tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8795335469852567792009-12-19T04:46:33.944-08:00Is that a pistil in your calyx or are you just happy to see me ?Deviant Deziner, aka Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10469269749640113223noreply@blogger.comBlogger247125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-879533546985256779.post-49626026849652919592009-12-18T17:18:00.000-08:002009-12-18T18:21:41.830-08:00<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">It was like summer at the beach today . A mild windless brilliant sunny cloudless day with temperatures in the low to mid 60’s.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Most of the plants had arrived on site and were ready to be placed for planting.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/-ltraqRau81AqOt11yUyNg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/SywfHlUoACI/AAAAAAAAH0w/czu53-mYz68/s400/PC189757.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/BeachHouse?feat=embedwebsite">Beach House</a></td></tr></tbody></table></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">But before any planting could commence we needed to craft gopher protection cages for the plants lest we treat the gophers with yummy root salads.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/SHOH-OmBNMGKZu4m2HhkhQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/SywgEJzBH8I/AAAAAAAAH04/e_JIG9kQMWs/s400/PC189765.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/BeachHouse?feat=embedwebsite">Beach House</a></td></tr></tbody></table></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">This particular piece of property has a history worthy of a Caddy Shack movie award for its active population of gophers. </span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Everything and every place within the garden required heavy duty galvanised half inch hardware cloth ( it’s called hardware cloth but it is actually wire ) . We installed it under the dry lay flagstone, the soon to be seeded Eco lawn and under all the decomposed granite pathways. </span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Y_IQZxl6_6LdYK-NpKIGaw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/SywfjsVsPDI/AAAAAAAAH00/zw2JCrJGZL8/s400/PC189755.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/BeachHouse?feat=embedwebsite">Beach House</a></td></tr></tbody></table></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">In the picture above you’ll notice a couple of missing bluestone pieces. Those locations are going to have carved flat stone fish inlaid into the path. </span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">We’re doing this to mark the locations of the septic system clean out valves. </span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">One of the guys tried his hand at doing a fish cut out. Not bad but it’s a no go. I made a template for them to use and they’ll use that. But this cut out can be inlaid in the childrens vegetable garden or in the fire ring area. </span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/2Qc2xQdmLKG5VU-k3IbX6w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/SywgVpvzQNI/AAAAAAAAH08/ssyS-k3cz4E/s400/PC189767.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/BeachHouse?feat=embedwebsite">Beach House</a></td></tr></tbody></table></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I found some pretty nice looking plants for the garden.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">We’re especially pleased with the Arbutus marina trees that will be about 7 to 8 feet tall once in the ground and about 3 feet wide.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/sgrUAI4ZN2az0Eayivew7w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/SxmyieNJK2I/AAAAAAAAHuM/oLakxVpbO_A/s400/PC049698.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/BeachHouse?feat=embedwebsite">Beach House</a></td></tr></tbody></table></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">We’re using a lot of Austrailan and South African plants such as Banksias, Leucadendrons,</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Proteas and tons and tons of succulents</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Photo of the flowers on Hakea francisciana </span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/WpFGogG6c3Js9mDEY4kwzw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/Sywnl8q-QFI/AAAAAAAAH1A/r7A3Q9ZUAEo/s800/imp8816.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/BeachHouse?feat=embedwebsite">Beach House</a></td></tr></tbody></table></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Some of the succulents will be cut from my garden and planted as cuttings</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/bijcktd5rhxaV7G-TAOQcw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/R2X7WVno6UI/AAAAAAAAB_o/TfKKLxrqyJQ/s400/10.%20side%20succ.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/PinaColada?feat=embedwebsite">Pina Colada</a></td></tr></tbody></table></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">During the upcoming Christmas break I will be working with the 2 children who will play in this garden. We will be making our own ceramic tiles for a mosaic band that will be installed at the entrance to the fire ring sitting area. I’m looking forward to this and can’t wait to see what the kids come up with ! </span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I’ll post some photos of their art work and the finished mosaic work when its done.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/879533546985256779-4962602684965291959?l=deviantdeziner.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Deviant Deziner, aka Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10469269749640113223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-879533546985256779.post-35496998580804462342009-12-13T12:07:00.000-08:002009-12-13T15:16:42.905-08:00<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The act of design is many things.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">On a purely pedestrian level it is about addressing and solving tangible problems.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">But from an artistic point of perspective it is more than problem solving, it is about creative expressionism and the ability to inspire. </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">In its most basic mundane expression a retaining wall is designed to hold back or retain grade. </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">With an element of creative expression it can transport the imagination of those who view it. </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Lucida Grande"><table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/purdcB0VmVbX3WQOuttQAw?feat=embedwebsite"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/SCZkOHDqn1I/AAAAAAAACnk/6wvgNs37VJc/s400/ONeil-2.jpg" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align: right; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">From </span><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/PortfolioMay08Jpg?feat=embedwebsite"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">portfolioMay08.jpg</span></a></td></tr></tbody></table></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Lucida Grande; min-height: 13.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Lucida Grande"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The above photo shows a 14 foot tall retaining wall designed for a wine merchant living in the suburbs .</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Lucida Grande"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The faux doors imply that a wine cellar lies behind the doors, thus transporting the dreams of the client. </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Lucida Grande; min-height: 13.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Lucida Grande"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Another retaining wall design addresses the need for creating flat usable space while crafting a unique way for children and adults to use their yard space. </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Lucida Grande; min-height: 13.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Lucida Grande"><table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/0hyfyNnFKGRg0pnGLlhz2A?feat=embedwebsite"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/STgR047g-1I/AAAAAAAAE1s/flIgVc7A_T0/s400/hoffman%20grade.JPG" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align: right; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">From </span><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/KidsPlaySpace?feat=embedwebsite"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Kids Play Space</span></a></td></tr></tbody></table></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Lucida Grande; min-height: 13.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Lucida Grande"><table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/OvZ5wTxFbYBSJV0S26QHUA?feat=embedwebsite"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/STgR1PKOUKI/AAAAAAAAE10/hDGfWI6QpZY/s400/lawn%20deck%20play.JPG" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align: right; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">From </span><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/KidsPlaySpace?feat=embedwebsite"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Kids Play Space</span></a></td></tr></tbody></table></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Lucida Grande; min-height: 13.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Lucida Grande"><table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ElngaEF-p9xbNoQ0oZ4MrA?feat=embedwebsite"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/STgR1Qz3i6I/AAAAAAAAE2E/v6L_fTDcW2I/s400/playareahof.jpg" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align: right; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">From </span><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/KidsPlaySpace?feat=embedwebsite"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Kids Play Space</span></a></td></tr></tbody></table></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Lucida Grande; min-height: 13.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Lucida Grande"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">A motor court or driveway can be a dull uninspired stretch of concrete that does nothing to enhance the sense of entry to your house.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Lucida Grande"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">In the photo below this entry motor court was designed to keep vehicles from parking directly adjacent to the house by using texture and pattern to delineate the space. </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Lucida Grande"><table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/vvb4GFhYDAvclgDsDNv1EA?feat=embedwebsite"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/SCZhdHDqmeI/AAAAAAAACck/tvYXtbYYpaU/s400/Adlerman-3Pathway.jpg" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align: right; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">From </span><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/PortfolioMay08Jpg?feat=embedwebsite"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">portfolioMay08.jpg</span></a></td></tr></tbody></table></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Lucida Grande; min-height: 13.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Lucida Grande"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">A drainage v-ditch does not have to be a trench lined with uniformed sized rocks. It can express itself as a natural dry stream bed. </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Lucida Grande"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">This drainage swale prevents this property from flooding, which it previously did before the design intervention. </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Lucida Grande"><table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/cB2j-lijPBHQs7q0C5eoJQ?feat=embedwebsite"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/SCZiiXDqm8I/AAAAAAAACgU/ekDMh8nyWUo/s400/Dandridge-7.jpg" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align: right; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">From </span><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/PortfolioMay08Jpg?feat=embedwebsite"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">portfolioMay08.jpg</span></a></td></tr></tbody></table></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Lucida Grande; min-height: 13.