Being a happy tourist at the Osaka Aquarium with my mate the whale shark and at Tenku no Noen rooftop farm in amongst the city.
All photographs by Sophia Kaplan & co.
Archives for category: Garden
Welcome to the mean streets of Osaka (not really, this feels like the safest place on earth). Everything seemed to be in bloom – I can only imagine what cherry blossom season is like – and most homes and shopfronts have a pile of pot plants out the front. There is a strong connection to nature here, even in super urban cities like Osaka.
All photographs by Sophia Kaplan.
Last week I had the pleasure of visiting Japan. My man and I went to Osaka and Kyoto and in amongst all the shopping and sightseeing we managed to squeeze in a few garden visits.
First cab of the rank is Utsubo Park in Osaka. This garden hosts a rose garden that was originally planted in 2006 for the first World Rose Convention in Asia. There are approximately 160 different species of roses on display. A little man-made creek runs through the area with kids splashing around while parents laze in the sun.
All photographs by Sophia Kaplan.
We’ll be back to regular programming tomorrow, but until then please enjoy the final guest post by Liv for the moment (she will be back!).
House & Garden – June 1971 by Olivia Hantken
Carrying on from my last post, here is another House & Garden magazine which I adore. This issue was hard to pull apart, so I have chosen a bit of everything! From garden sitting rooms, to outdoor entertaining, and two amazing forest retreats.
Located in Waccabuc NY, and designed by architect Myron Goldfinger this amazing house still exists today and is actually for sale! Check out the listing here. Sadly it looks as if the house has been redesigned and lost some of its 1970s charm.
This bird watching structure is located on a riverbank in England, and was designed by two British husband and wife architectural teams: Richard & Su Rogers, and Norman & Wendy Foster.
Thank you so much to Liv for her beautiful contributions and enthusiasm for The Secret Garden.
Be sure to follow The Secret Garden on Instagram @TheSecretGardenBlog for regular garden, design and flower pics.
Westerpark is one of my favourite parks in one of my favourite cities, Amsterdam. I spent an incredibly memorable spring day there with friends Loulou and Jacob back in 2009.
Photos one, two, four & five by Louise Tran, photo three by Jacob Hunt.
While we’re in the city, this Amsterdam restaurant was recently brought to my attention by new work mate and former Dam local Richard.
The greenhouse where De Kas Restaurant is now situated was built in 1928. It was due to be demolished but head chef Gert Jan Hageman bought it from the council (for €1.00) and renovated it into the restaurant and garden it is today. The space is green, sunny and very inviting. In warmer months you can eat amongst the herbs and take tours and workshops in the garden.
Photos by Jet van Fastenhout for De Kas Restaurant.
This one acre, family owned botanical garden and cactarium in Palm Springs is filled with 3000 varieties of desert plants. I would love to visit on my next trip to the States.
Photos one, two, six and seven by Amy Merrick. Three, four and five by Chuck B.
More info on the garden here.
This growing light fixture is designed by Ryan Taylor of multidisciplinary studio O\I. It usually sets you back $448 (Canadian) but they have 15% off until May 31st. Get it here.
Thanks to Mel for sharing!
Every May the Chelsea Flower Show sees the Royal Chelsea Hospital grounds turned into an array of flower and garden exhibits. This year, the 100th year of the festival, best in show was won by Australian Phillip Johnson.
Brent Elliot has released a book of archival images to celebrate the centenary. Below are some images from his book (available here) along with images from this years festival (via RHS Image).
Artist and ceramicist Kim Jaeger has been creating these super cute ‘potheads’ since 2011.
Historia Films (a collaboration between photographer Mike Smith and blogger Laura Quattrocelli) have made a little film about Jaeger’s work. You can also check out an interview with her on The Design Files.
.
My mother has a vase at home which reminds me of these potheads. It’s by Arab Australian artist Salwa El-Shaikh.
Photograph by Sophia Kaplan.
The Secret Garden 