Category Archives: Design theory

Design is everywhere

Being a designer means looking at everything around us. The chair I’m sitting on, the sidewalk, the handle on the frying pan, the smart phone. We’re not really cranky. We only seem that way because we’re asking questions, like, “Why aren’t sidewalks better at treating runoff water?” Designers continually look at how things could work better.Continue reading “Design is everywhere”

Textures for a Los Angeles garden

Southern California’s mild climate creates an opportunity to go wild with plant color, texture and shape. All manner of subtropical plants from arid climates jump onto the plant palette, and more are introduced every year. This garden has one zone adjacent to the main living area that receives moderate irrigation; the rest of the gardenContinue reading “Textures for a Los Angeles garden”

Lights, Camera, Landscape!

What do you think about reality TV landscape programs? Are those landscapes dreams come true or nightmares waiting to happen?  It’s amazing how in a matter of days an overgrown, weedy wasteland can become a beautiful new landscape. It’s nothing short of incredible. A brawny guy walks up with a plan, everyone squeals with pleasure,Continue reading “Lights, Camera, Landscape!”

Big storm tests the rain garden

There’s nothing like a few minutes of heavy downpour to check that the garden’s ecological systems are doing what they’re supposed to. Today brought pounding rain and hail to the garden. There’s standing water over the gravel in one area, the rain garden is filling up, and the pervious paving is definitely working hard. OnceContinue reading “Big storm tests the rain garden”