Wonderful East Village Penthouse Has a Vegetable Garden

Patrick Blanc, a botanist renowned for over 30 years of creating vertical gardens, has transformed Parisian walls, most notably at the Jean Nouvel–designed Quai Branly museum. One family, the Dimanches, has the unique privilege of experiencing Blanc's vertical gardens within their own living space. Blanc, identifiable by his distinctive style, has cultivated a reputation as an urban garden guru, utilizing a trademark top-down irrigation system and three decades of botanical research across three continents. His portfolio includes creations for the Pershing Hall hotel, the Fondation Cartier in Paris, the Siam Paragon mall in Bangkok, various boutiques, and restaurants. Following the grand opening of the Jean Nouvel–designed Musée du Quai Branly in Paris, featuring an 8,600-square-foot facade with 15,000 plants, Blanc has seen an influx of large-scale commissions. Blanc's journey began with residential projects, starting with his own apartment in Créteil, on the outskirts of Paris, which he transformed into a tropical rainforest. While major commissions later became his focus, some homeowners successfully convinced him to create outdoor vertical gardens, aiming to introduce a 'rural' element into their urban environments. However, his expertise in indoor vertical gardens, particularly with low-light plants, remained largely untapped until 2004. This changed when Jean-Marc Dimanche contacted Blanc with an idea for a 20-by-23-foot interior wall in his 4,400-square-foot home, then under construction in the Left Bank’s 14th arrondissement. Dimanche recounts Blanc's enthusiastic response, signaling the start of their collaborative adventure. Two years later, the Dimanches' home now features a lush forest canopy, a living canvas comprising approximately 150 tropical, low-light plant species harmoniously arranged. The vertical garden transitions from a field of texture at the base to arcs of violet and amber flowers, culminating in an overhang of trees near the ceiling, creating a sheltering forest effect. This living element seamlessly integrates with the home's raw architectural features, such as concrete and metal beams, and a transparent glass elevator, as well as the family's personal belongings, including country-kitchen stools, orchids, and worn leather armchairs. Jean-Marc Dimanche finds the overall effect to be very calming. The Dimanches' move from a renovated longère outside Rambouillet to their new Parisian home represented a significant lifestyle shift. Vivette Dimanche emphasizes that their house is not merely conceptual but embodies 'le vivant, le vécu' — the living, the lived experience. Given Paris's high population density, Blanc's plant walls offer a solution to integrate nature into the urban fabric without negating the city's structure. Blanc aims to extend his work beyond homes and museums to less aesthetically pleasing urban locations like parking lots, public housing, and train stations, areas where living things are unexpected. He asserts that his plant walls are not a critique of urban life but an effort to reconcile it with nature, creating spaces that foster a connection between the urban environment and the natural world. #VerticalGarden #PatrickBlanc #IndoorGarden #UrbanGreenery #HomeDesign #ParisianLiving #BiophilicDesign #InteriorPlants #LivingWalls

This article highlights a remarkable California indoor-outdoor house, dubbed 'Hidden House' and 'Hidden Canyon,' situated in Los Angeles's Mount Washington neighborhood. The residence, which seamlessly blends with its natural surroundings, embodies a timeless L.A. aesthetic, reminiscent of the functional minimalism of the Case Study program and notable for its integration of indoor and outdoor spaces. Originally an unremarkable midcentury post-and-beam structure, the house underwent a significant remodel and expansion by Standard Architecture, a firm known for its minimalist designs, under the ownership of filmmaker Laura Gabbert. The design philosophy emphasizes Californian architecture, drawing inspiration from iconic structures like the Schindler house and the Case Study Houses, utilizing readily available materials like stucco, redwood, standard timbers, and concrete. A key feature is the extensive use of enormous sliding glass doors that blur the lines between indoor living areas and various outdoor 'rooms.' These outdoor spaces include a dining patio adjacent to a large kitchen, an upper patio for Gabbert’s daughter, a lounge area with a firepit off the living room, and a private lounge with an outdoor shower connected to the primary bedroom, leading to a two-person perch with canyon views. The property also features a pool, designed and built by Johnston Vidal Projects, lined with Heath Ceramics tiles and surrounded by an ipe wood deck, offering panoramic city views. The landscape design, a collaborative and iterative project spanning over a decade, was led by Fi Campbell, a landscape designer and long-time friend of Gabbert. Initially, budget constraints prevented a grand, pre-designed landscape plan, leading to a phased approach. Campbell, who became familiar with the family's lifestyle and how they utilized the spaces, created a garden that was adaptable and responsive to the site, its inhabitants, and nature's requirements. The garden includes fast-growing sycamores for shade, an extended hardscape with local flagstone and boulders, and a palette of native plants such as bunch grasses and various sages. The design evolved over time, transforming from a sun garden to a shade garden as trees matured, and gravel paths were added to accommodate social activities. The garden also features a fountain surrounded by local boulders, a favored organic design element by Campbell. Campbell's design philosophy is rooted in functionalism, economic, and ecological sustainability, prioritizing the use of natural materials like stone and wood that blend seamlessly with the environment and age gracefully. The landscape also incorporates a productive garden for LA Homefarm, run by Lauri Kranz, which supplies bouquets and vegetables. The collaboration between Gabbert and Campbell underscores a friendship that influenced the garden's evolution, with Campbell providing ongoing care and adaptations. The house represents a harmonious fusion of architectural design and responsive landscaping, creating a home deeply connected to its natural California setting. #CaliforniaArchitecture #IndoorOutdoorLiving #LandscapeDesign #HomeTours #MidCenturyModern #SustainableDesign #FunctionalistArchitecture #OutdoorLivingSpaces #NativePlants

