Urban Oasis

Urban Oasis FINDING TRANQUILITY AT HOME

by Rebecca Gross

CONTENTS 00

INTRODUCTION

0 00

CONVERSATION PIECE

Melbourne, Australia

0 00

SELF-SUSTAINING IN THE INNER CITY

Melbourne, Australia

0 00

NATURE AT EVERY TURN

Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam

0 00

TROPICAL FLAVOR

Sydney, Australia

0 00

FRANGIPANI FLOWER POWER

Singapore, Singapore

0 00

THE CATHARTIC QUALITIES OF WATER

Melbourne, Australia

0 00

COOL, CALM, AND COLLECTED

New York, United States

0 00

AN ELEGANT GARDEN PARTY

Toronto, Canada

0 00

IN PERFECT HARMONY

London, United Kingdom

0 00

A POCKET OF PARADISE

Melbourne, Australia

000

MONTAUK MEETS MANHATTAN

New York, United States

0 00

HAMPTON-STYLE HAVEN

New York, United States

0 00

JUNGLE OASIS

London, United Kingdom

0 00

NEW YORK PRAIRIE STYLE

New York, United States

0 00

A WORLD AWAY

San Francisco, United States

0 00

ROOFTOP BACKYARD

Sydney, Australia

0 00

A MYSTICAL OASIS

Singapore, Singapore

0 00

THIS SPORTING LIFE

New York, United States

0 00

SECRET GARDEN

New York, United States

0 00

A SLICE OF GARDENING HEAVEN

Melbourne, Australia

0 00

SUBTROPICAL SUNTRAP

Gold Coast, Australia

0 00

VERDANT SANCTUARY

London, United Kingdom

0 00

PENTHOUSE PARADISE

New York, United States

0 00

SOLACE FOR THE SOUL

Melbourne, Australia

0 00

AN EXUBERANT GARDEN

Edinburgh, United Kingdom

0 00

SKY-HIGH HABITAT

Melbourne, Australia

0 00

FOR A FAMILY TO FLOURISH

Perth, Australia

000

CALIFORNIA IN CHICAGO

Chicago, United States

0 00

A GARDEN FOR ALL

Melbourne, Australia

000

RISE TO THE OCCASION

San Francisco, United States

0 00

MID-CENTURY MODERN VIEWS

New York, United States

0 00

GARDEN WITH A VIEW

New York, United States

0 00

CITY ATTRACTION

Toronto, Canada

0 00

INNER-CITY BOHO

New York, United States

0 00

A BUCOLIC BACKYARD

Sydney, Australia

0 00

DESIGN AND PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS

CONTENTS 00

INTRODUCTION

0 00

CONVERSATION PIECE

Melbourne, Australia

0 00

SELF-SUSTAINING IN THE INNER CITY

Melbourne, Australia

0 00

NATURE AT EVERY TURN

Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam

0 00

TROPICAL FLAVOR

Sydney, Australia

0 00

FRANGIPANI FLOWER POWER

Singapore, Singapore

0 00

THE CATHARTIC QUALITIES OF WATER

Melbourne, Australia

0 00

COOL, CALM, AND COLLECTED

New York, United States

0 00

AN ELEGANT GARDEN PARTY

Toronto, Canada

0 00

IN PERFECT HARMONY

London, United Kingdom

0 00

A POCKET OF PARADISE

Melbourne, Australia

000

MONTAUK MEETS MANHATTAN

New York, United States

0 00

HAMPTON-STYLE HAVEN

New York, United States

0 00

JUNGLE OASIS

London, United Kingdom

0 00

NEW YORK PRAIRIE STYLE

New York, United States

0 00

A WORLD AWAY

San Francisco, United States

0 00

ROOFTOP BACKYARD

Sydney, Australia

0 00

A MYSTICAL OASIS

Singapore, Singapore

0 00

THIS SPORTING LIFE

New York, United States

0 00

SECRET GARDEN

New York, United States

0 00

A SLICE OF GARDENING HEAVEN

Melbourne, Australia

0 00

SUBTROPICAL SUNTRAP

Gold Coast, Australia

0 00

VERDANT SANCTUARY

London, United Kingdom

0 00

PENTHOUSE PARADISE

New York, United States

0 00

SOLACE FOR THE SOUL

Melbourne, Australia

0 00

AN EXUBERANT GARDEN

Edinburgh, United Kingdom

0 00

SKY-HIGH HABITAT

Melbourne, Australia

0 00

FOR A FAMILY TO FLOURISH

Perth, Australia

000

CALIFORNIA IN CHICAGO

Chicago, United States

0 00

A GARDEN FOR ALL

Melbourne, Australia

000

RISE TO THE OCCASION

San Francisco, United States

0 00

MID-CENTURY MODERN VIEWS

New York, United States

0 00

GARDEN WITH A VIEW

New York, United States

0 00

CITY ATTRACTION

Toronto, Canada

0 00

INNER-CITY BOHO

New York, United States

0 00

A BUCOLIC BACKYARD

Sydney, Australia

0 00

DESIGN AND PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS

INTRODUCTION When Frederick Olmsted designed Central Park in

