On The Road: Fairmont Royal York

From Jenny Andrews on the road in Toronto: "The early-morning rising was a bit easier to handle today, since we only had to go as far as the roof of the hotel (the Fairmont Royal York), where executive chef David Garcelon has a vibrant, tidy vegetable and herb garden, complete with bee hives. Later in the day we cruised through Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, which dates back to the late 1800s, with its amazing collection of trees, qualifying it as an arboretum. A very nice place to walk or ride bikes in the afternoon."

On The Road: Box Design

From Jenny Andrews on the road in Toronto: "We shot two roof gardens by Box Design for our upcoming feature on Toronto designers. From the second one we had an amazing sunset view of the city and the CN Tower. And we scouted another Box garden to shoot at a later time, maybe next year."

On The Road: Toronto Music Garden

From Jenny Andrews on the road in Toronto: "The Music Garden, a collaborative effort between landscape architect Julie Moir Messervy and cellist Yo-Yo Ma, is a curvaceous, bountiful garden thematically based on a series of dances from Bach's First Suite for Unaccompanied Cello. It had rained earlier in the day so the garden was fresh and green. A late spring in Toronto has slowed blooming down a bit, but the buds are about to burst on the purple coneflowers and yarrow."

On The Road: Ht0 Park in Toronto

From Jenny Andrews on the road in Toronto: "We visited two public parks near the lakefront--Ht0 and the Toronto Music Garden. Two very different spaces. Ht0, designed by landscape architect Janet Rosenberg (we're photographing one of her residential gardens on Saturday) is called an "urban beach" and features rows of yellow umbrellas in a sandy area at the water's edge, and pathways winding through dune-like grassy mounds."

On The Road: PLANT Architects

From Jenny Andrews on the road in Toronto: "We shot two town gardens by PLANT Architects, one very trim, the other more lush and wild. The first homeowner even made coffee for us, which
was much appreciated, having been up since 3:30 AM. At both gardens the raccoons tried to get in on the action! Climbing over the fence to watch Jon with the camera--probably to see if we had any food. When he was younger, Jon raised some raccoons he found as babies who had lost their mother, so it brought back fond memories. As cute as they are, they can really growl and
snarl in an alarming fashion."

On The Road: Fresh Florals

From Jenny Andrews on the road in Toronto: "Jon also photographed Bruno deftly putting together an arrangement for a customer, bending and weaving Pandanus leaves into an architectural form and adding creamy white calla lilies. Everywhere we looked in the flower shop we saw something gorgeous and innovative."

On The Road: Toronto

Our features editor Jenny Andrews is in Toronto with staff photographer Jon Whittle, and they are photographing stories throughout the city. Here is Jenny with floral designer Bruno Duarte at his store Fresh Florals. He created two amazing arrangements for Jon to shoot for upcoming
articles. Stay tuned for blog updates from Jenny for the next few days.

Go Now! The Hamilton Children's Garden

The newly installed Hamilton Children's Garden at Quail Botanical Gardens in Encinitas, California, which opened on June 13th, is a full acre of discovery and exploration, a place where children can learn the magic of the outdoors and experience nature first-hand through a series of themed gardens. One of the most anticipated areas is “Toni’s Tree House”, a one-of-a-kind “climbable” tree, rising more than 20 feet high and blending manmade materials with living plants. Here children can crawl in the roots to unearth worms, snails and bugs, then take a rope ladder and walkways to a crow's nest where they discover nodes which illustrate the relationship between trees, plants and animals. Check out the web site for a full list of the garden's features.

Check It Out: Winery Gardens

If you've read the latest issue of Garden Design, you couldn't miss the feature on the winery gardens at Rudd Oakville Estate. Now we've got the bug for winery gardens and we're discovering that wine country visitors these days are as interested in what is growing outside the winery as what is fermenting inside the cellars. Here is a glimpse of the garden at Castello di Amorosa, where edibles and flowers are grown. This property was home to some of the first fruit trees in the Napa Valley, so they have replanted over 40 different kinds of fruit trees in honor of the history. Visit me on the blog for more winery gardens in the weeks to come.

