My sister and I just got back from a few days in London visiting friends. We stayed with very good mate Sam near Broadway Market and spent a lot of time in his jungle of a garden. Here are some pics of us arranging flowers and planting roses bought at the Columbia Road Flower Market, while eating raspberries and playing with little Iola and Jobie.
All photographs by Olivia & Sophia Kaplan.
My first weekend in Paris we went to the Parc de Bagatelle, a beautiful picnic spot in the wider Bois de Boulogne. The Bagatelle was built in 1777 by the Comte d’Artois, who managed to complete the project in 64 days, winning a bet against Marie Antoinette who wagered that it could not be completed in under three months. It’s changed hands a few times since then and is now open for the rest of us to enjoy.
All photographs by Sophia Kaplan.
I have to apologise for the lack of posts, it’s been an incredibly busy first couple of weeks in Paris. I will try and get to you a little more often I promise!
Since I left you we have visited a bunch of amazing private gardens, cycled all over the city, had a couple of BBQs, gone kayaking, horse riding, had lunch with a donkey, overloaded on fruit and veg at the market and I even managed a few hours actual work for a friend.
Tomorrow I will share some photographs of the Parc de Bagatelle.
All photographs by Sophia & Olivia 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.
House & Garden – June 1970 by Olivia Hantken
I picked up this treasure whilst shopping with my mum in Brunswick many years ago. There was a big stack and I regret that we only bought two! They float between her bookcase and mine as we not only love the beautiful images, but enjoy the time warp we enter when reading them.
Whilst not strictly gardens, below is a series of images from this issue featuring alfresco living ideas and interior design.
My favourite is without a doubt the bean bag room. This was taken from the penthouse of french actor Francois Perrier (on Boulevard St Germain of course!). He was aided by interior decorator Francois Arnal, who also painted the black and white composition on the far wall.
Along with the Zanuda bean bag chairs, the feature cactus and amazing ash trays make me conjure images of some of the amazing parties Francois must have thrown.
All images from House & Garden – June 1970. British, American, French No. 6 Whole No. 250 Volume 25 The Conde Nast Publication.
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.
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).
This past weekend I celebrated my birthday with a four day getaway to a friend’s place in Wollombi. We wiled away most of our days lazing in the sun on the big balcony overlooking the valley. On Saturday I spent the morning visiting some great people down the road at Laguna Earth House (more on that in a moment) and in the evening everyone helped prepare a delicious paella which we ate around the fire pit we cooked it on.
Laguna Earth House is owned by the charming Rosie and Nigel. The main house was self-built with the help of their son using environmentally friendly mud bricks, straw bale and locally sourced timber, and is fitted with solar panels for all their energy needs. The garden is an overflowing bounty of organic fruit, vegetables, herbs and salad leaves. Rosie and Nigel are self taught gardeners and builders and are now keen to share their knowledge through workshops in organic gardening, alternative building techniques and other sustainable practices.
Check out their Facebook page for regular updates and information on upcoming workshops. Next up is ‘Autumn Food Preserving and Fermentation’ on 18 May.
A very warm thank you to Rosie, Nigel and Andy for sharing their home and garden with us.
All photographs by Sophia Kaplan.
This beautiful house and garden is located in Olivos, Buenos Aires. It was designed by architect Alejandro Sticotti for he and partner Mercedes Hernáez (creator of Mapas de Buenos Aires). They bought the garden in between two properties and spent the next three years building the residence you see now. There is a beautiful flow of glass and wood, which really allows the garden to feature as it peaks through every window. Add to that a gorgeous kitchen (our oven is broken at the moment, and I’m having major envy of theirs) and a super cute jack russell to boot.
Hernáez’s studio and shop is located in nearby Palermo. I love the bright pop of yellow in the windows and the continuing theme of glass and garden.
Photographs by Ana Armendariz for Freunde von Freunden.
The Secret Garden 