For city and inner-city dwellers, however, the

Manhattan in the nineteenth century it was not

opportunities for private outdoor space have long

merely to create a green space. Rather, it addressed

been few and far between. But in recent decades,

underlying social concerns in the ever-growing

architects, designers, and homeowners have been

metropolis. Olmsted saw parks as an antidote to

rethinking the possibilities. Barren rooftops, unused

modern life and a necessary visual, physical, and

parking lots, and overgrown backyards are being

mental escape from the city. Indeed, Central Park

transformed into verdant landscapes, and houses,

was to provide an urban oasis—peaceful, pleasant,

apartments, condominiums, and warehouses are

and picturesque. Where people had access to

being designed, renovated, and converted to carve

fresh air and sunlight, and where close contact

out terraces, courtyards, and gardens.

with nature would be healing and restorative— beneficial for individual and social good.

This shift has seen a trend in viewing and designing outdoor space as an extension of the

The importance of green space is even more

house and as an “outdoor room.” They are designed

pronounced today. As urban areas increase in density

for prescribed yet flexible functions, and with

in both population numbers and development, there

the comfort and individuality of an indoor room.

is a disconnection with nature and less time spent

Glass doors create transparent divisions between

outdoors, simply being in open space.

inside and out, and consistent material palettes

While urban planners recognize the need for developing public parks and civic hubs, what if you could have your own private outdoor space.

It was historically the domain of the elite and wealthy, until the inception of the backyard dream

create a seamlessness that blur the boundaries of the exterior wall. Barbeques, dining tables, bench seats, and lounge settings offer places for relaxing, entertaining, playing, and socializing—for simply living life outdoors.

with twentieth-century suburban mass migration.

7

INTRODUCTION When Frederick Olmsted designed Central Park in

For city and inner-city dwellers, however, the

Manhattan in the nineteenth century it was not

opportunities for private outdoor space have long

merely to create a green space. Rather, it addressed

been few and far between. But in recent decades,

underlying social concerns in the ever-growing

architects, designers, and homeowners have been

metropolis. Olmsted saw parks as an antidote to

rethinking the possibilities. Barren rooftops, unused

modern life and a necessary visual, physical, and

parking lots, and overgrown backyards are being

mental escape from the city. Indeed, Central Park

transformed into verdant landscapes, and houses,

was to provide an urban oasis—peaceful, pleasant,

apartments, condominiums, and warehouses are

and picturesque. Where people had access to

being designed, renovated, and converted to carve

fresh air and sunlight, and where close contact

out terraces, courtyards, and gardens.

with nature would be healing and restorative— beneficial for individual and social good.

This shift has seen a trend in viewing and designing outdoor space as an extension of the

The importance of green space is even more

house and as an “outdoor room.” They are designed

pronounced today. As urban areas increase in density

for prescribed yet flexible functions, and with

in both population numbers and development, there

the comfort and individuality of an indoor room.

is a disconnection with nature and less time spent

Glass doors create transparent divisions between

outdoors, simply being in open space.

inside and out, and consistent material palettes

While urban planners recognize the need for developing public parks and civic hubs, what if you could have your own private outdoor space.

