Thursday, October 1, 2009

OPENING A RANCH

"When a culture is self-confident, it can translate what the rest of the world wants." John Hooks, Deputy General Manager of Giorgio Armani. Ranch Burgers wish to be opened. BONO GIRL was remodeling a ranch gettaway in Athens, GA when she asked for landscape help. Designing from Atlanta I knew to open her ranch. HOW? Use a round column + have a path to both sides of the landing + punctuate the stone wall with a low column + low iron urn with curves on column (not sourced yet) + curve the turf.
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The bold curving line between turf + bed is critical. THE CURVES: Column & turf, constrast fabulously with the myriad squares of the house. New plantngs were added, many existing were kept.
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Do you see how the entry of the house is brought forward several feet? Instead of hugging the front facade it begins at the low stone column. Adding depth added drama. Remember, "dinky is stinky."
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Many RANCH BURGERS lend themselves to my French Caretakers Cottage fantasy. Replace front windows with French doors, paint the brick, rip out the foundation plantings & etc. But that is another posting!

Vanishing Threshold, above. Can't wait for the plants to fill-in between the paths.

BONO GIRL invited me to her gettaway. Forget the landscape, her dogs were the focal point.
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Garden & Be Well, XO Tara

5 comments:

saysab said...

Very interesting...can't wait to see if finished!! Is that a dog in the front window??

One of my Hobby Blogs said...

well I think your blog is great, we are building at the mom, and need a garden very very soon! So I'll be following your blog now too!

The Blushing Hostess said...

Absolutely a sucker for any post with a dog!

Terry said...

You've done one great non-obvious thing. I'm sure you planned it though: Having the steps next to the front facade so that folks can steady themselves with their hand.. It makes all the difference for someone a bit sore or wobbly on their feet. There is something to hang onto as they go up or down the stair.

Landscape Designer said...

Fabulous photo of YOU!!! Great dogs too.