Spring is around the corner, and I am surprised by the beauty of an early garden before flowers have begun to bloom. A long project has finally come to fruition, and I am amazed at the loveliness of the space. Outdoor environments create an inner quietude, and a successful collaboration between client and architect in achieving a harmony between house and garden is a particularly satisfying process. Clarity of concept and creative agility are both required in accomplishing a vision that surpasses expectations. Our collaboration with Charles Debbas delivered more than we could have hoped for. Here is a collection of gardens — “outdoor rooms” — that have elevated landscaping to a breathtaking level: http://www.gardendesign.com/california/bay-area.html
It’s the perfect time to emerge from the cocoon of rain and embrace all that our gardens have to offer. Public gardens are beckoning, too; the abundance of beauty in our local botanical preserves and parks is remarkable. The bright warm weather is coaxing the most impressive displays of color and form, and in a true collaboration with nature, we should delight in its gifts!