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Lucida Grande"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">A heavy duty umbrella stand for a beach side public park doesn’t have to be a staid metal pole rising from from the ground.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Lucida Grande"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Instead it can reflect the genus loci of the site by playfully engaging those who take shelter under it. </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Lucida Grande"><table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/uPr2UZL6iykURml7dQe56A?feat=embedwebsite"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/SjKWxAgdhfI/AAAAAAAAFvo/ZYhMmbgK20M/s400/P4226839.JPG" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align: right; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">From </span><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/InterplayProject?feat=embedwebsite"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Interplay Project</span></a></td></tr></tbody></table></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Lucida Grande; min-height: 13.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Lucida Grande"><table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/BVBX8WYnwi_1AX7Qwf8yrA?feat=embedwebsite"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/SjKXbY3xv4I/AAAAAAAAFvw/wUwb7VIdbKk/s400/P4306935.JPG" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align: right; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">From </span><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/InterplayProject?feat=embedwebsite"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Interplay Project</span></a></td></tr></tbody></table></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Lucida Grande; min-height: 13.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Lucida Grande"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The green sea kelp washes across the armature as a band of colorful mosaic glass floats between the kelp. Sea urchins, shells and a nautilaus ride the waves of the armature .</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Lucida Grande; min-height: 13.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Lucida Grande"><table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/oKVWOoTnZw2MXIKQZFqe5w?feat=embedwebsite"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/SjKYCJYMtiI/AAAAAAAAFv0/b4G52JAjjKI/s400/P4306937.JPG" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align: right; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">From </span><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/InterplayProject?feat=embedwebsite"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Interplay Project</span></a></td></tr></tbody></table></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Lucida Grande; min-height: 13.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Lucida Grande"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The above sculpture was designed and crafted at Interplay Design Studio. </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Lucida Grande; min-height: 13.0px"><br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/879533546985256779-3549699858080446234?l=deviantdeziner.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Deviant Deziner, aka Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10469269749640113223noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-879533546985256779.post-88116535448309665362009-12-10T11:06:00.000-08:002009-12-10T11:12:45.234-08:00<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">They weren’t kidding when they stated on the box (below) that this Christmas tree will provide </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF9966;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">“ years of use”</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. </span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Lucida Grande; color: #666666"><table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/r3xgYOK4E3cxlBTNh2zVbA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/SyFC8HWvkJI/AAAAAAAAHzo/DlwWMn3GP78/s400/PC109749.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; text-align: right; ">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/NewAlbum127091251PM?feat=embedwebsite">New Album 12/7/09 12:51 PM</a></td></tr></tbody></table></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Lucida Grande; min-height: 13.0pxcolor:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">At the very least it’s been going strong for over 40 years and quite possibly will hit its 50th year soon.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">This is the ultimate of ‘green Christmas trees', though it is stainless foil silver. </span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">My partner had this tree set up for christmas during his youth. And being the ever frugal Irish that they were, they lovingly repacked the tree at the end of each holiday season, in its original box, and stored it away until the following year. </span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">They just don’t make christmas trees like this anymore. </span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Lucida Grande; color: #666666"><table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/d7FCDNKLF-6dRQqaM-RAow?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/SyFBV9eXqaI/AAAAAAAAHzk/xJKvtuMHX9k/s400/PC099742.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; text-align: right; ">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/NewAlbum127091251PM?feat=embedwebsite">New Album 12/7/09 12:51 PM</a></td></tr></tbody></table></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">To top it off my partner still has the original ‘tree motor base’ and 'rotating color wheel' - and they work ! </span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The tree actually rotates ! After a glass or two of spiked eggnog it becomes quite entertaining because towards the end of it’s full rotation the tree kind of hits a mild shaky kink and all the ornaments jiggle.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">If you are inebriated enough it looks like the nut cracker ornaments are coming to life to get you.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">And the color wheel. Yup it still rotates too. The stainless steel foil tree reflects the 4 different colors and turns from silver to green to blue and red. More entertainment for the intoxicated ! </span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Lucida Grande; color: #666666"><table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/7OmtvAKppGX6QQLLipLiHA?feat=embedwebsite"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/SyFAzcc6rnI/AAAAAAAAHzQ/NceLdlbEiK8/s400/PC079724.JPG" /></span></span></a></td></tr><tr><td style=" text-align:right;font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">From </span></span><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/NewAlbum127091251PM?feat=embedwebsite"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">New Album 12/7/09 12:51 PM</span></span></a></td></tr></tbody></table></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/879533546985256779-8811653544830966536?l=deviantdeziner.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Deviant Deziner, aka Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10469269749640113223noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-879533546985256779.post-18300319904363470812009-12-09T16:24:00.000-08:002009-12-09T16:28:57.952-08:00<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">It's limpsville here. </span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">It looks like someone took a blow torch to the Pina Colada garden .</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">We’ve had temperatures in the low 20’s for the last couple of nights and the subtropicals are pissed off.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">A once full and blooming 14 foot tall Brugmansia is now reduced to a melting skeleton.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ouKm4pyk4QePXvj_9l3SWQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/SyA_BljJmvI/AAAAAAAAHyw/AYPOgnjlRbI/s400/PC099735.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; text-align: right; ">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/PinaColada?feat=embedwebsite">Pina Colada</a></td></tr></tbody></table></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Iochromas are totally curdled along with the Tibouchinas, Alocasia, young Bougainvilleas and a variety of succulents, especially the aeoniums.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The Heliconias are blackened. They are Toast. </span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Even the high altitude subtropical Cantua buxifolia, Flower of the Incas , is looking death in the eye. </span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/3H-JIcN9EowOXtW4JUoBKg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/SyAwuaLOpPI/AAAAAAAAHyU/f8Rtd2rk8sk/s400/Cantua.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; text-align: right; ">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/PinaColada?feat=embedwebsite">Pina Colada</a></td></tr></tbody></table></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Come this spring I hope that we’ll see new growth from the root stock of many of these plants , but until late March or April it is going to be a sad looking winter time garden. </span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Even much of my winter color was fried. Good by Shirley poppies and Cinerarias.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Buxsom Bottom Busty Betty, the ficus pumila topiary with echiveria nipples is frigid.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/bxdPK4diaB2bXHYPF6UgbQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/SyAvRbchzpI/AAAAAAAAHxs/gLlKC9BDgwA/s400/buxsomBetty.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; text-align: right; ">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/PinaColada?feat=embedwebsite">Pina Colada</a></td></tr></tbody></table></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">A thick blanket of white frost covered the small front yard lawn</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/bJ85_qroGXcUqSKEnvN7Tw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/SyAwH1dchxI/AAAAAAAAHx0/617hHavBxRI/s400/front.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; text-align: right; ">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/PinaColada?feat=embedwebsite">Pina Colada</a></td></tr></tbody></table> </p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/879533546985256779-1830031990436347081?l=deviantdeziner.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Deviant Deziner, aka Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10469269749640113223noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-879533546985256779.post-64740829851129593252009-12-07T13:09:00.000-08:002009-12-07T13:49:35.401-08:00There was an interesting article written on the blog ‘Blue Planet Garden' :<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC6600;"><a href="http://garden-chick.typepad.com/"> http://garden-chick.typepad.com/</a></span> , about practicing what we preach in regards to garden design rules.<br /><br />Most of the garden designers who responded to the essay mentioned that they in general have some form of rules or guidelines that they follow.