GardenDesignOnline

Books: 2021 Favorites

This book is a classic -- at the top of every designer's "want" list for at least the next several years.  In New Naturalism: Designing and Planting a Resilient, Ecologically Vibrant Home Garden (Cool Springs Press, 2021), author and plantsman Kelly D. Norris says the book is "a primer for a better way, hewn from considerable study of plants and their ecology.  Above all, I just want more people to plant on the wild side, to embrace the nature of gardens as they are and can be." 

 

This book is an amazing treasure.  The botanical illustrations of 85 of our native wildflowers are among the most stunning I've ever seen.  In A Naturalist's Book of Wildflowers: Celebrating 85 Native Plants in North America (Countryman Press, 2021), author and naturalist Laura G. Martin devotes a full page to each plant which has a color drawing with all of the plant's main attributes. It's a reference you definitely want on your bookshelf.

 

Under Western Skies: Visionary Gardens from the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific Coast. (Timber Press, 2021), by Jennifer Jewell with photos by Caitlin Atkinson. Jewell profiles 36 gardens, some of them & their designers familiar: landscape architects Christy Ten Eyck, Mia Lehrer, Bernard Trainor; gardens, including the Desert and Idaho Botanical Gardens, Heronswood, Land's End Lookout at Golden Gate Park.  I was particularly struck by the biographies of the designers and how they came to their profession.  Some were enchanted by plants as children; others studied biology, soil science, cultural history and others came from many other disciplines.  But all of them ended up as terrific designers.

 

There's a new book from Brian Coleman that perfectly captures the the art and natural beauty of this part of the country:  Private Gardens of the Pacific Northwest (Gibbs Smith, 2021).  Coleman profiles 20 private gardens from Puget Sound to Portland to Eastern Washington and everywhere in between.  And as the author says in the introduction, "Whether it's a Portland garden filled with hummingbirds and butterflies or a garden of ponds in rural Redmond, Washington, a good garden should be a nurturing oasis and a retreat, something to enjoy and share."  You'll be inspired by the beauty and the striking designs, and you'll be tempted to try the gorgeous plant combinations in your own garden at home.  It's a book that belongs on every designer's bookshelf.

#Commissions earned

Gift Suggestions

From the NYBG Store:

Tiffany fold-up expandable vase
At $9.00, you can't go wrong.
And other styles available.

 

Print from the NYBG Collection

This one is 8 x 10, $28.

Many other flowers and sizes available.

 

Floral paper dinner plate $7.00
Also, matching side plates, dinner napkins, and other designs available.  Something a little different and fun for that luncheon outside next summer.

And be sure to check out all the other offerings from the NYBG shop: many things you won't find elsewhere.

 

AM Leonard for tools/gloves, etc.

The one tool I cannot live without: serrated soil knife.
It also comes with a leather sheath.  $23 for the knife alone, $34 with sheath.  I use it for absolutely everything: dividing plants, installing small plants, and much more.  An essential tool for any gardener.

Also check out their gloves ... very reasonable and last for many seasons.

 

Beautiful gifts at The Huntington Shop as well:

And for last minute gifts,  give the gift that lasts all year:  a membership at your favorite local garden.

 

 

Christmas Gifts: Last-Minute

1) Give a membership to your favorite local botanical garden or arboretum... or to The Garden Conservancy or the American Horticultural Society.

2.

 Garden knife from AM Leonard.  Since I bought one of these some years ago, it's the only tool I need in the garden:  weeding, digging holes for bulbs, digging holes for small-ish plant installations.  And it's stainless steel, so no rusting ... and ... you can usually always find it because of the orange handle.  Don't be without it.

 

3.

Order an amaryllis (or orchid, or something else) from White Flower Farm , or  if. you're really late ordering online, pick one up at your local nursery.  A touch of spring in the coldest months always brings happiness to the recipient. 

Christmas Gifts II

Blue Agave Garden Torch

From the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix .. galvanized steel, powder coated flowers and realistic patina finish that will not fade.  Comes in large or small sizes.  Beautiful way to illuminate your patio or deck!