This article details the design and features of Garden House, a new residential property in Sydney's affluent eastern suburbs, designed by Pearse Architects. The house addresses the challenges of a constrained site, which is overlooked by several large, adjoining properties due to the area's subdivision history. Unlike many Sydney homes that extend outwards, Garden House is designed to turn inwards, creating a self-contained and self-sufficient private domain. The core design principle involves wrapping the main living areas on the ground floor and four bedrooms upstairs around a central, lush green courtyard. This strategy ensures privacy from neighbors while integrating nature into almost every room. The central courtyard is a pivotal element, characterized by subtropical plants, palms, and reed structures adorned with bromeliads. A two-story screen of angled vertical timber beams at one end of the courtyard further enhances privacy while still allowing distant harbor views from within the house. The courtyard is not merely an outdoor space but an integral part of the building, influencing circulation, drawing visitors' attention, and providing natural light, air, and a sense of calm throughout the home. One of the owners describes the garden as the "core of the house," particularly when lit at night, comparing it to a "jewel box." Designed for a family with teenage children, the house incorporates three distinct living areas. A formal living room at the front features sliding glazed doors that open to both the courtyard and the front garden, transforming it into a pavilion-like space. On the opposite side of the courtyard, an open-plan casual living and dining area adjoins the kitchen, with glazed doors leading to the rear garden. A third living area, located upstairs between two children's bedrooms, can be converted into a media room with heavy drapes. The central courtyard facilitates visual connections between these living spaces and other rooms, with views filtered by the surrounding garden. The new house replaces a single-story 1930s bungalow and exhibits a continuous interplay between transparency and solidity. The north-east facing front elevation combines face brick and glazed elements. Inside, sandstone blade walls, constructed from the original bungalow's footings, serve as a historical reference. The interiors feature honed bluestone floors and exposed concrete ceilings. A lightweight, stepped timber walkway with a double-height window connects the more robust front and rear sections of the house. Upstairs, the main bedroom and a fourth bedroom access louvre-edged verandahs overlooking the street and offering distant water views, while the two rear bedrooms benefit from sun and sea breezes through high-level louvred windows. The architects prioritized access to morning sun and good ventilation in their design. Green is a prominent color throughout the house, chosen to symbolically extend the garden's presence indoors. This is evident in the rich green glass tiles in the main bedroom's ensuite, pale olive green kitchen cabinetry, lime green in the entry hallway, and a vibrant green pivoting front door. A unique feature in the courtyard is a delicate chain suspended from an eave, designed to capture rainwater and splinter it into droplets that dance onto river stones below, adding an auditory and visual element to the natural integration. The article concludes by listing various products and materials used, along with project details, team members, and consultants involved in the Garden House project. The project was completed in 2013 after eight months of design and documentation and fourteen months of construction, demonstrating a thoughtful approach to residential architecture on a challenging site. #ResidentialArchitecture #CourtyardHouse #SydneyHomes #PearseArchitects #PrivacyDesign #GardenIntegration #SustainableDesign #ModernLiving #InteriorDesign

This article explores 23 diverse garden layout ideas, offering inspiration for gardeners regardless of the size or type of garden they envision. It covers various approaches from small backyard gardens to large homestead gardens, herb gardens, and even window box gardens, emphasizing that layout considerations are crucial for successful planting. The primary factors for planning a garden layout include location, sun exposure (full sun, partial sun, or partial shade), and plant selection based on USDA Zone compatibility. The article highlights several popular garden styles and practical solutions. Square-foot vegetable gardening is presented as an efficient method for maximizing variety in a limited space, allowing for optimal plant density within one-foot blocks. For those seeking organization and better soil control, raised garden beds are recommended, providing a neat appearance and reducing weeding efforts. These can be arranged symmetrically for a formal look or sized according to plant needs. Shade gardens, often featuring low-maintenance ferns and hostas, are suggested for creating restful ambiances around patios and decks, with emphasis on using variegated leaves to add texture and darker wood colors to enhance green foliage. Modern garden styles are characterized by clean lines, symmetry, and a minimal color palette, often incorporating rounded shapes like clipped boxwood for a relaxed, orderly aesthetic. Side yard gardens, which can be challenging due to their narrowness, can be transformed into cohesive garden rooms using fencing that matches the house and strategically placed plants to guide the eye. Drought-tolerant gardens demonstrate that lushness can be achieved even with limited water, featuring plants like rose of Sharon, rosemary, and Russian sage, and suggesting light-colored stone mulch for vibrant contrast. Classic perennial border gardens are detailed with their characteristic progression of plant heights, from low in front to tall in the rear, often backed by dark evergreen hedges. Japanese-influenced gardens emphasize meticulous maintenance, perfectly shaped yet natural-looking plants, and the use of moss and gravel instead of grass for ground cover. Monochromatic gardens, particularly those using shades of purple, can create dramatic and intimate spaces, with subtle variations in flower shapes and colors preventing a flat appearance. Entryway gardens are designed to be welcoming with wide paths, creeping plants between flagstones, and careful placement of shrubs to avoid overwhelming the house while coordinating elements like ornamental grass and tile roofs. Ornamental grass gardens are celebrated for their low maintenance, adding movement, sound, and a glowing effect when backlit by the sun. Enclosed gardens utilize lattice work to create private, airy spaces for dining or relaxation without feeling claustrophobic. Modern, functional gardens seamlessly integrate seating areas and garden elements within a patio, using limited plants to soften stone pavers. Zen gardens achieve striking symmetry by juxtaposing geometric hardscaping with lush borders of soft greens and purples, often featuring standards, hydrangeas, and purple-leaved trees. Floating island gardens use clean edges to keep overflowing, effusive flower beds looking tidy, creating a natural feel with varying bed sizes and repeating plant colors. Front yard gardens are designed to make an immediate impact, balancing privacy with an open view of the house, often employing large shrubs and bright flowers at the entrance. Small vegetable gardens focus on maximizing space through strategic planting and seasonal cycling. Large backyard gardens offer ample space for distinct areas like lush lawns and abundant borders, encouraging organic, flowing shapes. Vertical gardens provide a solution for limited square footage, allowing for cultivation of various plants upwards. Herb gardens in terracotta pots offer flexibility for plants with different water needs, and formal rose gardens present a tailored, abundant English garden feel with pebble paths and hedge borders. Finally, mixed herb, vegetable, and flower gardens promote a casual look, using flowers on borders to repel pests and attract pollinators, and strategically planting companion herbs and vegetables. #GardenLayout #VegetableGarden #RaisedBeds #ShadeGarden #ModernGarden #DroughtTolerant #JapaneseGarden #ContainerGardening #VerticalGarden