<br /><br />When thinking of this querry, I replied that I don’t follow any designated set of design rules. In fact I think they are limiting and have the potential to stifle innovation and creativity.<br /><br />My philosophy and theory on design can be summed up by a quote by Walter Benjamin :<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF9900;">“In every era the attempt must be made anew to wrest tradition away from a conformism that is about to overpower it.”</span></span><br /><br />I’ll say it a bit cruder than Benjamin that to self sanction our ‘designing’ selves with rules is to stifle the process of discovery.<br /><br />To my minds eye, in specific regard to art and design, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF9900;">“rules engage constraints , constrainsts can limit our possibilities and the lack of possibilities possess the ability to stifle innovation”. </span><br />That is the antithesis of the discipline of design.<br /><br />That is why , as designers I feel it is more important to keep an open mind and listen rather than to instill a set of static tenents.<br /><br />If as designers we invoke these self imposed ‘rules’, then there is the potential of unwittingly forcing the rules upon our client that they do not necessarily desire or find important to their lives.<br /><br />I like how Scott Hokunson of Blue Heron ( <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC6600;">http://bhld.wordpress.com/</span> ) described his perspective on practising what you preach when he quoted the Pirates Code , “ is more what you’d call “guidelines” than actual rules” <br /><br />Below is a path design by the firm Suzman and Cole.<br />If they stayed true to the rule that paths should be a minimum of 4 feet wide do you think we would have such wonderful innovation ?<br /><table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/vysi73Mmrfws4aPvsQhwsw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/Sx1rISfpSqI/AAAAAAAAHvc/jvICWiiPmTE/s400/PC079716.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/NewAlbum127091251PM?feat=embedwebsite">New Album 12/7/09 12:51 PM</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />Or that all gardens should have comfortable seating ?<br />In these gardens pictured below it isn’t about providing comfortable seating it is more about viewing the garden and or working in the garden<br /><br />Design by David Feix<br /><table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/yOFF-RbVr-j_ccnaIB19ig?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/SiF4fTd_4BI/AAAAAAAAFpk/6_Lxd0M0JuQ/s400/3310061488_572f107dd6.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/DavidSGardenPhotos?feat=embedwebsite">david's garden photos</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br />Design by Topher Delaney<br /><table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/scoJbg549uD-ai9r2yDLow?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/Sr7eR8IUANI/AAAAAAAAHUE/B2w7v0_0cqo/s400/P9269046.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/NewAlbum92609837PM?feat=embedwebsite">New Album 9/26/09 8:37 PM</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/879533546985256779-6474082985112959325?l=deviantdeziner.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Deviant Deziner, aka Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10469269749640113223noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-879533546985256779.post-14462687865605524182009-12-04T10:35:00.000-08:002009-12-04T10:37:29.198-08:00A few more photos of the Pina Colada garden before the really cold night time winter weather curdles the subtropical flowers and foliage.<br /><br />Most of the brugmansias were in bloom with the exception of Pink Frost, during the visitors visit. <br />The B. Charles Grimaldi was heavy with scent and bloom<br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/vSNR3CRJLFEkZ3ttahkoXQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/SxlSgjfHepI/AAAAAAAAHtY/p_QzUioAc24/s400/PC049696.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/PinaColada?feat=embedwebsite">Pina Colada</a></td></tr></table><br /><br />And the whites were also a crowd pleaser<br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/LjnoS2eg8RAlbQ1oFKu_8Q?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/SxlRwrpr35I/AAAAAAAAHtM/qHEuI6as4J0/s400/PC049691.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/PinaColada?feat=embedwebsite">Pina Colada</a></td></tr></table><br /><br />I had a carton of a half dozen brightly colored round paper lanterns hanging around and hung them from the branches of an Acasia cognata tree. They remind me of Christmas decorations with a subtropical vibe. <br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/j66LVNMKQa2HoVDSddaWDA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/SxlSMZjK5bI/AAAAAAAAHtQ/iQR3BKDp_LI/s400/PC049688.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/PinaColada?feat=embedwebsite">Pina Colada</a></td></tr></table> <br /><br />I had the buffet table set up yesterday too.<br />I didn’t get a good shot of it then, but here’s an older pix from this summer.<br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/XBWQWb0nY_qmIJ0ky1yXeQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/ShNujuPB9zI/AAAAAAAAFiA/kbNL1G3NLUc/s400/patio1.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/PinaColada?feat=embedwebsite">Pina Colada</a></td></tr></table><br /><br />Happy Holiday Seasons to All.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/879533546985256779-1446268786560552418?l=deviantdeziner.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Deviant Deziner, aka Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10469269749640113223noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-879533546985256779.post-22745303919843077662009-12-02T17:16:00.000-08:002009-12-02T17:18:33.053-08:00The Pina Colada had a couple of really nice visitors today.<br />In anticipation of their arrival a few tastey treats were set out for all to enjoy.<br /><br />I was particularly giddy with delight to use the antique Fiestaware ‘berrybowls’ that I had just received from Patrick .<br />Aren’t they stunning. I just Love them !<br /><br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/uLh-YMv0cD8Isbxnx91WCQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/SxcMVZTB1sI/AAAAAAAAHqs/uq5PrLmzH3U/s400/PC029636.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/PinaColada?feat=embedwebsite">Pina Colada</a></td></tr></table><br /><br />The centerpiece is a 4 inch pot of Campanula surrounded by mini oranges. Cute ! <br /><br />It’s almost impossible to see in this photo but there is a simple metal chandelier above the table festooned with tillandsias.<br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/y826ZA7-ktxix3QmQ48e5w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/SxcMwO-rMNI/AAAAAAAAHqw/w8j7rGZK5pY/s400/PC029645.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/PinaColada?feat=embedwebsite">Pina Colada</a></td></tr></table><br /> <br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/22k81Y_NOj4A0umvK1O_mA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/SxcQ19qKheI/AAAAAAAAHrc/6FCcyt0lQfQ/s400/PC029629.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/PinaColada?feat=embedwebsite">Pina Colada</a></td></tr></table><br /><br />A day bed to take a nap on.<br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/HhqahUquJPdvSMGLiSh1Jw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/SxcNkTkEt5I/AAAAAAAAHq8/zp-LqcjiT_k/s400/PC029631.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/PinaColada?feat=embedwebsite">Pina Colada</a></td></tr></table><br /><br />And another small sitting area to rest in <br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/tGDrDAM_Yse-eg8EHg5qQw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/SxcNNQKMcOI/AAAAAAAAHq0/Dxnc6woQ6kw/s400/PC029654.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/PinaColada?feat=embedwebsite">Pina Colada</a></td></tr></table><br /><br />Not much resting or napping done today. The visitors who came today were checking out the garden for a potential upcoming article for a magazine. <br />I hope the garden makes the cut.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/879533546985256779-2274530391984307766?l=deviantdeziner.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Deviant Deziner, aka Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10469269749640113223noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-879533546985256779.post-83282269981202422262009-12-01T21:43:00.001-08:002009-12-01T21:43:53.900-08:00Every year at Cornerstone Festival of Gardens in Sonoma I look forward to their humorous holiday exhibition extravaganza.<br /><br />This year they have added marching penguins to their hilarity.<br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/lLzwUnq1D7GhltqBrF7veA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/SxX4AurulTI/AAAAAAAAHpc/zROKus6CeRA/s400/PB309610.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/NewAlbum62009520PM?feat=embedwebsite">New Album 6/20/09 5:20 PM</a></td></tr></table><br /><br />I wasn’t able to catch a photo of the catapulting snowmen, but I plan on returning because the image is just too funny.<br /><br />Imagine hundreds of 4 foot tall plastic snowmen marching over a hillside and lining up in back of a giant , I mean huge, bright red rubber band fashioned as a catapult. <br />Several of the snow men have taken flight OVER and ACROSS the hiway and have landed in the vineyard.<br />These snowmen have very keen acrobatic skills.<br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/9qeXs30vi4TPU9rga8PzgQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/SxX-JAs_DLI/AAAAAAAAHp4/EwXGGLgA0PE/s800/snowmen-150x150.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/NewAlbum62009520PM?feat=embedwebsite">New Album 6/20/09 5:20 PM</a></td></tr></table><br /><br />Usually the traffic whizzes by at 50 miles and hour but the snowmen have slowed traffic down to a crawl as people roll down their windows, point their shaking fingers and laugh out loud.<br /><br />If you do visit Cornerstone this holiday season you will be pleased with the many wonderful home and garden gifts galore.<br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/b-2MDmrOHz7-cbFdmOJfWg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/SxX3xWIrnwI/AAAAAAAAHpU/4izQA8COjhE/s400/PB309612.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/NewAlbum62009520PM?feat=embedwebsite">New Album 6/20/09 5:20 PM</a></td></tr></table><br /><br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/fLHbCW7bUD1ybjD434OeBQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/SxX3f8ArwLI/AAAAAAAAHpQ/q9LBqel3nJc/s400/PB309611.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/NewAlbum62009520PM?feat=embedwebsite">New Album 6/20/09 5:20 PM</a></td></tr></table><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/879533546985256779-8328226998120242226?l=deviantdeziner.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Deviant Deziner, aka Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10469269749640113223noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-879533546985256779.post-15572848120670089042009-11-28T17:54:00.000-08:002009-11-28T18:06:50.214-08:00Buddha overlooks the falling leaves as they are plucked off of the succulents and are piled around the bases of my more tender subtropicals such as the bananas and heliconias.<br />I find that this aids in adding a little bit of insulation to the tender subtropical plants especially when a deep long frost is predicted. <br /><br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/omEPKbmiutLZR1m_1IX1Ng?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/SxHPxcF4L7I/AAAAAAAAHoI/Ao0RY7BZTwQ/s400/PB289582.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/PinaColada?feat=embedwebsite">Pina Colada</a></td></tr></table><br /><br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/KLSCQJDMASD28cd1OVzYDg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/SxHPDp0PTSI/AAAAAAAAHoA/m7lL3oMQ62A/s400/PB289590.