Jesus was forced to wear on his head. While the leaves of the plant represented the crown of thorns, the red berries symbolized the blood that he shed in this world.

Martha Stewart Living

Photo by Laurey W. Glenn, Article by Madeline Crawford, Southern Living

Holiday wreaths have long been made by twisting or bending evergreen branches into a circular shape. In Christianity, the holiday wreath represents the circle, a symbol of eternity. When made of evergreen leaves and branches, the wreaths symbolize everlasting life with the green color symbolizing hope and new life. During the 15th century, the wreath began to be used as a hanging decoration.

Photo by Laurey W. Glenn, Article by Madeline Crawford, Southern Living

Evergreen plants, such as holly, ivy, pine, and even magnolia, have long been used to create holiday wreaths.

Traditional Christmas wreaths are a symbol of faith. There circular form symbolizes God's eternity and mercy during the Christmas season. When decorated with evergreen leaves and branches they also represent everlasting life and God's everlasting love.

Martha Stewart Living

Merry Christmas everyone!

Beach Cottage Love

2009-11-22T09:41:00.001-08:00

I normally don’t go into the interiors of homes and post about them, but I have made an exception in this case. Last weekend I sat in this beach cottage in Wrightsville Beach and fell in love with it!

My camera does not do it justice, but I’ll share my photographs any way.

Upon walking in to this beautiful beach cottage on Harbor Island in Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, you are greeted with the colors of the sea. The front room on the ground floor is a sitting room with four identical chairs gathered around a round glass table.

The adjoining space is a small desk and nook area.

There are two bedrooms on the ground floor, a bathroom and a large laundry closet.

The first bedroom had a large closet, a chest of drawers and two single beds.

The second bedroom was larger and had a double bed,

benches that also doubled as storage, and

a window seat sandwiched between two closets.

I loved this vase in the bathroom.

The stairs from first to second floor were painted in a shiny black lacquer. Once upstairs you enter into this room.

The large front room has a fireplace in it and adjoins a very wide front porch, which runs the length of the house and is highly usable for outdoor living.

The dining table is made of glass and is supported by twin urns painted black.

Each chair had a pillow.

The fireplace is not used for wood any more, so the owner decorated it using the coastal theme.

A detail from the fireplace mantle featuring the wood trim and mosaic tile.

A chandelier hangs over the dining table and is reflected in a mirror over the fireplace mantle.

There is plenty of light in this room with many double hung windows overlooking the very wide 2nd story porch.

The porch is accessed through a door in the front room and is essentially, an outdoor living room. What a great place to be 3 months out of the year in Wrightsville Beach!

Photo from Wilmington MLS (Thanks Terry!)

Another front window looks out at the neighbor’s house. I love the sheer drapes.

The 2nd floor has a very open floor plan. The front room adjoins the kitchen area.

I love how the kitchen island and cupboard are both painted in the shiny black laquer paint that matches the stairs in the front room. The kitchen counter is a shiny black granite and the cabinets are white. The interior of the tall black built-in cupboard is painted sky blue.

The owner used the wall space beneath a high window to create this little area between the kitchen and the front room. The small table consists of a cart with a glass table. The burlap runner matches the burlap runner used on the dining room table.

Here are some of the goodies displayed on the table.

Above this little table was a window with a shutter awning.

Here is the view out of this window …

And the view looking toward the front room from the kitchen.

The kitchen sink and countertop are classic. The owner was wise enough to make that sink large enough to accommodate a large pot of crabs, that can be caught in Banks Channel right across the street!

The family room behind the kitchen was added on. There is an opening between the two rooms where there once was a window.

This is a spacious and light family room with a fireplace.

The back of this room is all glass and opens up to a spacious back deck that leads down to the back yard area. There were large evergreens planted on the other side of the deck, giving this room both privacy and a “tree house” feel.

The master bedroom was stunning. The bed had a built-in headboard. Can you see the palm trees on the sheer curtain fabric?

The room had a large walk-in closet on one end and adjoined a luxurious bath and large walk-in shower on the other end. That shower can be entered from either side.

There were his and her sinks on opposite sides of the master bath room.

Finally, there was one more bedroom upstairs as well as another full bath. Here is the bedroom.

A painted desk in this room is sandwiched between two closets.

Can you believe I was so taken with the interior of this house, that I didn’t even take one photo of the outside?! However, I did go out there. The back yard was completely private and fenced in and featured a lovely sitting area and garden courtyard.

This home is situated on Harbor Island in Wrightsville Beach, NC within walking distance to the ocean! It is currently for sale at a price of $879,900 and is listed by Debbie Mitchell at Intracoastal Realty Corp. It has 4 bedrooms, 3 baths and is 2601-square feet. Please contact me directly if you would like more information!

This, in my opinion, is the epitome of coastal living!

Spotlight on Philip Nixon Design

2009-11-14T18:51:00.001-08:00

Awesome firm! Note the use of solids and voids. An excellent display of plants used for traffic control and circulation.

I also love the use of the planters and water elements throughout the design.

Chelsea, London

It is also very well illuminated.

This project is a residential one. The fence is a nice backdrop for the outdoor living spaces and doubles as wood storage for a firepit.

These trees look espaliered to me. They serve as a high privacy screen. I would love to see them in winter without their leaves.

Berkley House, Gloustershire, England

Want more? Visit Philip Nixon Design.

Blog Award Redux

2009-11-12T17:08:00.001-08:00

* Gush * My blog has been given the Kreativ Blogger Award from Leah at Who Moved My Cheese Straw?

I am so flattered and truly honored that she would think of my blog for this wonderful award! Leah’s blog is fabulous and so much fun to follow!

Check it out Here.

Now, there are tasks I must perform in order to wear this badge.

First, I must tell Seven things about myself that you don’t know.

Second, I must pass this little trophy

on to seven other blogs/bloggers.

First, here are some things you may not know about me.

1. I have an identical twin sister who is as passionate about plants and gardens as I am.

Twin sister and her lovely daughter (holding Stormy)

2. I am absolutely mad for tennis! I love to play it and I love to watch it! So disappointing to hear about Andre Agassi’s hatred for the game he excelled at. Read all about this in his new book Open.