Hot Plants: Gerbera Crazy Daisies

I'm nuts about Hort Couture, aren't you? Let's face it: if you garden, you lust after new plant introductions, and Hort Couture does a great job of showing off the fashion of plants. Check out their lists of exciting annuals (like the Gerbera Crazy Daisy shown here--note that a genetic anomaly produces the coolest colors in very uniform plants), perennials, succulents, tropicals, culinary herbs and more.

Check It Out: Outdoor Cushions

Chances are you haven't been going to furniture and accessory trade shows lately. But if you had, you'd know that Kettal is all the rage. In addition to chic furniture, the Spanish company offers 40 fabric colors for outdoor cushions, and a choice of fabrics:

Acrylic fabric: the color is dyed into the fibre, offering up a singular performance that outlasts use and wear.
Three-dimensional polyester fabric: exclusive to the Kettal Maia collection, and solar UV-treated, it is made up of two layers of foam, making it even more comfortable and quick drying.
Porotex textile: : manufactured with polyester thread of high linear density and covered with PVC, the open braiding and the special stuffing mean water runs off and does not soak into the cushion.
Jacquatex fabric: exclusive to the Kettal Atmosphere collection, manufactured using Porotex and with designs by Marcel Wanders.
Chenilletex fabric: fabric designed by Patricia Urquiola, it combines the thickness and feel of acrylic thread with Porotex.

Surely this is what you mean when you say, "I want options!"

Check It Out: Botanical Collage Exhibit

This fall, the Yale Center for British Art will be the only North American venue for the ambitious exhibition, Mrs. Delany and her Circle. Opening September 24, it will explore the remarkable life and art of Mary Delany (1700-1788), a botanical artist, garden designer, woman of fashion, and commentator on life and society in eighteenth-century England and Ireland. (She may be a possible candidate for your “Groundbreaker” profile?)

At the age of seventy-two, Mary Delany embarked on a series of one thousand botanical collages, or “paper mosaics," which were the crowning achievement of a life defined by creative accomplishment. She also created bold new garden designs and was an accomplished embroiderer who produced elaborate designs for dresses and furnishings. (Among her most extraordinary designs was a court dress embroidered with a cascade of naturalistic flowers on black satin, ca. 1739–40.)

Do It: Garden Feast 2009

Support one of the nation’s finest botanical gardens at Garden Feast 2009, the annual garden party and benefit luncheon for San Francisco Botanical Garden Society, 11am-2pm, on Wednesday, September 23, 2009, on the rolling lawn of the Garden’s Great Meadow in Golden Gate Park.

In keeping with the Society’s mission to build communities of support for the Garden and cultivate the bond between people and plants, Garden Feast 2009 will celebrate the importance of sustainable garden practices and the necessity to conserve Earth's biological diversity. Garden Feast guests will enjoy a sumptuous mid-day meal crafted by McCall Associates. Festivities include a silent auction and a raffle for a magnificent seven-night stay for two in Paris, France with the choice of four private properties and the opportunity to tour the lovely Jardin du Luxembourg, or one of the many other fantastic Parisian gardens. Tickets start at $175.00; Information & Reservations: 415/564-3239 ext. 304

Check It Out: New Poolside Chairs

I do love a good chair--and the new Stream Chairs from Dedon fall right into that "good chair" category. Available in Bronze and Titanium colors, these sharp silhouettes sparkle by the pool. Built to last, the four models are made of Dedon's own synthetic fiber hand-woven over powder-coated aluminum frames.

Photo by Christophe Dugied.

In Progress: More on the High Line

We are completely and totally over the moon about the success of first phase of New York's High Line. A note from the founders reads: "Nearly 100,000 people have visited the High Line in the ten days since the ribbon was cut! We’re thrilled with the critical raves that the park’s design has received, but it is the park visitors who have truly brought the High Line to life. After ten years of work, it wonderful to see so many smiling faces up on the High Line".