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/PinaColada?feat=embedwebsite">Pina Colada</a></td></tr></table><br /><br />A wreath made of succulents welcomes guests at the front entry gate.<br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/6Txlm6gpAThOE9rJZ0teeQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/SxHQ6t7N-YI/AAAAAAAAHoM/MglEoq5h9yk/s400/PB289598.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/PinaColada?feat=embedwebsite">Pina Colada</a></td></tr></table><br /><br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Jcnt5DT1KO9D7HqRGUw3qw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/SxHRVGxKV-I/AAAAAAAAHoQ/CxNw52idr-g/s400/PB289594.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/PinaColada?feat=embedwebsite">Pina Colada</a></td></tr></table><br /><br />Tomorrow I plan to wrap the two spiral topiary juniper trees with twinkle lights.<br /><br />Getting into the season of celebration.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/879533546985256779-1557284812067008904?l=deviantdeziner.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Deviant Deziner, aka Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10469269749640113223noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-879533546985256779.post-47221573759647506432009-11-27T15:39:00.000-08:002009-11-27T16:31:02.384-08:00For a splash of color by the front door a trio of Guzmanias<br />( Bromeliads ) bring it on. <br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/W24k7FxUaHpO_bHM-ut45w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/SxBigeZWhjI/AAAAAAAAHnc/OQuZQ5_ToME/s400/PB279569.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/PinaColada?feat=embedwebsite">Pina Colada</a></td></tr></table><br /><br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/W3mTiA52AV7zSr3-U48a6g?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/SxBvBxitDEI/AAAAAAAAHnk/PILYzhJ6Vts/s400/PB279579.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/PinaColada?feat=embedwebsite">Pina Colada</a></td></tr></table><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/879533546985256779-4722157375964750643?l=deviantdeziner.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Deviant Deziner, aka Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10469269749640113223noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-879533546985256779.post-42953176839570533152009-11-23T11:49:00.000-08:002009-11-23T11:50:25.724-08:00Signs that the night time temperatures are dipping in Northern California are evident. <br />The Agave attenuattas are starting to get that white puckering polka dot look on their leaves and the Aeoniums are starting to put out lots of new lush grow due to our long awaited winter rains.<br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/mBubYtaTfmmEd1Qsd7Iz6Q?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/Swrk-OHbfWI/AAAAAAAAHmc/3Ky_p2EKz6c/s400/PB229537.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/PinaColada?feat=embedwebsite">Pina Colada</a></td></tr></table><br /><br />Most of the cannas have long gone dormant and the Alocasia and Colocasia are just starting to whither and shirk back into the ground.<br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/RfylTOE_heJwRmajDKaj4g?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/Swrj5uEqmDI/AAAAAAAAHmM/od1ZQTuYHJM/s400/PB229515.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/PinaColada?feat=embedwebsite">Pina Colada</a></td></tr></table><br /><br />The foxtail ferns , Asparagus spengerii are sending up tons of new lush green fronds and the Abutilons , Iochroma and Brugmansias are all still in big bloom.<br />The Cymbidium orchids are also spiking up nicely.<br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/FbjIvofXygqv11dZcPeulQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/SwrjJNupHPI/AAAAAAAAHmE/o5AsiSkp2wk/s400/PB229510.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/PinaColada?feat=embedwebsite">Pina Colada</a></td></tr></table><br /><br />The succulents in pots are holding up well , though some of the spring and summer bloomers really need to be cleaned up.<br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/3H34zOQQMcKvel1fgEZi4A?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/Swrjeg8ki7I/AAAAAAAAHmI/kou_Ir_dBOY/s400/PB229514.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/PinaColada?feat=embedwebsite">Pina Colada</a></td></tr></table><br /><br />The front yard winter color border is just starting to put on some color with purple Cineraria, blue Brachyscome ‘Toucan Tango’ and orange Osteospermum ‘Orange Symphony’. <br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/uStGRi2EdTYhNikHwK4FUA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/SwrkOFhT-TI/AAAAAAAAHmQ/wY1TMMAyVCg/s400/PB229528.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/PinaColada?feat=embedwebsite">Pina Colada</a></td></tr></table><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/879533546985256779-4295317683957053315?l=deviantdeziner.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Deviant Deziner, aka Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10469269749640113223noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-879533546985256779.post-3964459404515598522009-11-22T11:45:00.000-08:002009-11-22T11:49:27.417-08:00The magazine industry is dropping like maple leaves on a cold autumn day.<br /><br />So what can a good garden magazine do to keep its dedicated readers and attract a new following ? <br /><br />Well first and foremost, ‘Content.’ New, exciting, inspiring, innovative, entertaining and educationally informative content produced aesthetically and profoundly presented.<br /><br />It goes without saying that quality writing is extremely important but lets admit facts, it has everything to do with presentation.<br /><br />When standing infront of a shelf of garden magazines at your favorite bookstore and you page through a half dozen magazines, it is going to be the magazine with exceptional graphic layout , eye candy photography and inspiring innovative content that piques your interest enough to reach for your wallet and step up to the cash register. <br /><br />Another boring article on the unique qualities of boxwood is not going to do it, at least for the modestly experienced gardener.<br /><br />I love Garden Design Magazine because of its diversity in content and excellent graphic presentation.<br />There is something for everyone at any stage in their gardening hobby or career. <br />It stays along with and at times ahead of the cutting edge end of garden design. <br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/QHGHLv5L_XnzJVVZbRVxyw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/SCdTKTaSNgI/AAAAAAAACxU/pOdYHtdR9E4/s400/GardenDesign.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/Publications?feat=embedwebsite">Publications</a></td></tr></table><br /><br />Gardens Illustrated has by far the best garden writers. I look forward to their gardener biography stories that always comes complete with a beautifully rendered portrait photograph. <br />I am also in love with their horticultural biased crossword puzzle. <br />And their photography is sublime.<br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/juQq12p8kR-Qc8SXvT5P2w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/SwmUok0vZMI/AAAAAAAAHmA/BBGZ5Z7Vkls/s800/GI155_cover_150.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/NewAlbum11809641PM?feat=embedwebsite">New Album 11/8/09 6:41 PM</a></td></tr></table><br /><br />Fine Gardening Magazine is another magazine that continues to deliver nicely presented and well researched inspiring content. <br />Sure , there ris some ‘’how to” content but it doesn’t overwhelm the issue and they balance the ‘how to’ content to beginners to the experienced gardener.<br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/uIgW2A2uS8vo08-UKNc2WA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/SCdTKjaSNiI/AAAAAAAACxk/Zq1Qn9lP86A/s400/FineGard.1.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/Publications?feat=embedwebsite">Publications</a></td></tr></table><br /><br />Alfresco gardening magazine out of New Zealand is for the cutting edge , top of their game gardeners who are excited by new plants and plant design.<br />The editor is fearless. She take chances and she has a wicked sense of humor.<br />How many editors of garden magazines would show themselves in a bikini and talk about great gardens to overly enjoy a bottle of wine in ? <br />Alfresco is fearless and it is fantastic.<br /><br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/D5iYCYrmvLoQYv97YMBpmg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/SCdUajaSNlI/AAAAAAAACx8/dHnap-IQhYI/s400/Alfresco1.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/Publications?feat=embedwebsite">Publications</a></td></tr></table><br /><br />And it goes without saying, that to keep up with the changing climate of content delivery that a magazine MUST have an online content presence. That presence MUST be just as good as the magazine itself , and by that I mean excellent editorial, excellent graphics, exceptional writing and innovative content. It has to be as good as or in many senses BETTER than the magazine itself. This is how it is going to attract new readership.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/879533546985256779-396445940451559852?l=deviantdeziner.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Deviant Deziner, aka Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10469269749640113223noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-879533546985256779.post-57683911626986063842009-11-21T10:05:00.000-08:002009-11-21T10:08:55.586-08:00<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/toeUDRUoU9A_4BuTWp_jaw?authkey=Gv1sRgCL3CkdaGk4zKGQ&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/SwgiVgt8mOI/AAAAAAAAHlg/bJFzbYn6FY0/s400/PB199500.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/BloggerPictures?authkey=Gv1sRgCL3CkdaGk4zKGQ&feat=embedwebsite">Blogger Pictures</a></td></tr></table><br /><br />Yesterday I visited a garden that we constructed and planted last winter.<br />My client/ friend asked me over to survey the recent damage that the deer and gophers had done.<br />I had designed the garden knowing that there were hordes of deer browsing the area but did not make any contingencies for an emerging gopher population.<br /><br />The gophers were in full assault position. We could see tunnels and mounds everywhere and an entire border of campanula muralis was wiped out.<br /><br />One bed had not been assaulted.<br />As I surveyed the unviolated plants I was reminded of my early gardening years up on the Mendocino coast where the gophers and deer population out numbered the local human being population.<br /><br />It was in Mendocino that I began to hone my deer and gopher plant tolerant list.<br /><br />At the top of my list were calla lilies : Zantedeschia aethiopica. These herbaceous tuberous plants grew in huge swaths along the coast right along side of the deer and the gophers.<br />They are my go to plant when there is a large population of deer and gophers.<br />Calla lilies grow to enormous sizes here in Northern California.<br />I’ve had regular old unnamed naturalised Zantedeschia plants that reached the height of 5 feet tall.<br />I adore the large tropicalesque looking foliage and the beautiful white chalice shaped flowers are simply stunning.<br />These plants also respond extremely well to bog conditions and heavy clay soil.<br />They can also take our dry Mediterranean summers, though they tend to go dormant but spring back to life with the first sign of the winter rains.<br />If you’re looking for a good deer and gopher proof plant, This is an excellent choice for a temperate climate garden.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/879533546985256779-5768391162698606384?l=deviantdeziner.