Dinara Safina at the Western & Southern Tennis Tournament, Cincinnati, OH 2009

3. I love weiner dogs!

Weiner Dog Costume Contest, Oktoberfest, Wilmington, NC 2009

4. I am a huge fan of Survivor! It invented the genre of Reality TV, and it is the only reality tv show that I watch.

Rupert Boneham, Jenna Lewis, Boston Rob Mariano and Amber Brkich, Survivor All Stars

5. I do have a bucket list. Do you?

6. I am a Scorpio and recently celebrated my birthday. I have also just learned that my colorstrology color is Jester Red. *

7. I once met David Bowie. He was absolutely fascinating!

David Bowie and wife, Iman

* To learn what your Colorstrology is, go HERE.

Now that you’ve gotten to know me better, the second task I must do is pass along this award to seven other blogs/bloggers. So here goes--

1. Sisters Julie Hoylen and Kate Smith do a fabulous job with Live in Full Color, a wonderful blog all about the world of color!

2. Michelle Morelan at A Schematic Life is so talented as an artist and a designer. I would just die for one of her beautiful paintings! You’ll love what she shares with us each day!

3. You’ll also love, love, love tagging along with Tamara and The Big Guy from The Greenhouse Diaries as they manage their very talented family and very large business, Darvonda Nurseries, as well as travel the world.

4. Linda at :: Lime in the Coconut :: will enchant you with her words and colorful life in south Florida. A great blog!

5. Design Ties is a joint venture between two designing women, Kelly James and Victoria Lambert. Both are so talented and so much fun to follow! Grab their button here:

6. Maya at Completely Coastal and A Beach Lover's Place is a Swiss Miss who loves living on the American coast as well as all things coastal! Her two blogs are fabulous and very inspirational! We are so lucky to have her here in our Blog World! Grab her buttons here:

7. Finally, Fifi Flowers is one of the most creative bloggers I know! Follow her on her travels to Paris and beyond each day! She is very talented and prolific too! Grab her button here.

Thank you, my friends, for all the hours of entertainment and education! You have enriched my life so much this year!

Oh, and I have a button too. Here it is for the taking! Thanks for stopping by!

White on White

2009-11-11T17:10:00.001-08:00

White house, white garden. Very cute!

Halloween Plants

2009-10-31T07:16:00.001-07:00

Happy Halloween Blog World people!

What image do we think of first when we think of Halloween? I’ll give you a clue … it comes from a PLANT.

yaguargod at flickr

Pumpkins are the universal symbol for Halloween, at least in North America. Here are some other plants that might also compliment the day and season.

Spooky-looking trees also do their part in haunting us each Halloween. However, did you know that there are some real plant monsters out there too? Here are a few.

Bat Plant or “Devil Flower”

Tacca chantrieri is native to Southeast Asia where it grows in the shady understory of a tropical forest. It’s bloom resembles a flying bat or even a black cat with whiskers. You can also find it growing in the shade in south Florida. Imagine running into this creature on a dark and scary Halloween night?

Venus Flytrap

The finger-like cilia of the carnivorous Venus Flytrap or Dionaea muscipula actually resemble teeth. These cilia help trap insects inside the two leaves, where they are soon digested by the plant. This plant actually grows within a 100 to 200-mile radius of my hometown, Wilmington, NC.

Happy Halloween everyone. I hope you have a SPOOKtacular one!

The High Line

2009-10-23T19:35:00.001-07:00

Recently, I visited New York City and the first place I chose to visit was the High Line.

For those of you who don’t know what it is, the High Line website describes it best: The High Line was built in the 1930s, as part of a massive public-private infrastructure project called the West Side Improvement. It lifted freight traffic 30 feet in the air, removing dangerous trains from the streets of Manhattan's largest industrial district. No trains have run on the High Line since 1980. Friends of the High Line, a community-based non-profit group, formed in 1999 when the historic structure was under threat of demolition. Friends of the High Line works in partnership with the City of New York to preserve and maintain the structure as an elevated public park.

Entry/Exit to the High Line

In November, 2005, the City of New York took over the ownership of the High Line from the CSX Transportation, Inc.

The park was designed by Landscape Architects James Corner Field Operations and Architects Diller Scofidio + Renfro, as well as various other experts in horticulture, engineering, security, maintenance, public art, and so forth. Construction began in the Spring of 2006 with the demolition of the old rail tracks and the first section (1.45 miles between Gansevoort Street and 20th Street) opened to the public in June of this year.

Basically, the High Line is a linear park suspended above the streets of New York City.

The Walking Paths vary in size between 6 and 8-feet in width with larger gathering spaces at regular intervals. They are constructed using a system of long linear and narrow concrete panels.

The joints between some of the concrete panels widen to provide negative space for planting media and plants.

To keep the masses of pedestrians from walking into or trampling over the planting areas, the designers used changes in elevation – a subtle, but effective form of traffic control.

It was a beautiful and unified approach that was very effective. As you can see from this photograph, the High Line was quite crowded on this beautiful day and I would imagine, that will be typical in the warmer months.

The details were lovely. The designers included benches using the same dimensional concrete forms rising up in a vertical manner.

Larger areas containing wood decking and wood benches marked gathering places that invited the user to stop and stay, as opposed to the linear areas that suggested movement and flow. A great place to sit and watch the world go by!

This place was a terraced viewing area with wood benches that terraced down to a lower level closer to the street. This allowed people the opportunity to sit and view the traffic and street life below.

The whole park is suspended above the New York City streetscape providing a different perspective of the city.

The Planting Design was done by Piet Oudolf, renowned Dutch Garden Designer and author, famous for his bold use of grasses and other herbaceous perennials en masse. The plants used in the design are mainly xeriscape meadow-type plants, all hardy to the area, many of which were natives found growing and prospering on the abandoned rails for many years prior to the park’s design. All in all, there are 210 species of plants used in the design of Section 1. They were chosen for their hardiness and their diversity in bloom time from late January through mid-November.

