Water

Some years ago my Mom bought me beach towels for my birthday; this gift infuriated me.  “What am I supposed to do with these”, I asked her.  “That you don’t know what to do with them is why they are a gift from me.” ; she fired right back. She was right. I work, and work more.  But after she died, I took the money she left me, and built a fountain in my yard.  It has a ledge for sitting, and is deep enough to get in and soak. On hot days, I take my glass of wine, and my beach towels out there; it takes no time to shed the pressure of a work day.  My garden is designed to provide me privacy, relaxation and serenity, as my work-life is anything but serene and relaxing.   Every living thing needs water-and in many more ways than one.�
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Water is sublimely satisfying in a garden, no matter what form it takes. A rain barrel, a pond with fish, a pot, a fountain or pool-take your pick. I think about water in the landscape routinely now.
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This cistern was placed on a stand, so as to put the action of the water at a level high enough to be clearly see from the terrace.  Boxwood will soon eliminate the view of the stand, and become part of the fountain.�
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Almost any pot can be converted into a fountain.  The water spilling over the edge of the pot is collected, and recirculated via an underground cistern.  The pot sits on a rigid Fiberglas grid which will be covered with large flat stones.
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This lovely Doulton-Lambeth coadestone vase made in England in the 19th century has a waterproof metal liner.  The liner is home to a group of aquatic plants.  This arrangement eliminates the problem of soil and fertilizer getting into the fountain, and damaging the pump.
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This client liked the idea of water, but not the reality.  A mulch of  tumbled sea glass the colors of water is a simple and effective substitute.
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My fountain is framed in herniaria, a short perennial that is tolerant of the overspray a fountain can produce.  It also provides a buffer between the grass clippings from the mower, and the water.  The filtration system, identical to the type used in a swimming pool, keeps the water scrupulously clean.  The ledge below water is a great place to sit on a blisteringly hot day. Getting in all the way isn’t bad either.
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A private body of water suitable for family swimming can double as an elegant reflecting pool for more formal entertaining. A light color on the interior will reflect light, and make the water appear blue. A pool with a dark interior will absorb light, and reflect the sky on its surface.
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This very large ,sculptural waterfall is beautiful even when the water is still. The smallest pot spouting water has the same magical effect; don’t do without water in your garden.

Air

airbeginEarth, air, fire and water; the mythology is long and varied.  My simple version: the sculpture,  which is the earth,  makes for life. No less important is air-every living thing breathes.
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Air can be wind storms, or breezes. Air can be still and palpable; one remarkable things about fog is how still the air is. Air conditions influence the performance of a landscape as much as the earth.  Frost,  air laden with freezing water, sinks into low spots, and damages or kills plants. Air moving over water, off a lake, is intense air-whether we’re talking hot, cold, or strong.  Hot winds dry out  plants; cold winds make for winter burn.  Wind is a force to be reckoned with-do you need a windbreak first off-so you can garden in peace?

We had big winds and 80 degrees, today-in April, for pete’s sake.  We watered all day.  The lettuces in my spring pots had that windblown look-it was not a good look.  A straight line wind ripped the roof off my building a few years ago- in seconds. Wind makes very large buildings sway.  Windy weather affects everything in a landscape-plan on it.

I cannot figure out how to take a picture of wind-I could only photograph the debris it picks up, the petals it scatters, the rain it drives sidesways.   The unseen air  can make for airy-loose and beautiful. Good air circulation is an enemy of mildew, and a friend to root development in all plants. Airy is the texture of some trees, where you might want a view through to a far landscape element. A breeze makes for that motion that makes a meadow so beautiful.  Heavy foggy moody days soften the view and invite retrospection; a sharp crisp fall day is invigorating.  Air at great speeds can make for hell on earth.  I think this is a good description of nature- what you are least expecting,  happening on a regular basis.  Taking nature into account when you design, and when you plant,  will help you be successful.  I am interested in people being successful with their landscapes; who doesn’t enjoy what they apparently are good at?  Some success makes the inevitable failures easier to bear.  Sensational landscape design begins with an understanding and respect for the elements.  A plant you really like, that requires protection from winter winds, will prosper from the companionship of a windbreak.  Farmers plant windbreaks, maybe  you need beautiful enclosure.
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