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Deviant Deziner, aka Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10469269749640113223noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-879533546985256779.post-33729967747147499832009-11-17T11:00:00.000-08:002009-11-17T11:22:50.486-08:00Should I stay or should I go ?<br /><br />Cue up the music.<br /><br />The question refers to the upcoming San Francisco Garden Show, which by the way is not in San Francisco but in San Mateo. <br /><br />The answer, after much rumination and research says , “no”.<br /><br />No, I do not think that doing a small pocket garden vignette/ exhibition garden would be a smart investment in this current economy for my small design firm. <br /><br />Of course this is a gamble, a calculated gamble, but a gamble no less.<br /><br />The basic premise is that as a designer of a show garden, be it large or small, there is a significant outlaying of time and funds.<br /><br />In my mind and pocketbook, this equates to a meaningful inve$tment .<br /><br />The biggest market impact in deciding against doing the show is the timing. And as they say, timing is everything.<br /><br />The economy is slightly gaining in pace, but from my extensive conversations with design professionals the residential landscape design and construction market is down, way down, and it is not going to bounce back to the days of yesteryear any time soon.<br /><br />So when you take this info into consideration , along with the amount of time and money that is required to install a exhibition garden , the payback is highly likely to be small in comparison to the investment. <br /><br />Other mitigating factors that come into play for my specific firm is that The Show is now held in San Mateo and not San Francisco. - (In my opinion a mistake by the producers ) <br />My office is located north of the Golden Gate bridge and my client base is located in Marin, Sonoma, Napa Valley and The Sea Ranch . On occasion I have traveled to Carmel but those jobs were just shy of a million dollars plus or minus. I don’t see much new residential landscape design and installation work in the million dollar range in the next year, people are playing it very conservative and cautious. <br /><br />Realistically, to do a high quality, exceptional calibre exhibition garden, even in a small space ( 10 x 10 ) the investment is going to be around $ 1000 to $ 3000.00 dollars or more. <br />The gambling question is , can you make that investment back plus a profit within a year or two , in this current economy ? <br /><br />I don’t think so. In another economic climate I would say a resounding yes, but I’m not feeling confident about the next year.<br /><br />Our business is down about 65 %. The budget for the jobs has dropped significantly.<br />Gone are the days of our average installation budget of $ 265 to $ 350 K and the occasional million dollar plus landscape install. <br />We’re seeing budgets in $ 10 K to $ 40 K. <br /><br />So in closing, I don’t see the investment of doing the S.F./ San Mateo Garden Show a favorable investment for my small North Bay design firm.<br /><br />Photo from the 2008 show, when it was still located in San Francisco at the Cow Palace.<br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/TaFB-fvCyIw3PLQY35GXiA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/R9lZ9Ytg1uI/AAAAAAAACUs/IBdblwodftE/s400/entry%20to.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/SanFranciscoGardenShow2008?feat=embedwebsite">San Francisco Garden Show 2008</a></td></tr></table><br /><br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/u2jYFBRxlZ_b-R3zkyDGUQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/R9lZ9otg1xI/AAAAAAAACVE/dMTeXmfx_WE/s400/round%20corner.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/SanFranciscoGardenShow2008?feat=embedwebsite">San Francisco Garden Show 2008</a></td></tr></table><br /><br />San Francisco Garden Show 1990 at Fort Mason Center in San Francisco <br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/6aLGFBoq7TEk5cBf0EP8tA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/SwL0iTXjjTI/AAAAAAAAHjo/McEB6vyLgB8/s400/burlemarxshow.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/WaterFountainsInTheLandscape?feat=embedwebsite">Water fountains in the landscape</a></td></tr></table><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/879533546985256779-3372996774714749983?l=deviantdeziner.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Deviant Deziner, aka Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10469269749640113223noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-879533546985256779.post-36018913071306051892009-11-16T11:02:00.001-08:002009-11-16T17:32:03.559-08:00I’m in the process of redoing my exterior entry containers.<br />Previously they were all blue in color. The new design layout uses a mixture of bright colors.<br /><br />This got me thinking because my interior color scheme is a jumble of bright colors a la Fiesta Ware ceramics and Bauer pottery. <br />For those not familiar with Fiesta or Bauer pottery they were (and still are, but are under new ownership) ceramic companies that thrived during the depression era by producing dinner ware in vivid colors. <br /><br />Even my wall colors are intensely colored. The living room is orange, or as the can of Home Depot paint said “ Colorado Sunset ”.<br />The kitchen color is really interesting. It is called “Lemon Grass” and it can look bright yellow in the early morning summer light or muted green in the autumn low light.<br /><br />So now there is a relationship between the colorful mix of ceramic planting containers that I have at my front entry gate and the interior of my house.<br /><br />In my everyday professional business I take into consideration the relationship of the interiors in juxtaposition to the exteriors when designing for other clients, but for myself, it has come a bit slower.<br />Perhaps it is the case of the shoemaker not having new shoes for himself ? <br /><br />Do your interiors relate to your exteriors ? <br /><br />Livingroom below- color is Colorado Sunset<br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/e6hbs_u1uyf1vkY2o8jY5g?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/SVvP6ClsggI/AAAAAAAAE6w/hyNXBLzt_Tc/s400/PC316135.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/PinaColada?feat=embedwebsite">Pina Colada</a></td></tr></table><br /><br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/a0nTO7bDNsEEX0IfZb6IWQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/SXLVP2pd5pI/AAAAAAAAFD0/W1fBnxo3BT0/s400/PC316141.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/PinaColada?feat=embedwebsite">Pina Colada</a></td></tr></table><br /><br />A picture of laziness : The TV set has been broken for over 9 years. The VCR part still works though so I can watch my one and only yoga tape. I like the lay down and close your eyes position the best . <br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/-UsEj0L0jykJww4-TQYeoA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/SXLVQZrld9I/AAAAAAAAFD8/hyfMrVodGRo/s400/PC316155.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/PinaColada?feat=embedwebsite">Pina Colada</a></td></tr></table><br /><br />Below : The new exterior pottery collection ( some of the pots have been replanted since I took this photo last week) <br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/5HJkgg9iBo70YrpnAq2A1A?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/Svh7V4Tc2dI/AAAAAAAAHe4/34B49_R5dAs/s400/PB099416.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/PinaColada?feat=embedwebsite">Pina Colada</a></td></tr></table><br /><br /><br />The Kitchen<br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/4Ubn8PHmO9RWnr4tBUSQOQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/SwGYZOIevDI/AAAAAAAAHjE/yWFk92hVWSQ/s400/PB169484.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/PinaColada?feat=embedwebsite">Pina Colada</a></td></tr></table><br /><br />Kitchen table<br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/KL-ghIaT4S-GUOHmIzocEw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/SwGYGplhkrI/AAAAAAAAHjA/y4rDI7nNosY/s400/PB169478.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/PinaColada?feat=embedwebsite">Pina Colada</a></td></tr></table><br /><br />The Magic Box<br />It has some neat compartments. The lower shelf houses dog food ( though I don’t have a dog anymore but occasionally foster care for one ) and the upper shelves and cubbies have cleaning supplies and other stuff that you need but don’t necessarily want others to see.<br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/86DrLzYHv2dTvnpKZxrU_g?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/SwGY9d3v7aI/AAAAAAAAHjI/6uxu13doTfA/s400/PB169473.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/PinaColada?feat=embedwebsite">Pina Colada</a></td></tr></table><br /><br />I have limited cabinet space in my small cottage. This contraption holds my daily dishware.<br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/l0yJqs5GK-ygNirbHkceHg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/SwGX3MFN9zI/AAAAAAAAHi8/deIhSxid0hM/s400/PB169475.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/PinaColada?feat=embedwebsite">Pina Colada</a></td></tr></table><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/879533546985256779-3601891307130605189?l=deviantdeziner.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Deviant Deziner, aka Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10469269749640113223noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-879533546985256779.post-6514174366680378742009-11-15T14:25:00.000-08:002009-11-15T14:27:43.706-08:00My garden, The Pina Colada Garden , is not one that relies heavily on blooming flower color. <br />It is the big bold textural foliage that plays off of one another that gives my garden its bones.<br />Regardless of this fact, the garden usually has something in bloom at all times of the year.<br /><br />Today, November 15, 2009 for Bloom Day there are dozens of chartreuse parrot beak blooms dangling off an 8 foot tall Crotalaria shrub.<br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/JDtbsVl9uA3qeVSRWF3s8Q?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/SwBVTdDE1aI/AAAAAAAAHiE/3fmOifmpP74/s400/PB159452.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/PinaColada?feat=embedwebsite">Pina Colada</a></td></tr></table><br /><br />I have several varieties and colors of the tall and bushy Iochroma tree.<br />Below is an orange one, I.coccineum . This shrub is about 14 feet tall. <br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Dyzg8KPa2_2-k-Hg4bMHtw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/SwBoWljziJI/AAAAAAAAHig/Q2O0W40euIU/s400/PB159453.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/PinaColada?feat=embedwebsite">Pina Colada</a></td></tr></table><br /><br />The Pina Colada garden has a pretty good collection of Abutilons, with colors ranging from yellow to pink to tri-color orange. <br />This is my favorite A. Victor Reiter. It is about 10 feet tall and 6 feet wide. It blooms all year round.<br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/5h5vubGGSPOgMVonuGsscg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/SwBoXEL1p-I/AAAAAAAAHik/8CLQ1g-PGdY/s400/PB159462.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/PinaColada?feat=embedwebsite">Pina Colada</a></td></tr></table><br /><br />Anigozanthos blooms at this time of year and will shut down for the winter. It starts blooming again in early spring.<br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/azbE24TeKo7vP0E2gq3Z9g?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/SwBoXsSd2kI/AAAAAAAAHio/APo8rvcr-a0/s400/PB159465.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/PinaColada?feat=embedwebsite">Pina Colada</a></td></tr></table><br /><br />What would a California winter be without poppys ? <br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/PoH1gqEp6zHntZC1Laiqpw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/SwBoXx_92PI/AAAAAAAAHis/IAJDhDunb-k/s400/PB159467.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/PinaColada?feat=embedwebsite">Pina Colada</a></td></tr></table><br /><br />The big rain storm that dumped on us about a month ago has the Lantana shrubs blooming their heads off in gardens across Marin.