Red Poppy Solar Light
Also from the Desert Botanical Garden, all-weather steel construction, powder-coated color, two bright LED solar lights that run on batteries.  Not something you'll see in a local garden store, and a great way to brighten your garden.

 

  Orchid Travel Mug,

24.99 from the shop at Longwood Gardens

And check out the other items in their orchid collection: mugs, tea towels, coasters, prints, and more.

 

 

Paper Salad & Dessert Plates

Hillwood Museum & Gardens shop
High-quality paper board & water-based dyes. 8"diameter, garden-themed.  Napkins & guest towels also available.

Set of 16, $10.

 

Limestone Orchid Coasters

Hillwood Museum & Gardens Shop

Four distinct orchid images ... high-quality limestone with cork backing; hand-washable. $28.

Christmas Gifts I

While you're staying in because of Covid, tired of TV, and looking for something to occupy your time, try these:

A 1000 piece puzzle of arboretum trees. Great present for any gardener.

From the NY Botanical Garden shop, just $19.95, and you can learn the botanical names of all those trees.  Also a herbarium puzzle on offer.

Get it here.

 

For your coffee mug, while you're working at home.

Dendrobium orchid coaster, white limestone marble with cork backing. $8.  NYBG shop.

Get it here. And other orchid images available.

 

And for going out when you can't stand being inside anymore:

Floral Mum mask, NYBG Shop, $9.95

Dual cloth layers, and other designs available.

Get it here.

 

I don't have an image, but check out this mini zen garden for your desktop.  From The Huntington. You could spend hours re-arranging the elements. $15.95

 

 

 

Last-minute gifts 2019

1) Go online (again) and order a gift membership for your local botanical or other favorite garden.  Any dedicated gardener would most appreciate this gift.

2) Check your local garden center for a high-quality garden knife, my favorite tool for weeding and everything else.

This one is from amleo.com ... there might still be time to order for Christmas. It's simply the best for weeding, digging, planting and the like.  And the inch measurements are invaluable.  Your local garden center may have this one or something else very similar.  You can order it here.

3) Paperwhites.  Garden centers -- and even some supermarkets -- now carry glass jars with a paperwhite or two that may bloom just in time for Christmas or the New Year.  And check Trader Joes to see if their amaryllis bulbs are yet in stock.  Can't go wrong with those, either.  Nothing like a blooming flower in the early months to get you ready for spring.

4) And if you can't think of anything else, some seed packets that will produce colorful blooms or desirable veggies will be welcomed by anyone with a large backyard garden.

 

 

 

Favorite Books of the Year 2019

The Tree Book: Superior Selections for Landscapes, Streetscapes, and Gardens (Timber Press, 2019), by Michael Dirr and Keith Warren.

Should be on everyone's Christmas list.  My review is here.

 

 

Designing a Garden: Monk's Garden at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum (Monacelli Press, 2019) by Landscape Architect Michael Van Valkenburgh.

A lesson in design that you'll refer to again and again. Photos, drawings, plans, sketches.  A true treasure. 

My review is here.

 

 

In her latest book, Gardentopia: Design Basics for Creating Beautiful Outdoor Spaces, (Countryman Press, 2019)  designer Jan Johnsen offers one-page design principles on a variety of subjects from color to classic garden elements, plants, garden themes, artful accents and more. Great present for anyone who loves gardening & design.

My review is here.

 

 

Think your garden needs an update?  Well, before you rip it all up and start over again, you may to consult Revive Your Garden: How to bring your outdoor space back to life (Kyle Books, 2019) by British designer and gardener NIck Bailey. I loved the design elements in this book.

My review is here.

 

 

Karen Chapman's latest book is Deer-Resistant Design: Fence-free Gardens that Thrive Despite the Deer (Timber Press, 2019).  Chapman profiles 13 deer-resistant gardens in various parts of the country, including one (no kidding) that features around 600 hostas and 300 daylilies, along with the owner's formula for what he claims is a foolproof deer repellent.  A book for almost anyone.

My review is here.