Some of the plants that I saw growing there included grasses and sedges as well as perennials such as Black-eyed Susans, asters and Purple Cone flower and shrubs such as viburnums. The overall effect was soft and meadowlike. If you are interested, here is the Plant List used in Section 1. Because of that harsh environment, it will be survival of the fittest. I would be surprised if all of the plants specified will make it. Time will tell!

Regardless, this is an outstanding pedestrian experience and a shining example of urban reclamation of a dead and dying eye sore. It serves as a great inspiration for other cities to follow suit! Next time you’re in New York City, you must visit the High Line! For more information, visit their website.

Isamu Noguchi

2009-10-16T06:09:00.001-07:00

Isamu Noguchi was a Japanese American artist, sculptor and landscape architect known worldwide for his public works. Born in Los Angeles in 1904, his long career spanned six decades. Here are a few of his most famous pieces:

“Red Cube,” HSBC Building, New York, NY, 1968

Japanese Garden at UNESCO Headquarters, Paris, France, Travel Pod

Dodge Fountain and Phillip A. Hart Plaza, Detroit, MI, 1975

(Metro Jacksonville)

“California Scenario,” Costa Mesa, CA, 1980-82 (Alisa Ochoa)

In 1948, Noguchi collaborated with the Herman Miller furniture company to produce a catalog of modern furniture. Perhaps his most famous piece from this catalog was his Noguchi table. This table still remains popular today.

“Noguchi Table” for Herman Miller , 1948

Noguchi also designed playgrounds for children. He saw them as the perfect way to integrate sculpture into modern life. Here are some of his playgrounds:

Piedmont Park, Atlanta, GA

Piedmont Park, Atlanta, GA (mikehipp at flickr)

The slide was recently renovated at Piedmont Park, Atlanta, GA (Reid2008 at flickr)

Late in his life, Noguchi designed several “Slide Mantras” made from stone. The Slide Manta in Sapporo was constructed of black stone so that it could be viewed even in the snow-covered winter months there. These Slides were not constructed however, until after his death.

Black Slide Mantra, Odori Park, Sapporo, Japan

Model for Slide Mantra 1, Noguchi Museum

Bayfront Park, Miami, FL

Noguchi died on November 30, 1988 at the age of 84 after a very long and prolific artistic career. To learn more about his life and work, visit Wikipedia or The Noguchi Museum.

It’s Friday, so it’s time to see what other bloggers are up to at The Inspired Room's Beautiful Life Friday.

Perfect mates

2009-10-05T18:44:00.001-07:00

Black-eyed Susans and Russian Sage

White Purple Cone Flower and Bent Grass

Japanese Hakoni Grass and water

Feather grass and White foxglove.

Asiatic lilies and ferns

Finding just the right plant combination is much harder than you might think. Water, soil and other cultural requirements play a huge role. Knowing where a plant is found in nature helps immensely. Being able to identify and recreate plant communities will often lead to success in the garden!

What’s in your backyard?

2009-10-02T05:26:00.001-07:00

It all started with a rope, a tire and a tree. Add a kid and it spelled FUN.

There is nothing like a swing for fun! This is something we begin to enjoy as infants …

Can you recall the sound of your child’s laughter while swinging?

Music to our ears!

When was the last time you heard this song?

How inviting, this destination.

What’s in your backyard?

This week I’m hooked on Swings. To see what others are hooked on, visit Julia’s Hooked on Houses Friday Blog Party and Melissa’s The Inspired Rooms Beautiful Life Friday.

What has become of our American Landscape?

2009-09-26T07:21:00.001-07:00

For years now, the vast and beautiful landscape of our country has become more and more homogenized. Why does Maine have to look like Cincinnati? Why is it that more places are losing their unique identities or “sense of place” and looking more and more the same?

It started with this …

McDonald’s created the golden arches and they sprung up all across America and the world. Look at this map showing all of the McDonalds’ locations across the United States.

You can read all about this Here.

McDonalds was successful at branding itself and its image. It wasn’t long before others followed suit.

Hotels popped up everywhere.

Outlet Malls or “Factory Outlets” became in vogue all across the U.S. They were nothing more than themed strip centers but they have changed the face of our suburban landscape.

Auto parts stores grew like weeds side by side along our urban and suburban roads.

Perhaps worst of all – drugstores at every intersection. They pollute our major intersections everywhere, putting parking lots and ugly architecture front and center at so many traffic intersections across the American landscape.

Now, we have Starbucks and other drive throughs…

Dunkin’ Donuts …

and Panera Bread.

New ‘mixed use’ Town Centers have recently begun their assent across the American landscape. They have managed to combine all of these ‘upscale’ branded chains into centralized lovely “Main Street”-type settings, putting the pedestrian back on the sidewalks.

Mayfaire Town Center, Wilmington, NC

Bethesda Row, Bethesda, MD

Mercato, Naples, FL

Generally, they are large, well-designed and planned communities that combine mixed uses such as residential, commercial office space and retail shopping. Parks, landscaping, and outdoor promenades are incorporated to tie it all together in an urban streetscape-type setting. Hotels and corporate office buildings along with luxury townhomes and apartments and upscale “Charleston-style” single family residential neighborhoods are set in the surrounding areas. They are all connected by tree-lined streets and sidewalks. Large open, park-like gathering areas are mixed in to accommodate larger events such as boat shows and weekend concerts.

Finally, a setting where we are given the opportunity to live, work and recreate all within walking distance. Maybe there is hope, at least to put Americans back on the sidewalks instead of in the car.

However, I can’t help but lament all of this progress that has come at such great cost -- the loss of our regional sense of place or “genus loci.” Everything looks the same. How can we move forward and keep our unique regional spirit of place at the same time? This is a great challenge for all designers.

A New Take on the Garden Bench

2009-09-24T18:25:00.001-07:00

From Freshome, whimsical garden furniture. Grow-your-own plants right on your very own bench or seat.

I wonder if they come complete with holes in the bottom for drainage?

How about bringing the garden to your very own concrete jungle with this bench?

Wood Garden Hanna Bench

Here’s a novel idea. The Splinter Bench -- 2 chairs or 1 bench. You choose.

For nautical lovers including Maya at Completely Coastal, a boat-shaped wood bench from David Trubridge.

David Trubridge

And a stunning Indoor/Outdoor bench from Acronym Designs.

