“In Ghent, Belgium, the historical garden of an 18th century building under monument protection has been embellished with contemporary elements. Although the city villa “Hôtel Verhaegen” also serves as a luxury bed-and-breakfast, the garden is accessible only to the owners, who wanted to have greater privacy and be screened from the neighboring apartments. In addition, the existing, somewhat neglected “Jardin de Broderie” required subtle changes, as its stark box hedges and classical fountain lent it a severe, almost military appearance.”

The solution to the design challenge….

“Six trimmed linden trees now screen the garden from view along the wall’s length of 15 meters. Three new, organic wood sculptures stand in front of the linden hedge, in deliberate contrast to the historical garden. The abstract structures are made of chestnut wood, supported by steel pillar foundations. They were built on site. At night, yellow and red lights create a magical mood in the garden. Two climbing roses wind around each of the freestanding wood sculptures. The flowerbed at the edge of the plot was planted in such a way as to create a “wild and prairie” feeling. White iris serves to emphasize the historical fountain. The landscape architect deliberately used neither herbs nor perennials, as the garden had originally been designed as a pleasure garden.”

Designed by Albèric Moreels of Belgium. Images from Private plots and Public Spots.

What do you think?  A good solution to the design brief?  I kind of think so, even though I am quite sure I wouldn’t have thought of  doing the same.

Image from Gardening Gone Wild.

1) Big Patches of plants.

2) A cohesive color scheme (blues and purple are so calming and moody)

3) Splashes of Yellow – repeated – takes it all up a notch.

These are the lessons and inspirations I take from this garden.  What are yours?

I have a tiny little round up interesting accessories for your garden.  It’s all bird related – my favorite being the hanging chair that you can sit in and pretend you are a pretty little songtress.

From the Top Left – clockwise: Bird Bottle from Monticello Collection.  Bird house for city windows by Emilie Cazin. Garden of Eden furniture and bird cage chair from ontwerpduo.

While I like the look of gravel driveways, and think that there is a certain charm to the original driveway, and I also tend to dislike concrete pavers, I do think that this is a great makeover.  Rather than paving the whole thing and creating an uninteresting eyesore, the little planters are a great design detail.  I might have chosen something more like a white picket fence rather than the back iron gate, but otherwise I think this is pretty impressive.  What do you think?

images by The Landscaper

I am off to New England Grows again today, but before I head out, I have a few really inspiring Before and After gardens for you.   This little cottage in Moss Beach California is quite a stunning transformation.

The design is by Doyle McCullar interior designers.  My favorite elements…the copper pipe railings on the front porch, the warm red colored stone combined with the shingles and purple awning over the door that really punch things up and that orange blooming plant.  Do you know what it is?  I am sure it doesn’t grow in Massachusetts, but I would like to know what it is called nonetheless.   What are you favorite things?

Trees are falling outside and it is SO utterly distracting.  I have the TV on to try and distract from the sound of chainsaws and the occasional building shaking thud — it is simply not working to try and work through this…. I am headed out to take some photos of and then am heading off the New England Grows – the big landscape industry trade event here in Boston.

I hope to capture some interesting shots like these (if I am lucky).  These were taken by Sol Lang in Canada where the lumber industry is thriving.   While I am all emotionally mixed up about the trees, I know it is ultimately the right thing….(re-read my post with my tree downing explanation here) — but I can’t help that my eyes bug out of my head as these things fall – the sight is shocking, and the quick end is brutal.  But it is my optimistic hope that I won’t have to wait too long before something beautiful can come of the destruction.  So I am going to start with trying for some beautiful pictures today. I’m off – back tomorrow.