Great Gate

GMG is spreading the word about the artistic skills of professional landscape designers.  Garden writer Marty Ross highlighted garden gates in a recent Kansas City Star feature.  When clients want a special look or custom fence and gate, APLD designers have the artistry and know-how. 

Debra Phillips,  a landscape designer and vice president of the Midwest region chapter of APLD is an expert in the story about garden gates.   I snapped these pictures at the APLD Conference in Cleveland (along with about 400 other photos! thank goodness for digital cameras!) 

“I love garden gates,” says Debra Phillips, a landscape designer in the Chicago area and vice president of the Midwest Regional chapter of the Association of Professional Landscape Designers. “Traditionally, we think of gates at the very entrance to a garden, but there are so many other opportunities. There doesn’t even have to be a fence.”

Great gates make me smile. If you want to see some fantastic ideas check out Walpole Woodworkers. Do you have a spectacular gate?  Tell me! :) Kathleen

A Zone for Zen

A garden is a great place to relax. Of course, knowing that I need to start weeding can be a distraction, but forget all that for a moment! I spotted these Asian inspired garden features in Cleveland at the APLD Conference. Features can be big or small - but they all add calm to a garden space. Is this umbrealla a treasure only found in Bali or a fabu shop? Think again - it is from Pier 1! And before we take it too seriously, be funny - like this meditating frog from Campania. He makes me smile and relax at the same time. How about you?

If you have time to read a blog, you have time to friend the GMG Facebook page -- and get in on some interesting conversations! Already a friend? Well, just leave us a comment.

Kathleen at GMG.

Chinese Garden Inspiration

Gardens can be dramatic, as these pictures clearly state. But dramatic in a small space is not easy to achieve. This Chinese garden that was part of the APLD tour in Cleveland was breath taking. I had to jump online to see how difficult it is to get a beautiful structure like this (it's hard, so if you know of a source tell me! )

What do you think? Leave me a comment below!

Stay cool - it is super hot outside here in PA... my poor garden is really feeling the heat this year! And my window box is totally fried! Kathleen at the Garden Media Group