Outdoor Globe Lights

Magical lighting idea. Designed by Smart & Green these cordless, rechargeable, waterproof, durable globes are perfect for lighting your backyard in style. Three intensities of white light as well as a candle effect these globes are available in 6 colors : blue, green, orange, pink, turquoise and white.  With up to 12 hours in a single use they are rechargeable as well as programmable. There is an optional remote control unit that can control up to 100 globes.  Transportable you can easily move them to the deck or indoors and display them with their handle and magnet components.

Available at Ylighting for $299, remote $33.

 

Garden & Home Accents

celiabasto

I have a few of these Antique Urns in my garden at home and I love the pitted patinas that they develop over time.  If you leave them in a shaded area the porous nature of the urn will grow a beautiful green moss on them.  Whether you put globes in them or greenery they add a dimension to your landscaping similar to what a sculpture would elicit, a bit of artistry outside. You can also bring them inside and use them to accent your dining room table with Hurricane Lanterns like these shown below. Using a Linen runner on the table under the urns I’d place the Faux Topiary Containers on the table and then scatter  small 4 ”  Topiary rounds around the display.  Finish off with antique glass tea candle holders and you have a terrific table scape with romantic lighting ideal for dining.  If you want to add color to the muted tones of the table, small glass vases with the flower of your choice will make the table pop with color.

Boxwood Ball Artificial...

http://www.potterybarn.com/products/malta-lantern/?cm_src=AutoSchRel

http://www.thefind.com/garden/info-artificial-topiary-balls

Three Coins Cast – Quality Outdoor Furniture

Screen shot 2014-04-08 at 7.16.14 AM

As the daffodils emerge from their dormant winter, as the acacia blooms and sneezes begin, Spring time provides just the hint of warmth we Californians’ crave. When it’s time to uncover the patio furniture and enjoy the longer days, you might need to spruce up your backyard dining and seating appointments. If you are thinking about investing in a new look for your yard I would suggest checking out Three Coins Cast. A 2nd Generation Family Company in business since 1989 they craft American made Cast Aluminum creations.  Available in unique designs and custom colors, their line offers a wide variety of furniture, statuary and garden accents. Designed with classic beauty, durability and function, their pieces are ideal for a backyard facelift or a slash of color. Three Coins Cast utilizes a unique finishing process that withstands the harshest of elements providing longevity to your outdoor appointments giving you years of enjoyment. From Traditional to Modern their pieces are beautifully designed.

http://threecoins.com

Screen shot 2014-04-08 at 7.14.45 AM  Screen shot 2014-04-08 at 7.15.12 AM

Drought Resistance Landscape

Dark mulch in this landscape adds contrast while providing soil moisture retention,  of particular  importance to California this year considering our drought conditions. So how do you enjoy a beautiful visual landscape with a limited water allotment?  California has always been in the forefront of sustainable planting. Now more so than ever landscape designers and professionals are implementing a “xeriscape” approach to their designs.  This landscape philosophy was originally created in 1981 by the Denver water company integrating seven principals into the design and  approach to water conservation in a garden habitat. Further explanation of these concepts is available in the following link.

 

Classic Gardens Reinvented

 

In contrast from my previous post where we featured the serenity created by a smaller urban garden, the principals of  Classic gardens have their origin in Ancient history epitomized in French formality.  Originally associated with vast, estate acreage they were defined by clean geometry, symmetry, balanced proportions and crisp lines. Not unlike the principals of the smaller yards. Featured here are selections I thought epitomized the classic designs of the past adapted for our American home sites. Whether you use traditional or sustainable plantings, ornate stone walls or rustic fences the visual success and enjoyment of a yard is all found in the symmetry and fluidity of the design. The Greeks used a measurement called “the Golden Triangle” to create a unique proportion in the designs and architecture of both their gardens and buildings. The Golden Triangle whose numeric value is called “phi”, named for the Greek sculptor Phidias produces a taller triangle and thought to be more elegant and architecturally more appealing to the eye. This method of design is still transforming our landscaping of today.

 

Pool Facelifts!

If your pool needs updating, resurfacing or remodeling, here are some great ideas.  A simple plaster replacement should run you between $5000 to $10,000. An upscale remodel is a larger ticketed item with virtually unlimited expense depending on the design and features selected.

 

Great Ideas for Front Yards!

Variety of wonderfully welcoming front yards!  This article summarizes how to create a harmonious community front yard.  Designs that encourage neighbors to visit and generate a sense of social ability.

 

Townhome Landscaping

There are many joys to Town-home living,  probably the most notable is the freedom it provides. Being able to take off when you like and not having to worry about security and your landscaping dying! A negative might be the limited back yard space. I think the sublime way this designer has incorporated separate sitting areas that encourage conversation as well as alfresco dining with an estate feel to it are tastefully executed here.  I like the trimmed box-woods mixed with the antique pots that fill in the angular lines of the planted areas.  I’d had the fire going every night with a glass of wine to end the evening.