<br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/hls60zVkv8ix-cpqAW1LTg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/SwBoYQMHk1I/AAAAAAAAHiw/-mNkeWjdzIc/s400/PB159441.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/PinaColada?feat=embedwebsite">Pina Colada</a></td></tr></table><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/879533546985256779-651417436668037874?l=deviantdeziner.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Deviant Deziner, aka Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10469269749640113223noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-879533546985256779.post-17463965316855144272009-11-10T21:15:00.000-08:002009-11-10T21:16:34.593-08:00The change is coming slowly but surely.<br /><br />The clustering of ‘the blue pots’ is being broken up and a variety of bright crayola colors are being introduced onto the ugly grey driveway entrance.<br /><br />I found a nice ribbed green pot and an oval shaped yellow pot at AW Pottery in Oakland.<br />I couldn’t stand not having the pots planted up so I popped in some plants that I had hanging around the greenhouse.<br /><br />This weekend I will work on finding something more ‘planterly appropriate’.<br /><br />I need to dial this rag tag clustering of pots up for next month when a magazine writer is coming to scout my garden for an possible upcoming article on ‘garden designers who have their own gardens’.<br /><br />December is not exactly the best time of year to be scouting for projects, but I wasn’t about to say no, especially in this economy. Now is not the time to be picky. <br />Any publicity has got to be good publicity right about now.<br /><br /><br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/JG1VdLBp3-q339YBPiX5qw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/Svh5bkas7EI/AAAAAAAAHek/9wU3QeIUZQQ/s400/PB099415.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/PinaColada?feat=embedwebsite">Pina Colada</a></td></tr></table><br /><br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/5HJkgg9iBo70YrpnAq2A1A?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/Svh7V4Tc2dI/AAAAAAAAHe4/34B49_R5dAs/s400/PB099416.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/PinaColada?feat=embedwebsite">Pina Colada</a></td></tr></table><br /><br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/k_eMB4SuFrXPEGYlThw6Kg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/Svh5wwq7tqI/AAAAAAAAHeo/dyr037zlENQ/s400/PB099417.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/PinaColada?feat=embedwebsite">Pina Colada</a></td></tr></table><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/879533546985256779-1746396531685514427?l=deviantdeziner.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Deviant Deziner, aka Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10469269749640113223noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-879533546985256779.post-32358080623530916982009-11-08T19:30:00.000-08:002009-11-08T19:35:51.830-08:00Many of you have been to Flora Grubbs Nursery in San Francisco, but for those who haven’t and have only seen the nursery in print, here are a few more photos.<br /><br />On Sunday I visited the nursery to check out the glazed pottery selection.<br />There were fantastic finds of all kinds.<br /><br />I didn’t purchase any pots today at Flora’s because I found exactly what I was looking for at AW Pottery Wholesale in Oakland the day before, but that didn’t stop me from browsing Flora’s beautiful nursery.<br /><br />Inside the covered portion of the nursery hangs a Wooly Pocket Wall<br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/HpM8lP1ZSRew2CzDRE8dBQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/SveBuw1Z1MI/AAAAAAAAHdc/tvg9ugOpRTc/s400/PB089378.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/NewAlbum11809641PM?feat=embedwebsite">New Album 11/8/09 6:41 PM</a></td></tr></table><br /><br />A view down one of the corridors<br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/YmlbzKGDZLbDIijL2940Cw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/SveCIs8QaDI/AAAAAAAAHdg/ER-TSHJd9y4/s400/PB089381.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/NewAlbum11809641PM?feat=embedwebsite">New Album 11/8/09 6:41 PM</a></td></tr></table><br /><br />Another lovely section of the nursery<br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/49pNpBWTsI3niWINjsOMCw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/SveCgxqUMgI/AAAAAAAAHdo/YkkLffcq1rg/s400/PB089382.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/NewAlbum11809641PM?feat=embedwebsite">New Album 11/8/09 6:41 PM</a></td></tr></table><br /><br />This Bocconia from San Marco’s Growers caught my eye<br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/pgySB9IzjTvdH-QJ7cbVEg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/SveDYzL15xI/AAAAAAAAHds/_pYHhl8mGT8/s400/PB089384.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/NewAlbum11809641PM?feat=embedwebsite">New Album 11/8/09 6:41 PM</a></td></tr></table><br /><br />Colorful and Comfortable<br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/7pt_YFktahlxs63uVb1i6g?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/SveDui2Ro1I/AAAAAAAAHdw/SkeTHngNbM0/s400/PB089386.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/NewAlbum11809641PM?feat=embedwebsite">New Album 11/8/09 6:41 PM</a></td></tr></table><br /><br />An artful vignette<br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/icl-C4iCTdgOFwnGCywPYw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/SveEhRmL1_I/AAAAAAAAHd0/hwEmOTNo7Hg/s400/PB089388.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/NewAlbum11809641PM?feat=embedwebsite">New Album 11/8/09 6:41 PM</a></td></tr></table><br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/NewAlbum11809641PM?feat=embedwebsite#5401934593893582402"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/SveG5HjrxkI/AAAAAAAAHeM/adfIzZJZeAI/s400/PB089401.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/NewAlbum11809641PM?feat=embedwebsite">New Album 11/8/09 6:41 PM</a></td></tr></table><br /><br />Love the ‘ballerina legs’ on these stools.<br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/VzAQoV-9vziGJsIiEPOadw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/SveE2dzDUcI/AAAAAAAAHd4/RsuWGlV5WVs/s400/PB089390.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/NewAlbum11809641PM?feat=embedwebsite">New Album 11/8/09 6:41 PM</a></td></tr></table><br /><br />I saw these same pots in Indonesia a few years ago and liked them then too.<br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/e6G78ify5WYiwjp4x62TjQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/SveFL5BpE0I/AAAAAAAAHeA/YEmX0ca5908/s400/PB089392.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/NewAlbum11809641PM?feat=embedwebsite">New Album 11/8/09 6:41 PM</a></td></tr></table><br /><br />More colorful seating<br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/4WDbdNkU3BsvlTyrF43mvg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/SveFfmtwPwI/AAAAAAAAHeE/eBkKl7WEeGg/s400/PB089394.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/NewAlbum11809641PM?feat=embedwebsite">New Album 11/8/09 6:41 PM</a></td></tr></table><br /><br />A textural view down the nursery path<br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/RL15_YG37yGKvkWZ7EwCNQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/SveF2nARb_I/AAAAAAAAHeI/cD9HhE9wnrA/s400/PB089397.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/NewAlbum11809641PM?feat=embedwebsite">New Album 11/8/09 6:41 PM</a></td></tr></table><br /><br />Giant Potato Creeper Vine Solanum wendlandii - must have one !<br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/x_7kV91_oPD5YplXL7tb3w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/SveHHFbo2wI/AAAAAAAAHeQ/q8A9zkZqM_I/s400/PB089409.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/NewAlbum11809641PM?feat=embedwebsite">New Album 11/8/09 6:41 PM</a></td></tr></table><br /><br />Chairs and Tables hanging from the side of the building<br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/e4GvkOAb4RQ_fk_cZlTQ3A?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/SveHb6yJreI/AAAAAAAAHeY/GBpOBx-Dagc/s400/PB089406.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/NewAlbum11809641PM?feat=embedwebsite">New Album 11/8/09 6:41 PM</a></td></tr></table><br /><br />After we left Flora’s Nursery we went to The Building Resource Center to check out some recycled items that we could work into our current and upcoming sculptural projects. I’m contemplating doing a vignette for the 2010 Garden Show.... just contemplating for now. <br />Barrels of tumbled colored glass, pottery shards and terracotta pots.<br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/7Us4oyW9L9IyLEFaEKayrg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/SveH7NuLbBI/AAAAAAAAHeg/-1CTaiiqgrw/s400/PB089412.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/NewAlbum11809641PM?feat=embedwebsite">New Album 11/8/09 6:41 PM</a></td></tr></table><br /><br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/VOpYSeq1bEr_giYrom8NqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/SveHsRGvrNI/AAAAAAAAHec/bq1pQOI7GG0/s400/PB089411.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/NewAlbum11809641PM?feat=embedwebsite">New Album 11/8/09 6:41 PM</a></td></tr></table><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/879533546985256779-3235808062353091698?l=deviantdeziner.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Deviant Deziner, aka Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10469269749640113223noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-879533546985256779.post-38967898435134022192009-11-06T09:06:00.001-08:002009-11-06T09:49:53.081-08:00Praise Flora !<br />A new project is about to begin.<br />Let’s get dirty.<br /><br />Construction bids are in, final decisions are being made and ground, or should I say sand is about to be broken.<br /><br />A new garden at the beach is about to take shape. Wooohooo ! ( can you tell this slow economy has gotten to me ! ) <br /><br />Basic Planting Plan ( lots of succulents, Australian and South African plants.) <br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/1x_dd6qqNwxye6TmIDfS9g?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/SvRTfI2CACI/AAAAAAAAHco/KyFgFPP30l0/s400/PB069353.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/BeachHouse?feat=embedwebsite">Beach House</a></td></tr></table><br /><br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/I_tpmaQPyERNvIvV1YB69Q?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/SvRRWN4QsHI/AAAAAAAAHcI/-tRZ9D0_yek/s400/PB069356.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/BeachHouse?feat=embedwebsite">Beach House</a></td></tr></table><br /><br /><br />The interesting aspect of this project is that we are going to be using a seeded lawn instead of sod. <br />This seed is from Wildflower Farm and is called their Eco- Lawn mix.<br />It is said to require no fertilization, is extremely drought tolerant , and very low maintenance.<br />I’ll be documenting its installation and growth habit as the project progresses.<br /><br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/r10AFovoyp_uhrU2mlK81g?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/SvRTGnMBuMI/AAAAAAAAHck/Wf4f09vgmZI/s400/beachhouse4.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/BeachHouse?feat=embedwebsite">Beach House</a></td></tr></table><br /><br />The existing site : <br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/O9lBImHJk2lNYbv-gTzaxw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/SqmXjTZKPkI/AAAAAAAAHMI/yqtiBd0Z1OM/s400/P7238083.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/BeachHouse?feat=embedwebsite">Beach House</a></td></tr></table><br /><br />Existing vegetable garden<br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/LUxI-Nj0CAcfUqr2O07TwQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/SqmZNYUzpnI/AAAAAAAAHM0/ktZFAsBIsX4/s400/P7238087.