The article details the transformation of an empty backyard into a plant-and-flower-filled outdoor sanctuary, a project undertaken by Bryn Mawr-based Gardner/Fox Associates. The homeowners, particularly the wife who is a Penn State master gardener, sought to create a space for cultivating plants and entertaining guests. The initial phase involved Gardner/Fox building out the structure's flooring and the masonry patio, both constructed with natural-cleft flagstone. The home's main deck staircase was also part of their work. A notable design element is the incorporation of short walls around the patio's edges, topped with flat Pennsylvania bluestone caps, which serve as dual-purpose seating areas, eliminating the need for additional chairs during gatherings. Stoney Bank Nurseries, located in Glen Mills, was responsible for the landscaping, which was meticulously designed to evoke the feel of a formal English garden. The plant selection includes several varieties of Japanese holly, such as 'Steeds,' 'Sky Pencil,' and 'Soft Touch,' strategically chosen for their varying heights to add visual depth. For disease resistance in the Delaware County climate, Japanese holly was preferred over traditional boxwood. 'Greenspire' holly was specifically used around the greenhouse entrance to provide texture. To the side of the greenhouse, a potting shed was constructed, featuring raised rough-sawn cedar planter boxes primarily used for growing vegetables. Gardner/Fox's team positioned the shed to enhance visual interest and create diverse vistas when viewed from the patio. The potting shed was designed with practicality in mind, offering a low-maintenance space for storing gardening tools like clay pots and shovels. Gardner/Fox constructed a wood-framed structure with Hardie Plank cement-based siding for its exterior, chosen for its wood-like appearance and rot-resistant properties. The greenhouse itself, a semi-custom unit from Hartley Botanic, boasts built-in benches and an automatic thermostat system. This system controls the opening of glass panels at the structure's peak, facilitating heat release during warmer months. The natural-cleft flagstone flooring installed by Gardner/Fox within the greenhouse is designed to slope downwards, directing water towards a central trough for efficient drainage. For the outdoor seating, interior designer Ainsley Stewart selected Celerie Kemble chairs. These chairs were chosen for their aesthetic resemblance to rattan while offering the durability of a weatherproof powder-coated aluminum frame. The entire project reflects a thoughtful approach to creating a functional and aesthetically pleasing outdoor living space tailored to the homeowners' passion for gardening and entertaining. The comprehensive design integrates various elements, from structural components to plant selections, to achieve a cohesive and inviting environment. The project was featured as "Habitat: Garden Party" in the August 2023 issue of Philadelphia magazine. #DelcoGreenhouse #OutdoorSanctuary #GardenDesign #LandscapeArchitecture #GardeningEnthusiast #PatioDesign #PlantCultivation #HomeDesign #CustomGreenhouse

This blog post highlights a four-story townhouse located at 356 President Street in the historic Carroll Gardens neighborhood. Built in 1869, the property has recently been listed for just over $4 million, showcasing a blend of historical architectural details and modern upgrades. The exterior of the townhouse features an arched doorway, original paneled doors, Italianate cast iron hand railings, and an impressive cornice, all preserved within a historic district. Inside, the residence has undergone recent restoration efforts to maintain its original charm. These restorations include eight fireplaces, five of which boast ornate marble mantels, as well as plaster moldings, ceiling medallions, decorative trim, and the original wood floors. The property is currently configured as a three-bedroom owner's duplex, with the garden floor housing the bedrooms and the parlor floor dedicated to living spaces. Additionally, the third and fourth floors are designed as two separate rental apartments, offering potential income. The parlor floor hosts a dedicated dining room adjacent to an eat-in kitchen. The dining room features a fireplace framed by an intricately carved marble mantlepiece. The owner's renovated kitchen is noted for its ample natural light, courtesy of large windows, and its direct access to a deck. One of the rental apartments also includes a kitchen with nearly floor-to-ceiling windows, ensuring bright living spaces throughout the property. Bedroom configurations vary, with one bedroom offering a lofty aesthetic characterized by exposed ceiling beams and an exposed brick fireplace painted white. Another bedroom retains more historic elements, including its own fireplace and tin ceilings. The outdoor space has also been significantly upgraded by a landscape architect. The backyard now features vertical cedar fencing, new retaining walls, built-in seating, and a bluestone patio, accessible from the kitchen's deck. This redesigned outdoor area provides a private retreat. Overall, the townhouse at 356 President Street presents a meticulously restored property that balances its historical integrity with contemporary living needs, offering both a luxurious owner's residence and income-generating rental units within a desirable Brooklyn neighborhood. #CarrollGardens #Townhouse #BrooklynRealEstate #HistoricHomes #LuxuryRealEstate #ArchitecturalDetails #HomeRestoration #NYCRealEstate