It was historically the domain of the elite and wealthy, until the inception of the backyard dream

create a seamlessness that blur the boundaries of the exterior wall. Barbeques, dining tables, bench seats, and lounge settings offer places for relaxing, entertaining, playing, and socializing—for simply living life outdoors.

with twentieth-century suburban mass migration.

7

Fresh air, sunshine, and nature have undoubtedly

as Montauk, the Hamptons, Japan, or the great

positive benefits for body, spirit, and mind. Time

American prairie. Similarly, there are courtyards

spent outdoors improves health and happiness,

and backyards in London that burst with a jungle

lowers stress, and buoys mood, and private outdoor

of tropical and subtropical plants—an exotic scene

spaces offer homeowners the opportunity to

despite the English climate. While many urban areas

indulge in the passions, particularly if it’s for plants

in the northern hemisphere deal with extremes in

or fresh produce. Avid gardeners can flex their

climate, Australia’s more moderate temperatures

green fingers cultivating plants or harvesting herbs,

make it comfortable to spend time outdoors year-

flowers, vegetables, and fruit, reaping the benefits

round. Consequently, there is a diverse selection of

of locally grown food.

projects from Australia where the notion of “indoor-

Urban Oasis: Finding Tranquility at Home showcases contemporary residential spaces from around the world. As the designers—from large landscape architecture firms to local gardeners—creatively bed the landscapes into their architectural surroundings they take many forms: courtyards, rooftops, patios,

outdoor living” has come to define an architectural and lifestyle ideal. As many head outside to seek the sun and heat, in Southeast Asia, by contrast, the high humidity sees people retreat to cooler, shadier areas, and houses in Singapore and Vietnam incorporate refreshing water.

terraces, backyards, permaculture gardens, and water

Consistent across the projects, there is consideration

features. Drawing inspiration from nature, culture,

for the context and climate, utilizing architecture

and far-off places, they create personal paradises,

and vegetation for privacy, sun, and shade. Pergolas

even when space is at a premium.

and arbors obstruct views from overlooking

You will find terraces in New York City that perch high above the rooftops. Taking in views of the famous skyline, they could be nowhere but New York, but their designs evoke other places, such

8

neighbors, and the leaves of deciduous plants provide shade in summer and allow sun to penetrate in winter. Outdoor areas are bounded by new and existing architecture as well as natural screens,

9

Fresh air, sunshine, and nature have undoubtedly

as Montauk, the Hamptons, Japan, or the great

positive benefits for body, spirit, and mind. Time

American prairie. Similarly, there are courtyards

spent outdoors improves health and happiness,

and backyards in London that burst with a jungle

lowers stress, and buoys mood, and private outdoor

of tropical and subtropical plants—an exotic scene

spaces offer homeowners the opportunity to

despite the English climate. While many urban areas

indulge in the passions, particularly if it’s for plants

in the northern hemisphere deal with extremes in

or fresh produce. Avid gardeners can flex their

climate, Australia’s more moderate temperatures

green fingers cultivating plants or harvesting herbs,

make it comfortable to spend time outdoors year-

flowers, vegetables, and fruit, reaping the benefits

round. Consequently, there is a diverse selection of

of locally grown food.

projects from Australia where the notion of “indoor-

Urban Oasis: Finding Tranquility at Home showcases contemporary residential spaces from around the world. As the designers—from large landscape architecture firms to local gardeners—creatively bed the landscapes into their architectural surroundings they take many forms: courtyards, rooftops, patios,

outdoor living” has come to define an architectural and lifestyle ideal. As many head outside to seek the sun and heat, in Southeast Asia, by contrast, the high humidity sees people retreat to cooler, shadier areas, and houses in Singapore and Vietnam incorporate refreshing water.

terraces, backyards, permaculture gardens, and water

Consistent across the projects, there is consideration

features. Drawing inspiration from nature, culture,

for the context and climate, utilizing architecture

and far-off places, they create personal paradises,

and vegetation for privacy, sun, and shade. Pergolas

even when space is at a premium.

and arbors obstruct views from overlooking

You will find terraces in New York City that perch high above the rooftops. Taking in views of the famous skyline, they could be nowhere but New York, but their designs evoke other places, such