How about this sleek aluminum built-in?

My favorite is this striking organic wood bench from Diamond Teak.

Last but not least, a modern take on timeless Adirondack chairs from Loll Designs.

Thoughts?

Oh look, it’s Friday! You know what that means … it’s time to check out Hooked on Houses Blog Party. See what others are hooked on this week.

Spotlight on Westover Landscape Design

2009-09-21T17:31:00.001-07:00

Every now and then, it’s good to stop and admire some one else’s work. Here is some work from Westover Landscape Design, a firm based in Westchester county, New York.

Shanti Garden, Bronxville, NY

A Garden Path

Slate-framed lawn

Tarrytown, NY Terrace

Townhouse Garden

Westover on Hudson

I admire these spaces because of their simplicity. I like their use of bluestone slate for the hardscaping and for the most part, their simple plant palette of grasses such as Hakoni grass and ferns, combined with shrubs such as hydrangea. All provide a sense of unity and harmony. The weeping habits are also restful providing for a feeling of tranquility.

Rock on

2009-09-17T20:10:00.001-07:00

These beauties of nature …

are really pieces of Livingstones furniture. Soft and comfy!

They are also made for use outdoors.

From the French company Smarin.

This week, I’m hooked on rocks. To see what others are hooked on, visit Hooked on Houses for her Friday Blog Party.

Ode to the U.S. Open

2009-09-13T20:59:00.001-07:00

The U.S. Open is the fourth and final Grand Slam of each Tennis year, following the Australian Open, the French Open, and Wimbledon. It occurs at summer’s end in Flushing Meadows, Queens, New York on the grounds of what once was the 1939 and 1964 New York World’s Fairs.

1964 New York World’s Fair

The Unisphere became the universal symbol of the New York World’s Fair and it’s grounds. It is still the centerpiece of the park!

The USTA National Tennis Center opened in 1978 after then USTA President W.E. “Slew” Hester spotted Louis Armstrong Stadium from the air while flying into nearby LaGuardia Airport.

Today the grounds are known as Flushing Meadows – Corona Park. The view from above shows how large the park is. It includes Shea Stadium; the Billie Jean National Tennis Center, home of the U.S. Open; a zoo; science museum; marina; two lakes; skating rink; soccer pitches; and cricket fields. Some would be surprised to learn that it is larger than Central Park.

In 1995, Arthur Ashe Stadium replaced Louis Armstrong Stadium as the largest venue on the grounds. Designed by Rossetti Architects, it is also the largest tennis-only stadium in the world!

Arthur Ashe Stadium

On August 28, 2006, the USTA National Tennis Center was rededicated as the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. It is the largest and most prestigious facility of its kind to be named after a woman.

There are 22 tennis courts in the Billie Jean National Tennis Center and 11 more in the adjoining park.

Although the Billie Jean National Tennis Center is home of the U.S. Open, it is also open to the public for play 11 months out of the year. The cost to the public is $16 an hour. Each May, it also hosts the New York state high school tennis championships.

Fountains outside of Arthur Ashe Stadium

Last year, 720,227 people attended the two week U.S. Open events. It is crowded with sophisticated and sporty people.

I recently had the great fortune of attending the U.S. Open! We were there last Saturday. I was excited to see my tennis heroes in their New York colors!

I got to see my favorite player, Roger Federer beat Lleyton Hewitt. Here he is on the big screen being interviewed after his win in Arthur Ashe Stadium.

And after a big serve on the courts!

I ALMOST got his autograph!!!

Here is Maria Sharapova warming up for her match against the young American, Melanie Oudin. Oudin beat her!

And Andy Roddick hitting a big serve against John Isner, who went on to beat him!

Here’s Melanie Oudin in tears after beating her idol, Sharopova.

… and me at the biggest venue in tennis!

Congratulations to Kim Clijsters for winning this year’s US Open Women’s Singles title! You know who I’ll be cheering for tomorrow night. His initials are RF!

If you happen to be lucky enough to have a ticket for the men’s championship on Monday evening, check out these Ten Tips when visiting the U.S. Open. You might find them helpful!

From Tree to Table: A New Use for Fallen Leaves

2009-09-11T05:09:00.001-07:00

Verterra is now making dinnerware from fallen leaves. The company manufactures environmentally friendly plates, bowls and serving dishes from just two ingredients – fallen leaves and water.

Pack your picnic lunch, serve it up on these beauties and leave them for compost! Guaranteed to decompose into beautiful Mother Earth in just two months!

What’s more, the company will even teach you how to compost Here.

Go get your Green on!

Each Friday, Julia at Hooked on Houses hosts a Friday Blog Party. Stop by it HERE and see if you are lucky enough to find the hidden treasure!

Zone 8 Gardens

2009-09-03T18:38:00.001-07:00

For me, summertime in Wilmington, North Carolina always means a trip or two or three to

Zone 8 Gardens.

This is a gem of a garden center and is owned by

Dick Stinson.

Upon arriving at Zone 8 Gardens,

one is greeted by very loud classical music that seems to be coming from the trees.

Immediately, you know that a unique experience is at hand.

The gardens are truly beautiful.

Dick and his staff have planted them out over the years

with sub-tropicals that do well in our coastal

Zone 8 environment. I’m thinking the garden center

has more plants in the ground to see than it has to sell. Dick

personally showed me what was blooming!

Dick is a collector. He collects plants and art.

Although I loved all of the plants,

I also admired this very large chicken.

This smaller one however, was more within my budget.

How about this pelican?

Dick built this wall inside his greenhouse entirely out of

old windows.

It is stunning!

My eye was drawn to this lobster sitting on the sill.

Imagine, a Lobster in the garden!

I found some ferns in beautiful pots.

and Purple Pixies. I’ve blogged about these beauties.

Here is Dwarf Podocarpus

and some very happy sunflowers.

Dick is now really into xeriscape plants or those plants that will do well in the zone with little to no care at all.

Here is just a small part of his aloe, yucca and agave collection for sale. They are all high energy plants.

This plant has beautiful star-shaped flowers like jasmine.

The Ginger Lilys are so tall and gorgeous and very fragrant as well. They attract the most interesting moths in the early evening hours! The moths can easily be mistaken for Hummingbirds.