Christmas Gifts II

From the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston:

click on images to enlarge

Weird Cat Mexican Coaster

Coaster features one of the tile designs -- now located in the museum's Spanish Cloister -- from the Church of San Agustin in Mexico.
Italian marble with heat-resistant cork backing, 4 x 4 inches.
Other tile designs available, among them deer, leopard, rabbit and many more.  Each tile is $15.

https://gift.gardnermuseum.org/collections/museum-made/products/weird-cat-mexican-coaster

 

Nasturtium Spoon Rest

Everyone visits the museum in spring to see the spectacular hanging chains of nasturtiums.

Hand-painted spoon rest by Vermont-based artist Beth Mueller, five inches long.  Many other nasturtium items available in the museum shop. $36.

https://gift.gardnermuseum.org/collections/museum-made/products/nasturtium-spoon-rest

 

Canvas Tote with Gardner Quote:

No picture available, but check out the canvas tote at $21.95 decorated with a nasturtium design and the following quote from Mrs. Gardner:  "My garden is riotous, unholy, deliriously glorious! I wish you were here." We all need one of these!  11x18", $21.95

https://gift.gardnermuseum.org/collections/museum-made/products/gardner-quote-canvas-tote

 

From The Huntington shop in San Marino, CA:

Ginkgo Earrings

Gold-plated pewter cast directly from ginkgo trees at The Huntington.

2" long, $35,  Matching necklace also available.

Ginkgo trees are 60 million years old and are considered "living fossils." The trees are native to China.

https://www.thehuntingtonstore.org/collections/signature/products/ginkgo-earrings

 

From the Desert Botanical Garden shop in Phoenix, AZ:

Teal Solar Daisy Light

Powder-coated steel with two super bright LEDs with 20 lumens of light output.  Solar powered, runs for 10 hours.  Replaceable AA battery included. 18"high x 11.5" wide, $99.

https://gardenshop.dbg.org/teal-daisy-solar-light.html

Red Poppy Light also available.

 

Golden Barrel Cactus Garden Torch

All weather galvanized steel construction, hand-crafted in Kansas.  Patina finish, LED light,  tabs for mounting or staking into the ground. No assembly required.  Fillable torch canister that uses standard torch fuel/tiki oil.  Rust resistant and guaranteed not to corrode.  Perfect for garden or patio.

Two sizes, 9.25"high x 13.5" wide, $225.

13.25"high x 19.5" wide, $375.

https://gardenshop.dbg.org/golden-barrel-garden-torch.html

Christmas Gifts 1

From the New York Botanical Garden Gift Shop:

click on image to enlarge

Chinese Pear Print

A hand-finished lithograph by Asa Strong, reproduced from the original in the garden's library collection.  It's printed on artist-quality matt paper. 

28x20", $135.00 -- and many more botanical prints are available.

 

Herbarium Bougainvillea Print

This specimen is in the William & Lylnda Steere Herbarium, the largest herbarium in the Western Hemisphere.  Bougainvillea was first discovered on a French expedition to South America in the 1700's.  Lovely, decorative print.

13x19", $14.00. -- and other prints available.

 

Small Vector Bud Stand

For the modern home, a modern vase that will hold just a single stem (or maybe a couple) from your garden. Clear tube and gold metal.

6"long, 5"wide, 9.25" high.  Glass tube is 6" tall x .75" opening.

$9.00

Heliconia Stoneware Coaster Set

The design is from L'Illustration horticole, Vol. 9 (1862) by Charles Lemaire, contained in the NYBG Library.  The stoneware absorbs moisture from beverages and may be wiped clean with a damp cloth.  Four coasters packaged in a gift box, 4" square, $18.00.  

 

Many more terrific botanical items available from the shop.

 

Christmas Gifts 2018 - III

It's that last-minute time for presents, so how about giving a gift membership to your favorite local garden or botanical garden?  And you'll be supporting all the great lectures, events, classes, etc. that they offer year-round. 

If you'd rather support a national organization, here are some where you can't go wrong:

AHS -- the American Horticultural Society

The Garden Conservancy

TCLF - The Cultural Landscape Foundation