Urban Oasis FINDING TRANQUILITY AT HOME by Rebecca Gross
CONTENTS 00
INTRODUCTION
0 00
CONVERSATION PIECE
Melbourne, Australia
0 00
SELF-SUSTAINING IN THE INNER CITY
Melbourne, Australia
0 00
NATURE AT EVERY TURN
Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
0 00
TROPICAL FLAVOR
Sydney, Australia
0 00
FRANGIPANI FLOWER POWER
Singapore, Singapore
0 00
THE CATHARTIC QUALITIES OF WATER
Melbourne, Australia
0 00
COOL, CALM, AND COLLECTED
New York, United States
0 00
AN ELEGANT GARDEN PARTY
Toronto, Canada
0 00
IN PERFECT HARMONY
London, United Kingdom
0 00
A POCKET OF PARADISE
Melbourne, Australia
000
MONTAUK MEETS MANHATTAN
New York, United States
0 00
HAMPTON-STYLE HAVEN
New York, United States
0 00
JUNGLE OASIS
London, United Kingdom
0 00
NEW YORK PRAIRIE STYLE
New York, United States
0 00
A WORLD AWAY
San Francisco, United States
0 00
ROOFTOP BACKYARD
Sydney, Australia
0 00
A MYSTICAL OASIS
Singapore, Singapore
0 00
THIS SPORTING LIFE
New York, United States
0 00
SECRET GARDEN
New York, United States
0 00
A SLICE OF GARDENING HEAVEN
Melbourne, Australia
0 00
SUBTROPICAL SUNTRAP
Gold Coast, Australia
0 00
VERDANT SANCTUARY
London, United Kingdom
0 00
PENTHOUSE PARADISE
New York, United States
0 00
SOLACE FOR THE SOUL
Melbourne, Australia
0 00
AN EXUBERANT GARDEN
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
0 00
SKY-HIGH HABITAT
Melbourne, Australia
0 00
FOR A FAMILY TO FLOURISH
Perth, Australia
000
CALIFORNIA IN CHICAGO
Chicago, United States
0 00
A GARDEN FOR ALL
Melbourne, Australia
000
RISE TO THE OCCASION
San Francisco, United States
0 00
MID-CENTURY MODERN VIEWS
New York, United States
0 00
GARDEN WITH A VIEW
New York, United States
0 00
CITY ATTRACTION
Toronto, Canada
0 00
INNER-CITY BOHO
New York, United States
0 00
A BUCOLIC BACKYARD
Sydney, Australia
0 00
DESIGN AND PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS
CONTENTS 00
INTRODUCTION
0 00
CONVERSATION PIECE
Melbourne, Australia
0 00
SELF-SUSTAINING IN THE INNER CITY
Melbourne, Australia
0 00
NATURE AT EVERY TURN
Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
0 00
TROPICAL FLAVOR
Sydney, Australia
0 00
FRANGIPANI FLOWER POWER
Singapore, Singapore
0 00
THE CATHARTIC QUALITIES OF WATER
Melbourne, Australia
0 00
COOL, CALM, AND COLLECTED
New York, United States
0 00
AN ELEGANT GARDEN PARTY
Toronto, Canada
0 00
IN PERFECT HARMONY
London, United Kingdom
0 00
A POCKET OF PARADISE
Melbourne, Australia
000
MONTAUK MEETS MANHATTAN
New York, United States
0 00
HAMPTON-STYLE HAVEN
New York, United States
0 00
JUNGLE OASIS
London, United Kingdom
0 00
NEW YORK PRAIRIE STYLE
New York, United States
0 00
A WORLD AWAY
San Francisco, United States
0 00
ROOFTOP BACKYARD
Sydney, Australia
0 00
A MYSTICAL OASIS
Singapore, Singapore
0 00
THIS SPORTING LIFE
New York, United States
0 00
SECRET GARDEN
New York, United States
0 00
A SLICE OF GARDENING HEAVEN
Melbourne, Australia
0 00
SUBTROPICAL SUNTRAP
Gold Coast, Australia
0 00
VERDANT SANCTUARY
London, United Kingdom
0 00
PENTHOUSE PARADISE
New York, United States
0 00
SOLACE FOR THE SOUL
Melbourne, Australia
0 00
AN EXUBERANT GARDEN
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
0 00
SKY-HIGH HABITAT
Melbourne, Australia
0 00
FOR A FAMILY TO FLOURISH
Perth, Australia
000
CALIFORNIA IN CHICAGO
Chicago, United States
0 00
A GARDEN FOR ALL
Melbourne, Australia
000
RISE TO THE OCCASION
San Francisco, United States
0 00
MID-CENTURY MODERN VIEWS
New York, United States
0 00