At the end of the day, Dick (center) can often be found relaxing with friends out back, enjoying the classical music and the conversation in his subtropical garden paradise.

Oh, what a life!

If you ever find yourself in Wilmington, North Carolina, stop in at Zone 8 Gardens and tell Dick I sent you!

Giveaway Today!

2009-08-30T18:12:00.001-07:00

One of my favorite bloggers, Maya, at Completely Coastal is hosting a giveaway from Black & Light Candles. Check it out by clicking on the image!

And while your’e there, check out her fabulous blog!

2009 Pantone Color of the Year in the Garden

2009-08-28T06:16:00.001-07:00

We all know that the Pantone Color of 2009 is Mimosa …

This beautiful color can be found all over the garden in many different flowers. One does not have to look hard to find it in just about any garden, especially at this time of year!

Dahlia:

NiinaC at flickr

Lantana:

jpc101 at flickr

Nasturtium:

Bettendorf Photography at flickr

Marigold:

michael's photos at flickr

Canna Lily:

Mrs. Ramsay at flickr

Daylily:

Lantana:

Gazania:

Yellow Trumpet Vine:

In late summer, this color can be found front and center! Many of these flowers are in full bloom now!

This week, I’m hooked on Mimosa, the 2009 Pantone Color of the year. To find out what others are hooked on this Friday, visit Hooked on House's Friday Blog Party or The Inspired Room's Beautiful Life Party today!

Modern Classics for the Masses

2009-08-21T05:40:00.001-07:00

Any one who knows furniture will think of these three chairs first when considering the modern classics.

The Eames Lounge Chair and ottoman, Charles and Ray Eames, 1956

The Barcelona Chair, Ludwig Mies Van der Rohe, 1920

The LC2 Armchair, Le Corbusier, 1928

Now, here is something else to consider.

Who knew that someone would have the brilliant idea to turn these expensive timeless classics into cheap outdoor plastic stackables?

For his final thesis project at the Royal College of Art in London, Design Student Dirk Winkel came up with “A Stacking Hommage” offering a new take on these mid-Century Modern Classics. By turning the Eames Lounge Chair, the Barcelona Chair and the Corbusier LC2 Chair into lightweight plastic stackables, Winkel has made them affordable to the masses! We can only hope that one day, these lightweight classics will make their way into the aisles of Walmart, Target or Ikea and into the hearts of the masses, eventually replacing these beauties, or should I say uglies, across porches and patios everywhere.

This week, I’m hooked on reproducing modern classic furniture into affordable plastic stackables for use outdoors! To see what others are hooked on, please visit Hooked on Houses’ Friday Blog Party HERE or The Inspired Room’s Beautiful Life Friday HERE.

Tree Houses

2009-08-18T07:43:00.001-07:00

Pete Nelson is a builder and designer of treehouses. He has traveled the world photographing them and now brings them to us in his book entitled New TREEHOUSES of the WORLD.

Get it Here.

Here are some of his own as well as others.

Imagine, living in the trees! Pete also has a blog called The Treehouse Guy. Check it out!

Consume less, Share more

2009-08-11T18:04:00.001-07:00

I saw this bumper sticker on a car today …

… and it made me think.

So, when I got home, I googled it and found this …

The Global Warming Survival Guide: 51 Ways to Save the Environment

Number 51: Consume less, share more, live simply.

Here is the Full List:

Turn Food Into Fuel

Get Blueprints For a Green House

Change Your Lightbulbs

Light Up Your City

Pay the Carbon Tax

Ditch the Mansion

Hang Up a Clothes Line

Give New Life to Your Old Fleece

Build a Skyscraper

Turn Up the Geothermal Heat

Take Another Look at Vintage Clothes

Capture the Carbon

Let Employees Work Close to Home

Ride the Bus

Move to a High-Rise

Pay Your Bills Online

Open a Window

Ask the Experts For An Energy Audit of Your Home

Buy Green Power, At Home or Away

Check the Label

Cozy Up to Your Water Heater

Skip the Steak

Copy California

Just Say No to Plastic Bags

Support your local farmer

Plant a bamboo fence

Straighten up and fly right

Have a green wedding

Remove the tie

Shut off your computer

Wear green eye shadow

Kill the Lights At Quitting Time

Rearrange the Heavens and the Earth

Rake in the Fall Colors

End the Paper Chase

Play the Market

Think Outside the Packaging

Trade Carbon for Capital

Make Your Garden Grow

Get a Carbon Budget

Fill'er Up With Passengers

Pay For Your Carbon Sins

Move to London's New Green Zone

Check Your Tires

Make One Right Turn After Another

Plant a Tree in the Tropics

If You Must Burn Coal, Do it Right

Drive Green on the Scenic Route

Set a Higher Standard

Be aggressive about passive

Consume Less, Share More, Live Simply

Who knew?

To get the bumper sticker, go Here or Here.

Zen View

2009-08-09T05:59:00.001-07:00

According to Christopher Alexander’s A Pattern Language, a zen view is to

be found within the home or garden in an unexpected place which he calls the transition zone. It provides a

glimpse of something truly beautiful.

Griffin Enright Architects

Where is your zen view?

Porch Rails. They’ve come a long way, baby.

2009-07-31T07:37:00.001-07:00

Last week, my friend Maya at Completely Coastal wrote about Adirondack Chairs. In her post she showed the following photograph of an image we all think of when we think of the adirondack chair. When I saw this image, I saw the lovely chair, but I also thought to myself, “whoever sits there will surely have no view of the water beyond as the porch rails will certainly obstruct that magnificent view.” And this was the inspiration for this post. Read on.

If you are lucky enough to have a view from your porch, consider this.

Traditional rails made of wood. Good.

Stainless Steel Cable Railing systems. Better.

Glass railing system. Best!

If you’re lucky enough to have a view, don’t obstruct it with the wrong type of railing system!

As always, Friday’s mean it is “Hooked on Fridays” time over at Hooked on Houses. Take a peak over there to see what others are hooked on today! Also visit The Inspired Room’s Beautiful Life Friday Blog Party. Enjoy!

