A multi-story building downtown at 1001 Woodward had an entry plaza that I would call chilly and uninviting. Bedrock Realty, the new owner, has an idea to warm things up. Kelly Deines of Rossetti Architects asked if I could put together a landscape that would include 2 pair of our espaliered arbors. We were happy to oblige. The livestock tanks-courtesy of our local farm store. The steel arbors-courtesy of Buck and his group at Branch.
Espaliered pear arbor
Owen was one of a crew of 7 that helped plant those trees.
Artificial turf
Steel forms for the espaliers
cosmos and pennisetum under planting the espaliers
finished planting
artificial turf bands on the stock tanks
artificial turf secured with hot pink zip ties
trimming the turf square and true
urethane furniture specified and installed by Rossetti Architects
people in the space
The linden trees in a granite planter box were underplanted with creeping jenny. Espaliered trees, artificial turf, pink zip ties, galvanized metal livestock watering tanks, cosmos, little bunny pennisetum, molded urethane French style arm chairs and creeping jenny and a plaza typical of a vintage urban skyscraper-landscape materials that came together to create a place for people to congregate outdoors.
Incredible!! Have to take a trip downtown to see this “artsy-fartsy” gathering place.
Love the idea of using a livestock tank. I have an area alone a fenceline where I don’t want to fight with tree roots. Would I need drill holes in the bottom of the tank? Would perennials survive the winter in a tank?
This is fabulous. I love seeing the details unfold with each passing picture. The steel gray, then green, then hot pick followed by that furniture. You are lucky to work with such bold, brave clients and they are lucky to have found you and your great design firm.
MaryBeth, as I wrote Silvia, Kelly Deines from Rossetti Architects did all of the conceptual work, and then let me go with it. The client is an innovative client, yes. Thanks, Deborah
How creative! I wouldn’t have thought of the artificial turf, but it does pull the whole space together. Did you glue it down somehow?
Wendy, This particular turf is very thin, and the backing is constructed such that the turf lays very flat.This piece is very large-over 50 feet long by 14 1/2 feet wide. Deborah
Dear Deborah, your install-daring, creative and chic- love it!! Very creative use of astro turf – a big green rug. Cosmos with Little Bunny- an intriguing combo for the under planting – so perfect. The urethane furniture is to die for. Will the espilared trees winter over OK in those metal tubs?
Next trip to Detroit must include a stop at this urban plaza-so well done, indeed!
Silvia, Kelly from Rossetti’s did all the daring work with the client-he is great. The espalier trees will have to come out and be stored over the winter. Luckily the arbor will stay, as part of a winter display. Thanks, Deborah
Deborah, once again your team plays nice with other teams. Brilliant and such fun!
What a cool project to be involved in. I guess the next transition is winter, does it get changed out often or just the big seasonal changes?
Frank, there will be a seasonal change. We’ll see what that turns out to be. Thanks for writing, Deborah
*wolf whistles* Yum the hottie with the tree. Nice work, Deborah. ;D
Beautiful! Very inviting now!
Fabulous.
How is the ‘lawn’ tacked down? Is it staying down at the edges?
No, it’s better than fabulous. You go girl…and team.
Garden & Be Well, XO Tara
Dear Tara, the backing is designed such that it just lays down flat. Thanks, Deborah
I really like your style. I stumbled on your site because I was searching for a shrub that someone had listed in a seed exchange. I’m so glad I found your site. Thanks so much for your beauty!
Dear Nichole, thanks for writing. I appreciate it. Best, Deborah