GARDEN WITH A VIEW
New York, United States
0 00
CITY ATTRACTION
Toronto, Canada
0 00
INNER-CITY BOHO
New York, United States
0 00
A BUCOLIC BACKYARD
Sydney, Australia
0 00
DESIGN AND PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS
INTRODUCTION When Frederick Olmsted designed Central Park in
For city and inner-city dwellers, however, the
Manhattan in the nineteenth century it was not
opportunities for private outdoor space have long
merely to create a green space. Rather, it addressed
been few and far between. But in recent decades,
underlying social concerns in the ever-growing
architects, designers, and homeowners have been
metropolis. Olmsted saw parks as an antidote to
rethinking the possibilities. Barren rooftops, unused
modern life and a necessary visual, physical, and
parking lots, and overgrown backyards are being
mental escape from the city. Indeed, Central Park
transformed into verdant landscapes, and houses,
was to provide an urban oasis—peaceful, pleasant,
apartments, condominiums, and warehouses are
and picturesque. Where people had access to
being designed, renovated, and converted to carve
fresh air and sunlight, and where close contact
out terraces, courtyards, and gardens.
with nature would be healing and restorative— beneficial for individual and social good.
This shift has seen a trend in viewing and designing outdoor space as an extension of the
The importance of green space is even more
house and as an “outdoor room.” They are designed
pronounced today. As urban areas increase in density
for prescribed yet flexible functions, and with
in both population numbers and development, there
the comfort and individuality of an indoor room.
is a disconnection with nature and less time spent
Glass doors create transparent divisions between
outdoors, simply being in open space.
inside and out, and consistent material palettes
While urban planners recognize the need for developing public parks and civic hubs, what if you could have your own private outdoor space. It was historically the domain of the elite and wealthy, until the inception of the backyard dream
create a seamlessness that blur the boundaries of the exterior wall. Barbeques, dining tables, bench seats, and lounge settings offer places for relaxing, entertaining, playing, and socializing—for simply living life outdoors.
with twentieth-century suburban mass migration.
7
INTRODUCTION When Frederick Olmsted designed Central Park in
For city and inner-city dwellers, however, the
Manhattan in the nineteenth century it was not
opportunities for private outdoor space have long
merely to create a green space. Rather, it addressed
been few and far between. But in recent decades,
underlying social concerns in the ever-growing
architects, designers, and homeowners have been
metropolis. Olmsted saw parks as an antidote to
rethinking the possibilities. Barren rooftops, unused
modern life and a necessary visual, physical, and
parking lots, and overgrown backyards are being
mental escape from the city. Indeed, Central Park
transformed into verdant landscapes, and houses,
was to provide an urban oasis—peaceful, pleasant,
apartments, condominiums, and warehouses are
and picturesque. Where people had access to
being designed, renovated, and converted to carve
fresh air and sunlight, and where close contact
out terraces, courtyards, and gardens.
with nature would be healing and restorative— beneficial for individual and social good.