A rare, freestanding one-bedroom carriage house at 217 East 5th Street in Manhattan's East Village is currently on the market for $3.49 million. This unique property, recently renovated, spans four levels and offers three distinct outdoor spaces, making it a distinctive offering in the urban landscape. The residence is part of a five-story pre-war co-op building, with its private entrance located at the rear of the ground floor, leading into a bluestone courtyard. The main floor of the carriage house features a large living room designed for entertaining. This space is equipped with a gas fireplace, one of three in the home, a wet bar, and a built-in wine fridge. French doors in the living room open directly onto the private bluestone courtyard, enhancing the indoor-outdoor living experience. A coat closet and a powder room are also located on this level. Ascending a spiral staircase, the second floor houses an open-concept chef's kitchen and dining room. The kitchen is outfitted with custom bamboo cabinetry and high-end appliances, including a Sub-Zero refrigerator, Bosch dishwasher, and a wine cooler. Adjacent to the kitchen, the formal dining room includes a sitting area and another fireplace. French doors from the dining room provide access to a dining terrace, which also offers a staircase connecting to the courtyard below. The third level is dedicated to a full-floor master suite. This suite comprises a spacious sitting area, a dressing room with extensive floor-to-ceiling built-in shelves, and a windowed master bathroom. The master bathroom is appointed with blue ceramic subway tiles and basketweave marble floors, contributing to the home's renovated aesthetic. The basement level of the carriage house is fully finished and offers versatile space. It can function as a den, a home office, a guest room, or a second bedroom, depending on the owner's needs. This level also includes a full bathroom, built-in closets for storage, and a dedicated laundry room. This additional functional space adds to the property's overall utility and value. A significant feature of this residence is its expansive rooftop terrace. This outdoor oasis is designed for hosting, featuring an outdoor kitchen with a gas grill and sink, a dining area covered by a pergola, and a large furnished lounge area. All outdoor spaces throughout the property are equipped with electrical and water hookups, as well as irrigation systems for landscaping, ensuring ease of maintenance and functionality. The property is listed by Henry Hershkowitz, Heather McDonough, and Cartwright Lee of Compass. #EastVillage #CarriageHouse #NYCRealEstate #LuxuryHomes #Coop #ManhattanProperty #PrivateCourtyard #RoofTerrace

The Private Brussels Residence features an innovative design by architect Philippe Samyn and botanist Patrick Blanc, located on the outskirts of Brussels. This four-story house is distinguished by its comprehensive integration of vegetation, covering three of its facades and its entire roof. The project, which took eight years to construct with an additional year dedicated to refining plant selection, represents Patrick Blanc’s first opportunity to envelop an entire house in vegetation, including the rooftop. The residence serves as both a home and workplace for a cinematographer and his family. The design philosophy centers on creating privacy and a natural aesthetic on the north, east, and south elevations, which are adorned with curved, vegetated facades. In contrast, the west facade is entirely glass-walled, providing extensive views and exposing the interiors of the ground, first, and second floors. The initial concept for the vegetated facade involved ivy and a patinated copper roof, but it evolved to incorporate a diverse selection of exotic plants chosen by Blanc, extending seamlessly to cover the roof. Construction involved a standard process for vertical gardens, utilizing scaffolding to install a metal structure, attach PVC panels, staple irrigation fabric, and set up a hydroponic irrigation system before planting. The same methodology was applied to the green roof. Patrick Blanc carefully curated numerous plant species to suit the lush, semi-circular facade, considering sun exposure patterns and microclimates. The plant palette for the rooftop was more selective, primarily featuring Aubrieta, Cerastium, Delosperma, Iberis, and Sedum. The house also incorporates a sustainable water management system, collecting rainwater from the rooftop edges for irrigation, supplemented by a well, with any runoff being recycled. The interior layout includes the entry hall, a family room, and a kitchen on the street level, an existing small house incorporated into the design. The living room and stairway are part of a new extension. The second floor accommodates the master bedroom with its bathroom, along with five children’s rooms and sanitary facilities. These children's rooms are designed with mezzanines protected by textile netting, leading to the glass-walled facade. The vegetated roof spans approximately 360 square meters (3,875 sq ft), and the living vertical garden wall covers about 2,100 sq ft. This project highlights a significant advancement in residential green architecture, showcasing how a private residence can be transformed into a living ecosystem. The collaboration between architecture and botanical design creates a unique aesthetic and potentially offers environmental benefits such as improved insulation and biodiversity. The Private Brussels Residence has been featured in various publications, including dezeen magazine, designboom, and AECCafe.com, and was notably on the cover of the 2012 Greenroofs & Walls of the World™ 12 Month Wall Calendar. Patrick Blanc's work on this residence is also documented in his book, "The Vertical Garden: From Nature to the City." #GreenArchitecture #VerticalGarden #GreenRoof #SustainableDesign #PatrickBlanc #PhilippeSamyn #BrusselsResidence #BotanicalDesign #EcoFriendlyHome

This article details a multi-level garden makeover project undertaken by a homeowner who transformed a neglected courtyard into a functional and aesthetically pleasing outdoor space. The project began with a wild courtyard filled with overgrown ivy and accumulated leaves and dirt near the house. The homeowner aimed to preserve existing trees and shrubs and the old brick walls while introducing different zones and levels to the garden. A primary goal was to create a comfortable seating area. The homeowner's husband constructed bespoke wooden bench seats for the terrace, overcoming budget constraints for pre-made outdoor sofas. Initial issues with ivy dropping wet leaves and discolouring the wood led to switching from outdoor furniture oil to deck oil for better protection. The lower level, previously just a paved area, was subsequently developed into an 'outdoor room,' complete with custom seat pads, cushions, and an upcycled coffee table. Creative upcycling extended to other areas of the garden. An old window frame was repurposed into an outdoor mirror, which was installed on a brick wall after removing the ivy, effectively opening up and enhancing the space. An existing garden table and chairs from the homeowner's previous residence were incorporated to establish a dining zone at the far end of the garden. For the area near the back door, decorative touches were added, including shelving made from a salvaged wooden ladder, adorned with vases, pots, and accessories. A small wooden trolley, originally used at the couple's wedding, was repurposed to hold plants and accessories, creating a charming workstation. The planting scheme focused on creating a cottage garden aesthetic, attracting birds, butterflies, and bees. The homeowner prioritized retaining mature shrubs and an old apple tree and successfully rescued a pink climbing rose from the ivy. Despite a lack of prior gardening knowledge, the homeowner researched online to understand plant care, leading to successful relocations of a hydrangea and a fig tree to more suitable spots. The transformation successfully made the garden feel larger, facilitating more outdoor time for meals and entertaining. Evening use is enhanced by solar lights in the trees and a patio heater. The family also enjoys outdoor film nights using a projector and a white sheet. Jam-jar lights with solar-powered fairy lights were added for ambiance. The biggest challenge was the split-level layout and the overgrown ivy on the old brick walls. The homeowner introduced self-seeding annuals like Verbena, Bonariensis, Asters, Cornflowers, and Snapdragons to provide continuous color and allow plants to spill over borders, softening the landscaping lines. The result is a vibrant, multi-functional space that has gained the approval of the family cat. #GardenMakeover #CourtyardGarden #OutdoorLiving #DIYGarden #Upcycling #GardenDesign #BanquetteSeating #PlantingIdeas #HomeImprovement

