Modern Outdoors

Modern Gardens

September 18, 2008

Garden Design Ideas inspired by ancient Japanese Tea Garden

The stunningly beautiful Passage is where garden design ideas inspired by ancient Japanese Tea Gardens. The Passage garden ideas came from the practicing Buddhist owners, and the design was a collaborative effort from landscape contractor and architect, and different artists to create a spiritual retreat to accommodate everyday functions as well as a space in which to be nurtured and find rest and peace.

The Passage is a contemporary interpretation of an ancient design. The garden is on a wooded, 10-acre lot in New England, Massachusetts, on which an existing house stood for about 20 years. An addition was put on the main house, a private temple was turned into a guest house, and a connecting bridge was built between a new bedroom and the main entrance.

The idea behind “roji” (or “passageway”), an ancient tea garden, is that the "garden was designed not to be viewed from a single location, but as a series of experiences along a path leading to the tea ceremony." It can be appreciated from many locations – not just looking into the backyard from a kitchen window, as we do.

The viewing areas in The Passage include a parking court and entry garden with a curving fieldstone wall that emerges from the woods, a steam garden, a courtyard garden, perennial borders, a woodland path, and a meditation circle. A koi pond, a soaking tub, a ceremonial planter, water basins that collect rain water, an outdoor shower that doubles as a lantern, and a stone path all add to the ancient appeal of The Passage.

The Passage received the Residential Design Award of Honor from ASLA.

At the beginning of the path, at the property entrance, there is a circular parking lot that is enclosed in a curving fieldstone wall. It repeats the bowl shape of the nearby kettle hole.
Similarely, at the end of the path, there is Meditation Circle, "a small terrace overlooking the woods, where the third Tsukubai - the Woodland Bowl - rests." "Sitting on the rim of the vast kettle hole, one is consumed by nature, and moves effortlessly from the worldly to the spiritual." (Photos by Brian Vanden Brink)

Also at the entry, is the first of three Tsukubai - the Raincatcher - a cast concrete water feature which collects falling water from the roof. "Water overflows from the Raincatcher into a copper ring filled with washed stones." (Photos by Brian Vanden Brink)

In ancient tea gardens, one would find a wooden arbor defined with mortise and tenon joints, but in The Passage, an arbor is made up of a grid of copper piping, strong enough for hardy and fast-growing Wisteria vines. (Photo by Brian Vanden Brink)

The Akari outdoor shower also serves as a light tower. Drawing from the design ideas of traditional rice paper lanterns, the shower is constructed of copper pipes and wood slats and is illuminated through a custom fiber optic system. (Photos by Brian Vanden Brink)

In the perennial garden, the second Tsukubai - the Garden Sink - "incorporates copper detailing of the shower and arbor". (Photos by Brian Vanden Brink)

18 Sep 2008 | Modern Gardens | Comments (0)

August 14, 2008

Luxury Garden Design by Estate Gardens from ValleyCrest

Attention luxury estate owners of Southern California – Estate Gardens by ValleyCrest offer custom garden design for the most discerning clients who desire the highest level of personal service. As an undisputed leader in luxury garden design, Estate Gardens have designed hundreds of luxury gardens, ranging from contemporary to classical. Only the finest landscape architects, contractors and horticulturists will tend to your estates, providing luxury maintenance and care for your property. Designers Daniel Weedon, Bruce Meeks and Russell Cletta, all members of ASLA, are widely recognized and profiled in magazines like Garden Design, Sunset Magazine, Los Angeles Magazine, Celebrated Living, along with features on HGTV’s programs. The ever-distinguished horticulturist Brian Helgoe oversees Estate Gardens ensuring the finest workmanship goes into each design. Whether these are vast expanses or secluded spaces, stylized landscapes or naturalistic gardens, Estate Gardens can design, build, and maintain a perfect luxury garden that reflects the individual style and taste of each client. Skillfully blending hardscape and softscape design elements, they can create exceptional outdoor living spaces: contemporary sanctuaries and exotic tropical oases, flowing waterfalls and sculpted pathways, romantic pergolas and koi ponds, filled with stark native plants or bright colorful blossom. “At Estate Gardens, we believe that gardens are as unique as the people who love and live in them.” Contact ValleyCrest for exceptional outdoor living, inspiring and romantic settings and magnificent natural gardens.

14 Aug 2008 | Modern Gardens | Comments (0)

August 13, 2008

Luxury Garden Bathroom - Burgbad Sanctuary

Designers James Wong and David Cubero created the ultimate garden bathroom retreat complete with supreme luxury in the Burgbad Sanctuary. This extremely lush garden both complements and accents the intimate outdoor bathing room. The bright and deep greens contrast the reds and oranges in the glass and wood encased quarters, while the orange lotus flowers and brightly colored fish accent the rich colors of the wood. This glass-enclosed bathroom is the ultimate indulgence in relaxation and rest as Mother Nature intended. Even your feet are set for a treat on the smooth hard wood underneath, with grey stones bordering the path. For a solitary sanctuary, close the door and let the steam line the walls in an exquisite steam experience. Or, enjoy the ultimate retreat in the outdoors – listen to the water ripple and the breeze rustling the plants – all during a morning bath.

August 6, 2008

Contemporary Garden Design by Amir Schlezinger, London - beautiful and highly liveable

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Amir Schlezinger of Mylandscapes, London, designed this contemporary garden as a social space. Beautiful yet highly liveable, this Regent's Park garden design extends interior space into relaxing outdoors full of serenity. " ... the benches correspond with the shape of the indoor fireplace, while the Ipe hardwood continues the lines of the flooring. The granite waterfall creates reflections on the surrounding walls - contrasting dramatically with the narrow bands of buff sandstone." Well placed greenery and a waterfall mask the surrounding sounds of traffic and noise. Tiles and hardwood accompany each other as well as draw the eyes along the borders of the garden. The bamboo and other trees add an elegant and warm tone to the design. A great designer can take any modern space and create a warm yet spacious feeling. Schlezinger did just that. This contemporary London garden is full of beauty and calm. Mylandscapes Garden Design.

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July 30, 2008

Best Garden Design winner at 2008 RHS Chelsea Flower Show - Radial Timbers deck

Radial Timbers played a key role in the best garden design winner at the 2008 RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Architect/Designer, Patio Master Collection along with Builder/Landscaper, Ian Barker and Associated created an outstanding, outback-inspired outdoor retreat with Radial Timber’s Newdeck product. The landscape is spectacularly unique in that the timber wood panels aren’t always flat like we usually see. A hill camouflages a hide-away area for lush ground-covering plants. The crescent-shaped cut away envelops the large shallow pond, continuing the deck design of circle shapes. The large trees and natural color scheme is iconic of Australia, bringing the laid back feeling into this landscape. The cozy seating around a tabletop firepit allows guests to linger and relax with one another. Well placed flowers and shrubbery, along with the large wall art, draw the eye throughout the landscaped deck. Radial Timbers contribution is definitely one that has made a lasting impression on all who see this garden.