This shift has seen a trend in viewing and designing outdoor space as an extension of the
The importance of green space is even more
house and as an “outdoor room.” They are designed
pronounced today. As urban areas increase in density
for prescribed yet flexible functions, and with
in both population numbers and development, there
the comfort and individuality of an indoor room.
is a disconnection with nature and less time spent
Glass doors create transparent divisions between
outdoors, simply being in open space.
inside and out, and consistent material palettes
While urban planners recognize the need for developing public parks and civic hubs, what if you could have your own private outdoor space. It was historically the domain of the elite and wealthy, until the inception of the backyard dream
create a seamlessness that blur the boundaries of the exterior wall. Barbeques, dining tables, bench seats, and lounge settings offer places for relaxing, entertaining, playing, and socializing—for simply living life outdoors.
with twentieth-century suburban mass migration.
7
Fresh air, sunshine, and nature have undoubtedly
as Montauk, the Hamptons, Japan, or the great
positive benefits for body, spirit, and mind. Time
American prairie. Similarly, there are courtyards
spent outdoors improves health and happiness,
and backyards in London that burst with a jungle
lowers stress, and buoys mood, and private outdoor
of tropical and subtropical plants—an exotic scene
spaces offer homeowners the opportunity to
despite the English climate. While many urban areas
indulge in the passions, particularly if it’s for plants
in the northern hemisphere deal with extremes in
or fresh produce. Avid gardeners can flex their
climate, Australia’s more moderate temperatures
green fingers cultivating plants or harvesting herbs,
make it comfortable to spend time outdoors year-
flowers, vegetables, and fruit, reaping the benefits
round. Consequently, there is a diverse selection of
of locally grown food.
projects from Australia where the notion of “indoor-
Urban Oasis: Finding Tranquility at Home showcases contemporary residential spaces from around the world. As the designers—from large landscape architecture firms to local gardeners—creatively bed the landscapes into their architectural surroundings they take many forms: courtyards, rooftops, patios,
outdoor living” has come to define an architectural and lifestyle ideal. As many head outside to seek the sun and heat, in Southeast Asia, by contrast, the high humidity sees people retreat to cooler, shadier areas, and houses in Singapore and Vietnam incorporate refreshing water.
terraces, backyards, permaculture gardens, and water
Consistent across the projects, there is consideration
features. Drawing inspiration from nature, culture,
for the context and climate, utilizing architecture
and far-off places, they create personal paradises,
and vegetation for privacy, sun, and shade. Pergolas
even when space is at a premium.
and arbors obstruct views from overlooking
You will find terraces in New York City that perch high above the rooftops. Taking in views of the famous skyline, they could be nowhere but New York, but their designs evoke other places, such
8
neighbors, and the leaves of deciduous plants provide shade in summer and allow sun to penetrate in winter. Outdoor areas are bounded by new and existing architecture as well as natural screens,
9
Fresh air, sunshine, and nature have undoubtedly
as Montauk, the Hamptons, Japan, or the great
positive benefits for body, spirit, and mind. Time
American prairie. Similarly, there are courtyards
spent outdoors improves health and happiness,
and backyards in London that burst with a jungle
lowers stress, and buoys mood, and private outdoor
of tropical and subtropical plants—an exotic scene
spaces offer homeowners the opportunity to
despite the English climate. While many urban areas
indulge in the passions, particularly if it’s for plants
in the northern hemisphere deal with extremes in
or fresh produce. Avid gardeners can flex their
climate, Australia’s more moderate temperatures
green fingers cultivating plants or harvesting herbs,
make it comfortable to spend time outdoors year-
flowers, vegetables, and fruit, reaping the benefits
round. Consequently, there is a diverse selection of
of locally grown food.
projects from Australia where the notion of “indoor-
Urban Oasis: Finding Tranquility at Home showcases contemporary residential spaces from around the world. As the designers—from large landscape architecture firms to local gardeners—creatively bed the landscapes into their architectural surroundings they take many forms: courtyards, rooftops, patios,
outdoor living” has come to define an architectural and lifestyle ideal. As many head outside to seek the sun and heat, in Southeast Asia, by contrast, the high humidity sees people retreat to cooler, shadier areas, and houses in Singapore and Vietnam incorporate refreshing water.
