Garden Design

Garden Design Hollywood party featured on Garden World Report

2010-03-11T09:50:00.000-08:00

Art director Donna Reiss and I are just back in the office after a fabulous trip to Los Angeles last week for the launch party (March 4) of Garden Design's first Hollywood issue. The party was held at Rolling Greens' new location on Melrose, and I have to say, it was a great venue for not just any party, but for OUR party. Guests included many of the celebrities whose gardens we share in the March issue -- Bryan Cranston, R.J. Cutler and Kyle MacLachlan, plus Jon Voight even made an appearance on his way to the Mayor's Oscar party -- as well as garden designers, photographers, writers and other good friends of Garden Design.

Garden designer, television host and new media broadcaster Shirley Bovshow of Garden World Report, brought her crew, adding some extra sizzle to the event. Get a peek at the party by watching today's broadcast (Garden Design is the first segment after the introduction).

Garden Design Hollywood party at Garden World Report.

Photo credit: Victor Boghossian/Garden Design

2010-02-26T12:22:00.000-08:00

Delighted to receive this note from Rick Darke, whom we profiled in the March issue in Groundbreaker:

Truly a handsome magazine. Glad to see you're maintaining high production values. Especially enjoyed the piece on forcing. We arrived home from Asheville to find the Corylopsis (pictured) we'd cut from the garden a week ago in full bloom on our dining room table. I look forward to seeing the image gallery when posted.

Best, Rick
Note: Stay tuned. We're on the verge of posting a lovely gallery of Rick's photos along with his observations.
The story Rick is referring to is called Bringing into Bloom: Spring-flowering trees and shrubs can be pushed to blossom indoors early, written by Jenny Andrews and photographed by Jon Whittle and featured in the March issue of GD. Get a sneak peek with this gallery posted online.

Swarthmore's New Greenhouse

2010-02-24T08:31:00.000-08:00

At the Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College, called "the most beautiful campus in America," Archer & Buchanan Architecture has just completed a 5,200 sf jewel of a building - the Wister Education Center and Greenhouse. Despite the snow, the new greenhouse is blooming with plants and programs for the horticulturally-inclined.

The building itself is seriously sustainable. Designed to respect the context of its setting, Wister is the most far-reaching sustainable building on campus and serves as a model for integrating green design with the function, mission and architecture of the institution. It will earn LEED silver and possibly gold, according to architect Dan Russoniello.

Aquaponics

2010-02-19T12:21:00.000-08:00

It isn't every garden story that hovers near the top of the nytimes.com "most e-mailed" list day after day. But this one has.

New Awards Program!

2010-02-17T12:07:00.000-08:00

The 2010 Nature Hills Nursery Green America Awards are designed to give national recognition and $5,000 in plants to community groups and organizations that are improving their local environments. The annual award, sponsored by Omaha-based Nature Hills Nursery, will be presented in April 2010 to groups and organizations that are literally “greening” their communities, parks, schools and public spaces by planting trees, shrubs and other plants.

The winners of the 2010 Nature Hills Nursery Green America Awards will be those nonprofit groups and organizations that truly are making a difference in their local neighborhoods.
The Grand Prize winning garden project will receive $2,500 in plants from Nature Hills Nursery. The First Prize winner will receive $1,500 in plants from Nature Hills Nursery, and the Second Prize winner will receive $1,000 in plants. The plant materials can contain any combination of trees, fruit trees, bushes and shrubs, perennials and vegetable seeds that Nature Hills Nursery offers.

To apply for the 2010 award online, visit this website and click on the Nature Hills Nursery Green America Awards logo.

An Italian garden that's good for you, too

2010-02-16T07:06:00.000-08:00

Planted between 1875 and 1890 by the renowned German botanist and landscape architect Ludwig Winter, the historic garden at the Borgo Storico Seghetti Panichi is situated on a hill along the valley of the River Tronto, not far from from Ascoli Piceno with spectacular views of the Adriatic coast and the Sibillini mountains.

Winter was an experimenter famed not only for his beautiful designs but also his love of rare tropical plants. Visitors can admire a great variety ‘monumental’ plants – there are trees planted more than 150 years ago, rare species of palm trees and some remarkable examples of exotic Asian plants. Due to the introduction of these rare plants, many bioenergetic areas were designed in the Borgo’s garden, which makes it the first of its kind in Europe.

A bioenergetic garden is a green space, where certain areas offer particular benefits to the surrounding environment. These benefits are produced by the interaction of the natural electromagnetism of the setting with the plants. With the help of an innovative technique therapeutic areas can be identified. These bioenergetic areas take our guests through a natural journey of well-being and relaxation. The beneficial electomagnesium generated has excellent effects on many organs of our body and specifically the liver, heart, stomach and kidneys, but also generally on the immune, nervous and cardiovascular systems.

Moving the Outdoors INdoors

2010-02-15T11:47:00.000-08:00

(Post by guest blogger Anne Robert, founder of TheOutdoorStylist.com)

The past few years have been about abolishing the frontier between outdoor and indoor looks and designs. I think it is now commonly accepted that designers have successfully developed a huge selection of items to match both spaces. The next few years will see the rise of a new challenge: allowing those outdoor items to come back indoors and look absolutely spot on. My bet is that this will happen sooner and faster than anticipated.

In the current economy we all feel that any purchase should be an investment even if a little expensive on day one. Outdoor designs are no exception. Just two examples of basic outdoor items all patios or gardens have: Planters and lights

Planters have become stunning statement pieces offered in a zillions shapes, colors, materials and sizes. They were however doomed to stay put once outside because of their weight. This is no longer a challenge. Designers such as flora-online.de are developing pots and planters on wheels that are either apparent or concealed (lower image).

More often, outdoor lighting is incorporated into furniture or pots. The trick here is to pay attention to the materials, as some do not age well outdoors. And, choose more forgiving colors than white. Another good way to make your selections is to go for pieces that are specifically designed as part of an indoor/outdoor collection. I love these very sculptural planters (top) by Italian brand 21 St LIVINGART.

Read more by Anne Robert at TheOutdoorStylist.com.

Paula Hayes Hamptons Lecture: Garden in a Bottle

2010-02-11T11:07:00.000-08:00

(Post contributed by guest blogger Cara Greenberg.)

Artist Paula Hayes, Brooklyn-based creator of fantastical landscapes large and small (some so small they can be worn as necklaces), is speaking in the Hamptons this weekend on a wonderful winter subject: terrariums.

Sunday, February 14, 1PM; Madoo Conservancy, 618 Sagg Main St., Sagaponack, N.Y.; For information: 631/537-7440; $25

Hayes, best known for her blob-like silicone planters but also an accomplished designer of quirky gardens for art-world clients, builds delicate horticultural universes, often including crystals, in biomorphically shaped, handblown glass vessels.

Having heard Hayes speak before, I don’t suppose this Sunday’s talk will be a homey how-to on making terrariums as a winter hobby – probably more of an artist’s ramble “questioning the idea of living plants as authored artworks,” as the write-up for the event puts it. But I expect to be inspired, and I have an old pickle jar under the sink and a bag of potting soil all ready to go.

To read more about Paula Hayes’s terrariums and see additional pictures, go to casacara.wordpress.com.

Hot Valentine's Gift: Beautiful, Green and Romantic

2010-02-09T08:13:00.000-08:00

by Nicki Collett

This whimsical dish is made from 100% recycled aluminum materials. Cans, yogurt lids and hubcaps are melted down, and after earning the FDA’s stamp of approval, it takes shape and can be delivered to your loved one’s doorstep. “We were so excited to find out about this recycling process,” says Cole. “And this really does make the perfect green gift!” This 8” keepsake dish comes with either pink roses and lisianthus or green ranunculus and lady’s mantle. $85 plus shipping, rebeccacoledesign.com

Lecture: The Organic Garden at Royal Family's Highgrove: by head gardener Debs Goodenough

2010-02-04T07:19:00.000-08:00

Says Kate Blumm from Brooklyn Botanic Garden, "I was just given the green light to send around news of this lecture, upcoming in a week, which we’re all terribly excited about. It's not so often that someone so intimately connected with these particularly exquisite (and highly progressive!) gardens comes around!

LEADERS IN SUSTAINABLE HORTICULTURE Three Decades in the Garden at Highgrove A lecture by Debs Goodenough, head gardener to  TRH the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall; Thursday, February 11, 6:30–7:30 p.m. 2nd Floor Conference Center, Auditorium Goldman Sachs, 32 Old Slip, New York City  

Join us as Debs Goodenough tells the story of Highgrove, a 37-acre estate that Prince Charles began to garden organically long before the value of sustainable principles was widely accepted.  Appointed in 2008 to her present position as head gardener at Highgrove, Debs Goodenough has previously coordinated the restoration of the 300-acre Osborne House, the country home of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. She has also gardened at Denver Botanic Gardens; the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew; and Ventnor Botanic Garden on the Isle of Wight.

$9 for BBG members, $15 for nonmembers Space is limited! Please reserve your seat today.

Purchase Your Tickets

For more information on the event, please call Christopher Shannon at 718-623-7248, or email him at chris.shannon@bbg.org.

The Alhambra's Generalife gardens, reported from Spain

2010-02-01T08:58:00.000-08:00

(Contributed by guest blogger Cara Greenberg who is reporting from Spain.)

The fabled Alhambra, last stronghold of the Muslim rulers of Spain, has been on my bucket list for ages. Last week, I finally made it there, and I wasn’t disappointed. High above the modern city of Granada, the 13th century citadel, extraordinarily intact in all its spectacular decorative detail, is surely one of the world’s aesthetic wonders.

A gentle climb away from the three royal palaces is a peaceful area called the Generalife (from the Arabic Jennat al Arif, or ‘Garden of the Architect’), used by the sultans as a cool summer retreat. Surrounded by pools and fountains, the terraced gardens were re-landscaped in the 1920s and ‘30s in formal French style, with topiaried cypresses and myrtle-edged parterres.

I love the look of the paving here on paths and patios, though it’s not comfortable to walk on. Made of river pebbles laid out in patterns -- some scroll-like, others geometric -- it’s a technique you see all over the city of Granada, part of the Muslim decorative legacy.