Check It Out: Tunnard Garden

Take a look at this rediscovered Christopher Tunnard (1910-1979) garden in Newport, RI. Mentioned and shown in Modern Gardens: Masterworks of International Garden Architecture (Frederick A. Praeger, New York, 1954), it is possible that this is the only remaining garden by Tunnard, who influenced designers like Philip Johnson and Lawrence Halprin.

Check It Out: Father's Day Grill-fest

You must be getting ready for Father's Day, and so are our friends at Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet. Check out this fantastic backyard-ready grilling menu from their June newsletter.

In Progress: Naples Botanical Garden

The latest installation photo of the Brazilian Garden at Naples Botanical Garden in Naples, Florida. Photo courtesy landscape architect Raymond Jungles.

Do It! Tour of Garrison Gardens

The Garden Conservancy will host a special one-day tour on Sunday, June 28 showcasing the passion and very personal, relaxed style of local gardeners — a group of accomplished designers, garden writers, community activists and environmentalists working and living in the Hudson River Valley, home to Garden Conservancy headquarters. The day begins at 11 a.m. with a picnic lunch in Deborah Needleman's garden and will be followed by self-guided tours of the gardens of Sharon & Chris Davis, Grace Kennedy & Tim D'Acquisto, Marilyn Young & Eric Erickson, and Joan Turner. The day will also feature "Green Tutorials" by photographer Ngoc Minh Noh and writer Cynthia Kling and will conclude with a wine reception at the home of Bill Burback & Peter Hofmann at Garrison's Landing on the banks of the Hudson River.

Participants should park at the Garrison Train Station in the morning. Transportation will be available to the various gardens. Directions provided upon receipt of registration. Registration is $40. Advanced tickets are required. Register on-line or call (845)265-2029.

Issue Preview: Another Green Award Winner

Recycling an older existing building is one of the most environmentally responsible actions available in a city such as Phoenix. In her design for her own office, landscape architect Christy Ten Eyck sandblasted the exterior of this 5,000 s.f. building in Central Phoenix to expose the beautiful gray concrete block. But the project goes way beyond aesthetics: A wire mesh scrim and new overhang in the front was added to shade and define the transitional threshold space to the main entry. The existing asphalt parking lot was removed and transformed to a parking garden using permeable pavers. A porous stabilized granite walkway leads to a front entry deck built from recycled computer flooring removed from the building, and recycled broken concrete paving is used as an employee patio. Planting is drought tolerant and includes a native mesquite bosque and native grasses with an experimental living wall along the east property line. Stormwater is harvested in a swale to water the mesquites and deergrass. More in our September issue on this project!

Issue Preview: Green Award Winner

Presenting Chicago's Gary Comer Youth Center Green Roof, which last year produced more than 1000 pounds of food, including strawberries, carrots, lettuce, beans, peppers, herbs, potatoes, and spinach. Designed by Hoerr Schaudt Landscape Architects as a working garden for the youth attending the Center's after-school programs, the garden is a hub for creative lessons that emphasize growing culturally-significant, locally grown organic fruits, herbs and vegetables on the rooftop garden. An entrepreneurial project, Comer Rooftop Crops, sells produce to restaurants to develop educational and career opportunities for a youth-employment program. The two-foot depth of engineered soil with a mixture of organic and inorganic soils and nutrients allows for significant food growth. Maintenance walkways which provide access to each row are made of plastic lumber that is recycled from plastic milk containers. See more in our September issue!

Check It Out: What a Pool!

A “zero edge” pool designed by Jon Goldstein for the Blumenthal residence caught my attention during my last visit to Los Angeles. Filled with salt water, it requires no chlorine and is easier on the hair and skin. The pool is green in that its circulation motors use about half the electricity normally used with infinity pools, due to a custom hydraulic design; this circulates a tremendous amount of water using larger-size plumbing and properly placed returns. Does that not sound sexy? Maybe this does: “I used the surge tank in a unique way to have water pour over the edge of the pool onto rough-faced, hand-hammered bluestone, creating a waterfall that makes a beautiful, relaxing sound,” says Goldstein. Now that’s a pool! See a full photo gallery of this space here.

Check It Out: Garden Gurus

Got an appetite for great garden t.v. programming? Our new friend Trevor is one half of the Australian show, the Garden Gurus, and we hear they are bringing their show to the U.S. in 2010!