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/BeachHouse?feat=embedwebsite">Beach House</a></td></tr></table><br /><br />The far corner where the future fire ring will be installed <br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/oGXj_Oe7zbQXOEGgvTJ7HQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/SqmX9glhm_I/AAAAAAAAHMM/T3JVfPdnFnM/s400/P7238093.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/BeachHouse?feat=embedwebsite">Beach House</a></td></tr></table><br /><br />color overlay<br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/yU7BxcH5qcni_694s4659w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/SvRhYGNE-sI/AAAAAAAAHcw/swVYiXy6p_I/s400/BeachHouseColor.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/BeachHouse?feat=embedwebsite">Beach House</a></td></tr></table><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/879533546985256779-3896789843513402219?l=deviantdeziner.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Deviant Deziner, aka Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10469269749640113223noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-879533546985256779.post-7070577249289503112009-11-03T08:14:00.001-08:002009-11-03T08:17:10.937-08:00I’m over the blues.<br />All of the ceramic pots that I have clustered outside my front entry gate have been blue in color.<br />It was great for awhile but not any more.<br />So with one swift swipe of the card yesterday I bought a bright orange pot.<br />Now I’m on the hunt for a lime green pot and I heard that Flora Grubb nursery in the city might have exactly what I need.<br />The blues are out.<br />Fiesta ware and bright Bauer ware colors are in.<br /><br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/bHuaQ31FmqEN3oMU-s5t4w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/SvBT7zbQEFI/AAAAAAAAHb4/ypVL-_wEj1c/s400/PB029338.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/PinaColada?feat=embedwebsite">Pina Colada</a></td></tr></table><br /><br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/MEyoV-0pPn7BYeXkKEpJdQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/SvBTpb5z-wI/AAAAAAAAHbw/s6xHTVzu29E/s400/PB029335.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/PinaColada?feat=embedwebsite">Pina Colada</a></td></tr></table><br /><br />The old blue guards will still be in place, I love the bookend matching large pots, but all the supporting smaller pots are going to be traded out for a grouping of bright crayola colors - lime green, shocking hot red, pumpkin orange, and sunflower yellow.<br /><br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/iNSXO8H-PBV7TPSL77pdOg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/R2X6dVno6QI/AAAAAAAAB_E/JaACIEAPEbc/s400/Calif_Sue_1148273532_175.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/PinaColada?feat=embedwebsite">Pina Colada</a></td></tr></table><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/879533546985256779-707057724928950311?l=deviantdeziner.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Deviant Deziner, aka Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10469269749640113223noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-879533546985256779.post-59921101311321682392009-11-01T13:32:00.000-08:002009-11-01T13:33:33.413-08:00My home, located in Northern California is surrounded by oak trees, Quercus kelloggii.<br />These deciduous oaks have inspired my sculptural art work from the front entry mosaic path that I installed 10 years ago to the hand sculpted ceramic nuts that I scatter throughout the garden.<br /><br />Leaf patterns in the path :<br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/-Tn6ADsL9f8nSbGNrnoNLA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/RmYGqoUZu3I/AAAAAAAAAcw/MPzFdiFSdCs/s400/P4101629.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/PinaColada?feat=embedwebsite">Pina Colada</a></td></tr></table><br /><br />Ceramic acorns: <br />High fire porcelain , cone 10 , celadon and texas red glaze<br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/QUwZ0K_1zzHgM0GOYjsGdw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/Su31tJiFzzI/AAAAAAAAHbI/ubZnaQ92Vtg/s400/PB019268.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/CeramicStudio?feat=embedwebsite">Ceramic Studio</a></td></tr></table><br /><br />Sonora White stoneware, cone 10, celadon and rubbed black oxide<br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/beElvg6e-5kPlGR3W7sX1w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/Su32EsFCgfI/AAAAAAAAHbM/Aj0UBiKNnPg/s400/PB019273.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/CeramicStudio?feat=embedwebsite">Ceramic Studio</a></td></tr></table><br /><br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/852Zew9Yaqm4rmhCgWXazw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/Su32bs2m9-I/AAAAAAAAHbQ/OyXIzypfZwE/s400/PB019276.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/CeramicStudio?feat=embedwebsite">Ceramic Studio</a></td></tr></table><br /><br />Sonora White stoneware, cone 10, various glazes and oxides.<br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/dmzalWXjoT-mnDppDaDnlQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/Su379albimI/AAAAAAAAHbY/P9M56pfc1dI/s400/PB019283.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/CeramicStudio?feat=embedwebsite">Ceramic Studio</a></td></tr></table><br /><br />Sonora White stoneware, cone 6, underglazes<br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/zUKQztK9boTayFiOWi8dyA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/Su3794S__RI/AAAAAAAAHbg/YZ3Iv28ukWU/s400/PB019294.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/CeramicStudio?feat=embedwebsite">Ceramic Studio</a></td></tr></table><br /><br />Sonora White stoneware cone 6 , cobolt blue glaze and an underglaze.<br />Acorn is set in an Agave attenuatta.<br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/vML5oUui3qziA2gyu_23vw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/Su39vJ1DuVI/AAAAAAAAHbo/tma_xJDNFVY/s400/PB019305.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/CeramicStudio?feat=embedwebsite">Ceramic Studio</a></td></tr></table><br /><br />Sonora White stoneware, Raku firing. I can’t remember the glazes and my notebook is out of range.<br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/b-qmqLkPTNWHeBoCOrsO2Q?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/Su379oGfZLI/AAAAAAAAHbc/Jwmy0E_cUno/s400/PB019291.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/CeramicStudio?feat=embedwebsite">Ceramic Studio</a></td></tr></table><br /><br />Porcelain clay body, cone 6 firing, underglazes with a clear high sheen overglaze<br />glaze was air brushed.<br />Acorn sitting in a patch of Ajuga and Acorus grass.<br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/46GFdeMM_AaDyATZr-xrWQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/Su39vZnEnUI/AAAAAAAAHbs/Wm5TOnpM6ls/s400/PB019288.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/CeramicStudio?feat=embedwebsite">Ceramic Studio</a></td></tr></table><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/879533546985256779-5992110131132168239?l=deviantdeziner.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Deviant Deziner, aka Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10469269749640113223noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-879533546985256779.post-29526875935698586942009-10-29T09:19:00.000-07:002009-10-29T09:50:40.023-07:00When space is limited in the garden yet the desire for a watery element is present a small vessel of sorts can fulfil the longing.<br /><br />This carved granite stone , stylized in the form of a New England grindstone, quietly trickles in a small back yard in Belvedere CA.<br />It is surrounded by salvia leucantha and miscanthus.<br /><br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/8nxdBnI6J87mKgKOcEaFig?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/Sum-WS-ExDI/AAAAAAAAHbA/aYpYotgQCe0/s400/P8148556.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/WaterFountainsInTheLandscape?feat=embedwebsite">Water fountains in the landscape</a></td></tr></table><br /><br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/nNY8KgktFX0FneBWe9o4aw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/Sum-GberopI/AAAAAAAAHa8/WAelZJjsS8w/s400/P8148549.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/WaterFountainsInTheLandscape?feat=embedwebsite">Water fountains in the landscape</a></td></tr></table><br /><br />The granite stone was purchased from Stone Forest.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/879533546985256779-2952687593569858694?l=deviantdeziner.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Deviant Deziner, aka Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10469269749640113223noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-879533546985256779.post-36319594953274103752009-10-27T14:48:00.000-07:002009-10-27T14:50:34.000-07:00Article written by John King for the San Francisco Chronicle. <br /><br />Lawrence Halprin, the Bay Area landscape architect who pushed the design of America's urban spaces in new directions over a career that spanned 60 years, died Sunday of natural causes. He was 93.<br /><br /><br />He left his mark at all scales, from the crafting of San Francisco's Ghirardelli Square in the 1960s to the transformation of the 52-acre base of Yosemite Falls that was completed in 2005.<br /><br />Mr. Halprin's best-known national work is the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial in Washington, D.C. - a saga that began when he won a design competition in 1976 but wasn't completed until the memorial opened in 1997.<br /><br />"He was the single most influential landscape architect of the postwar years," said Charles Birnbaum, president of the Cultural Landscape Foundation. "He redefined the profession's role in cities."<br /><br />Exuberant persona<br /><br />Mr. Halprin's persona was every bit as exuberant as the cascading water features found in many of his parks - whether it was his 1969 arrest to protest a flood-control project on Tamalpais Creek in Marin, or his 1968 pronouncement that if a fountain by Armand Vaillancourt in Mr. Halprin's large plaza at the foot of Market Street didn't turn out to be one of the nation's "great works of civic art ... I am going to slit my throat."<br /><br />Not all of Mr. Halprin's work was embraced by the public. Vaillancourt Fountain, with its contorted concrete piping, remains controversial. Spaces designed by Mr. Halprin in several cities have been altered or closed, and his U.N. Plaza on Market Street is known more for social problems than its sculptural air.<br /><br />Respect among peers<br /><br />But Mr. Halprin's ambitious desire to reshape cities earned him lasting respect from other designers.<br /><br />"When he hit it, he hit it, and you can't say that for any of his peers," said Frank Gehry, America's best-known living architect, who designed the 1986 exhibition on Halprin's career at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. "He saw there was a need for a new way to express the (urban) landscape at the end of the 20th century."<br /><br />All along, "I rejected any implication that what I do is decoration," Mr. Halprin told The Chronicle in 2007. "Landscape architecture deals with things that are so important. It's partly nature, it's partly culture, it's partly social - it's all of these."<br /><br />Mr. Halprin was born in Brooklyn on July 1, 1916. His mother, Rose, was an advocate of a Jewish state and in 1933 she took her son to Palestine, where they spent two years helping establish a kibbutz near Haifa.<br /><br />Education, military<br /><br />In 1940, while a horticulture student at the University of Wisconsin, Mr. Halprin married Anna Schuman, a dancer and fellow student who became his creative as well as marital partner. It was Anna who suggested that they take a weekend trip to see Taliesin, the home of infamous architect Frank Lloyd Wright.<br /><br />"Having been at Taliesin and having listened to Mr. Wright play the piano and talk a little bit ... that's what I wanted to be," Mr. Halprin reminisced during a talk he gave in 2007 to the American Society of Landscape Architects at its convention in San Francisco.