At the moment, the Generalife gardens look “a bit dull,” our guide kept apologizing. In May, he told us, there’s an explosion of roses that lasts through November. The greenest section in winter is the pool court, where sunken gardens in the Islamic style contain lavender, thyme and other herbs, irises, and pomegranates…

To read more about the Alhambra and Generalife and see more pictures, go to casacara.wordpress.com.

Go Now! Sunday is last day to see Brooklyn Botanic Garden photography exhibit: "Then and Now"

2010-01-29T12:50:00.000-08:00

This Sunday, January 31, is the last day to catch the exhibit of “now” images by Antonio Rosario of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden inspired by “then” images, taken by the garden's official photographer Louis Buhle during the early years of the garden, celebrating its hundredth anniversary. So who is photographer Antonio Rosario and why is his work being exhibited at the BBG? Rosario explains:

The short story is that some time in late 2007, early 2008, BBG found a picture of mine on Flickr which they wanted to use for their annual report. A little later in 2008, I got a call from the BBG saying they were looking for a new photographer to shoot their calendar for 2010, the BBG's centennial year. The theme was a "Then & Now" where I'd try to get some of the same images that had been shot long ago in the BBG's history. I shot over the course of a year and they published the twelve shots for their 2010 calendar. Since I shot so many images during the year, the BBG thought it would be a great idea to put the rest of the images into a show in their gallery space. I printed my 22 images and I also printed the 22 historical images which helped inspire me.

Japanese gardens in South Florida / Seagate Hotel and Spa

2010-01-29T11:20:00.000-08:00

I’m just back from a quick trip to South Florida where I had the pleasure of visiting the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens in Delray Beach while staying a few nights at the luxurious new Seagate Hotel and Spa on Delray’s revitalized Atlantic Avenue. While the gardens spread over 16 acres were the major draw for me, the cultural immersion of the Morikami as a whole — including an art museum, cultural library, café, exquisite gift shop and even an authentic teahouse — is incredibly satisfying. Especially in the context of being in South Florida where, let’s face it, one doesn’t automatically think “Japanese.” In fact, I believe that the regional Japanese population is less than one percent.

But that wasn’t always so. The thirty-some year-old park is named for George Morikami who donated the land to Palm Beach County in the 1970s and honors the Yamato Colony, a Japanese farming settlement of the early 1900s, of which Morikami had been a member. Interestingly, I had just learned of the Colony’s place in local history and connection to Henry Flagler the night before while on a narrated yacht cruise aboard the Lady Atlantic on the Intracoastal Waterway.

The Morikami itself is spread over 200 acres, but without question, the 16-acre “Roji-en: Gardens of the Drops of Dew,” designed by Hoichi Kurisu, are the focal point. A one-mile path around Morikami Pond meanders through six different gardens inspired by different historical periods and styles of Japanese gardening. The Journal of Japanese Gardening recognizes Roji-en as one of the top 10 Japanese gardens in Europe, North America and Australia.

A blogger in Seville

2010-01-27T09:21:00.000-08:00

(Contributed by guest blogger Cara Greenberg who is reporting from Spain.)

Ahhhh, Seville…city of Roman arches and Moorish tiles, churches and towers and labyrinthine streets. I’m in love with everything about colorful, civilized Seville, especially the street trees laden with oranges. It’s harvest time now; the city will ship them off to Britain, where they’ll be made into marmalade.

No matter that it’s mid-winter and 40 degrees, The cheerful orange trees are everywhere: in courtyard gardens glimpsed through iron gates as you thread your way through impossibly narrow streets, and in the exquisite, elaborate walled gardens that spread out behind the Real Alcazar, onetime palace of Muslim kings, which I visited yesterday.

In its 14^th century heyday, the Real Alcazar’s gardens were sunken, according to our guide, so the royals could pick fruit without having to stretch. Centuries later, under Christian rulers, the gardens were re-done in formal Renaissance style, and so they mostly remain, divided into myrtle-edged beds filled with acanthus, agapanthus, jacaranda, elephant ear, magnolia, philadelphus, pittosporum and more, punctuated here and there by soaring date palms and columnar cypresses. But there are also strong elements of characteristic Iberian garden design: patios, terraces, and arcades edged with brilliantly colored tiles, with archways and iron grilles in the walls between each section offering glimpses of what’s to come, and drawing you in and on…

To read more about Seville’s gardens and see more pictures, go to casacara.wordpress.com.

Join us at Inner Gardens' opening party, Jan 21

2010-01-20T14:15:00.000-08:00

(post by Sarah Kinbar)

Longtime Garden Design readers know I've been following Stephen Block of Inner Gardens in Los Angeles since 2001. First he introduced me—and our readers—to vintage American terra cotta, then French roadside pottery and his original Multiples collection. Inner Gardens was a top pick for our "favorite garden shops" feature in 2003. We've entertained readers, designers and friends at his original showroom on Jefferson, and his newer showroom on Melrose. And last year, I drove around Los Angeles with Stephen and his two staff landscape architects as they showed me the work that represents the latest phase of their evolution: design services.

Tomorrow night is the opening party for Stephen's new location in Santa Monica. Garden Design is sponsoring the event, and I hope you'll be there, too. The showroom will stock everything from chic Nala Beads to Peace Signs to Statuesque Poodles, cowhide chairs plus a vast array of chic mid-century modern garden furniture, antiques and stylish faux bois planters. Inner Gardens will bring Westsiders an array of well-styled decorative items for indoor and outdoor living.

You are invited:
OPENING NIGHT PARTY WITH GARDEN DESIGN
THURSDAY EVENING, January 21, 2010; 6-8 p.m.
R.S.V.P. by calling 310-838-8378

Inner Gardens
1324 Montana Avenue
Santa Monica, CA 90404

Call for Entries: 2010 Green Awards

2010-01-15T13:16:00.000-08:00

CALL FOR ENTRIES

Garden Design's second annual awards program reveals the exciting moment when great design meets ecological responsibility. Smart water and energy use, repurposing, recyclables, natives and organics, and other earth-friendly innovations will be recognized.

categories:
∅Residential Gardens
∅Public Spaces
∅Corporate Landscapes
∅Edible Gardens
∅Outdoor Products: Furniture, Décor and Lighting

To Enter: Your online entry should include the following: a completed entry form, 10 uploaded images with captions showing all parts of the completed project (professional images are preferred) and a single-paragraph summary of the project to be uploaded with the first image of the project.
Fee of $50 per entry.

Eligibility: Only designers and companies owning designs are eligible to enter this awards program. Entries must highlight key “green” components and should not have previously appeared in a national publication. See online Rules for complete details.

Deadline for Entries: May 1, 2010 / Winners will be published in Garden Design, January/February 2011
Enter online only: gdgreenawards.com

Photo: Margarido House, 2009 Green Award Winner. Photography by Mariko Reed.

Rolling Greens opening in L.A.

2009-12-21T13:18:00.000-08:00

Contributor Debra Prinzing attended the recent opening of Rolling Greens, Hollywood’s latest nursery and garden emporium that opened in a former tire garage.

Says Debra, Rolling Greens looks and feels like one of those elegant places you feel giddy to discover in Paris or London – part mossy-scented flower shop, part eclectic antique shop. Over-sized bird cages hang at different levels from a floor-to-ceiling branch installation. Large-scale lighting made from found objects – semi-industrial materials like metal mesh and salvaged wire baskets with linen shades – fill the high ceilings. One wall display is made with cross-sections of twigs and branches, installed as a woody mosaic. There are even a few vintage chandeliers to add sparkle to the rustic interior. Expect home and garden items that please the eye, and displays that emulate room-like settings in some corners and artful tableaux in other areas.

Read about the party and see photos of the store. shedstyle.com

Photo courtesy of Rolling Greens

Presidential Treatment

2009-12-18T11:11:00.000-08:00

We like to call Jon Carloftis "our own." May we brag? On behalf of Better Homes and Gardens and Traditional Home, the Kentucky-born garden designer just completed the holiday decor of the courtyard at the 19^th century Blair House — the official guesthouse of the President of the United States. (See the slideshow by clicking on the link below.)

Jon says they gave the traditional a new twist by hanging silver balls that looked like snow from the trees and used two different sizes of stainless steel balls in the containers and on the huge floor to make the space connected visually. They also reflected the light and could be used in a modern situation for an outstanding result. Jon added: "All the branches are from nature, including winterberry (Ilex verticillata) and southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) while the evergreen roping was common boxwood (Buxus sempervirens). All of these items could be used in a less traditional way with great effect. Plus, the winterberry provides food for birds later in the winter."

The garden will be seen only by White House Guests and for the many seasonal parties such as the one last Friday for the past Secretaries of State. There is an event nearly every day during December. Says Jon, "What a fun time to take a week off and do once in a lifetime!"

See a slideshow of the entire courtyard garden by clicking here.

Gift idea? EasyBloom Plant Sensor

2009-12-17T08:44:00.001-08:00

You may think that we Garden Design editors wouldn’t need a technological chip to help us place our plants in the garden or to remember to water indoors. But seriously, we’re busy and can use all the help we can get (ok, I’m speaking for myself).

So I am really excited about this EasyBloom Plant Sensor. Place it anywhere you want to grow a flower, plant, vegetable, herb or tree and it will collect information including light, humidity, temperature and soil conditions. Then it synchs with the Web to tell you exactly what kind of plants will thrive in that location. EasyBloom will also diagnose ailing plants to help you bring them back to life and will give you an instant “chirp” if your plant needs more water.

It retails for $39.95, works with both PC and Mac and is easy to purchase. Find it at Easybloom.com, amazon.com, HomeDepot.com and Brookstone.com.

Ask a gardener and more from the High Line

2009-12-08T10:46:00.000-08:00

Well this caught my attention (alas, I mean the photo, though the topic is good, too). The High Line gardeners (Maeve, Andi, Kaspar, Kyla and Johnny) will answer your planting-related questions. Send them to gardener@thehighline.org and if selected, the answer will be posted on the Ask a Gardener page on the High Line’s website. Be sure to include your name and city along with your question.

