Category Archives: design
homage to the banana
Of Ensete, Musa, and Musella, the three genera of bananas, I’ve grown just one. Above is Musa ‘Siam Ruby’ in more plentiful irrigation times in my garden around 2010 — just like the Dude’s rug, those big leaves really pull … Continue reading
Posted in design, edibles, science
6 Comments
Gardenlust at the Huntington
One of the items on my wish list this holiday is the recently published book Gardenlust by Christopher Woods. And what better way to vet a book than to hear the author himself describe it, which I was able to … Continue reading
Posted in books, design, garden travel
5 Comments
holiday backyard boutique 12/1/18
You’re motivated and ready to tackle this holiday business head on and get an early jump on shopping, but you’re shying away from all that mousey click, click, clicking and maybe more interested in combining shopping with some fresh air, … Continue reading
Posted in artists, commerce, design, MB Maher, pop-up, pots and containers
3 Comments
WestEdge Design Fair 2018
What: WestEdge Design Fair October 19-21, 2018. (Sunday is the last day!) Where: The Barker Hangar 3021 Airport Avenue Santa Monica, CA 90405 When: For general admission, October 19-21, 2018. (Sunday hours 10-5 p.m.) order tickets here In the spirit … Continue reading
Natural Discourse 2019 Preview Conversation 10/19/18
Where: Wind Tunnel Gallery Art Center College of Design 950 South Raymond Ave, Pasadena When: Friday, October 19, 2018 5 to 7 p.m. free but reservations encouraged The winter aloe bloom season is coming, always a compelling reason to visit … Continue reading
Willy Guhl Spindle Planter
There’s really no other Mid Century Modern planter quite like the Spindle by Swiss designer Willy Guhl, made with his student Anton Bee in collaboration with Eternit in 1951. Mitch showed me some photos from an interior shoot he did … Continue reading
Posted in artists, design, MB Maher, pots and containers
Tagged Spindle planter, Willy Guhl
6 Comments
oil drums for plants
Way back in spring, when we were sourcing stuff for the popup, there was an ad on craigslist offering food-grade, powder-coated oil drums for cheap. Really cheap. Temptingly cheap. Large containers are so pricy, and these would be perfect for … Continue reading
Posted in design, pots and containers
4 Comments
coloring outside the lines; Hot Color, Dry Garden
In her new book “Hot Color, Dry Garden,” botanist/biologist/educator Nan Sterman aims to reassure readers that in these uncertain, climactically challenging times for gardens in the drought-afflicted western U.S., there’s no need to scrimp on what compels us to make … Continue reading
agricultural shade cloth is taken seriously in Ho Chi Minh City
Neighbors have taken note of our traditional summer shade cloth improvisations (what Nishizawa Architects calls “vernacular uses”) and are now deploying their own shade cloth configurations in strategic locations over the sunniest areas of their deck. Along with shading work … Continue reading
Posted in climate, design, inspire me
Tagged Archdaily, climate change, Nishizawa Architects, Restaurant of Shade, shade cloth
4 Comments
bloom day hack august 2018
The ‘Mesa Peach’ gaillardias seem to be this year’s answer to my craving for a low-growing summer daisy that fits in nicely among the permanently resident aloes and agaves. Similar water and light requirements, not too extravagant in summer growth … Continue reading