This article showcases six distinct homes across the United States, each characterized by its unique architectural style and meticulously landscaped gardens. The first property, located in Santa Rosa, California, is an 8-acre Mediterranean villa featuring a 26-foot octagonal tower that offers views of the surrounding forests and hills. The three-bedroom house includes marble floors, beamed ceilings, three fireplaces, a chef's kitchen, a breakfast room, a library, a wine cellar, and a sunroom. Its exterior boasts flagstone pathways connecting various patios, a courtyard, a wooded picnic area, a greenhouse, and diverse gardens, notably a rock garden. The second featured home is a five-bedroom modern Colonial in Harding Township, New Jersey. This residence opens with French doors onto a lawn adorned with two French-inspired stone patios. Inside, it presents an open kitchen-living room area with beamed ceilings and a central stone fireplace, a paneled study with coffered ceilings, a dining room, a media room, and a gym. The 3-acre property is extensively landscaped with shrubs and trees, further enhanced by a fountain, a small woods, and a turf putting green complete with two sand traps. Next is a four-bedroom Tidewater-style home in Weems, Virginia, whose formal gardens provide a scenic view of the Corrotoman River. The house is distinguished by heart-of-pine floors, custom cabinetry, crown moldings, multiple decks, and a chef's kitchen that seamlessly connects to a butler's pantry and the living room. The outdoor area features well-maintained lawns, vibrant flowers, shrubs, a fountain, oyster-shell walkways, and an arbor. Additional amenities include a screened porch with a pool and spa, and a deepwater dock equipped with boat lifts. A four-bedroom home in Minneapolis occupies a 0.23-acre lot, which is thoughtfully planted with flowers, vines, mature trees, and boxwoods. This updated 1926 house maintains its original French windows, interior arches, and glass-paned double doors, while also incorporating a modern open kitchen, a paneled study, and a master bedroom with a private porch. The exterior includes a small front patio overlooking Lake of the Isles, along with brick and stone garden patios in the back, one under an arbor, and a picnic patio with a grill. The fifth property, Bogardus Hall in Amenia, New York, is a six-bedroom Georgian house built in 1781 and expanded in 1871. It is set amidst wide lawns, mature trees, and extensive perennial beds. The house preserves historical details such as original fireplaces and a spiral staircase adorned with murals depicting life along the Hudson River. It also features a library-study, a full kitchen wing, a brick great room, and a wine cellar. The expansive 132-acre property encompasses woods, a trout creek, a two-bedroom guesthouse, and a three-car garage with an office, full bath, and car wash. Finally, a 1929 Normandy-style château in Mansfield, Ohio, stands on nearly 2 acres of landscaped grounds. This five-bedroom house has been modernized with a contemporary kitchen, wet bar, and security system, yet it retains its original central turret with a curved staircase, a steep slate roof, a Juliet balcony, frescoes, wormy chestnut-beamed ceilings, and a cellar room that once served as a speakeasy. The exterior boasts a sweeping front drive, a porch, garden beds, and a backyard with mature trees, a lawn, a patio, and carved-limestone elements, including a fountain. Each of these homes offers a blend of architectural charm and exceptional outdoor spaces, appealing to those who appreciate both refined interiors and extensive, beautiful gardens. #LuxuryHomes #LushGardens #ArchitecturalStyles #RealEstate #HomeDesign #LandscapeDesign #PropertyShowcase #OutdoorLiving #GardenHomes

Growing vegetables indoors offers a fresh and healthy food source, even without outdoor space, and these ideas focus on integrating an indoor garden aesthetically into home interiors. Planning is crucial for successful indoor growing, considering factors such as space, lighting, and appropriate containers. Garden expert Elizabeth Millard emphasizes that containers should be safe for edible plants, visually appealing, easy to water, and allow for proper drainage without wasting soil, ensuring enough room for root growth, typically within the top 6 inches of soil. She advises choosing containers that are not only practical but also complement the home's design aesthetic. Various methods are presented for cultivating indoor vegetable gardens. Vertical grid systems are ideal for heat-loving plants like chilies and herbs, conserving space while providing visual interest. Terracotta pots are recommended for their heat retention and aesthetic appeal, though proper drainage and placement are important to prevent root burn. For micro-greens, shallow ceramic bowls offer a stylish alternative to plastic trays, as their minimal root system allows them to thrive in such dishes, making them suitable for display on kitchen counters. Combining different types of lettuce in a mix of white ceramic planters creates an appealing display, with designers suggesting grouping planters of the same color or material to match various design styles, from rustic to minimalist. For those seeking more advanced solutions, edible living walls provide a unique and self-sufficient option, often equipped with irrigation systems. The kitchen is an optimal location due to water accessibility and proximity to a window, with compact plants like tumbling tomatoes, cajun bell peppers, and eggplant being suitable choices. Symmetrical arrangements of terracotta pots filled with herbs and salad leaves on sunny windowsills add elegance. While some herbs can grow together, separating them into individual pots can better cater to their distinct needs, with small terracotta pots being a beautiful and practical choice. Hydroponic growing systems are highlighted as a less messy alternative to soil-based gardening, with integrated lighting offering flexibility in placement, such as in alcoves. These systems allow for a diverse range of vegetables, from eggplant and tomatoes to cabbage and kale, without the complexities of companion planting as nutrients are balanced weekly. Countertop hydroponic systems, like The Personal Garden, are perfect for beginners or those with limited space, enabling rapid growth of greens, herbs, and even small fruiting plants like strawberries and mini tomatoes. Placing small root vegetables like beets and radishes in cool zinc planters creates a visually striking contrast, while large timber troughs are suitable for leafy greens in covered indoor-outdoor spaces like balconies. When using wooden containers, it's essential to ensure they are sealed with food-grade materials or to use an inner pot to prevent chemical leaching. Finally, starting seedlings in uniform colored cartons offers a neat and coordinated approach, transforming utilitarian plastic containers into an organized display that enhances the interior aesthetic while providing an efficient way to monitor plant growth. #IndoorGardening #VegetableGarden #HomeDecor #ContainerGardening #Hydroponics #KitchenGarden #VerticalGarden #Microgreens #SustainableLiving