’Tis the season: See the High Line in every season. Winter is a great time to visit and to experience the changing landscape. Beginning on Monday, December 14, the High Line will be open daily from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Check thehighline.org for updates about park conditions and hours of operation during inclement weather.

Thursday, December 17, at 5:30 PM: Free Outdoor Concert by the NYC Lab School High School Chorus. They’ll perform seasonal and Broadway selections during two sets at 5:30 PM and 6:00 PM on the High Line in the Chelsea Market Passage, near 15^th Street. No RSVP is necessary. Hot cocoa and gingerbread by Tom Colicchio's Craft Sweets will be available for purchase at the event for $3.

Photo by David Kimelman

Fab holiday floral décor

2009-12-04T13:10:00.000-08:00

Each day Venice, California climbs up our radar of design hot spots. If you’re on Abbot Kenney Blvd, don't miss Floral Art, a 3,500-square-foot flower emporium that is both boutique and design studio. Or, browse online. The founder, Jennifer McGarigle, has been in the business for 17 years and has gained notable recognition through her loyal celebrity clientele and is well regarded for her distinctive style – fashion forward, sexy and immediately recognizable. As for designing for the holidays, Jennifer feels strongly about creating something that will last much longer than a traditional arrangement. For instance, paper whites in a lucite trough lined with moss (pictured, $250), or a collection of antique mirrored boxes filled with dried hydrangeas or even miniature cypress trees. (Note, select floral arrangements can be shipped anywhere in the U.S.) floralartla.com

Shop terrain online

2009-12-03T11:53:00.000-08:00

Can't make it to Glen Mills, Pennsylvania for the shopping experience that is Terrain at Styer's — the home, garden and lifestyle store brought to us by the folks from Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters? Now you can shop online. Terrain recently launched their e-commerce site and it is loaded with unique garden goodies from containers to bird houses and a lot of in between. And, they are offering free shipping on orders over $100 until Dec. 24. Want some winter-time garden inspiration? When you go to the website, I suggest you click on "terrain at styer's" on the bottom for a preview of the garden center at the actual store. shopterrain.com

Bags woven from plant materials take reusable up a notch

2009-12-02T09:19:00.000-08:00

Gift idea? Who said that reusable totes couldn't be stylish? These lightweight and sturdy woven bags are handmade in Morocco from all-natural and sustainable materials including palm leafs, water reeds and wild grasses. They're distributed by a company called Ecobags that is committed to helping create a sustainable environment. There are half-a-dozen styles of woven bags to choose from (priced from $40-$42. Each is handmade. And ecobags.com currently has a deal - free shipping on orders over $75.

Win TWO orchid and bromeliad arrangements

2009-12-01T11:06:00.000-08:00

Five lucky people will each win two wrapped orchid and bromeliad double-planted mixed containers from innovative Florida grower, Silver Vase, Inc. Winners may choose to receive both or keep one and have the second one shipped to a friend.

Silver Vase, Inc. is an innovative orchid and bromeliad producer that is based in Homestead, Fla. Since 1988, Silver Vase, Inc. has dedicated itself to growing and expanding consumer demand for high-quality, exotic plants. In its environmentally controlled greenhouses and through its now 10-year-old Clean & Green Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program, the operation guarantees its customers quality, proven varieties of Phalaenopsis orchids and a wide array of bromeliads in a spectrum of color. Their plants are sold through retailers as well as through several e-commerce sites. Enter until November 11.

Greenhouse specimens at Montreal Botanic Garden

2009-11-30T07:25:00.000-08:00

Montreal Botanical Garden’s greenhouses are bursting with rare blooms. On October 6 I’d posted about the agave plant, Mauritius hemp (Furcraea foetida) that was about to bloom. Now it has (pictured at left). The many star-shaped flowers, about 5 to 7 cm across, are blooming for the first and last time, over a period of several weeks. Once it has finished flowering, the plant will gradually die back, as is the case for most members of this family. On display in the Arid Regions Greenhouse.

What else can you see right now? A tree dahlia (Dahlia imperialis), on display for just a few more days, reached 3.5 metres in a single season; unique bromeliads in bloom in the Tropical Rainforest Greenhouse; the enormous parts of the elephant foot yam (Amorphophallus paeoniifolius var. campanulatus) in the Orchids and Aroids Greenhouse; the iridescence of the blue strap fern (Microsorum thailandicum), a member of the Polypodiaceae family, thought to be due to the presence inside the leaves of thin layers of cells whose thickness or shape reflects certain wavelengths of light (in the Ferns Greenhouse); and False holly (Osmanthus heterophyllus), with leaves almost identical to those of a real holly plant, but with highly scented flowers, on display in the Garden of Weedlessness (penjing) Greenhouse. More at museumsnature.ca.

Gorgeous Bamboos!

2009-11-24T15:18:00.000-08:00

Bamboo has kind of been growing on me lately. Probably my scouting trip to Hawaii last year didn't hurt. But recently I received a press kit from Greentop, LLC, a company known for its planter systems and who had recently acquired New England Bamboo. Inside the kit was a catalogue that kind of blew my mind. Forty-eight pages of bamboo showing shapes, textures and colors -- just the kick I'd needed to become a full-on bamboo-loving convert. I asked the owner Chris DeRosa to send me a gallery of images that show how bamboo can be used in garden design. Honestly, I think you might be rather astonished. See it online at gardendesign.com (click on the story on the homepage). You can also view the catalogue as a pdf at newengbamboo.com.

Naples Botanic Garden opens major new gardens by renowned landscape architects

2009-11-17T13:28:00.000-08:00

I wish I could tell you that I’d been there myself, and when you see the pictures of the new Naples Botanic Garden, you’ll wish you were there too. Featuring gardens representing cultures and landscapes found between the 26th Latitude north (the latitude of Naples, Florida) and the 26th Latitude south, the Garden re-opened last week, showcasing three major garden installations by a dream team of renowned landscape architects: Herb Schaal (Children’s Garden), Raymond Jungles (Brazilian Gardens) and Robert Truskowski (Caribbean Garden). Plus, a stunning transitional area called River of Grasses that mimics the Florida Everglades and was created by the overall design team headed up by Ellin Goetz. Plan a visit now! See more

Photo: Brazilian Garden designed by Raymond Jungles

Designing Peace Gardens in India and Nepal

2009-11-13T11:19:00.000-08:00

Next Saturday the Bay Area designers Tim O’Shea of Greenworks Design and Davis Dalbok of Living Green are headed for Bodhgaya — the famous site in India where The Buddha attained Enlightenment — where they will begin work on the first of Eight Mandala Peace Gardens dedicated to the Eight Sacred Sites of The Buddha. The duo will be working under the auspices of The Light of The Buddhadharma Foundation International, which works to beautify the ancient places where the Buddha walked and taught, and that still echo with his teachings and blessings. To date, Eight World Peace Bells have been donated and installed in Sarnath, Bodhgaya, Nalanda, Vaishali, Kushinagar, Shravasti, Tso Pema and Sankasya. All Eight Bells will eventually be surrounded by beautiful gardens designed by O’Shea and Dalbok, which will reflect the awakening and flowering of the Buddhaharma throughout India and Nepal.

The Bodhgaya garden plans were developed to revitalize a disused area of the Mahabodhi Temple grounds to the south of Mucalinda Lake. This Peace Park will facilitate walking meditation by creating greater connection to the adjacent areas. The Scripture Garden will display plant species both mentioned in Buddhist scriptures and known to be growing in the Buddha's lifetime. Shade trees and the Meditation Houses/ Veranda allow for restful contemplation and mindful awareness. This plan was designed by Tim O'Shea of Greenworks Design and Davis Dalbok of Living Green with direction from Wangmo and Richard Dixey of the Light of the Buddhadharma Foundation International. See the complete plans on Dalbok's blog

Last chance to WIN a copy of Amy Stewart's Wicked Plants

2009-11-12T07:29:00.000-08:00

Beware! The sordid lives of plants behaving badly. A tree that sheds poison daggers; a glistening red seed that stops the heart; a shrub that causes paralysis; a vine that strangles; and a leaf that triggered a war. Amy Stewart, bestselling author of Flower Confidential, takes on over two hundred of Mother Nature's most appalling creations in an A to Z of plants that kill, maim, intoxicate, and otherwise offend. Menacing botanical illustrations render a ghastly portrait of evildoers that may be lurking in your own backyard. Drawing on history, medicine, science, and legend, this compendium of bloodcurdling botany will entertain, enlighten, and alarm even the most intrepid gardeners and nature lovers.

10 lucky winners will receive a copy of Amy Stewart's Wicked Plants. Go to gardendesign.com/contests. Contest ends tomorrow.

Seed Bank Exchange

2009-11-11T09:00:00.000-08:00

Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall, visited Vancouver’s VanDusen Botanic Garden this past Saturday, presenting a small but valuable packet to the garden’s director Harry Jongerden. In it were six varieties of seed of native British Columbia plant species from the vaults of The Royal Botanic Gardens Kew’s Millennium Seed Bank. In return, Mr. Jongerden presented The Duchess with wild-collected B.C. native plant seed for Kew’s Millennium Seed Bank, which are not currently in its collection.

The seeds received by VanDusen Botanical Garden are:

* Gaillardia aristata
* Helianthus maximiliani
* Penstemon procerus
* Nothochelone nemorosa
* Hydrophyllum tenuipes
* Brodiaea coronaria

The seeds sent by VanDusen to RBG Kew are:

* Arbutus menziesii
* Aquilegia formosa
* Bidens amplissima
* Lilium columbianum
* Dicentra formosa
* Erythronium oregonum

Kew's Millenium Seed Bank recently celebrated its success in banking 10 percent of the world's wild plant species.

For more information on VanDusen Botanical Garden: www.vandusengarden.org

Recyled bottles never looked so good

2009-11-09T07:42:00.000-08:00

Last April we covered a line of indoor-outdoor pillows by San Diego interior designer and colorist Kathleen Roarty that found their inspiration in Roarty’s family’s worldwide travels. Her company, Mint Pillows, has just launched a new collection, Elements: Water, Earth, Fire and Air — each an individual series with six slightly different patterned pillows. I’m digging Water, which mimics an alluring shallow patch of sun-dappled ocean in the Bahamas.

