Category Archives: design

friday clippings 1/18/19

Posted on January 18, 2019 by Denise

I find this brickwork for the studio of photographer Graciela Iturbide utterly mesmerizing, taking a pedestrian building unit like the brick to new heights — three-story heights, in fact. The architects Mauricio Rocha (Iturbide’s son) and Gabriela Carrillo (of the … Continue reading →

Posted in artists, clippings, design | 3 Comments

architecture vs. landscape architecture

Posted on January 3, 2019 by Denise

In December 2018 the Los Angeles Times triumphantly announced “L.A. architects, designers named among the ‘best of the best’: The 2019 AD100 list.” How exciting to make Architectural Digest’s “list recognizing 100 top talents worldwide in the field of design, … Continue reading →

Posted in artists, design | Tagged | 6 Comments

homage to the banana

Posted on December 27, 2018 by Denise

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

Posted on December 15, 2018 by Denise

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

Posted on November 30, 2018 by Denise

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

Posted on October 21, 2018 by Denise

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 →

Posted in artists, design, MB Maher | Tagged | 1 Comment

Natural Discourse 2019 Preview Conversation 10/19/18

Posted on October 18, 2018 by Denise

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 →

Posted in artists, clippings, design, MB Maher, science | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Willy Guhl Spindle Planter

Posted on October 1, 2018 by Denise

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 , | 6 Comments

oil drums for plants

Posted on August 29, 2018 by Denise

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

Posted on August 27, 2018 by Denise

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 →

Posted in books, design, inspire me | Tagged , , | 6 Comments