February 2008 – The Whispering Crane Institute

The Art of Pergola Design (5)

Pergola’s I get a lot of questions about pergola’s, arbors and trellis’ . . . a lot. for good reason. Structure adds a lot to the designed landscape. With structure you bring order, refinement, extension of the house architecture, definition of space, etc. I would say these are good things Plus; if done well they… Continue reading The Art of Pergola Design (5)

Enough of the Snow Already

Daydreamin’ today about the good ole days of Summer. [Just how big did those “Ears” get?] Anybody else ready to look at some green? Plus they all are coming from the South so these events are 1/3 rain, 1/3 sleet, and 1/3 ice, and 1/3 snow . . . I know, I know . .… Continue reading Enough of the Snow Already

An Appreciation of Stone (38)

Sandstone and Granite pavers stacked at a salvage yard. Great Stuff [Granite in the foreground, some old foundation stone in back.] Here’s another look at the yard. There’s some great stuff here, and some not-so great stuff here. Do you know which is which? [Looking for a home.]

Fireplace Posibility (3)

Here’s another look at a possible fireplace for these homeowners. [A more interesting storage area for firewood.] I also took a very un-symmetrical look at the sides and a random edge on the right . . . more of a unpolished, rugged look. I want to get away from all that pretty symmetry of the… Continue reading Fireplace Posibility (3)

Fireplace Posibility (2)

In keeping with the previous post, here is another attempt at a fireplace for this backyard. [Another look at a possible solution for this woodsy backyard. ] I’m not done cranking out sketches for this fireplace. I have a meeting with the client in a day or so. We’ll see how close I’m getting to… Continue reading Fireplace Posibility (2)

Fireplace Possibility

I am in the middle of a project where the main focus of the backyard will be a large fireplace that we hope to have anchor one end of the patio. The fireplace will anchor the end of the patio, and serve as the main gathering space for those on the patio, also becoming the… Continue reading Fireplace Possibility

More on the Flower Clock

Back in March of last year I wrote a long post about Carl Linnaeus, Horologium flore, and the Flower Clock. I wrote something to the effect of how cool and idea it was and that I was not that thrilled with the idea of pulling this off on a practical basis. Let alone an impractical… Continue reading More on the Flower Clock

2008 ANLA Management Clinic (4)

So did I get to the 8 O’clock session? I will never tell. I want to do a longer post on Steve Farber, author of Radical Leap, for now let me drop a few lines on you from his Conference ending keynote speech. On audacious leaders, and how they think: “Not outside the box, but… Continue reading 2008 ANLA Management Clinic (4)

2008 ANLA Management Clinic live(4)

A long day, a very long day, for an old guy like me it wa too long of a day. It’ll be interesting to see if I make the 8:00am session. As I think about it . . . . I doubt it, I will do the best I can. Today’s best line . .… Continue reading 2008 ANLA Management Clinic live(4)