Each collection is a limited edition, and each pillow is hand-crafted, numbered and dated. The insert is a cushy faux-down that is soft and dense but also durable for the outdoors. Now, Mint Pillows has switched all of their pillows to a soft new fabric that is made from 100% recycled water bottles. The results are luxurious feeling, nap-inducing pillows. I’m a believer. More at www.mintpillows.com.

I want this i-Phone app

2009-11-05T11:27:00.000-08:00

I don’t have an i-Phone, yet. But I learned about a new app (is that really a word?) that makes me want one. The Botany Buddy tree & shrub finder is an interactive database of 1,300 native and ornamental trees and shrubs that helps you identify plants in the field or — because you can create collections of plants — to use as a tool when planning landscapes and gardens. You can actually create custom plant collections and share them with other users. For every plant listed, there are enough images to see its shape, leaf, flower, bark and seed and the advanced search engine allows you to search by common or botanical name, growth habit and requirements, size, usage, color and more. Co-developer Charlie Hopper has spent 25 years as a landscape designer. He told me that the first time he took it out for a test run at a weekend tailgate fruit and veggie market in Ashville, NC, “it felt like a pair of Felco pruners.” This, I have to see. A preview and direct link to the iTunes store is available at www.botanybuddy.com.

SFBG announces design competition winner

2009-10-28T14:02:00.000-07:00

I was delighted to hear from Michael McKechnie, Executive Director of the San Francisco Botanical Garden Society, that they have successfully completed the five-month-long juried design competition for Gondwana Circle. The competition was an open call to artists and designers interested in gardens and public art to create a design exploring the historical significance of Gondwana as it relates to today’s horticultural communities of the Southern Hemisphere.

What or where is Gondwana, you ask? I wondered the same. Basically, it was a continent 200 million years ago that contained most of the landmasses found in the Southern Hemisphere before tectonic movement rearranged the map to the formation we know now.

Says McKechnie, “The geological story of Gondwana plays out significantly at the San Francisco Botanical Garden. We’re one of a handful of public gardens worldwide to have such a significant collection of Southern Hemisphere plants with our extraordinary Chilean, New Zealand, Australian, and South African gardens. These plants tell the story of plant evolution and migration.” The winning design will stand at the intersection where these Southern Hemisphere gardens meet.

And The Winner Is….

“Roving Mass” by Michael Overby and Emma Fuller of New York City, who beat out more than 90 designs submitted from around the world. Click here for the full story.

Garden Conservancy/Margarido House party

2009-10-21T13:43:00.000-07:00

Submitted by Garden Design Contributor, Debra Prinzing:

At "Sip, Graze, and Be Green," Garden Conservancy's party on Oct. 1 to fete Margarido House's Green Award from Garden Design magazine, more than 100 guests arrived to join owner/developer Mike McDonald of McDonald Construction and Design and his terrific wife Jill Martenson for the event. In the spirit of "thinking green," many people carpooled or took public transportation to arrive at the Oakland home, a model of sustainable construction and landscaping.

While touring the LEED-H Platinum project, supporters of Garden Conservancy mingled with architects, landscape designers, garden professionals and sustainable vendors including Mark Rogero of Concreteworks, David and Susie Gardcia of Paver Pro, and others. Margarido House is an excellent demonstration of how to design integrated interior and exterior spaces to maximize square footage, sightlines, natural light and passive cooling/heating -- plus, be a beautiful living environment.

Julie Johnson of Tres Sabores donated organic wine to the event, which netted $1,200 for Garden Conservancy programs.

Garden Conservancy president Antonia Adezio welcomed the group and thanked them for supporting garden preservation efforts, including the gardens at Alcatraz (which we could see across the SF Bay from the spectacular vantage point of Margarido House's roof garden). Mike McDonald shared his enthusiasm for collaborative and sustainable building projects and answered a short Q&A with Garden Design writer Debra Prinzing. Designer Lauren Schneider of Wonderland Garden and Landscape discussed creating a dramatic and sustainable landscape of California native plants and low-water Mediterranean varieties. Guests went home with copies of Garden Design's September -October issue, which features an article about Margarido House.
Learn more about the home and garden at www.margaridohouse.com.

Prestigious Landscape Design Award Finalist

2009-10-19T08:08:00.000-07:00

We’re excited to see the news that Rios Clementi Hale Studios is a finalist in the Smithsonian’s Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum’s 2009 National Design Awards, in the category of Landscape Design. While we don’t know the outcome of the awards yet (winner to be announced this week in New York City during National Design Week), we are looking forward to featuring a Los Angeles garden by the firm’s founding principal Mark Rios, FAIA, FASLA, in the April 2010 issue. Stay tuned.

(Baroda Garden, Beverly Hills; Photo: Tom Bonner)

The prestigious Cooper-Hewitt National Design Awards celebrate design as a vital humanistic tool in shaping the world. National Design Award nominations are solicited from more than 800 leading designers, educators, journalists, cultural figures, and corporate leaders from every state in the nation.

To see more of the firm’s work, go to http://www.rchstudios.com/

Do it! San Diego Fall Plant Sale

2009-10-14T11:27:00.000-07:00

Learn to incorporate gorgeous drought-tolerant plants into your garden at the 27th Annual Fall Plant Sale, this weekend at the San Diego Botanic Garden (formerly Quail Botanic Garden). See many examples of how low-water-use plants can brighten your garden and help protect against wildfires.

Plant donations from more than 100 local growers, wholesalers, retail nurseries and individuals make this one of the most interesting and diverse plant sales of San Diego County. Plant selections include California natives, cacti, succulents, bromeliads, fruit trees, and sub-tropicals. Also for sale are garden related items, used books, and homemade goodies such as specialty jellies. Enjoy an opportunity drawing and the popular sit-down Bakery Shoppe, which serves cakes, cookies, pies, and coffee.

Cost: Free with admission or membership (Admission: Adults, $12; seniors, active military, students $8; children ages 3-12, $6; and children age 2 and under are free.)

Photo credit: From Designing with Succulents by Debra Lee Baldwin.

27th Annual Fall Plant Sale
October 17 and 18, 11 am – 4 pm
(Members Only Pre-Sale: October 17, 9 – 11 am)

Location: San Diego Botanic Garden, Quail Botanical Gardens, 230 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas, CA 92024, www.SDBGarden.org <http://www.sdbgarden.org/> , 760-436-3036 x. 206

About San Diego Botanic Garden
Set on 35 acres in north coastal San Diego County, San Diego Botanic Garden’s, formerly Quail Botanical Gardens, mission is to inspire people of all ages to connect with plants and nature. The Gardens includes nearly 3,500 kinds of plants representing three general plant habitat types: desert collections, Mediterranean collections and subtropical/tropical collections. Demonstration gardens such as the children’s garden, “Seeds of Wonder,” as well as the Hamilton Children’s Garden which opened in the Summer of 2009, encourage conservation education, focusing on horticultural themes and traditional uses of plants. San Diego Botanic Garden is opening daily from 9 am to 5 pm. Admission prices are as follows: Adults, $12; seniors, active military, students $8; children ages 3-12, $6; and children age 2 and under are free. For more information, visit www.SDBGarden.org <http://www.qbgardens.org/> .

Do it! Mums in NC

2009-10-13T09:40:00.000-07:00

This weekend, October 17-18, marks the annual North Carolina Chrysanthemum Society’s Annual Show at The North Carolina Arboretum. This year, the local chapter is hosting the national society’s show. The popular annual show showcases hundreds of chrysanthemum blooms in vibrant and varied colors. Expect to see tree and cascade exhibits as well as displays of chrysanthemums, bonsai, educational exhibits, and a special section on Photography, all from more than 200 exhibitors from across the country.

The exhibits will be judged by National Standards by expert Accredited National Chrysanthemum judges from all over the United States and Canada, by strict NCS standards and highlights the exceptional variety in size, shape and color of these popular fall flowers.

The show is a perfect opportunity to learn more about how to grow display- or show- quality chrysanthemums. Guests to The NC Arboretum will be able to enjoy the shows and flower sales as well as trail walks, family activities, and exhibits. The Chrysanthemum Show is free for Arboretum Society members or with the standard parking fee ($6 per personal motor vehicle). Visitors are encouraged to explore the Arboretum’s 65 acres of cultivated gardens, 10 miles of hiking and biking trails, engaging exhibits, and bountiful opportunities to connect with nature.

For information, call 828.665.2492 or visit www.ncarboretum.org.

Do It! Rare Texts on Display

2009-10-09T12:48:00.001-07:00

From October 17 through January 10, the New York Botanical Garden grants a once-in-a-lifetime peek at select books from the T. Mertz Library, considered to be one of the world’s greatest repositories of botanical and horticultural literature. The library houses a treasury of published and archival documents that trace the development of botany and horticulture from the 12th century to the present day. Drawing from this wealth of materials, Ex Libris: Treasures from the LuEsther T. Mertz Library highlights some rarely seen items that demonstrate the extraordinary beauty and depth of the collections. Eighty per cent of the items displayed in Ex Libris have never before been exhibited to the public.

Ex Libris: Treasures from the LuEsther T. Mertz Library is in the Rondina and LoFaro Gallery. Here is the link to the exhibition’s checklist: http://www.nybg.org/files/checklist.pdf

While there, don’t miss the Garden’s fall offerings, including Kiku The Art of the Japanese Chrysanthemum. nybg.org

The Blue Egyptian Water-Lily
Temple of Flora
London: T. Bensley, 1807

Rare blooming about to occur at Montreal Botanic Garden

2009-10-06T12:06:00.001-07:00

A rare blooming at the Montreal Botanic Garden is about to occur. The flowers of this 25-year-old agave plant, a Mauritius hemp (Furcraea foetida), will open in the next few days – for the first, and last, time. The agave will produce thousands of bulbils on the flower stalk or offsets at its base, which will allow it to reproduce vegetatively. As the plant’s Latin name suggests, while these blooms may be extraordinary, not everyone will necessarily be very fond of the flowers’ fragrance! Once it has finished flowering, the plant will gradually die back, as is the case for most members of this family. For the time being, the Mauritius hemp flower stalk is growing several centimetres a day, and is already nearly 9 metres tall! Part of the glass in the greenhouse roof has had to be removed for it, in fact.