terraces, backyards, permaculture gardens, and water
Consistent across the projects, there is consideration
features. Drawing inspiration from nature, culture,
for the context and climate, utilizing architecture
and far-off places, they create personal paradises,
and vegetation for privacy, sun, and shade. Pergolas
even when space is at a premium.
and arbors obstruct views from overlooking
You will find terraces in New York City that perch high above the rooftops. Taking in views of the famous skyline, they could be nowhere but New York, but their designs evoke other places, such
8
neighbors, and the leaves of deciduous plants provide shade in summer and allow sun to penetrate in winter. Outdoor areas are bounded by new and existing architecture as well as natural screens,
9
such as rows of bamboo trees. Evergreen and
Dotted around a city, these green and open
low-maintenance plants prove popular choices,
spaces—no matter their size—become part of a
and flowering perennials add color and fragrance,
network for pollinators and for flora to make their
attracting a variety of pollinators.
habitat. Contributing to local ecosystems and
This transformation of urban space is occurring at all scales as urban planners, architects and landscape architects convert existing and aging infrastructure in to public park. The High Line in Manhattan set a precedent in repurposing a disused railway track and its success has inspired other cities to replicate it. An industrial parking lot in Toronto is now
biodiversity, this regeneration of nature not only boosts the quality of life but also the quality of the environment. It helps to counteract the urban heat island effect, providing shade and reducing temperatures, while plants insulate against noise, filter stormwater runoff, and remove pollutants from the air.
an urban beach on the waterfront, and rooftops
Across the 34 projects featured in this volume,
around the world are being transformed into
you will find personal and private outdoor spaces
urban farms. Singapore is one of the most densely
that are as fresh and inviting as the air, sun and
populated cities and also one of the greenest.
nature they provide access to. Constrained by their
As all new developments must include plant life,
architectural context, but with inspiration and
urban planners and architects are weaving nature
plant life drawn from a broad array of imaginative
throughout infrastructure and architecture with
sources, these urban oases feel removed from city
green roofs, cascading gardens, and green walls.
life, while being inherently embedded within it. Rebecca Gross
10
11
such as rows of bamboo trees. Evergreen and
Dotted around a city, these green and open
low-maintenance plants prove popular choices,
spaces—no matter their size—become part of a
and flowering perennials add color and fragrance,
network for pollinators and for flora to make their
attracting a variety of pollinators.
habitat. Contributing to local ecosystems and
This transformation of urban space is occurring at all scales as urban planners, architects and landscape architects convert existing and aging infrastructure in to public park. The High Line in Manhattan set a precedent in repurposing a disused railway track and its success has inspired other cities to replicate it. An industrial parking lot in Toronto is now
biodiversity, this regeneration of nature not only boosts the quality of life but also the quality of the environment. It helps to counteract the urban heat island effect, providing shade and reducing temperatures, while plants insulate against noise, filter stormwater runoff, and remove pollutants from the air.
an urban beach on the waterfront, and rooftops
Across the 34 projects featured in this volume,
around the world are being transformed into
you will find personal and private outdoor spaces
urban farms. Singapore is one of the most densely
that are as fresh and inviting as the air, sun and
populated cities and also one of the greenest.
nature they provide access to. Constrained by their
As all new developments must include plant life,
architectural context, but with inspiration and
urban planners and architects are weaving nature
plant life drawn from a broad array of imaginative
throughout infrastructure and architecture with
sources, these urban oases feel removed from city
green roofs, cascading gardens, and green walls.
