Andrea Cochran: Landscapes

Riotous, lush, overgrown. Such are the gardens of Andrea Cochran.

No.

Strict, clipped, manicured, fussy.

No, thats not right either.

Eclectic, fanciful, frilly, capricious.

Not at all.

Historicist. Emblematic. Naturalistic.

No!

Abstract. Balanced. Composed. Considered. Deft. Elegant. Generous. Intuitive. Layered. Mindful. Nimble. Particular. Restrained. Rhythmic. Spatial. Textured. Understated.

That's better; these words feel closer to the mood of Andie's gardens. But can they really capture what it feels like to step into one of these lovely places?

-Henry Urbach, Architecture and Design Curator SFMOMA

A new book by Mary Myers profiling the career and gardens of Andrea Cochran is here. It was barely out of the delivery box at Grounded (Encinitas) this morning when I snatched a copy off the counter, gasped, and whispered.... "I want to go to there."

Andrea Cochran is a genius. She is a visionary. Seeing her work is like eating the perfect food and just sitting there enjoying it and wishing every bite of food for the rest of your life would taste just as good. Her gardens make you feel alive, they are what we all as designers want to create, and what most garden lovers lust over.

The book highlights eleven of her most influential and stunning designs. They range from rooftops to whimsical backyard escapes. The Stone Edge Vineyard is my personal favorite.

This blog focuses on MODERN... Andrea Cochran's work is timeless and that is exactly what we should all be aspiring to.

Maybe I should change the name...

nah.

Urban Bench

What an interesting and amazing design from Argentina native, Juampi Sammartino. The Cisca urban bench is a new concept in relaxing. Made of concrete and pieces of natural wood with an integrated planter, its a perfect piece to complete an outdoor room. Its a perfect mix of form and function... and incredibly inspiring!

Modern Art for Everyone...

When you find something you believe in, you want everyone to know about it...

The collection from Terra Sculpture is simple, elegant, beautiful, and affordable. Each piece is individually created and finished by hand. Enjoy the art.

Kensington goes modern

When one thinks Kensington, images of modest Spanish and Mission style cottages come to mind. How do you take the needs and wants of the Client, marry them with the style of the house and community and find an attractive compromise? I don't know.... you be the judge.

before...

After...

before...

A few after shots...

Check the website for more photos of this project

Mix it up at Mixture

I love Mixture!

Located on Kettner Blvd. in Little Italy, this modern home furnishing store has it all. If you are even considering remodeling your home or adding a touch of unique flair, Mixture is your one stop shop. With a full-time staff of motivated and talented designers, Mixture can help you identify the perfect product or furnishing for your space.

I especially love the original artwork on display from local and internationally acclaimed artists. But of course we focus on the outdoors here, and Mixture doesn't disappoint. They carry several products including planters by Studio 04, furniture by Kettal, and sustainable plantation grown teak tables by Maku.

Grab a sandwich at Mona Lisa's at wander over to Mixture, you won't be disappointed.

Neuton Battery Powered Lawnmower

This month's online newsletter from Garden Design Magazine features this fantastic product from a small company in Vermont; Neuton. Here is a quote from the website

"We are dedicated to making the world’s most innovative and dependable battery-powered lawn and garden equipment for people who care about the maintenance of their properties and the health of our environment. Our forward-thinking designs reduce the noise and pollution of traditional gas power equipment, making yard work more enjoyable. Consistent with these goals, a portion of our profits are donated to community organizations working to clean our air."

Forbes Magazine recently named Vermont the "Greenest" state, and Neuton is doing their part to keep that accolade going strong.

While I am generally opposed to large expanses of lawn, I do understand that in other parts of the country a large lawn doesn't have quite the environmental impact as it may in Southern California. Lets be honest, the equation of large lawn = status symbol is antiquated and absurd. But when lawn alternatives don't make the cut (pardon the pun) and a green carpet is the only option, a battery-powered lawn mower just makes way to much sense.

At around 2-3 times the cost ($349-449) of your average Home Depot special, the Neuton mower requires an initial investment. But think of the time, money, fuel, and oil you will save. Not to mention the jealous looks from your neighbors as they see you "Going Green" and looking good at the same time.

Another notable from Neuton? The Noise Pollution Clearinghouse rated Neuton the quietest rotary mower you can buy. Not to shabby...

Modern Birdhouse

The Modern Birdhouses carried by Wieler are the perfect item to introduce to your backyard to encourage the birds to visit. The hand-made birdhouses are built from sustainably harvested teak that has been certified through Rainforest Alliance’s Smartwood program. The oil-finished wood is a beautiful addition to any area, and cavity-nesting birds like chickadees, bluebirds, wrens and swallows will enjoy the suites. Stainless steel screws and sandblasted aluminum roofs complete the ensemble of simple lines and modern architecture. The floors of the houses are easily removed. The birdhouses are protected by an oil that is resistant to water, mildew and U rays, so your bird’s haven will stay in beautiful condition. Wieler