Denis Barabé, a botanist at the Botanical Garden, brought this Mauritius hemp to the Botanical Garden in 1986, after collecting a plantlet in the wild, on Mount Bourda, in Cayenne, French Guyana. It was entered in the Garden’s records on December 3 of that year, becoming the 2,182nd plant entered in the 1986 collection records. Mr. Barabé has worked at the Montréal Botanical Garden since 1976 and is also a researcher at the plant biology research institute (IRBV).

For more, go to http://www2.ville.montreal.qc.ca/jardin/jardin.htm

Start your holiday shopping AND save the bees.

2009-10-05T09:00:00.000-07:00

Start your holiday shopping and contribute to research to find the cause of the mysterious disappearance of honey bees due to Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD).

This beautiful 2010 calendar ($20) just came across my desk: A Bee Lover’s Garden: 12 Plants That Bees Love. Working Together to Create a Healthier World for Our Bees, and for Ourselves. The illustrations, printed on fine quality, green-seal-certified paper are by North Carolina artist Jay Pfeil and are truly frameable. The calendar is designed to educate people about the importance of bees, and inspire and empower them to plant these bee-nurturing plants in their gardens. A portion of the sales will go to The Eastern Apicultural Society's Foundation for Honey Bee Research.

Says the group’s founder, Mel Hughes, “Even if our first year's donation is small, we have still educated, inspired, and empowered thousands of people to rethink the higher purpose of their gardens.” The 2011 calendar is already in the works and will feature trees that nurture bees.

abeeloversgarden.com

Photo credit: Illustration by Jay Pfeil.

What's on garden designers' minds?

2009-10-01T09:02:00.000-07:00

I’ve just returned from Los Angeles where I moderated a panel of design experts at the Brown Jordan showroom during Fall Market at the Pacific Design Center. Selena Souders of Big Red Sun (the photo is from her Venice store), designer Kimberlee Keswick and Stephen Block of Inner Gardens took time out from their demanding schedules for what turned out to be a lively discussion about the “outdoor room.”

Sure, we explored the outdoor room at length. But two issues arose that really got me thinking that these are the areas where designers really need to educate their clients as well as the architects and interior designers involved in the project.

BUDGET and FEES: The designer is tasked from the beginning to help the client understand the perceived value of transforming the exterior spaces into an extension of the indoors – often doubling the livable square footage of their homes. The next step then is creating an appropriate budget and bringing the client on board to see beyond the need for hardscaping and plants. A healthy percentage of the budget also needs to be allocated to line items such as lighting, furnishings, appropriate components of an outdoor kitchen and fire and/or water features. Last but definitely not least, there is that other tricky area: getting paid — ideally, up front — for the actual design. That these fees are customarily paid up front for architectural drawings was not lost on anyone. Kimberlee stressed the importance of creating a master plan from which everything flows, from the budget to the workflow. Each panelist discussed how he or she approaches this issue with clients and how much time and work they are, or are not, willing to invest upfront.

TIMING TO ENTER A PROJECT: When I asked the designers at what stage they are typically brought into a project vs. when they should ideally enter it, they all agreed that it is too often too late. It became clear that there is a real need to educate homeowners and architects of the importance of establishing a design team up front to comprise not only an architect and possibly an interior designer, but also the landscape architect or garden designer.

I thought it interesting that yesterday I spoke by telephone with Palm Beach, Florida designer Jorge Sanchez of Sanchez & Maddux who had this to say: “There have been clients who have come to us after they have chosen an architect and contractor, and have finished the pool and driveway. We tell them they just need a plant installer. It is extremely important for the landscape architect to work from the beginning with the whole group. Otherwise, there is nothing cohesive or creative about it.”

Upcoming Garden Design Event!

2009-09-15T12:02:00.000-07:00

On September 24th at 12:30 p.m. at the Brown Jordan Showroom in the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood, CA, check in with GD for the following event:

INSIDE OUT: A revealing look into the ever-changing world of exterior design Join Garden Design magazine's Senior Editor Megan Padilla in the Brown Jordan showroom as she moderates a panel of design experts during an insightful discussion of the hottest room in the house--the outdoor room.

Experts on hand will include:
*Selena Souders of Big Red Sun, recently brought her brand of bold, modern and environmentally conscious design from Austin, Texas to Venice, California.
*Kimberlee Keswick, formerly of KeswickRobbins, melds her love of design with spirit and nature to create harmonious spaces.
*Stephen Block of Inner Gardens is a passionate plantsman with a highly developed sense for garden ornamentation.

Check it Out: Golden Gate Express

2009-09-10T11:20:00.000-07:00

The Golden Gate Express™ The Conservatory of Flowers’ popular garden railway exhibit will steam back into town for the holidays this year. Last year, visitors were overwhelmingly delighted by the model trains, miniature gardens and especially to the scaled down SF landmark buildings made so cleverly from recycled materials. People were enthralled with the humorous and inventive designs of these and in response we are debuting 6 new additions for a total of 18 wonderfully eco-creative icons of the San Francisco landscape. From Ghirardelli Square to the Golden Gate Bridge, Coit Tower to Chinatown’s dragon gate, replicas of San Francisco’s most famous places have been creatively crafted from recycled and repurposed materials. Corks, wine boxes, cheese graters, cutlery and more come together to make San Francisco’s gourmet haven, the Ferry Building, and the towering Transamerica Pyramid is studded with over 600 computer keys. Debuting this year are six new landmarks including City Hall and Alamo Square’s famous Victorian Painted Ladies -- all set amongst miniature gardens and parks to create a magical setting for this special holiday eco-attraction. So, gather the family and get on track. The Conservatory of Flowers’ Golden Gate Express is a must see destination for the holidays! Click here for visitors' information.

Vote for our cover!

2009-09-10T07:27:00.000-07:00

Garden Design's March cover is a finalist in the 2009 Best Cover contest by the American Society of Magazine Editors. The new and exciting part of the cover contest this year is that for the first time the general public will help to decide the winners. All finalists are being posted on Amazon.com so that regular folks including you can choose their favorites. Vote here.

Do It! Chicago Orchid Show

2009-09-09T13:23:00.000-07:00

Here's a show that reminds us that fall color is no less exotic that summer. On Saturday, October 10 and Sunday, October 11, the Illinois Orchid Society presents their annual fall show, in which individual orchids in 128 classes vie for red, white and blue ribbons. Twenty-five entries will receive "best of class" green ribbons and the best appointed plant in the show will receive the Chicago Horticultural Society Award from American Orchid Society judges. Exquisite tabletop displays, from the rarest of species to cultivated hybrids, will be artistically arranged in the Greenhouse Galleries. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, October 10 and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, October 11.

More than 20 orchid vendors will sell many orchid varieties. Supplies and equipment, books, pins, clothing and the society's custom bark mix and fertilizer will also be for sale. The Illinois Orchid Society will provide repotting services for $5.

The Illinois Orchid Society holds its meetings, which are open to the public, on the second Sunday of the month. Meeting dates are subject to change. For more information on plant society meetings, call (847) 835-8284. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org/plantshows/fall for more information.

Admission to the Chicago Botanic Garden is free; select event fees apply. Parking is $20; free for Garden members. For more information about any of the Chicago Botanic Garden’s programs and events, call (847) 835-5440, or visit http://www.chicagobotanic.org/.

Do It: San Diego Orchid Fair

2009-09-09T13:21:00.001-07:00

The splendidly colorful and intriguing San Diego International Orchid Fair will again be hosted by Quail Botanical Gardens amidst the natural horticultural setting October 2, 3 and 4, 2009. Visitors can expect to see thousands of species and hybrids, exhibits, sales, as well as lectures and official American Orchid Society (AOS) judging and ribbon judging. This is the once-a-year orchid event held in Southern California with a focus on international vendors such as those from Japan, Brazil, and other countries. General admission fees apply and are $12 for adults, $8 for seniors and active military and $6 for children ages 3-12. Children age 2 and under are free. Membership admission cost is free. $2 discount coupons are available at the Quail Botanical Gardens web site.

Photo by: Loren Batchman

Do It! The Late Show Gardens

2009-09-09T13:19:00.001-07:00

Sonoma, California's "The Late Show Gardens" is just around the corner. Taking place September 18, 19 and 20, the show is sure to please the most discriminating garden enthusiasts, as top Bay Area designers and carefully-vetted vendors will set the bar high. Get a sneak peek in advance by attending the Preview Party, Thursday, September 17th.

Thursday, September 17th, 2009
4:30 pm – 8:30 pm
at Cornerstone Sonoma

Meet leading designers and get a special preview of our unique gardens in a beautiful landmark Sonoma setting. Beat the crowds and shop our selection of fine garden related items. Enjoy Gourmet Hors d’Oeuvres, a Hosted Wine Bar and Music, plus a Speaker Presentation at 6:30 pm. Net proceeds benefit The Trust for Public Land & The Garden Conservancy.

Do It! Naples Secret Garden

2009-09-09T13:10:00.000-07:00

Garden Lovers of South Florida, if you haven't been out to see The Naples Secret Garden, this fall is the time. It is open every weekend from 1-4 pm, or a private showing is available upon request.

Do It: Dahlia Show

2009-09-09T09:15:00.000-07:00

This weekend at The North Carolina Arboretum:
Saturday and Sunday September 12-13; Dahlia Show

Hundreds of dahlia blossoms in rainbow colors and multi-bloom variety bouquets are on display. Flowers are available for purchase, and Dahlia Society members offer advice and resources. Show opens on Saturday at noon (after all judging has been completed). Show runs Noon to 5:00 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, at the Education Center. Admission is free.

Do It! Support the High Line

2009-09-08T13:40:00.000-07:00

If you are in New York, support of the High Line at tomorrow night's important public meeting. As the next step in the City's public review process for the Western Rail Yards rezoning, the City Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to get input.

This is a CRITICAL hearing. The rezoning will have a significant effect on the High Line, and changes can still be made which will have a positive impact on the High Line. There will be only one more public meeting prior to a final vote on this rezoning, so it is very important that we make a strong show of support at this point in the process.