<br /><br />The young couple moved East when Mr. Halprin entered the Harvard University Graduate School of Design, but in 1943 he left school to enlist in the U.S. Navy.<br /><br />During the invasion of Okinawa, a Japanese kamikaze plane sliced through the destroyer on which he was serving. "The damned thing hit my bunk," Mr. Halprin said in a 2005 Chronicle interview.<br /><br />The Halprins settled in the Bay Area after the war. He joined the office of landscape architect Thomas Church and then, in 1949, opened his own firm.<br /><br />For the next 30 years, Mr. Halprin followed his muse in ever-larger directions. He placed a park atop a freeway in Seattle, created a downtown transit mall in Minneapolis and designed several large plazas in Los Angeles.<br /><br />Cityscapes rethought<br /><br />Two jobs from the era had particular influence.<br /><br />One was Ghirardelli Square, the 1968 recasting of a chocolate factory into an urban destination. Mr. Halprin designed the plazas and passages that helped bring the buildings to life.<br /><br />"I wanted people to see a unique piece of a downtown area that was enjoyable," he recalled in 2007.<br /><br />The other was his design vision for Sea Ranch, a 5,000-acre stretch of the Sonoma coast fashioned to remain a distinct terrain despite the addition of more than 1,500 houses.<br /><br />Mr. Halprin's work won recognition at all levels. During the 1960s, he served on the National Council on the Arts and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. He received a gold medal in 1978 from the American Society of Landscape Architects. In 2000, a Presidential Design Award went to the FDR Memorial, one of Halprin's personal favorites.<br /><br />But he never defined himself by awards or finite landscapes.<br /><br />In the 1960s, Mr. Halprin launched a series of "experiments in environment" workshops influenced by his wife's avant-garde dances. He wrote nine books, and his documentary on Salvador Dali, "Le Pink Grapefruit," won an award at the 1976 San Francisco Film Festival.<br /><br />What defined her husband's work, Anna Halprin said Monday, is that he never saw a job as just a job: "He always wanted to do the most magnificent, uplifting thing he could. He strove for the ideal, and nothing less."<br /><br />Mr. Halprin is survived by his wife; his daughters Daria of Kentfield and Rana of Mill Valley; and four grandchildren. A memorial service has not yet been scheduled.<br /><br />Bay Area projects<br /><br />Spaces that Lawrence Halprin played a role in designing, with date of completion:<br /><br />Marin General Hospital: Novato, 1952<br /><br />Greenwood Common: Berkeley, 1958<br /><br />Sproul Plaza: UC Berkeley, 1960<br /><br />Ghirardelli Square: 1968<br /><br />Embarcadero Center: public areas, 1972<br /><br />Levi's Plaza: 1982<br /><br />Stern Grove: redesign, 2005<br /><br />Letterman Digital Arts Center: the Presidio, 2005<br /><br />Sources: Chronicle research, catalog for 1986 exhibition "Lawrence Halprin: Changing Places" at SFMOMA<br /><br />E-mail John King at jking@sfchronicle.com.<br /><br /><br /><br />Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/10/26/MN8O1AAR25.DTL#ixzz0VAw1QTQU<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/879533546985256779-3631959495327410375?l=deviantdeziner.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Deviant Deziner, aka Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10469269749640113223noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-879533546985256779.post-71465442810847190082009-10-25T16:29:00.000-07:002009-10-25T16:49:44.140-07:00In Marin County, a community located across the golden gate bridge from San Francisco, there are several housing tracks designed and built by Joseph Eichler who was quite prolific during a 20 year span between 1950 and 1970. He designed houses with a distinctive modernist flair, which I adore. <br /><br />This past Sunday I noticed that an Eichler was open to the public for viewing during its real estate open house and decided to see how the house and garden was remodeled.<br /><br />For more information about this particular Eichler, there is a dedicated website :<a href="http://www.eichlerasart.com/">www.EichlerAsArt.com</a><a href="http://"> <a href="http://www.eichlerasart.com/"></a></a> - asking price , $ 1,399,00.00 .<br /><br /><br /><br /> Front entry<br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/RbXKTVAtH9ilTGFdrzwEFw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/SuTceQaF-8I/AAAAAAAAHak/AhlMBumc5Ss/s400/1.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/NewAlbum92609837PM?feat=embedwebsite">New Album 9/26/09 8:37 PM</a></td></tr></table><br /><br /> <table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/h1gHCtYRw13Wa0KVtp5H1Q?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/SuTX6CragOI/AAAAAAAAHaU/W-RY2t-VVb8/s400/eichlerentry.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/NewAlbum92609837PM?feat=embedwebsite">New Album 9/26/09 8:37 PM</a></td></tr></table><br /><br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/8s6mP7pzmHWxZ8LPhZCbkQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/SuTceiTHVBI/AAAAAAAAHao/NYnXTkl0pCQ/s400/3.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/NewAlbum92609837PM?feat=embedwebsite">New Album 9/26/09 8:37 PM</a></td></tr></table><br /><br />Interior courtyard detail of fountain<br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/luPviPqw2CFlllf-SEuihQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/SuTX6UZMvSI/AAAAAAAAHaY/Y56guYhYY2M/s400/eichlerentryfnt.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/NewAlbum92609837PM?feat=embedwebsite">New Album 9/26/09 8:37 PM</a></td></tr></table><br /><br />And at night time. Photographer unknown, but probably from Met Home because this house was featured in the Sept. 2009 issue<br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/63FGGC_Y4_ijZgxCztVJKQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/SuTceomMiOI/AAAAAAAAHas/BmE5FsFvths/s400/5.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/NewAlbum92609837PM?feat=embedwebsite">New Album 9/26/09 8:37 PM</a></td></tr></table><br /><br />And two additional photos I just found of the courtyard taken by Met Home magazine<br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/bgsrXJaSxNKGixqJVph67A?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/SuTjS3H3UTI/AAAAAAAAHaw/M2LRXT4rupk/s400/mh0909-sakellariou-45.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/NewAlbum92609837PM?feat=embedwebsite">New Album 9/26/09 8:37 PM</a></td></tr></table><br /><br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/kpdHgc5t_-LQDK88aD_ydw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/SuTjS7e89jI/AAAAAAAAHa0/QawEr-GCQqs/s400/mh0909-sakellariou-206.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/NewAlbum92609837PM?feat=embedwebsite">New Album 9/26/09 8:37 PM</a></td></tr></table><br /><br />I LOVE the Mark Chatterley sculpture pictured here, it is called The Swimmer . <a href="http://www.chatterley.com">http://www.chatterley.com/</a><br /><br />Back yard looking towards the house<br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/2Nh7XhL0Q1yRs60cWk7d2A?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/SuTX6maCE6I/AAAAAAAAHac/BDmH2CyM7BI/s400/25.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/NewAlbum92609837PM?feat=embedwebsite">New Album 9/26/09 8:37 PM</a></td></tr></table><br /><br />Across the back yard<br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/vMMeZhDzzFooa5LhuVkaZw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/SuTZD1a8rnI/AAAAAAAAHag/aO88XmIvBOY/s400/28.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/NewAlbum92609837PM?feat=embedwebsite">New Album 9/26/09 8:37 PM</a></td></tr></table><br /><br />View of the back yard from the house<br />The dark brown solid wall at the fence line were painted Wonderboard panels and seemed to be falling apart.<br />They look pretty good from a distance but once you get a few feet from them it is evident that they will have a very short life span.<br />Looks good for that Kodak moment though.<br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/JL6M_wC6E3aub0VU23uECQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/SuTX57wc1OI/AAAAAAAAHaQ/s1dznq_r-6I/s400/eichler.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/NewAlbum92609837PM?feat=embedwebsite">New Album 9/26/09 8:37 PM</a></td></tr></table><br /><br />Off of one of the side yard bedrooms is a small sitting area complete with two Schultz chairs<br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ImQ6dfmW22niwXLX6OngHw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/SuTX55IEAmI/AAAAAAAAHaM/cE-J-QFQvSE/s400/eicherchair.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/NewAlbum92609837PM?feat=embedwebsite">New Album 9/26/09 8:37 PM</a></td></tr></table><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/879533546985256779-7146544281084719008?l=deviantdeziner.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Deviant Deziner, aka Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10469269749640113223noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-879533546985256779.post-7027386564345422202009-10-18T14:12:00.000-07:002009-10-18T14:47:19.226-07:00Who says that California doesn’t have any seasonal changes ?<br />Sure we do. We have seasons.<br />We have our drought season. Our fire season. Our mudslide and rainy season.<br />While much of the country will be experiencing a snowy cold winter, we here in Northern California will be experiencing a rainy ( with luck ! ) and chilly winter.<br />I often have several nights of chilling frost in my garden. Occasionally it has reached down to 27 degrees F. <br />A couple of nights of frost is usually not too threatening, but if we have a long hard prolonged frost that persists for a week or so then there will be painful plant loss if protective measures are not taken. <br />Some years have been worse than others so to prepare for the chilly winter I move my tender subtropicals into an unheated greenhouse.<br /><br />That is how I spent my Saturday, cleaning out the greenhouse and moving plants.<br /><br />View through the garden towards the green house.<br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/PinaColada?feat=embedwebsite#5394045798186817218"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/StuAExcdFsI/AAAAAAAAHZE/HpwSlZp8MQE/s400/PA189228.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/PinaColada?feat=embedwebsite">Pina Colada</a></td></tr></table><br /><br />Welcome to the small 8 x 10 greenhouse which will house some of my bromeliads and succulents<br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/EzIhCeATxfmcU_N4r1Ku-g?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/StuAenkIaHI/AAAAAAAAHZI/KHJMorNm2tE/s400/PA189222.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/PinaColada?feat=embedwebsite">Pina Colada</a></td></tr></table><br /><br />Some of the larger bromeliads that are still in their black plastic nursery pots were sunk into the ground all summer. I find this a lot easier than taking them out of their pots and transplanting them. They actually pup quicker when in a pot too, at least the more tropical varieties do.<br /> When winter comes I pull the potted plants out of the ground, wash off the dirt and pop them on a shelf for their winter retreat. Come summer time, they go back into the ground, pot and all. <br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Wfb7voiU8Dq42t4ky5TeXg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_SyrK2wlfVZI/StuAvd2fCUI/AAAAAAAAHZM/b0krYtXE3GQ/s400/PA189220.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/DeviantDeziner/PinaColada?feat=embedwebsite">Pina Colada</a></td></tr></table><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/879533546985256779-702738656434542220?l=deviantdeziner.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Deviant Deziner, aka Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10469269749640113223noreply@blogger.com7