Objects in the Landscape

2009-07-24T05:38:00.001-07:00

There are several schools of thought when it comes to siting a house in the landscape. First, we build a house and then create a landscape to go “with” the house. It has always been my belief that a home and landscape go together – that one would never imagine the house in any other context.

Another school of thought is just as valid, however. The house or architecture becomes “art” in the landscape or an object in the landscape. In this context, the landscape is so perfect that the house fits right in and needs no manmade landscape at all.

Here are some fine examples of objects in the landscape. This is what we would label as Design with Nature. Click on the captions to see and learn more about the houses.

Neal Creek Residence by Paul McKean Architecture, Hood River, OR

Hong Luo Club House / MAD Office, Beijing, China

"Bridge House" by Max Pritchard, Architect, near Adelaide, Australia

Less is more.

Now there is a trend called Cargo Container Architecture where used cargo or shipping containers are being recycled as basic building units for residential housing. Take a look.

Kit Home by Adam Kalkin

Cargo Container House, Designer Unknown

Redondo Beach Cargo Container Residence by DeMaria Design

A clean and green way to live? In this economy, will less truly become more? Will we see Americans giving up square footage for a simpler life style? Building sustainable homes with native and natural landscapes instead of exotic ones that require an unending flow of water and chemicals to be kept alive?

Maybe one day, my friend Julia over at Hooked on Houses will feature an in depth look at some of these homes.

It’s been a while since I participated in her “Hooked on Houses” Friday Blog Party, but I feel social today and I’m hoping you do to. To see what she and others are hooked on this week, visit Julia's Hooked on Houses Friday Blog Party and then stop by Melissa's The Inspired Room Blog Party.

Invasion of the Purple Pixies

2009-07-19T09:34:00.001-07:00

You heard it here first. The Purple Pixies are coming! Just watch how fast this plant takes over the residential and commercial landscape in the next few years!

Photo from Heinz Nurseries

At long last, here is a plant that we will be seeing a lot more of in the future as it will find a spot in almost any garden in Zones 7 to 10! The plant is Loropetalum chinensis ‘Shang-lo’ commonly known as Purple Pixie Loropetalum.

Like other loropetalums, Purple Pixie is evergreen and has beautiful burgundy foliage combined with showy pink blossoms that almost always repeat bloom. Loropetalums do well in both sun and shade, but bloom best with more sun. So far, the loropetalums appear to be resistant to both disease and insect damage. What more could you ask for in a plant? I’ll tell you. Unlike the other Chinese loropetalums, Purple Pixie is dwarf and has a weeping and cascading habit. This plant grows only one to two feet in height by four to five feet wide! What a great choice for ground covers for sun or container gardening!

With it’s burgandy color and cascading habit, Purple Pixie Loropetalum will make a striking addition to any planter!

The strong points of the loropetalums for me have been their ability to form a dense architectural hedge. Also, their deep burgundy foliage adds year-round color to the garden and contrasts nicely with other evergreens. Their dense foliage also complements other evergreen plants such as boxwoods and hollies. The downside of the plant is that too many landscapers have planted it without paying any regard to the size this plant wants to grow, sometimes as large as 20-feet tall and wide! Because of this, often times these plants are the victim of the wrong plant in the wrong place. For this reason, I have always specified the “Ruby” variety that only grows three to six feet tall and wide.

Other Loropetalums grow very large – sometimes up to 20-feet!

With Purple Pixie, this will change. Now we’ve got a beautiful dense groundcover for sun that won’t overtake the garden! My prediction is that this plant will catch on like wildfire!

Furniture

2009-07-08T16:54:00.001-07:00

Sorry, I’ve been away. I’ve been on holiday.

Here’s some eye candy for you to enjoy.

It’s furniture from Henry Pilcher and it is cardboard.

Stairways to Heaven

2009-06-12T18:22:00.001-07:00

Wooden.

Concave/Convex.

Curvilinear.

Convex.

Retaining.

Married to a Wall.

Concave.

Geometric.

Short-cut.

Natural.

Elegant.

Pershing Park, Washington, DC

Form follows function.

TGIF - Inspiration

2009-05-22T07:28:00.001-07:00

It’s Spring and I have found a little inspiration from two of my favorite Landscape Architects Wolfgang Oehme and James VanSweden. This house is on Long Island Sound and they say it was once owned by Charles Lindberg. The job involved a new design for the grounds, a motor court, sensitive seaside planting and shoreline refurbishment. As you can tell from these photographs, they design using broad strokes and a native plant palette.

These gentlemen have written a book entitled Gardening With Nature. To me, all of their work is so natural and harmonious to its existing environment that it is hard to tell where they begin and the natural setting ends.

It is so harmonious, it reads as one with its setting. The grasses and perennials placed in the yard mimic and link to the native marsh grasses beyond.

Wouldn’t you just love to spend your Memorial Day weekend in a place like this?

To learn more about Oehme and VanSweden and their work visit their firm website Here. To see what others are hooked on this Memorial Day Weekend, visit Hooked on House's "Hooked on Fridays" or Fifi Flowers' Fashionable Fridays. I wish you all a safe and happy Memorial Day weekend where ever you may be!

Bloom time, Boom time

2009-05-15T18:16:00.001-07:00

At long last, Spring is here in full force. Take a peak at what’s been blooming in my yard this past month or so.

It all started with my Prunus mume or flowering apricot that did NOT bloom in February. Rather, it waited until April. This year, it has reverted back to it’s graft plant, a wild cherry.

Shortly thereafter, my Narcissus ‘Ice Follies’ appear from nowhere amidst the Liriope muscari ‘Evergreen Giant’. These daffodils do very well in the south!

These Narcissus sp. ‘Sir Winston Churchill’ bloom later in the month and are extremely fragrant! They also have double flowers.

Here is an Acer palmatum ‘Emperor’ that has just leafed out with Lychnis coronaria or Rose campeon.

The maple leaf.

And the Rose campeon flower. This plant is extremely drought tolerant and produces seeds each year. The magenta flower is a brilliant contrast to the pale grey/green leaf and stem.

Here is an Acer palmatum dissectum or Laceleaf Japanese maple.