Wednesday, September 9, 10:30 AM
22 Reade Street (Department of City Planning), Spector Hall
Subway: 1,2,3,A,C to Chambers Street, R,W to City Hall, 4,5,6 to Brooklyn Bridge/City Hall

Do It: Congress of Horticulture

2009-09-08T12:41:00.000-07:00

As if a visit to Portugal's season city Lisbon isn't enough of a draw, 2010's 28th International Congress of Horticulture will bring 2,000 participants from 80 countries to discuss the theme 'Science and Horticulture for People'. Colloquia, symposia, seminars, workshops and thematic sessions focus on the scientific component of horticulture but also the interaction between scientists, producers, consumers and society-at-large.

G-20 at Phipps

2009-08-31T06:57:00.000-07:00

President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama will welcome the G-20 leaders and their spouses to Pittsburgh at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens on Thursday, September 24, 2009. Afterward, President Obama and the G-20 leaders will remain at the conservatory for a working dinner.

“Phipps is proud to be the site of this historic event,” says Richard V. Piacentini, the conservatory’s Executive Director. “The G-20 Summit is an opportunity for us to showcase the story of green innovation in Pittsburgh and at Phipps.”

The White House cites Phipps’ distinction as one of the world’s greenest public gardens in its announcement. The Victorian glasshouse that opened in 1893 is known today as “the Green Heart of Pittsburgh,” and is a national model for environmental leadership.

“Over the past decade, Phipps has made advanced green building practices, sustainable development and environmental awareness a focus at every level of operation,” says Piacentini.

Eco-friendly achievements include:

First LEED Certified Building in a Public Garden—Phipps’ earth-sheltered Welcome Center was awarded LEED Silver certification upon its completion in 2005.

World’s Most Energy-Efficient Conservatory—Phipps’ newest addition, the Tropical Forest Conservatory, is passively cooled, has no “greenhouse effect,” is very efficient for heating and is the only conservatory in the world powered by a solid oxide fuel cell.

Project Green Heart—All life depends on plants. Phipps’ commitment to environmental leadership includes sharing discoveries and providing resources on leading-edge practices in sustainable living, gardening and landscaping. Its “Botany in Action” program supports science and field research around the world and highlights the essential connection between
people and plants.

A Living Building—Plans are in place for construction of Phipps’ most innovative and ambitious green venture to date: a Living Building, the Center for Sustainable Landscapes which will be one of the greenest buildings in the world. This new Research, Education and Administration Center will exceed LEED Platinum certification and function at zero-net energy and water.

Check It Out: Floating Garden

2009-08-28T11:14:00.001-07:00

The Chicago Park District and Moore Landscapes partnered together to launch a Floating Garden in Lincoln Park. From now and until mid-October, weather dependent, catch a glimpse of this unique floating tropical garden in the Lincoln Park south rowing lagoon.

Located east of the Lincoln Park Zoo and west of Lake Shore Drive in the south end of Lincoln Park’s rowing lagoon between Fullerton and North avenues, the floating tropical oasis was planted in a retired lifeguard boat, that is a seventeen inch Boston Whaler and secured by three concrete block anchors.

Designed by Kathleen Mullaney of Moore Landscapes Inc., the tropical oasis themed Floating Garden provides an element of surprise and delight to those who pass it. Bright red bamboo poles were added to compliment the bright plant palette and acts as a trellis for the vining flowers.

The plants in the Floating Garden were selected for their bright colors, texture and bold foliage such as annual vines (potato vine and Algerian ivy), annual flowers and ornamental grass (star flower, lantana, petunias, Brazilian verbena and purple fountain grass.) The tropical selections include croton, mandevilla vine, shrimp flower, annual hibiscus, canna, cordyline, and bamboo. For variety, fall ornamental grasses (millet and Juncus) were added, as well as ornamental cabbage.

From a distance, the Floating Garden displays a vibrancy of red, orange and yellow flowers with green and burgundy foliage. Vines and flowers drape over the top deck of the boat into the water.

All of the plants used in this visual display came from local suppliers. Pots and containers from all plant material are collected, sorted and picked up by area growers who will reuse or recycle the plastic materials. All landscape debris (including the soil) will be composted. The bamboo will be reused in future special projects.

After mid-October when the Floating Garden is dismantled, the appropriate plant material will be recycled and used in next year’s annual garden displays in parks throughout Chicago. Moore Landscapes Inc. works closely with the Lincoln Park Conservatory staff to reuse the tropical plants each year.

On The Set: David Dalbok photo shoot

2009-08-14T11:27:00.000-07:00

Our photo editor Chelsea Stickel recently flew to the Bay Area for a photo shoot with Davis Dalbok of Living Green. Davis created a series of gorgeous vignettes that put the spotlight on succulents, much like his own garden does. Here are a few behind-the-scenes moments.

Check It Out: Grant for San Francisco Botanical Garden Society

2009-08-13T11:25:00.001-07:00

The San Francisco Botanical Garden Society (SFBGS) has been awarded a prestigious grant by the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) under the highly competitive Museums for America grant program. Museums for America is one of the largest federal grant program for museums in the country and is designed to help museums sustain the world’s cultural heritage, support lifelong learning, and serve as centers of community engagement. SF Botanical Garden Society was one of 167 grant recipients selected from 433 applicants.

San Francisco Botanical Garden Society will receive a $72,565 IMLS grant to support a pilot GIS Mapping Project. “Using a combination of current GPS and mapping technologies this project will begin mapping the infrastructure and the location of plants in several of the gardens geographically themed sections,” explains David Kruse-Pickler, Associate Curator, SFBGS. The project will increase the Society’s capacity to advance strategic goals in three important areas of museum operations: plant collections management, care and maintenance of the gardens, and interpretation of the garden’s plant collections to a broad and diverse audience.

Check It Out: Greenest Block in Brooklyn

2009-08-06T11:59:00.000-07:00

The winning blocks for the 15th annual Greenest Block in Brooklyn Contest were heralded yesterday at a press conference on the first-place residential block: Lincoln Road between Bedford and Rogers Avenues. Also present were representatives of the winning commercial block: Atlantic Avenue (south side) between Bond and Nevins Streets. The annual Greenest Block in Brooklyn Contest is a lively competition among thousands of borough residents committed to beautifying their neighborhoods and making Brooklyn greener.

The contest is managed by GreenBridge, the community environmental horticulture program of Brooklyn Botanic Garden (BBG), in cooperation with Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz.

This year’s winning residential block, Lincoln Road between Bedford and Rogers Avenues in Lefferts Gardens, has been selected not only for its gorgeous horticulture but also for its citizens’ cooperation and conservation work. The block is very large, with approximately 80 homes, and achieved over 80 percent participation by residents. The block association formed a “green team” to help identify needs, organize gardening work, and most importantly, model good gardening practices at their own homes. According to Tolonda Tolbert, president of the block association, the example set by a few residents inspired others to inquire about greening their property and was supported by cooperative efforts like a seed exchange, neighbor-to-neighbor gifting of window boxes, and more. Many residents who have lived on the block for 30 or 40 years trained newer neighbors—like Ms. Tolbert—on good gardening practices, and they in turn recruited their children. This multigenerational effort has resulted in a beautiful, vibrant block for all to enjoy.

Lincoln Road also distinguished itself with its abundance of curbside gardens. These narrow gardens replace the pavement between the sidewalk and the street with colorful, rainwater-absorbing planted beds. It is an excellent model of environmental sustainability for other Brooklyn blocks dominated by concrete and asphalt.

Coming Soon from Suzanne Biaggi

2009-08-06T11:49:00.000-07:00

Suzanne Biagi is designing a garden for The Late Show Gardens at Cornerstone in September. Here's what she has in store for us:

"The concept of Flow (the cycles of nature) and Accumulation (mans' interruption of those cycles) is beautifully presented through the use of sculptural symbols. Permaculture plantings and innovative use of watering systems offer solutions to the results of accumulation. In the center of the garden is the symbol of hope in the form of the Future Feast table using the technology of green roofs for its' living surface and inspired by a mannerist garden in Italy."

Coming Soon from Shirley Watts

2009-08-04T10:52:00.000-07:00

Designer Shirley Alexandra Watts is creating a garden vignette called A Garden of Mouthings for The Late Show Gardens at Cornerstone in September. Here's a window into her mind's eye: "In response to the impending threats to our bee populations, Shirley Watts' 'A Garden of Mouthings' seeks to inform, delight and inspire its viewers by celebrating not only honey bees, but also our often overlooked native bees. Working with bee expert Jaime Pawelek, architect Andrew Kudless and builder Ross Craig, Shirley is putting together a garden that combines a beautiful honeycomb structure, a sound piece based on a poem by Sylvia Plath and bee friendly plantings to inspire every home gardener. Experts will be on hand to offer advice on native bees and honey tastings."

Green Scene: the River Center

2009-08-04T10:43:00.000-07:00

Located at the heart of the Roaring Fork watershed and in Basalt, Colorado, the Roaring Fork Conservancy's River Center is designed to house the program's administration, a water quality laboratory, an exhibit hall and classrooms. Bluegreen, whose work Garden Design has covered this year, teams with the Conservancy to reclaim a former brownfield site and integrate with Basalt's first riverfront park. Riverine environments, key wildlife habitat and open space are scheduled for rehabilitation as part of this project and including plans for future phases of rehabilitation and educational outreach. A few of the site's "green" program elements include bioswales and runnels to collect storm water, wetlands and enhanced pond edges, rain and roof gardens and native plantings. In collaboration with the Conservancy, Bluegreen provides land use planning, site master planning and landscape architectural services for the River Center.

Check It Out: Haven Sofa

2009-08-04T10:37:00.000-07:00

Isn't she pretty? This new outdoor sofa from Paola Lenti was designed by Claesson, Koivisto & Rune. It has a steel structure treated with Cataphoresis and covered with polyester Rete. The piece is available through Karkula in New York.