life, while being inherently embedded within it. Rebecca Gross
10
11
MID-CENTURY MODERN MEETS PICTURE-POSTCARD VIEWS Andre Franz Architect renovated the top floors of a
TRIBECA LOFT
beautifully restored former caviar warehouse in Tribeca,
NEW YORK, USA
New York, to create a warm and welcoming residence with
2013
enchanting pockets of outdoor space. While the building
3000 SQUARE FEET
dates back to 1884—its rustic brick walls and timber columns
ANDREW FRANZ ARCHITECT
and beams exposed—the colorful interior and exterior are imbued with the joyful spirit of mid-century modern design. The mid-century garden was traditionally designed as an extension of architecture. Here, it nestles within the architecture, like a glass-encased box that floats within the living area. Timber stairs (made with salvaged ceiling joists) lead up to the garden where an eclectic collection of pots and plants line up against the window, providing a colorful view from below. With glass windows and a retractable skylight, the courtyard is showered with natural light. It’s a covered outdoor oasis to enjoy breakfast or the newspaper in colder weather, and a secluded sanctuary to sit outside on balmy, sun-drenched days.
22
MID-CENTURY MODERN MEETS PICTURE-POSTCARD VIEWS Andre Franz Architect renovated the top floors of a
TRIBECA LOFT
beautifully restored former caviar warehouse in Tribeca,
NEW YORK, USA
New York, to create a warm and welcoming residence with
2013
enchanting pockets of outdoor space. While the building
3000 SQUARE FEET
dates back to 1884—its rustic brick walls and timber columns
ANDREW FRANZ ARCHITECT
and beams exposed—the colorful interior and exterior are imbued with the joyful spirit of mid-century modern design. The mid-century garden was traditionally designed as an extension of architecture. Here, it nestles within the architecture, like a glass-encased box that floats within the living area. Timber stairs (made with salvaged ceiling joists) lead up to the garden where an eclectic collection of pots and plants line up against the window, providing a colorful view from below. With glass windows and a retractable skylight, the courtyard is showered with natural light. It’s a covered outdoor oasis to enjoy breakfast or the newspaper in colder weather, and a secluded sanctuary to sit outside on balmy, sun-drenched days.
22
“It’s a covered outdoor oasis to enjoy breakfast and a secluded sanctuary to sit outside on balmy, sun-drenched days” – Andrew Franz
25
“It’s a covered outdoor oasis to enjoy breakfast and a secluded sanctuary to sit outside on balmy, sun-drenched days” – Andrew Franz
25
A second set of timber stairs and old bluestone pavers lead to the terrace at the southern end of the rooftop, with picture-postcard views of Manhattan and the Hudson River—the Financial District to the south and Empire State Building to the north. A timber wall shelters the lounge-like seating with low-maintenance native plants and flowers provide a verdant green and bright yellow backdrop, complementing the vibrant sunflower-colored cushions and graphic lime-green metal chairs. A petal-shaped side table adds a final floral flourish.
26
A second set of timber stairs and old bluestone pavers lead to the terrace at the southern end of the rooftop, with picture-postcard views of Manhattan and the Hudson River—the Financial District to the south and Empire State Building to the north. A timber wall shelters the lounge-like seating with low-maintenance native plants and flowers provide a verdant green and bright yellow backdrop, complementing the vibrant sunflower-colored cushions and graphic lime-green metal chairs. A petal-shaped side table adds a final floral flourish.
26
SELF-SUSTAINING IN AN INNER-CITY SUBURB Julie and Geoff Carroll are an environmentally conscious
AQUAS PERMA SOLAR FIRMA
and socially responsible couple who have a house and garden
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
driven by their passion for sustainability. Harvesting fish,
2015
vegetables, eggs and water, Julie and Geoff’s inner-city
AREA SIZE
suburban terrace and permaculture garden inspires a more
CPLUSC ARCHITECTURAL WORKSHOP
self-sufficient way of living. CplusC Architectural Workshop designed the Carrolls’ house to integrate interior and exterior spaces, maximizing functional living and passive solar design with added sustainability initiatives. A garden brings life and light into the center of the house, dissolving the barriers between indoors and out. Two 550-pound (250-kilogram) vertical glass doors enclose the garden and are opened with a rack-andpinion system operated by a custom wheel that raises and lowers a 1100-pound (500-kilogram) counterweight suspended on a rainchain. The rainchain channels water into a flush pit under the courtyard before it’s transported to a 1320-gallon (5,000-litre) underground tank in the rear garden.
