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Schonbrunn, Vienna

1/21/2016

When approaching Vienna International Airport from the west, and if you are lucky, you will be able to peer down on the Summer Palace, otherwise known as Schoenbrunn. This magnificent historic property is located just outside central Vienna. It is a great spot for a family stroll, jogging, and exploring a well preserved formal garden. Designed around 1695 by Jean Trehet, a pupil of Andre Le Notre, and developed further during Maria Theresa's era, it serves as a living example of the formal gardens of Europe before they were widely transformed to the English Landscape style. Especially remarkable is the combining of modern and traditional as is illustrated by the stainless steel viewing structure set into the formal privy gardens.

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Desert Drains

1/2/2016

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I was wondering who would take these babies home to be potted on and nurtured.
It is a case of right plant, right place, I think?
Phoenix, Arizona skating rink.

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Gardens Are For People

1/1/2016

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We often speak of gardens as being a welcome place for wildlife. True, kitchen or healing gardens may also be a focus. But here, the emphasis is on the good that a garden can do for the general populous, whether a nature lover, plant enthusiast or supporter of the Arts.

Chihuly, Desert Towers, 2008; Bruce Monro, 2015

Recently I had the pleasure of visiting The Desert Botanic Garden in Phoenix, Arizona. This was a wonderful surprise and a good reminder of the reasons that we garden. My last visit had been 30 years ago, and in the daylight. So the Las Noches De Las Luminarias combined with an exhibition called Bruce Munro: Sonoran Light at Desert Botanical Garden, was an absolute treat! The combination of this light exhibition, the lantern walks, a diverse selection of musical stages, and a number of astronomical telescopes, illustrated that gardens have a use for people who may not be there for the plants alone. And at a temperature of +4c, it was sold out night after night. I was reminded once again of the phrase 'Art in the Garden'.

Even at night, fine lighting accentuates the form, structures and colour of individual plants, as well as the various compositions within the garden.
A stunning visual treat surrounded by music and crisp air.

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Schonbrunn, Vienna

Desert Drains

Gardens Are For People

Douglas

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