This article details the transformation of an old corner pub in inner-urban Melbourne into a contemporary family home, featuring a unique and meticulously designed European-style courtyard garden. The homeowners, inspired by their overseas travels, sought to recreate the enclosed, plant-filled courtyards found in Italy, France, and Spain. Landscape designer Kate Seddon was instrumental in bringing this vision to life, creating a magical oasis hidden behind the property's boundary wall. The architectural renovation, led by Don McQualter of Studio McQualter, involved restoring the original 1870s corner structure and adding a mirror-image, double-storey building. These two structures are connected by a long, single-level pavilion that houses an open-plan living zone, featuring a wall entirely glazed to offer continuous views of the courtyard. This design ensures that the garden serves as a central focal point, visible from nearly every room in the home. The courtyard itself measures a narrow 15x3 meters and is framed by the home's architecture and a tall boundary wall. Kate Seddon's primary objective was to create a lush, textural space that would offer an immediate sense of sanctuary upon entry. The main access point is an enigmatic gate in the boundary wall, leading directly into an 'entrance garden' filled with succulents. From here, stepping stones guide visitors in two directions: one path leads to the original corner building, and the other crosses a pond and a carpet of creeping thyme to a paved seating and barbecue area. The plant palette was carefully selected for its contrasting foliage shapes and textures, prioritizing hardy species suitable for the north-facing courtyard. This includes silvery Teucrium fruticans, fluro-green foxtail fern (Asparagus densiflorus 'Myersii'), rosettes of Agave attenuata, and strappy ornamental grass (Miscanthus 'Kleine Fontaine'). While some flowering plants like Stephanotis, Rhaphiolepis, and Euphorbia are present, the emphasis is on foliage to ensure year-round visual appeal. Boston ivy has been strategically used to cover walls, helping to moderate the environment and deflect heat. A key design element is the central European linden (Tilia cordata 'Greenspire'), which provides a tall canopy and serves as a feature shade tree. Beneath it, a curved concrete bench, poured in situ, adds a sculptural touch. The garden's seemingly expansive feel is achieved through layered planting, mixing climbers, shrubs, and ground covers. The use of stepping stones that dissolve into the solid paving further enhances the perception of space and greenery. Additional intriguing features include a rain chain, which provides both visual and auditory appeal, and pencil pines (Cupressus sempervirens 'Glauca') for vertical interest. Virginia creeper growing along a steel rod beneath the living pavilion's eaves creates veils of foliage that change color in autumn. Despite the small footprint, the courtyard effectively incorporates an entry path, access points, a fish pond, a paved seating area, and a barbecue, demonstrating a masterful use of 'punctuation points' to maximize functionality and aesthetic impact. The project's success was recognized with its nomination as a finalist in The Design Files’ Landscape Design Awards. #CourtyardGarden #EuropeanStyle #LandscapeDesign #UrbanGarden #PlantPalette #ArchitecturalRenovation #OutdoorSpace #GardenFeatures #MelbourneHome

This blog post highlights a Greenwich Village co-op located at 2 East 12th Street, which is on the market for $2.5 million. The property is presented as a year-round oasis, combining cozy interiors with an elaborate outdoor space. The interior of the co-op features two working fireplaces, providing warmth during colder months. The apartment occupies the entire ground floor of the building and includes two bedrooms, two-and-a-half bathrooms. The main living area consists of an open-plan kitchen and living room. The corner living room is equipped with a gas-burning, copper-clad fireplace and extensive floor-to-ceiling built-ins, offering both aesthetic appeal and practical storage. The kitchen is designed with modern sensibilities, featuring stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and a distinctive curving four-seat breakfast bar. Throughout the apartment, residents will find Lutron lighting, oak hardwood flooring, and recessed lighting, contributing to a contemporary and well-illuminated living environment. The exterior of the co-op is a significant feature, designed as a multi-level retreat. The backyard includes a two-tiered layout, a side patio, and a sunken Japanese-style cedar hot tub, serving as a focal point for relaxation. The lower level of the backyard is transformed into a garden with a stone pathway and various plants, while the upper deck is constructed from Ipe wood and features a built-in banquette, ideal for outdoor entertaining. This area also boasts numerous planters, a cedar potting shed for gardening enthusiasts, accent lighting, and an irrigation system to maintain the greenery. Access to the backyard from the living room is facilitated by two sets of doors. A separate set of stairs from the deck leads to the side patio, which is adorned with three window boxes positioned outside the living room. This patio area also accommodates the cedar storage/potting shed and a grill, further enhancing the outdoor living experience. French doors from this patio open into a charming dining nook that is conveniently located adjacent to the kitchen. The apartment's layout positions the two bedrooms at the opposite end from the main living area. One bedroom, which can also serve as a family room, features a wood-burning fireplace, a walk-in closet, and an en-suite bathroom with a linen closet. The second bedroom offers a street-facing bay window, a small closet, and an en-suite bathroom. For guests and convenience, a powder room and coat closet are situated near the front door. The building itself is a five-story structure with 10 residences, situated in the Greenwich Village neighborhood, equidistant from Washington Square and Union Square. #GreenwichVillage #CoopApartment #LuxuryRealEstate #OutdoorSpace #HotTub #ZenGarden #NYCRealEstate #HomeDesign