36
SELF-SUSTAINING IN AN INNER-CITY SUBURB Julie and Geoff Carroll are an environmentally conscious
AQUAS PERMA SOLAR FIRMA
and socially responsible couple who have a house and garden
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
driven by their passion for sustainability. Harvesting fish,
2015
vegetables, eggs and water, Julie and Geoff’s inner-city
AREA SIZE
suburban terrace and permaculture garden inspires a more
CPLUSC ARCHITECTURAL WORKSHOP
self-sufficient way of living. CplusC Architectural Workshop designed the Carrolls’ house to integrate interior and exterior spaces, maximizing functional living and passive solar design with added sustainability initiatives. A garden brings life and light into the center of the house, dissolving the barriers between indoors and out. Two 550-pound (250-kilogram) vertical glass doors enclose the garden and are opened with a rack-andpinion system operated by a custom wheel that raises and lowers a 1100-pound (500-kilogram) counterweight suspended on a rainchain. The rainchain channels water into a flush pit under the courtyard before it’s transported to a 1320-gallon (5,000-litre) underground tank in the rear garden.
36
“A garden brings life and light into the center of the house, dissolving the barriers between indoors and out.” – Julie and Geoff
The permaculture garden provides Julie and Geoff with a more selfsustaining way of living. An aquaponics system, designed by Steve Oatley of Sydney Organic Gardens, harvests edible fish in tanks with timber-screen lids that double as outdoor seating beneath the shade of a vine-covered pergola. The nutrient-rich water in the tanks is used to fertilize the vertical productive garden, budding with all types of lettuce. Box gutters collect and filter rainwater supplying the toilets, laundry and irrigation, and wicking beds hold reservoirs of water to minimize water wastage. Chickens in the coop provide daily eggs and a vegetable garden provides fresh produce. All work in harmony with composting and a worm farm as the garden provides food, of which scraps are fed to chickens, in turn producing fertilizer and eggs. Julie and Geoff share their excess eggs and vegetables with friends, family, and neighbors, becoming a way to interact with and build a community.
43
“A garden brings life and light into the center of the house, dissolving the barriers between indoors and out.” – Julie and Geoff
The permaculture garden provides Julie and Geoff with a more selfsustaining way of living. An aquaponics system, designed by Steve Oatley of Sydney Organic Gardens, harvests edible fish in tanks with timber-screen lids that double as outdoor seating beneath the shade of a vine-covered pergola. The nutrient-rich water in the tanks is used to fertilize the vertical productive garden, budding with all types of lettuce. Box gutters collect and filter rainwater supplying the toilets, laundry and irrigation, and wicking beds hold reservoirs of water to minimize water wastage. Chickens in the coop provide daily eggs and a vegetable garden provides fresh produce. All work in harmony with composting and a worm farm as the garden provides food, of which scraps are fed to chickens, in turn producing fertilizer and eggs. Julie and Geoff share their excess eggs and vegetables with friends, family, and neighbors, becoming a way to interact with and build a community.
43
AN EXUBERANT GARDEN TO DISCOVER AND EXPLORE The streets of New Town in Edinburgh, Scotland, are lined
ETON TERRACE
with handsome Neoclassical and Georgian terraces offering
EDINBURGH, UK
plenty of old-fashioned charm. Behind one sandstone terrace
2014
nestles this exuberant garden that’s inviting at all times of
AREA SIZE
day and year with special moments to discover and explore.