8

neighbors, and the leaves of deciduous plants provide shade in summer and allow sun to penetrate in winter. Outdoor areas are bounded by new and existing architecture as well as natural screens,

9

such as rows of bamboo trees. Evergreen and

Dotted around a city, these green and open

low-maintenance plants prove popular choices,

spaces—no matter their size—become part of a

and flowering perennials add color and fragrance,

network for pollinators and for flora to make their

attracting a variety of pollinators.

habitat. Contributing to local ecosystems and

This transformation of urban space is occurring at all scales as urban planners, architects and landscape architects convert existing and aging infrastructure in to public park. The High Line in Manhattan set a precedent in repurposing a disused railway track and its success has inspired other cities to replicate it. An industrial parking lot in Toronto is now

biodiversity, this regeneration of nature not only boosts the quality of life but also the quality of the environment. It helps to counteract the urban heat island effect, providing shade and reducing temperatures, while plants insulate against noise, filter stormwater runoff, and remove pollutants from the air.

an urban beach on the waterfront, and rooftops

Across the 34 projects featured in this volume,

around the world are being transformed into

you will find personal and private outdoor spaces

urban farms. Singapore is one of the most densely

that are as fresh and inviting as the air, sun and

populated cities and also one of the greenest.

nature they provide access to. Constrained by their

As all new developments must include plant life,

architectural context, but with inspiration and

urban planners and architects are weaving nature

plant life drawn from a broad array of imaginative

throughout infrastructure and architecture with

sources, these urban oases feel removed from city

green roofs, cascading gardens, and green walls.

life, while being inherently embedded within it.

Rebecca Gross

10

11

such as rows of bamboo trees. Evergreen and

Dotted around a city, these green and open

low-maintenance plants prove popular choices,

spaces—no matter their size—become part of a

and flowering perennials add color and fragrance,

network for pollinators and for flora to make their

attracting a variety of pollinators.

habitat. Contributing to local ecosystems and

This transformation of urban space is occurring at all scales as urban planners, architects and landscape architects convert existing and aging infrastructure in to public park. The High Line in Manhattan set a precedent in repurposing a disused railway track and its success has inspired other cities to replicate it. An industrial parking lot in Toronto is now

biodiversity, this regeneration of nature not only boosts the quality of life but also the quality of the environment. It helps to counteract the urban heat island effect, providing shade and reducing temperatures, while plants insulate against noise, filter stormwater runoff, and remove pollutants from the air.

an urban beach on the waterfront, and rooftops

Across the 34 projects featured in this volume,

around the world are being transformed into

you will find personal and private outdoor spaces

urban farms. Singapore is one of the most densely

that are as fresh and inviting as the air, sun and

populated cities and also one of the greenest.

nature they provide access to. Constrained by their

As all new developments must include plant life,

architectural context, but with inspiration and

urban planners and architects are weaving nature

plant life drawn from a broad array of imaginative

throughout infrastructure and architecture with

sources, these urban oases feel removed from city

green roofs, cascading gardens, and green walls.

life, while being inherently embedded within it.

Rebecca Gross

10

11

MID-CENTURY MODERN MEETS PICTURE-POSTCARD VIEWS Andre Franz Architect renovated the top floors of a

TRIBECA LOFT

beautifully restored former caviar warehouse in Tribeca,

NEW YORK, USA

New York, to create a warm and welcoming residence with

2013

enchanting pockets of outdoor space. While the building

3000 SQUARE FEET

dates back to 1884—its rustic brick walls and timber columns

ANDREW FRANZ ARCHITECT

and beams exposed—the colorful interior and exterior are imbued with the joyful spirit of mid-century modern design.

The mid-century garden was traditionally designed as an extension of architecture. Here, it nestles within the architecture, like a glass-encased box that floats within the living area. Timber stairs (made with salvaged ceiling joists) lead up to the garden where an eclectic collection of pots and plants line up against the window, providing a colorful view from below. With glass windows and a retractable skylight, the courtyard is showered with natural light. It’s a covered outdoor oasis to enjoy breakfast or the newspaper in colder weather, and a secluded sanctuary to sit outside on balmy, sun-drenched days.

