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World Environmental Day, June 5 : Heal the Earth… One Garden at a Time.

Green, brown or blue, our precious earth is dependent on us to preserve and conserve its resources.

Today, take stock of your efforts to use less paper, conserve water, compost, be energy efficient, smile…and dine on organic and nourishing foods.

 

 

 

 

This historic video about its founding is VERY interesting:  http://www.unep.org/flvPlayer/videoplayer.asp?id=27418&l=en

World Environment Day, begun by the United Nations 40 years ago to celebrate positive environmental action.

World Environment Day is just a small part of the United Nations Environment Program and other agencies’ work for environmental protection and environmental justice. Since its founding in 1972, the UN Environmental Program (UNEP) has been active in the negotiations of numerous international agreements centered on environmental protection.

Read more:  http://www.care2.com/causes/world-environment-day-looking-back-and-moving-forward.html#ixzz1wvi8gEVY

 

Viva La Chelsea Flower Show 2012!

My friend, Fayne Ansley, is sending her roving reporter photos back each day! Today it was the gold medal winner, Kazuyuki Ishihara for the Artisan’s Garden Award. It is fabuous!

“Long ago, Japanese daily life and nature were closely linked for the people living in the Satoyama, the space between the lowlands and the mountains. The people there drank the spring water and used it to wash their vegetables; fallen leaves were composted and used to fertilise the fields.

Reflecting this simple lifestyle, this garden expresses the importance of living in harmony with nature today. Nature gives the blessing of life to us all and in turn we must treat it gently and with respect. Kazuyuki Ishihara has designed this garden to highlight the symbiosis between nature and our lives.” brief by owner

Viva La Chelsea Flower Show 2012!

My friend, Fayne Ansley, is sending her roving reporter photos back each day! Today it was the gold medal winner, Kazuyuki Ishihara for the Artisan’s Garden Award. It is fabuous!

“Long ago, Japanese daily life and nature were closely linked for the people living in the Satoyama, the space between the lowlands and the mountains. The people there drank the spring water and used it to wash their vegetables; fallen leaves were composted and used to fertilise the fields.

Reflecting this simple lifestyle, this garden expresses the importance of living in harmony with nature today. Nature gives the blessing of life to us all and in turn we must treat it gently and with respect. Kazuyuki Ishihara has designed this garden to highlight the symbiosis between nature and our lives.” brief by owner

Oasis Need A Tune-Up? Mary Palmer book-signs at Belle Meade Plantation 5/5

Landscape Alchemy!

Author, Mary Palmer Kelley Dargan,

licensed landscape architect & Nashville native, reveals secrets at Belle Meade Plantation Shop, Sat May 5 from 10-12am. Please invite your friends!

 

Need a Tune-Up or an Oasis? Come visit with me and discuss your conundrums.

Yes, I’ll also be at the Derby Day Party at 3 pm,  but cannot guarantee there will be any books left.

However, I’d love to sign one if you press a glass of BMP’s fine TN grown Red Muscadine wine into my hand and lead me to the gift shop. Ask Cousin Alton for the recipe!

xxx mary palmer

America’s Landscape Alchemist                                                TweetUP ! #meetMP

 

The Bench Niche

Recipe for success!

This may sound simple, but often an view has to be created or space made in order to take advantage of focalization. I like a 4′ bench in most courtyard gardens since it is a diminutive size that can make an impact easily. Two people can just fit!  The garden pictured is one I designed in Charleston, SC on Murray Boulevard. The 4′ bench is used as a focal point with carefully scaled plantings, including boxwoods to anchor the setting.