SECRET GARDENS DESIGN
The plan of the long, narrow garden is based on a sectional slice of a flower, with petal-shaped planter beds radiating from a sawn sandstone patio. At the heart of the patio, an ochre-coloured lily bowl water feature is bounded by a snaking stone wall with scorched-oak timber bench. Its deep-blue reflective surface reflects the sparkling garden lights, providing a warm and intimate atmosphere for the owners at night.
22
AN EXUBERANT GARDEN TO DISCOVER AND EXPLORE The streets of New Town in Edinburgh, Scotland, are lined
ETON TERRACE
with handsome Neoclassical and Georgian terraces offering
EDINBURGH, UK
plenty of old-fashioned charm. Behind one sandstone terrace
2014
nestles this exuberant garden that’s inviting at all times of
AREA SIZE
day and year with special moments to discover and explore.
SECRET GARDENS DESIGN
The plan of the long, narrow garden is based on a sectional slice of a flower, with petal-shaped planter beds radiating from a sawn sandstone patio. At the heart of the patio, an ochre-coloured lily bowl water feature is bounded by a snaking stone wall with scorched-oak timber bench. Its deep-blue reflective surface reflects the sparkling garden lights, providing a warm and intimate atmosphere for the owners at night.
22
“They like to switch on the garden lights late at night and sit around the lily bowl.” – Carolyn Grohmann
A fine-gravel path ambles through the green surrounds contained within the backdrop of historical, high stone walls. Garden designer Carolyn Grohmann created the raised flower beds with rebar reinforcing rods woven together like basket weave. Each bed flourishes with a profusion of flowers and foliage, from the first golden miniature daffodils (Narcissus ‘Tête-à-tête’) that appear in spring until the lavenderblue geraniums (Geranium ‘Jolly Bee’) disappear at the close of fall. Throughout the garden is a rich and romantic palette of perennials with whorls of Japanese primrose (Primula japonica ‘Apple Blossom’) and scented peonies (Paeonia ‘Claire de Lune’). Sculptural box balls sit amidst fine, textured Mexican feathergrass (Stipa tenuissima) and dense, golden sedge (Carex elata ‘Aurea’). At the end of the garden, a katsura tree (Cercidiphyllum japonicum) emits a burnt-sugar scent and its fallen leaves trail a bronzecoloured carpet on the ground.
25
“They like to switch on the garden lights late at night and sit around the lily bowl.” – Carolyn Grohmann
A fine-gravel path ambles through the green surrounds contained within the backdrop of historical, high stone walls. Garden designer Carolyn Grohmann created the raised flower beds with rebar reinforcing rods woven together like basket weave. Each bed flourishes with a profusion of flowers and foliage, from the first golden miniature daffodils (Narcissus ‘Tête-à-tête’) that appear in spring until the lavenderblue geraniums (Geranium ‘Jolly Bee’) disappear at the close of fall. Throughout the garden is a rich and romantic palette of perennials with whorls of Japanese primrose (Primula japonica ‘Apple Blossom’) and scented peonies (Paeonia ‘Claire de Lune’). Sculptural box balls sit amidst fine, textured Mexican feathergrass (Stipa tenuissima) and dense, golden sedge (Carex elata ‘Aurea’). At the end of the garden, a katsura tree (Cercidiphyllum japonicum) emits a burnt-sugar scent and its fallen leaves trail a bronzecoloured carpet on the ground.
25
Personal and private outdoor space is becoming ever-more elusive as urban areas become more crowded due to population growth and increasing development. Urban Oasis: Finding Tranquility at Home features projects from Sydney to Singapore and London to New York that showcase inspirational rooftops, gardens, and courtyards that offer private pockets of paradise. These outdoor spaces provide relaxing, sociable, and plant-filled settings for their owners to savor peace and calm, and the company of family and friends.
$40.00 [USA] £35.00 [GB]