As urban populations increase and available land for farming diminishes, innovative solutions for food production within cities are becoming essential. Building facades, which typically represent twice the area of building footprints in urban environments, offer a significant opportunity for local food cultivation through living wall systems. These vertical growing platforms are integrated into building exteriors, providing various environmental and social benefits beyond just food production, such as improved biodiversity, air purification, noise reduction, and urban cooling. They also contribute to aesthetic value and have been shown to reduce stress and enhance well-being. Living wall systems come in two main types: continuous and modular. Continuous systems utilize lightweight screens with pockets containing wet felted substrate layers or rock wool, or they employ hydroponics where plant roots are continuously bathed in nutrient-rich fluids. Modular systems, more commonly adopted due to their immediate visual appeal and ease of plant replacement, consist of irrigated plant trays or pots filled with soil, affixed to a supporting structure. These systems allow for pre-growing plants offsite, simplifying installation and maintenance. Research conducted in Pretoria, South Africa, investigated the efficacy of modular living wall systems for growing traditional African vegetables. The study compared the performance of two systems, the Vicinity wall and the Eco Green Wall, against conventional soil-based agriculture. The Vicinity wall is an integrated system featuring water tanks, a pump, and a filter, with a drip irrigation setup that recirculates water. The Eco Green Wall, designed for economic feasibility and sustainability, utilizes interlocking, lightweight blocks made from recycled materials and plant pots with a 1.5-liter soil volume. The research found that localized production of living wall components can lower costs and reduce carbon footprint. It also highlighted that low-technology designs, requiring basic assembly and simple irrigation, enhance performance by limiting reliance on electricity and water. Key findings indicated that selecting appropriate plant species, particularly traditional African vegetables, significantly improves the resilience and sustainability of these systems. Seven traditional African vegetable species were identified as suitable for household food production in living walls: creeping foxglove, Indian borage, jute plant, pink ribbons, water mint, dwarf elephant’s food, and black-eyed pea. These plants are well-suited to harsh sub-Saharan African climates, possessing high nutritional value, requiring minimal irrigation and chemicals, and exhibiting disease resistance. They thrive in full sun and prefer well-drained, aerated potting soil with moderate irrigation. Proper placement to avoid pollution and ensure efficient sun exposure is crucial for optimal growth. While living wall systems offer substantial benefits, challenges include high installation and maintenance costs, difficulties in providing optimal plant growing conditions, and dependency on electricity and water. Some systems also demand specialized skills and technology. To overcome these barriers, the study suggests limiting sun exposure to plant pots to prevent overheating, recommending pots with at least three liters of lightweight, well-aerated soil (200mm depth) to boost yield and reduce plant stress, and implementing efficient drip or wick irrigation systems. The research concluded that modular living wall systems, particularly when used with selected traditional African vegetables, are a viable and space-saving method for improving food security and urban environments in sub-Saharan Africa, yielding more than four times the produce per square meter compared to conventional soil-based agriculture. #LivingWallSystems #VerticalGardening #UrbanFarming #FoodSecurity #SustainableAgriculture #ClimateChangeAdaptation #TraditionalAfricanVegetables #EcoFriendlyDesign #ModularSystems

Vertical gardens offer a practical solution for individuals with limited backyard space or those seeking an ergonomic gardening experience. These space-saving units allow for the cultivation of various plants, from herbs and succulents to strawberries, without the need for extensive bending or kneeling. They are particularly well-suited for small porches, balconies, and patios, with many models also suitable for indoor use, depending on lighting conditions and plant type. The selection of a vertical garden involves considering several key factors, including materials, size, and design. Materials commonly used include wood, metal, and plastic, or combinations thereof. Wooden vertical gardens often impart a rustic aesthetic and are generally robust. Metal gardens are known for their durability, lighter frames, and often feature powder coatings to prevent rust and corrosion. Plastic options are typically the most economical, offering versatility and sturdiness, though with less aesthetic charm than wood or metal. Size is another critical consideration, as vertical gardens vary significantly. Some designs maintain a small footprint by stacking planters directly upwards, while others feature planters that extend wider than the base for a more expansive display. Users should consider both the overall height and the height of individual planters, especially for indoor placement or for individuals who prefer not to bend excessively. The article highlights that the selected vertical gardens are top-rated, cover various styles and materials, and cater to different price points, with an emphasis on stability and durability based on past Popular Mechanics reports. The article then details several top recommendations, each with unique features. The Lettuce Grow Farmstand Hydroponic Vertical Garden is highlighted as a sustainable option, made from ocean-bound plastic and using 95% less water than traditional gardening. It's a self-fertilizing system that comes with essential nutrients and a pH testing kit, offering a high-end experience suitable for a range of plant types and featuring various add-ons like grow lights and heaters. For those seeking a visually appealing option for a wall, the Leisure Season Wood Vertical Garden is presented as a stylish, multi-tier cedar structure that can also support climbing plants. It includes drainage holes and plastic liners, and is weather-resistant for both indoor and outdoor use. The Amazing Creation Stackable Vertical Garden Planter is noted for its affordability and versatility, ideal for small plants like strawberries and herbs. Its stackable design allows for adjustable height, and each tier includes a soil separator to prevent leakage. For metal options, the Outland Living Four-Tier Vertical Garden is recommended for its food-grade plastic bins set within a curved, rust-resistant metal frame, suitable for taller spaces. Similarly, the Giantex Vertical Garden offers a stylish wooden design with independently usable, tilted planters for optimal sunlight exposure. The Outland Living Five-Tier Vertical Garden provides a mid-sized metal option with an ergonomic tiered design and powder-coated steel frame. For space-saving wall-mounted solutions, the HilarityMax 36-Pocket Vertical Garden, made of reinforced felt with rust-resistant eyelets, offers an inexpensive way to create a living wall. The Cyan Design Vertical Garden stands out as a stylish indoor option with a cascading design and removable, deep buckets. The Arlmont & Co. Vertical Garden offers a compact, five-tiered plastic design with an independent drainage system, suitable for smaller outdoor areas. Lastly, the Algreen Vertical Living Wall Planter is presented as a durable, weather-resistant wall-mounted option with adjustable planter boxes, while the YardCraft Cedar Vertical Garden is a double-sided cedar model, ideal for accommodating plants with varying sunlight needs, though it requires sealing for outdoor use. #VerticalGardens #HomeGardening #SpaceSaving #IndoorGardening #OutdoorGardening #Hydroponics #GardeningTools #PlantingSolutions #HomeImprovement