Crinum ‘Ellen Bosanquet’ will produce blooms in my garden from late Spring through mid-Summer. I love Crinum lilies! They have big beautiful flowers and glossy green strap-like foliage. These are what I call a ‘Pass-along’ Plant as they are easily divided.

Chionanthus retusus or Chinese Fringe Tree ranks high on my list of all time favorite flowering Ornamental trees! See the sidebar entitled “May Plant of the Month.”

Here is the close up of its flower.

Azalea indica ‘George Tabor’ grows so well in the south! This is a plant for the mid-ground or back-ground. It’s not a plant you want to put front and center because in the off-season they are rather unattractive evergreens. However, when they are in full bloom, NOTHING can beat their showy habit!

I love the orchard-like blossoms of the George Tabor azalea.

In the middle of my Spring gardening, I came across this little creature. It is called a Southeastern Crown Snake.

It really wasn’t much bigger than a large earth worm!

Here is one of my favorite irises - Iris germanica ‘Blue Stellata’.

And the Rosa sp. ‘Knock Out’ Redrazz variety always puts on a show this time of year.

Here is my Loropetalum chinensis ‘Ruby’ hedge. This plant makes a wonderful architectural hedge and blooms twice a year. First, in early summer and later in late summer.

And it’s flowers.

A close up. There is nothing like a tight dense hedge!

Prunus yedoensis or Yoshino Cherry blooms after the Okame Cherrys. These trees have made Washington, DC king of the Cherry Blossoms! They do very well in the south too.

… and a close up of its flower.

Trachelospermum jasminoides or Confederate jasmine is in full bloom now and fills my outdoor room with sweet fragrance that makes me want to stop and just breathe it all in.

Camellia japonica blooms from February through April here in the south! Aren’t we lucky?

And finally, my Rosa sp. ‘Zepherine Drouhin’ or Zepherine Drouhin rose is very fragrant and thornless. This is a climber and is very hardy in the south!

Roses should always be bought bare root. I get mine from Jackson & Perkins.

There you have it. We are quickly approaching prime-time in the Zone 8 garden! And I’m just now noticing how my garden overflows with pinks and burgandys in Spring! Whatever colors are up in your garden now, enjoy! Happy Spring! To see what’s blooming in other gardener’s gardens, visit May Dreams Gardens Bloom Day.

The Future is Now

2009-05-11T16:00:00.001-07:00

Take a tour of this new home with me. Hip and trendy exterior with rural setting. Check!

Modern kitchen complete with view. Check!

Stylish Living area with connection to Outdoors. Check!

Master Bedroom with Connection to Outdoors, a nice view and plenty of storage. Check!

Second Bedroom, Office Lounge, or Away room. Check!

And upper and lower outside living/deck areas. Check!

This is the Clayton I-House. It is actually a pre-fabricated “green home.” At 992-square feet, it is planned to enter the market at just $100,000!

Yes, you heard it right! Clayton Homes, one of the largest manufacturers of mobile homes and pre-fabricated homes has designed the I-House with green in mind. It is powered for a dollar a day, thanks to Low-E windows, solar augmentation, high-efficiency appliances and superior insulation. The solar panels on the roof don't supply all the home's needs, but they do cut electricity consumption in half. A tankless water heater and cistern collect rainwater from the roof for use in gardening, car washing or other outdoor uses. Floors are made of fast-growing bamboo, and paint and insulation are low- or zero-emission.

To see an on-line tour of this home, go Here. And to read more about it, visit Popular Mechanics’ Prefab Green Homes Get Affordable.

Wisteria Lane

2009-05-06T05:03:00.001-07:00

It’s time for Wisteria to bloom! Wisteria sinensis or Chinese wisteria is a beauty! This vigorous twining vine is native to Asia. It is especially prized for its beautiful pendulous blossoms each spring.

Widely seen across the east, Wisteria is extremely hardy and long-lived. It has the ability to climb high and will climb anything that it can, including native trees, eventually overtaking them. If left on its own, Wisteria has the ability to become invasive.

In the garden, it must be supported with sturdy architecture and managed. It’s flowers are pea-like and range from white to pink to violet blue and purple. The flower clusters can grow from six inches to 20 inches in length and are extremely fragrant!

Wisteria sinensis ‘Alba’ is extremely fragrant.

This plant is now found from Maine to Florida and west to Arkansas. It prefers full sun and well-drained soils.

Walk with me down Wisteria Lane.

A Meadow for Georgetown

2009-05-01T19:35:00.001-07:00

Wolfgang Oehme and James Van Sweden have long been my heroes. They have influenced at least a generation of landscape architects! Here is a design they have completed in Washington, DC. 3303 Water Street is located in Georgetown. The design is a sustainable one and features a large meadow overlooking the Potomac River. It is typical of Oehme and Van Sweden’s style. They have the ability to design in large swaths, almost with a painterly touch. Here is the view looking out toward the Potomac River.

Now, here are some other angles of the same meadow …

Look closely …

This is a sustainable Green Roof design in Georgetown!

Can’t wait to see it the next time I’m in town!

Dragonfly House

2009-04-25T06:29:00.001-07:00

This morning I am linking to an article on my husband’s architecture here in North Carolina. Dragonfly House was featured today in “Home & Garden” section of The Raleigh News and Observer’s series put together as a collaboration between the Home & Garden section of the paper and the North Carolina State University Design Initiative. The featured architecture was selected by a panel of experts whose mission was to highlight the benefits of good home design and represent the diversity of homes and home renovations of North Carolina architects.

As you can read in the article, as far as we are concerned, all design starts with the site! This house is on a very small lakefront lot in an exclusive golf course community in Wilmington, North Carolina. Only 11-ft. from one neighboring house and 14-ft. from the other, this house was designed to open up to an inner courtyard containing a pool AND look out over a million-dollar view of a beautiful lake complete with a nesting pair of swans, a beautiful golf course setting on the far side, and a sun-setting western exposure. Once inside this house, you would never even know you had a neighbor!

Here are a few photographs of the house, although some are not the best. Here is the money shot of the home on it’s lake setting.

