String Gardens

It's a bit disconcerting to see a plant that isn't grounded but these ethereal living sculptures are so cool they seem to take flight. Created by Amsterdam based Fedor, this installation project is comprised of hanging gardens made from twine wrapped around a root ball or bulb. The idea is based on a Japanese botanical style called kokedama. For more celestial beauty visit the String Gardens website.

Gardens to See Before You Die

View looking west from the High Line in Manhattan.

A must see attraction that's relatively new to New York City, the framework for the High Line was built in the 1930's as an elevated rail line. Abandoned from use since the 1880s, the structure was threatened with demolition in 1999 which prompted a concerned community group to successfully preserve it. After more than two years of construction, the park opened to the public in 2009.

The inspired landscape, which incorporates the original rails, was designed by James Corner Field Operations with plant design by the esteemed Piet Oudolf. The landscape design emphasizes native species with an impressive plant list that is in continuous bloom from late January to mid-November.

Try to avoid visiting on beautiful weekend days... it's packed. Great people watching but it's harder to see the park and it's unique beauty. The High Line runs from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District to 34th Street between 10th & 11th Avenues.

What's Happening On Site?

Before and after photos of some recently planted pots. Client requested new designs for 6+ large outdoor containers in three locations for a fall party. At this time of year, plant choices are slim to none at the nurseries so an extra jolt of creativity is in order. We wanted the designs to transition well through the holiday season. Client loved them.

1) Green Spire Euonymus (Euonymus japonicus) for height, sedge (Carex morrowii), and icicle pansies for the larger pots. Standing as sentries are an assortment of adorable, dwarf evergreens looking like perfect miniature sculptures. They were planted in stone and terra cotta pots and the soil topped with river rocks.

1) BEFORE:

 

1) AFTER:

2) This porch pot below is viewed from the inside of the house through glass doors at the end of a long hallway. Impact was in order. For dramatic height, we planted a young pyramidal hornbeam (Carpinus betulus 'Fastigiata') with leaves that will turn yellow-orange as it gets colder. At the base, pony tail grass (Stipa tenuissima) to the rear, with hardy red mums, and lavender thyme. A spray of red dogwood twigs adds a colorful spark that acts as an exclamation point to the entire arrangement.

2) BEFORE:

2) AFTER:

Gotta Get It Garden Gear - Cube Planter

The Cube Planter from Pull + Push Products was designed by Nobuhiro Sato. It is a solid planter with 4 concrete walls and colored glass windows. They also make one that sports balconies, called the Mansion Planter, and one with the rebar exposed, called the Truss Planter. They can also be used as a very cool candle holder. 

Ten Brilliant Autumn Trees

Amelanchier - orange red
Bald Cypress - red
Birch - yellow
Dogwood - purple red
Gingko biloba - yellow
Maple - orange red yellow
Sassafras - orange red yellow
Sourwood - purple red yellow
Stewartia -  orange red yellow
Sweetgum - orange purple red