Hiren Patel Architects designed a sprawling Ahmedabad bungalow where the garden is as central as the house itself. Spanning almost an acre, the property features an irregular footprint with strategic projections that foster a dynamic relationship between the built environment and the surrounding natural elements. Multiple outdoor decks are integrated, including an exposed brick porch with Kota stone flooring and a wide, curved verandah, which softens the structure's appearance. Double-height volumes throughout the home incorporate extensive glass to maximize connection with nature, exemplified by a deck that appears to float above a reflective water body. The clients' preference for a forest-like landscape over a traditional lawn allowed for an abundance of greenery. This lush tropical environment extends into semi-open spaces and makes tentative inroads into the living areas. A Zen garden, designed by Anushree Patel, features a water body with stepping stones, creating a natural, untouched aesthetic. The interior spaces benefit from the varied rooflines, which create diverse volumes. The living and family rooms, both double-height, can be combined for larger gatherings. These areas are furnished with olive green leather sofas on herringbone patterned wooden floors, complemented by fabric-upholstered sofas facing a TV. A large palm tree indoors further blurs the line between the house and its garden. A cantilevered staircase, supported by a concrete wall, is illuminated by a slim skylight strip, while an art installation by Radhika hangs overhead. Double-height glazing offers expansive views of the lush surroundings. Addressing the varying preferences within the family, the architects incorporated diverse materials and created distinct pockets throughout the home. Flooring choices include Ambaji white marble, Kota stone, and natural wood. A significant home office space, crucial for the three family members in the legal profession, also serves as a study for the children. The ground floor accommodates the parents' and guest bedrooms, while the upper floor houses the son's bedroom and those of two married daughters who visit daily, fostering a lively atmosphere. A custom-designed, giant wheel-shaped bookcase serves as both a functional library and an art installation, doubling as a popular photo backdrop. The dining area, adjacent to the kitchen, features a square table beneath a large, suspended lighting fixture. This space is bathed in natural light, receiving both eastern morning light and views of the western sunset. A verandah attached to this area fulfills the clients' long-held desire for a Greek island aesthetic, featuring timeless white marble seating that provides the desired look without maintenance concerns. A built-in waterfall feature in the white table adds a soothing auditory element to mealtimes. Individual spaces offer unique experiences. The son's bedroom boasts spectacular garden views through three glass walls, with a horizontal slit high in the wall providing a sliver of light. A daughter’s sand-toned bathroom showcases an audacious cantilevered washbasin counter with an overhead faucet, and an open-air shower enhances the spa-like ambiance. The powder room features a glass floor with a 10-foot deep, stepped void beneath it, augmented by a mirror at the bottom to create an illusion of depth. This design element, inspired by Gujarat's traditional stepwells ('vavs'), serves as a symbolic connection to the family's agricultural heritage. The garden, a fundamental part of the home's experience, was designed concurrently with the house and features a bamboo corridor, Zen succulent planting, a wild forest with a natural stone waterfall and lily pond, a fruit orchard, and a grass courtyard garden. #HirenPatelArchitects #AhmedabadHomes #ArchitecturalDesign #LandscapeArchitecture #IndianArchitecture #ModernHomeDesign #IndoorOutdoorLiving #SustainableDesign #LuxuryHomes

This article showcases a charming garden shed located in Birmingham, Alabama, part of a larger garden featured in Country Living magazine's August/September issue. The shed and its surrounding garden are described as enchanting and storybook-like, with a particular highlight on a fairy garden within the landscape. The shed itself is visually appealing, characterized by its shingled exterior and a vibrant yellow door, which contributes to its whimsical appearance. The outdoor space around the shed is thoughtfully arranged, featuring an iron table and chairs, suggesting a peaceful spot for relaxation or potting activities. The detailed description of the garden environment includes various elements that enhance its aesthetic and functional appeal. Potted plants and rubber boots are visible outside the potting shed, indicating an active gardening space. The garden boasts a variety of colorful flowers, such as delphiniums and red gerber daisies, and also incorporates different types of foliage, including lettuces. These floral and botanical arrangements are presented in diverse ways, including a stone container filled with colorful flowers and a tiered plant stand displaying potted blooms, adding layers of visual interest to the garden. Beyond the vibrant plant life, the garden also features decorative and playful elements. A stone gnome is strategically placed on a gravel path, reinforcing the storybook theme. The mention of a 'charming fairy garden' suggests a dedicated miniature landscape designed to evoke a sense of fantasy and wonder. The overall design emphasizes a blend of practical gardening space with decorative touches that create an inviting and magical atmosphere. The article implicitly encourages readers to draw inspiration from this picturesque setting for their own outdoor spaces. The visual tour through the photographs aims to immerse the audience in the beauty and intricate details of this unique Birmingham garden. #GardenShed #GardenDesign #Fairyland #CountryLiving #BirminghamAlabama #OutdoorDecor #FloralArrangement #HomeAndGarden