landscape
“made of the old exisiting fence and then new wood added to the old in areas.” “The fence is a beautiful combination of color” “Is is two types of wood (i.e. weathered and stained) or steel and concrete (or something else)? Love it!” “Thanks! The fence is the weathered wood from the original fence (gray) and new wood. For the new wood we requested wood that had been sitting around on” “Possibly alternate wood and some other material like corugated colored metal or fiberglass.” “Could be alternate w/ wood & corrugated fiber roofing, ripped down to 6 to 10" panels.” “in artificial wood decking? Maybe the thin pieces could be the regular pieces torn down to fit in between.” “interesting pattern if wood is run long way”
A room with a view. It's natural to want a point of view when we look through a window or door, but this exceptional home is so fully integrated into the landscape that it's hard to tell where the garden ends and the interior begins. Clearly, the multitrunk tree is the focal point of this environment, and the open-air architecture is perfectly sited to exploit the vista. Wow!
Create a portrait. A combination of architecture, horticulture and art turns what could easily have been a prosaic section of fence into an intriguing moment in the landscape. The inspired placement of an Asian stone lantern is the detail that creates emphasis and a point of view. Every other element draws the eye to this spot, from the vivid red canopy of the Japanese maple tree to the stepping-stone path.
Balance the scene. Frame a view with symmetrical plantings, such as clipped hedge forms or a set of flowering crab apple trees placed in all four quadrants around a central element. This design reveals an updated approach to the traditional garden maze. Yes, it is a perfectly symmetrical garden vignette, but the blue-glazed urn downplays stuffy formality.
Use color for emphasis. The color, form and placement of a piece of art elevates it to a place of prominence in this hip rooftop garden. The glossy orange steel forms in "Tempest," by Jennifer Gilbert Asher of TerraTrellis, make a compelling connection with the Golden Gate Bridge in the distance. There's also a whimsical interplay with the row of orange-blooming kargaroo paw plants against the white structure. Brilliant, in more ways than one.
Use light and reflections. While this home's architectural lines are undeniably appealing, the structure is all the more stunning after dark when interior and exterior lighting turn it into a glowing beacon. Light creates dramatic contrast — thus, emphasis. Additionally, light can be reflected, which adds a touch of mystery.
Go diagonal. Enhance diagonal sight lines with pathways and plantings placed at a 45-degree angle to the house. This method allows extended views through the garden while giving your landscape the illusion of being larger. Here, the diagonal stepping stone pathway has its own special point of view: a beautifully placed contemporary planter, its half-sphere bowl mirroring the mounded plant forms.
Give prominence to an otherwise ordinary object. Note where your gaze rests as you view the garden. Emphasize the importance of that perspective by displaying an urn, a planted vessel or a small sculpture on a garden table or pedestal. The placement of a table with an elegant base gives this garden niche a heightened feeling.
Look closely at this photo. It's possible the whole composition is an illusion. Is that a glimpse of a secret garden through the "gate," or is that a divided light door glazed with mirror reflecting the greenery along the edge of the path? Nice trick, eh? (I love the "guardian" goats flanking the door/gate. They add a whimsical touch, making what might otherwise be an intimidating facade very approachable.)
Play to all the senses to enchant your garden guests. Add a few fragrant plants, such as the stephanotis wrapped around this column. Perfume the air with a hint of orange blossom or jasmine — just enough to make one wonder where that heavenly scent is coming from and seek its source. Tip: Subtlety adds to the allure. Avoid overwhelming the senses with overpowering fragrance.
Here's another path you just have to follow.The key is to create a strong visual pull down the path without revealing its destination. Don't have a big garden? Simply curve the path beyond view to draw the eye down the path and create the illusion that there's more garden to be discovered around the bend.
This "humble" door is used to present the viewer with a snapshot of the water element within the walled garden. The come-hither path draws the eye to the garden wall, through the humble door and into the garden, leading to we know not where. Intriguing, right? (Not to belabor my point, but see how you might think of this trick as the landscape design equivalent of a peep show?)
The sumptuous curves of this garden draw you into the composition immediately. The charming arbor draws you in deeper and promises access to the garden that can be seen in the distance. But without passing under that arch, crossing that threshold and rounding that last curve in the lawn, you'll never know what's back there.
My parents entertained a lot, and the concept of free-flowing movement between indoors and out was part of the modern era and their lifestyle," says Ferris.
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