Here is the site plan showing the house on its lot and the floorplan:

On the lower left, you can see the house situated among it’s neighbors. While the Dragonfly house is oriented for views to its interior courtyard and the lake, the other houses are typical box-type houses with windows peering into each others kitchens, living areas and bedrooms.

This is a view when entering the home through the courtyard gates. The main family/living room straight ahead has all glass curtain walls looking into the interior courtyard on one side and out over the lake on the other side.

Here is a view of the kitchen from the dining area that really does not show you too much. The floors are Brazilian cherry and the cabinetry and bar is Anegre wood with Absolute Black granite tops. The fashionable bar stools are designer stools called “Baba Bar Stools.” Sorry for the poor quality photographs.

This is a view of the large family/living room looking toward the kitchen/dining area. To the right is the wall of glass that looks out over the lake. The walls in this room are mahogany again with Brazilian Cherry floors and anegre wood built-ins. The blue wall at the end of the stair axis to the left of the photograph contains a beautiful stained-glass piece designed and built by the owner of the house.

Who is the architect you ask? Michael Ross Kersting. Visit his website at Kersting Architecture.

This week I’m hooked on modern architecture. To see what others are hooked on, visit Hooked on Houses Friday Blog Party and also Fifi Flowers Fashionable Fridays.

Fire in the Garden

2009-04-20T19:17:00.001-07:00

Self-contained fire pits have grown in popularity among home owners in recent years. Adding fire to our outdoor living space is appealing for those of us who are outdoor-minded. Not only does fire make the atmosphere cozy, but it draws people together.

Putting fire in your landscape can be as simple and easy as placing an affordable self-contained gas or wood-burning unit on your backyard patio or deck, although it is never advisable to burn fire on wood decks.

With much improved safety, a gas firepit is perfect for small spaces such as a courtyard garden, patio or balcony.

Self-contained fire pits now come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes all the way up to state-of-the-art contemporary models such as these:

Both are gas burning and are sure to attract attention!

As it is indoors, the outdoor fireplace should become the main focal point of the outdoor room. It should be a place for people to gather. Furniture should be either built-in or adjacent to the fireplace. Moveable furniture may be best as it will give its users the choice of moving closer or farther from the fire depending on the amount of heat the fire is generating.

Outdoor fireplaces can be custom built.

Or they can be precast units.

In the west where the air is dry and the nights are cool, kiva fireplaces have been around for many, many years. The curved benches attached to the adobe fireplace are called “bancos.”

Outdoor fireplaces can be used to create privacy or they can be constructed as a backdrop for a space.

Firepits can be used as a focal point.

Or a destination - a place to set and enjoy a view.

‘

Or a place to relax at the end of a long day.

Fire most certainly can make a dramatic way to end an axis!

It can even be used as art. The “ Installation de Feu" by Carabosse was placed in Manchester’s Platt Fields Park during one of the 'Enchanted Evenings' by Manchester International Arts in 2006.

Photo by Paul Hurst

What is it about fire that fascinates us so?

We’ve come a long way since the campfire.

The Easter Lily

2009-04-12T05:26:00.001-07:00

Lilium longiflorum, better known as the Easter Lily gained its popularity at Easter from American protestants in the early 1800s. Native to the Ryukyu Islands of southern Japan, the beautiful trumpet-shaped and fragrant white flowers symbolize purity, virtue, innocence, hope and life - the spiritual essence of Easter.

In the 1880s, while in Bermuda, Ms. Thomas P Sargent became familiar with a beautiful lily that blooms naturally in springtime. She fell for this lovely white 'Bermuda' lily and brought its bulbs with her back to her Philadelphia home. There, a nursery man, William Harris, fostered its popularity among other florists. At this time, most bulbs were imported from Bermuda.

Around the turn of the century, the Japanese took over the main production of the Easter Lily bulb market and its exportation to the US. They remained the major world wide supplier of the bulbs until the start of World War II. When the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor in 1941, the supply of Easter Lilys was cut off.

In America, the plants became known as “white gold” and many farms along the west coast began to grow them. However, it was very hard to produce consistent quality of bulbs year after year as the plants required specific soil and climatic. Eventually, just ten farms in the northern California/southern Oregon region became the sole producers of Easter Lilys for the entire country.

“The commercial bulbs are shipped to greenhouse growers throughout the United States and Canada who force the plants under controlled conditions to flower in time for Easter. This is a very tricky process since Easter falls on a different day each year, dependent upon celestial bodies. The first Sunday that follows the first full moon after the vernal equinox, Easter can be any day between March 22 and April 25. Crop scheduling and timing is critical - another reason why the bulbs have to be of such a consistent high quality with reliable vigor and performance. The flowers must bloom exactly when they're supposed to, with no margin for error.

“Still today, the Easter Lily remains the traditional, time-honored flower of Easter. Symbolic of a resurrection, Easter Lilies rise from earthy graves as scaly bulbs, and bloom into majestic flowers that embody the beauty, grace and tranquillity of the special region from which they originate.

I think the best thing about Easter Lilys is that once the plants have bloomed, they may be transplanted to your garden where they will continue to bloom each year! Here in North Carolina where I live, they thrive!

To plant your Easter Lilies outside, prepare a well-drained garden bed in a sunny location with rich, organic matter. Use a well-drained planting mix, or a mix of one part soil, one part peat moss and one part perlite. Good drainage is the key for success with lilies. To ensure adequate drainage, raise the garden bed by adding good soil to the top of the bed, thus obtaining a deeper topsoil and a rise to the planting area.

Plant the Easter Lily bulbs 3 inches below grade and mound up an additional 3 inches of topsoil over the bulb. Plant bulbs at least 12 to 18 inches apart. Spread the roots out and backfill the hole. Tamp the soil lightly to ensure that no air pockets are left. Water in immediately and thoroughly after planting. As the original plants die back, cut the stems back to the soil surface. New growth will soon emerge. Finally, it is important to remember that lilys like cool or shady feet and sunny tops. Therefore, add a layer of mulch around the base of your plants.

Although commercial Easter Lilys are forced to bloom in March, they typically will bloom in early summer when planted out of doors.

To learn more about the history and tradition of the Easter Lily, and how to grow them, go Here. Happy Easter!