Posts Tagged ‘Focal points’
Your Garden Story – The Final Chapter
Think back to your favorite book. The introduction drew you in, you followed the key characters with interest as the story was woven through a series of events and in the final chapter you were left feeling…..what? Surprise because there was an unexpected plot twist that you didn't see coming? Contentment as you read the…
Read MoreFisherman's Bay Garden – a treasure trove of ideas
Tucked away down a steep, winding lane near the charming French whaling village of Akaroa, South Island, New Zealand is Fishermans' Bay Garden, home to Jill and Richard Simpson. Accessing this gem is not for the faint of heart as the homeowners discovered in December 2021 after extreme rain caused the gravel access road to…
Read MoreSpringtime in England
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather (usually), and generous garlands of fragrant wisteria draped across sturdy arbors and weathered stone walls all make spring one of the best seasons to visit England. My own childhood memories of English springtimes include strolling through beech woods, thickly carpeted with wild garlic and bluebells, picking posies of wild primroses (frowned…
Read MoreUnexpected Inspiration from 7000 miles away
What design ideas can I possibly glean for soggy Seattle from a garden in the driest and coldest part of New Zealand? It turns out, many. Not only that but my visit to Jo Wakelin's garden at the foot of the Mt. Pisa range in Central Otago is one that has stayed with me, almost…
Read MoreDesigning Fall Vignettes
Is the fall interest in your garden limited to the decaying foliage of summer perennials? That can often be the case without some advance planning. Here are a few ideas to help you create vignettes that truly celebrate the season rather than apologize for their demise. Temper The Fire The temptation is to focus on…
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