Check It Out: Dakroub Garden

2009-07-31T04:22:00.000-07:00

The Dakroubs of Dearborn, MI, have been recognized for their garden by the Detroit News as winners of the Garden Photo Contest. This picture was taken by a City Photographer and will be in Dearborn's calendar next year. They live in a historic Edsel Ford colonial community near Ford World Headquarters. Their house, across from The TPC Golfcourse has an English Cottage garden with a pond, bridge, pergola and a flagstone path. Nadia and Hassan take pride in gardening and love to share the garden with friends and family.

Check It Out: Winning Tomato

2009-07-30T09:30:00.000-07:00

TOMATOMANIA, the world's largest tomato seedling sale, hosted its second annual Tomato Derby.

In the running were Scorospelka, a red Russian heirloom, a stout plant loaded with small to medium-sized fruit; Champion, the largest fruit of the group; Early, a newer hybrid with an oval shape like Roma; 4th of July with lots of perfect small red orbs; Jenny, a hybrid orange cherry that is tall and full of fruit; Matina, a red potato-leafed heirloom variety with small ping pong-sized fruit; Stupice, a smaller red heirloom (from Czeckoslavakia) that produces in clusters all season long, Golden Mama, a yellow Roma-style hybrid; Sprite, a teardrop-shaped red cherry borne on a small wispy plant; and Gardener’s Delight, a large red cherry carried on a large, beefy and very healthy looking plant.

This year’s group of ten gathered at the starting line in Ojai, CA (Zone 10, elevation 1550 ft.), and were put in the dirt in mid-April. All were planted in 18-gallon pulp pots in a blend of planting mix and potting soil, and all watering, feeding and care were provided as consistently as possible.

“After months of bland-tasting, store-bought tomatoes, everyone’s eager for the first home-grown crop of the season,” says Scott Daigre, producer of TOMATOMANIA. “And if you love tomatoes, you want to know which ones are fast growing and great tasting, which is what the annual derby is all about.”

The winner of the Tomato Derby? Stupice (shown in front in the yellow bowl). This Czech variety, which was a top-three finisher in TOMATOMANIA’s 2008 East Coast Derby, is always mentioned in lists of early varieties. Beyond its speed, this heirloom favorite is as reliable in high heat areas as it is in more temperate northern or coastal microclimates. Bearing its fruit in clusters, these round red tomatoes taste great and continue to produce throughout the season on sturdy potato-leafed plants.

Do It: Garden of Eden Ball

2009-07-30T08:18:00.000-07:00

With the opening of new gardens and facilities at the Atlanta Botanical Garden, what better theme for the 2009 Garden of Eden Ball than “Sunrise: A New Day Dawns at the Garden.”

The 28th annual event, the Garden’s largest benefit, will be held Saturday evening, September 26 on the Great Lawn in a large tented ballroom surrounded by several gigantic bronze sculptures by British artist Henry Moore on display in the current exhibition, Moore in America. Event designers Kathy Rainer and Tricky Wolfes of Parties To Die For will transform the tent into a blaze of orange, yellow and pink evoking a brilliant Atlanta sunrise.

In announcing the ball’s theme, event chairs Jim and Susan Spratt said the choice salutes the Garden’s expansion, the first phase of which opened this spring with the new Hardin Visitor Center, SAGE Parking Facility and Southern Seasons Garden. The expansion is funded by a New Seasons Capital Campaign that has raised more than $45 million under the leadership of Jane and Dameron Black, this year’s honorary ball chairs.

The event kicks off at 7 p.m. with cocktails in the Levy Parterre, followed by a three-course dinner under the tent presented by A Legendary Event and dancing to the melodies of Rupert’s Orchestra.

Drawing more than 450 guests annually, the Garden of Eden Ball supports the Garden’s mission to develop and maintain plant collections for display, education, conservation and enjoyment. For ticket information, contact Jennifer Wyrick at 404-591-1575 or jwyrick@atlantabotanicalgarden.org.

Do It: Phipp's Farmer's Market

2009-07-30T08:07:00.000-07:00

Now through October 28th, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is pleased to present its first-ever farmers market, held every Wednesday from 2:30-6:30 pm, through October 28th. Located on Phipps' historic lawn, Farmers at Phipps will feature 20 vendors of local, certified organic and Certified Naturally Grown (CNG) products. The farmers will sell a variety of products including vegetables, meats, cheeses, eggs, bread, seedlings, honey, cut flowers, soap and perennials.

In conjunction with PASA's (Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture) "Buy Fresh, Buy Local" program, an initiative that encourages the purchase of local produce, Phipps wants to inspire people to bring more natural, organic items into their homes. "PASA proudly supports regional farmers' markets, such as Phipps'. These community markets are where farmers and consumers can connect and discuss the most important of all 'green' issues: local food," says PASA's Western Regional Director, Greg Boulos.

Phipps' proximity to local universities and businesses, easy access to downtown and plentiful parking offer patrons a convenient opportunity to buy fresh, local, organic and Certified Naturally Grown farm products. Phipps' inaugral farmers market includes, among many others, representatives from Northwest Pennsylvania Growers Co-op, Clarion River Organics, Mildred's Daughters Urban Farm, Blackberry Meadows Farm and Wolf Lake Farms for a fair that will provide a wholesome shopping experience.

Do It: San Diego Orchid Fair

2009-07-30T08:03:00.000-07:00

Do It: Chile Pepper Fiesta

2009-07-30T07:56:00.000-07:00

New York City’s spiciest autumn event returns to Brooklyn Botanic Garden, celebrating the chile pepper and its uses in cultures around the world with performances and culinary activities for the whole family to enjoy! On Saturday, October 3, 2009, from noon to 6 p.m., the Garden presents a diverse homage to the chile pepper featuring the joyful African pop mix of Nepo Soteri & Asante; the infectious blend of North Indian Bhangra and brass funk by Red Baraat; and the return of Lost Bayou Ramblers, vanguards of the Cajun musical tradition who have thrilled thousands with their repertoire of early accordion dancehall tunes, Cajun swing, and original numbers. Throughout the day, MCs Robbins & Ringold fire up audiences with fire eating, fire juggling, and other daring deeds of flame.

Kid Stuff: Book Award Winners

2009-07-28T12:45:00.000-07:00

Three children's books received the 2009 "Growing Good Kids – Excellence in Children's Literature Award" from Junior Master Gardeners on July 24 at a ceremony held during the American Horticultural Society's 2009 National Children & Youth Garden Symposium, hosted by the Cleveland Botanical Garden in Ohio. This award program recognizes children's books that effectively promote an appreciation for gardening, plants, and the environment.

This year's winners, selected from books published in 2008, are:

The Apple-Pip Princes by Jane Ray (Candlewick Press)
Big Yellow Sunflower by Frances Barry (Candlewick Press)
Flip, Float, Fly – Seeds on the Move by JoAnne Early Macken and illustrated by Pam Paparone (Holiday House)

“This collection of plant-themed picture books are wonderfully engaging, novel and will draw in a wide audience of young readers,” says Randy Seagraves, national curriculum coordinator for the National Junior Master Gardeners Program, which jointly administers the award program with the American Horticultural Society. “From unfolding a larger-than-life sunflower, to following seeds' travels in poetry, to becoming lost in a barren kingdom while it is transformed by the gift of a single precious seed, these diverse titles exemplify excellence in children's literature,” he adds.

Check It Out: The Late Show

2009-07-27T13:16:00.000-07:00

The Late Show Gardens, a 3-day festival in Sonoma, CA, kicks off its first annual event on September 18th. Top Bay Area garden designers will create garden vignettes, and speakers like Ken Druse (at left) will take on the full range of garden topics. Ken's talk, "Garden Art May be the Best Revenge", takes place Sunday, September 20, at 1 p.m. On the whole, the show will address climate change and drought more directly than a garden show has done before. What's more, this open-air festival blows the walls off convention center doldrums, as The Late Show Gardens will be held at Cornerstone.

On The Road: Burpee

2009-07-16T18:11:00.000-07:00

From Jenny Andrews at OFA: "The Burpee display of veggies had a great variety, and now many of them come in biodegradable containers—Ball and Burpee have been working diligently for years to find alternative materials for nursery pots since the plastic ones typically wind up in the landfill. And now they have two types, one that can be planted straight into the ground and disappear as the plant roots grow; the other is for containing the plant during transportation, but is equally degradable."

On The Road: Ball Horticulture Company

2009-07-16T18:06:00.000-07:00

From Jenny Andrews at OFA: "On hand to give me the grand tour of Ball Horticultural Company’s display were Jessie Atchison and Layci Gragnani. Some of my favorite finds were coleus ‘Chocolate Splash’ [far left], ‘Redhead’ and ‘Henna’ (the last two of which have been amazing in my own garden), a spectacular ornamental millet called ‘Jade Princess’, two petunias which combine mauvy pink and lime green named ‘Sophistica Lime Bicolor’ and ‘Sophistica Antique Shades’, a line of coleus called Versa that go from sun to shade, Gomphrena ‘Fireworks’ [left], and Euphorbia ‘Breathless Blush’. I just planted some of the euphorbia in my home garden a month or so ago and I’m in love with it (thank you Ball for the trial plants!)."

On The Road: more from Proven Winners

2009-07-16T18:00:00.000-07:00

From Jenny Andrews at OFA: "There were also hot new colors of Intensia phlox, Superbells callibrachoa, lobelias, Superbena verbenas, dwarf butterfly bush and ‘Oh So Easy’ roses, plus Diascia ‘Flirtation Orange’, Nierembergia ‘Augusta Blue Skies’, and a towering papyrus called ‘King Tut’ [far left] which also proved itself useful for flower arranging.

Another plant of note was the first pink Hydrangea arborescens, called ‘Invincibelle Spirit’, the sales of which will support breast cancer awareness. And a new program called Pop, Drop & Grow [above], hailed as “the 30-second planter,” offering gardeners ready-made plant combos to slip easily into containers for instant gratification (and the liners are biodegradable)."

Check It Out: Wine Country Gardens

2009-07-15T12:49:00.000-07:00

Writer Marguerite Thomas recently sent me some photos of winery gardens she visited in Monterey, CA. She explored Chateau Julien, which is known particularly for its rose garden.
Joyce Vineyards has a tiny tasting room in the center of Carmel Valley Village, with a relaxing patio filled with fountains and container plants. Bernardus is a beautiful and lavishly landscaped estate with diverse plants including roses.