Do It! Summer Fun

All the botanical gardens large and small are heading into summer's event season, and this year's programming is some of the best we've seen! Two highlights:


Now through January 2010
Phipps Botanical Gardens: German-born artist Hans Godo Fräbel, a founding father of modern glass sculpture, incorporates more than 400 of his sculptures into the gardens and rooms at Phipps for Life in the Gardens: Fräbel Glass at the Phipps. "Phipps' visitors loved our Chihuly show. I think when they see this exhibit, visitors will be amazed with the difference between the two artists and they'll be astonished with how Fräbel's other worldly glass sculptures transform Phipps' garden," says Richard V. Piacentini the Executive Director.

June 27–September 13
New York Botanical Garden: The Edible Garden is a summer-long celebration of growing great food. Through delectable exhibitions and mouth-watering programs, be inspired to grow, prepare, and eat garden-fresh produce, and understand how plants provide the food and drink essential to maintaining life and enhancing wellness.

Check It Out: Got Rocks?

Fritz Haeg and his crew are on the lookout for any small boulders, big rocks, tree stumps
(to cut down to 18"), logs, or other natural materials that might be used for the seating circle in the center of the Chelsea Lenape garden. Can you help? E-mail Fritz: fritz@fritzhaeg.com

Four hundred years ago, Manhattan was home to the Lenape people, and there they grew beans, corn and squash. Fritz Haeg, originator of Edible Estates, is planting a garden in conjunction with New York Restoration Project at 441 West 26th Street at 10th Avenue for Hudson Guild at Elliot Chelsea Houses.

Here's the heart and soul of the project: "The garden is envisaged as a dense and diverse green place for growing native Manhattan food. Visiting school children and those from the nearby children’s center will use this garden for their activities and workshops dealing with history, ecology, food, plants, animals, energy and the natural environment. It will function as part experimental laboratory, and part educational display, with detailed signage around the perimeter telling the story of the plants, the food they produce, and the natural history of the site. The residents of Elliott Chelsea Houses, members of the Hudson Guild community and visiting students will become more familiar with natural cycles by watching the garden evolve through the seasons and years. They will learn about the natural and cultural history of the island they live on, by growing and observing the food that was originally there. Ultimately this garden landscape may serve as a model for small scale urban edible landscapes and as a possible prototype for future green spaces on similar housing sites across the city."

Do It! Detroit Garden Tour

Our friends at Detroit Garden Works are presenting the second annual Garden Cruise, a tour of gardens designed, planted or inspired by Deborah Silver, the company's founder. Because DGW encourages stewardship of the environment, all proceeds from the tour will benefit the planting and educational programs of The Greening of Detroit. For more on the July 19th event, click here.

Check It Out: Noguchi Museum Renovation

Now that a major renovation has been completed, The Noguchi Museum in Long Island City, NY, is recreating the designer's original installation, and the collection will occupy all of the museum's indoor and outdoor spaces for the first time since 2000, as the renovation project made parts of the museum uninhabitable, and many pieces were on loan to other museums. His sculpture Unmei, 1970 (with Basin and Range, 1984 in foreground) has been installed in the garden, along with many of his other additional works. Noguchi ReINstalled is on view from June 17, 2009 to October 24, 2010.

Photograph by Bill Taylor, Courtesy The Noguchi Museum, New York

Check it Out: The High Line

After ten years of advocacy, planning, and construction, the High Line is opening. Section 1 of the High Line (from Gansevoort Street to 20th Street in New York) will open Tuesday, June 9, offering visitors the chance to preview the rest of the park, which is still under construction.
Access to the High Line will be limited this month. They've enlisted a special corps of trained volunteers, the High Line Greeters, to help out on the High Line during opening season. Greeters will be stationed throughout the park, and can answer questions about the park including location of all park features. You will be able to identify these greeters by their High Line logo T-shirts. For more info, click here.