Speaking of roses, Marguerite writes: "'Days of wine and roses' is more than just a poetic refrain. Generations of winemakers across the globe--from Médoc to Monterey, from Sicily to Sonoma—have planted rose bushes at the head of rows of vines. Why? Although the result can be stunning, beauty actually has little to do with it. Instead, since roses and vines are susceptible to the same diseases, the roses serve as the floral equivalent to the canary in the mine: if they show signs of trouble vineyard workers are alerted to the possibility mildew or other problems in the vines."

On The Road: Proven Winners

2009-07-15T10:45:00.000-07:00

Jenny Andrews reports from the OFA Short Course in Dayton, Ohio: "Danielle Ernest, John Gados and Jane Beggs-Joles walked me through the newest creations from Proven Winners, including Lobularia ‘Snow Princess’, a super-vigorous alyssum that forms a cloud of tiny white blooms which John calls their big “ta-daah” plant for this year [see photo at far left], and the dramatic Petunia ‘Pretty Much Picasso’ [near left] with deep pink centers and bright green edges. The petunia coloring is a dramatic first, and it makes an amazing mound of mid-sized flowers. Both the alyssum and petunia were filling their containers and spilling over the edges in a spectacular display. There was a constant buzz of activity around these plants."

On The Road: Columbus, Ohio

2009-07-15T06:25:00.000-07:00

Jenny Andrews reporting from Ohio: "My annual sojourn to Columbus, Ohio, to stalk the aisles of the trade show at the Ohio Floriculture Association’s Short Course once again was a plant geek’s dream, and a chance to catch up with friends in the business of producing amazing garden plants. I made the rounds with senior advertising manager of Garden Design Meshele Conley and coming up over the next few days are just a few of the many highlights."

Check It Out: Winning Containers

2009-07-13T06:32:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, June 27th Longhouse Reserve in East Hampton, NY, welcomed garden lovers to view Planters: ON & OFF the Ground - An Invitational Garden Container Exhibition. Top landscape designers, artists, designers and garden professionals participated in the exhibition by creating a unique garden container which was judged and then displayed at LongHouse. P. Allen Smith, award-winning garden designer and one of America’s most recognized and respected garden experts graciously agreed to weigh in with his critique and award blue ribbons. See the entries including the winners here.

Check It Out: National Parks on T.V.

2009-07-10T12:45:00.000-07:00

You love gardens. Aaaaaaand you love parks. Can't love one without the other. We are therefore pleased to announce that PBS will debut the new Ken Burns documentary series, THE NATIONAL PARKS: AMERICA’S BEST IDEA, Sunday, September 27-Friday, October 2, 2009.

The 12-hour, six-part documentary series, directed by Burns and co-produced with his longtime colleague, Dayton Duncan, who also wrote the script, is the story of an idea as uniquely American as the Declaration of Independence and just as radical: that the most special places in the nation should be preserved, not for royalty or the rich, but for everyone. As such, it follows in the tradition of Burns’s exploration of other American inventions, such as baseball and jazz.

Filmed over the course of more than six years in some of nature’s most spectacular locales — from Acadia to Yosemite, Yellowstone to the Grand Canyon, the Everglades of Florida to the Gates of the Arctic in Alaska — the documentary is nonetheless a story of people from every conceivable background: rich and poor; famous and unknown; soldiers and scientists; natives and newcomers; idealists, artists and entrepreneurs; people who were willing to devote themselves to saving some precious portion of the land they loved, and in doing so, reminded their fellow citizens of the full meaning of democracy.

Read It! Fragrant Designs

2009-07-09T10:27:00.000-07:00

Brooklyn Botanic Garden announces the release of its newest All-Region Guide, Fragrant Designs, edited by Beth Hanson. The book is available here. The sense of smell is a powerful force that triggers memories and emotions in a flash. In the plant world, scent plays a crucial role as it facilitates interactions between flowers and their pollinators and protects plants against attacks from predators. Fragrant Designs captures the power of scent in the garden, showing how gardeners can harness fragrance to create a healthy, beautiful garden environment that’s a sensory delight for human visitors and a great place for insect pollinators like butterflies and bees.

What’s Inside
• Designs for seven gorgeous scented gardens, with illustrations and planning guides
• Portraits of more than 100 fragrant annuals, perennials, vines, and shrubs
• An exploration of the science of scent and the connections between flowers and their pollinators
• Great ideas for handsome aromatic containers
• Practical tips for planning, planting, and cultivating

Issue Preview: Green Awards

2009-07-09T08:56:00.000-07:00

A Southwestern garden by Steve Martino is featured among the residential award winners in our Sept/Oct 2009 issue. "This project addresses the difficult conflict of contemporary expectations in an environment whose foundation is the fragile Sonoran desert landscape," says Martino. "Rather than denying the desert, the garden strives to celebrate it. The use of native plants has created a habitat that directly links the garden to the ecological processes of the region. Non-native trees, plants and lawn have been removed and replaced with natives. A row of salvaged desert trees were located between the house and the street which have transformed the house from being an object to becoming a place. The project benefits from rainwater harvesting, drip irrigation, regional and native plant material use, as well as porous paving. Most importantly, in an area where perfectly fine homes are torn down and replaced with large new homes, these owners chose to 'recycle' and remodel their existing house. The project illustrates that the new design can be artful as well as healing and nurturing to the environment."

Check It Out: Amazing Photo Archive

2009-07-03T04:42:00.000-07:00

Fall in love with post-war gardens all over again. Go to the Huntington's web site and discover--or rediscover--the garden photos of Maynard L. Parker a Los Angeles–based architectural and garden photographer who shot for many of the nation’s premiere home design publications, becoming famous for his contributions to House Beautiful. At left is a photo of the Hillsborough, CA, outdoor living space at the Michaelson residence designed by Thomas Church. The archive is loaded with images you'll want to spedn hours poring through.

On The Road With Jenny and Jon

2009-07-02T18:14:00.000-07:00

Our features editor Jenny Andrews and staff photographer Jon Whittle have finally wrapped up their seemingly endless Toronto trip. Parting words from Jenny: "We went to the top of the CN Tower--a landmark in Toronto that you can see for miles (we've been using it as a directional tool too--when in doubt of how to get back to the hotel, head for the tower!). From there Jon was able to shoot Ht0 Park from overhead, and we were able to see several other public spaces that we've been enjoying at ground level, including the Music Garden. When in Toronto, going up the CN Tower to get a view of the city is a MUST."

On The Road: Shim-Sutcliffe Garden

2009-07-02T18:12:00.000-07:00

From Jenny Andres on the road in Toronto: "We also shot a garden by Shim-Sutcliffe Architects, which continued the next morning. A series of terraces with seating and dining transitions to a pool and a water feature, then downhill through a grove of trees underplanted with swaths of a wide variety of plants. At the base of the hill is another pool and a guesthouse. The next morning this was such a peaceful place to walk and explore and shoot."

On The Road: Rosenberg Garden

2009-07-02T18:09:00.000-07:00

From Jenny Andrews, on the road in Toronto: "We drove to Richmond Hill, a suburb of Toronto, in the wee hours of the morning to photograph a very modern garden designed by landscape architect Janet Rosenberg, who also designed Ht0 Park on the lakefront that we visited earlier in the week. The garden begins at the front of the house, then continues in the back, where the outdoor living spaces stairstep down a hill toward a wilderness area (while we were there, bullfrogs bellowed from the stream below, a blue heron flew overhead, and a rabbit hopped across the middle of the garden, briefly interrupting the shoot). Tres chic furniture in pale aqua and white, an infinity edge pool, and a lively mix of plants."

Check It Out: Documentation of Oudolf/van der Kloet Design

2009-07-01T10:11:00.000-07:00

The new Seasonal Walk Chronicles website is an online first. The project is designed to track a conceptual landscape design as it matures and evolves over a full growing season. It revolves around a naturalistic, four-season garden design at the New York Botanical Garden by renowned Dutch designers Piet Oudolf and Jacqueline van der Kloet. Their new landscaping of The Garden's high-profile Seasonal Walk features sophisticated plant mixes and artistic interplay of form and color. Many are referring to the design as “pure genius.” The website is a destination and a teaching tool, featuring how-to sections detailing the designers' innovative planting techniques and their stellar plant combinations. It is designed for repeat viewing, with new chronicles and images added approximately every two weeks. Documenting the site are award-winning gardening professionals, writer Tovah Martin and photographer Rob Cardillo. Martin captures the plant and design interplay via evocative on-the-scene reports. Her chronicles also incorporate design observations from the two designers and hands-on notes from the New York Botanical Garden’s expert company of gardeners. Cardillo contributes lush images that visually documents the sophisticated design as it unfolds, including occasional unexpected contributions from Mother Nature.

On The Road: Harris Garden

2009-07-01T07:46:00.000-07:00

From Jenny Andrews on the road in Toronto: "We photographed the garden of writer/editor/gardener extraordinaire Marjorie Harris. I was in plant geek heaven! On a very narrow city lot she has packed hundreds, maybe even thousands of cool plant specimens, deftly weaving together colors and textures. An addition designed by PLANT Architects for the Victorian home gives Marjorie a perfect spot for viewing the garden. An indoor dining area converts into an open-air space by pulling back a huge picture window and creating a screened-in porch; with the touch of a button even the screen rolls up and out of the way. On Friday evening Marjorie used this space to treat us to a fabulous,
organic curry dinner. Joining us were several of her gardening friends, including furniture designer Tom Deacon, whose garden out in the nearby countryside we also have our eye on. And neighbors Geoffrey and Susan Dyer, who were leaving the next day to visit Hidcote in England."

On The Road: Fairmont Royal York

2009-06-27T05:51:00.001-07:00

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

2009-06-27T05:47:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-26T10:36:00.001-07:00

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

2009-06-26T10:28:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-26T10:25:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-26T10:22:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-26T10:18:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-24T10:36:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-24T09:37:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-23T11:45:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-23T11:33:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-23T10:48:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-23T10:35:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-22T11:35:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-18T12:30:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-18T12:03:00.000-07:00

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.