Get Involved: Help Plant Lenape Edible Estate

Four hundred years ago, Manhattan was home to the Lenape people, and there they grew beans, corn and squash. Fritz Haeg, originator of Edible Estates, is planting a garden in conjunction with New York Restoration Project at 441 West 26th Street at 10th Avenue for Hudson Guild at Elliot Chelsea Houses.

Here's the heart and soul of the project: "The garden is envisaged as a dense and diverse green place for growing native Manhattan food. Visiting school children and those from the nearby children’s center will use this garden for their activities and workshops dealing with history, ecology, food, plants, animals, energy and the natural environment. It will function as part experimental laboratory, and part educational display, with detailed signage around the perimeter telling the story of the plants, the food they produce, and the natural history of the site. The residents of Elliott Chelsea Houses, members of the Hudson Guild community and visiting students will become more familiar with natural cycles by watching the garden evolve through the seasons and years. They will learn about the natural and cultural history of the island they live on, by growing and observing the food that was originally there. Ultimately this garden landscape may serve as a model for small scale urban edible landscapes and as a possible prototype for future green spaces on similar housing sites across the city."

Can you help plant this garden on Sunday, June 13th? E-mail assistant@fritzhaeg.com to volunteer.

Issue Preview: Miami Rooftop Garden

Our July-August issue is about to hit newsstands! I was on location when one of the stories was photographed: this stunning Miami rooftop garden designed by landscape architect Raymond Jungles. When you see the feature you'll notice that the light in the first photo is blue, then on the following pages it is light and bright, and at the end blue again. That's no accident. Our art director created a chronological laytout that reveals the full day our photographer Jon Whittle and I spent at the garden. We began working no later than 5:30 a.m. and stayed until 9 p.m. A long day, but totally worth it!

On The Road: New Gardens at NYBG

From our features editor Jenny Andrews reporting from New York: "A couple of new gardens are in the works at the New York Botanical Garden. Jessica Arcate, Manager of the Forest, gave me a tour of the site of the future Azalea Garden, opening May 2011 (on Mother’s Day—perfect timing). The accompanying perennial plantings among the azaleas are being designed by Oehme, van Sweden, so it should be spectacular. And curator Jody Payne walked me through the Rock Garden and the future home of the Native Plant Garden (opening May 2012), which I definitely want to visit again, being a native plant lover. Another exciting project is the Peggy Rockefeller Rose Garden, originally designed by Beatrix Ferrand, where curator Peter Kukielski is testing roses from the Earth Kind Roses program, organized by Texas A&M.

On The Road: Dutch Bulbs

From our features editor Jenny Andrews reporting from New York: "I’m embarrassed to say that I had never visited the New York Botanical Garden before, despite having worked at a botanical garden for years. But it was worth the wait, as the staff gave me the grandest of tours on May 21. Melinda Manning, Director of Public Relations, had arranged a full experience, starting with a thorough overview by Todd Forrest, VP for Horticulture and Living Collections, who drove me past and among all the major gardens and collections, and through the virgin woods that NYBG is fortunate to encompass. (Want to see what New York looked like before it became über urban? Check out this woodland, with the Bronx River running through it.) NYBG has really interesting and beautiful exhibitions every year. I was there in time to see The Glory of Dutch Bulbs, timed for the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson’s exploration of what was to become New York."

On The Road: Rebecca Cole

From our features editor Jenny Andrews reporting from New York: "I visited with Rebecca Cole at her new store at 214 West 30th Street, which had a soft opening on May 21 (stay tuned for the grand opening to come). I was there pre-opening and it was a beehive of activity--painting, hammering, unpacking, arranging and rearranging. But I could already see what an exciting space it will be—lots of wood and stone and industrial-chic concrete, in a color palette of citron and gray, rust, red and silver. Featured prominently is the work of California artist John Lamos, who designed many of the pieces for Rebecca’s winning gardens at both the Seattle Flower & Garden Show and the San Francisco Flower & Garden Show. Exhausted as they were, Rebecca and her staff were bubbling over about their new space, and stopped their preparations long enough to toast its undoubted success with me. For more of Rebecca’s work, watch for the feature article on her rooftop garden in the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn in our upcoming Sept/Oct issue."