22

MID-CENTURY MODERN MEETS PICTURE-POSTCARD VIEWS Andre Franz Architect renovated the top floors of a

TRIBECA LOFT

beautifully restored former caviar warehouse in Tribeca,

NEW YORK, USA

New York, to create a warm and welcoming residence with

2013

enchanting pockets of outdoor space. While the building

3000 SQUARE FEET

dates back to 1884—its rustic brick walls and timber columns

ANDREW FRANZ ARCHITECT

and beams exposed—the colorful interior and exterior are imbued with the joyful spirit of mid-century modern design.

The mid-century garden was traditionally designed as an extension of architecture. Here, it nestles within the architecture, like a glass-encased box that floats within the living area. Timber stairs (made with salvaged ceiling joists) lead up to the garden where an eclectic collection of pots and plants line up against the window, providing a colorful view from below. With glass windows and a retractable skylight, the courtyard is showered with natural light. It’s a covered outdoor oasis to enjoy breakfast or the newspaper in colder weather, and a secluded sanctuary to sit outside on balmy, sun-drenched days.

22

“It’s a covered outdoor oasis to enjoy breakfast and a secluded sanctuary to sit outside on balmy, sun-drenched days” – Andrew Franz

25

“It’s a covered outdoor oasis to enjoy breakfast and a secluded sanctuary to sit outside on balmy, sun-drenched days” – Andrew Franz

25

A second set of timber stairs and old bluestone pavers lead to the terrace at the southern end of the rooftop, with picture-postcard views of Manhattan and the Hudson River—the Financial District to the south and Empire State Building to the north. A timber wall shelters the lounge-like seating with low-maintenance native plants and flowers provide a verdant green and bright yellow backdrop, complementing the vibrant sunflower-colored cushions and graphic lime-green metal chairs. A petal-shaped side table adds a final floral flourish.

26

A second set of timber stairs and old bluestone pavers lead to the terrace at the southern end of the rooftop, with picture-postcard views of Manhattan and the Hudson River—the Financial District to the south and Empire State Building to the north. A timber wall shelters the lounge-like seating with low-maintenance native plants and flowers provide a verdant green and bright yellow backdrop, complementing the vibrant sunflower-colored cushions and graphic lime-green metal chairs. A petal-shaped side table adds a final floral flourish.

26

SELF-SUSTAINING IN AN INNER-CITY SUBURB Julie and Geoff Carroll are an environmentally conscious

AQUAS PERMA SOLAR FIRMA

and socially responsible couple who have a house and garden

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA

driven by their passion for sustainability. Harvesting fish,

2015

vegetables, eggs and water, Julie and Geoff’s inner-city

AREA SIZE

suburban terrace and permaculture garden inspires a more

CPLUSC ARCHITECTURAL WORKSHOP

self-sufficient way of living.

CplusC Architectural Workshop designed the Carrolls’ house to integrate interior and exterior spaces, maximizing functional living and passive solar design with added sustainability initiatives. A garden brings life and light into the center of the house, dissolving the barriers between indoors and out. Two 550-pound (250-kilogram) vertical glass doors enclose the garden and are opened with a rack-andpinion system operated by a custom wheel that raises and lowers a 1100-pound (500-kilogram) counterweight suspended on a rainchain. The rainchain channels water into a flush pit under the courtyard before it’s transported to a 1320-gallon (5,000-litre) underground tank in the rear garden.

36

SELF-SUSTAINING IN AN INNER-CITY SUBURB Julie and Geoff Carroll are an environmentally conscious

AQUAS PERMA SOLAR FIRMA

and socially responsible couple who have a house and garden

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA

driven by their passion for sustainability. Harvesting fish,

2015

vegetables, eggs and water, Julie and Geoff’s inner-city

AREA SIZE

suburban terrace and permaculture garden inspires a more

CPLUSC ARCHITECTURAL WORKSHOP

self-sufficient way of living.

CplusC Architectural Workshop designed the Carrolls’ house to integrate interior and exterior spaces, maximizing functional living and passive solar design with added sustainability initiatives. A garden brings life and light into the center of the house, dissolving the barriers between indoors and out. Two 550-pound (250-kilogram) vertical glass doors enclose the garden and are opened with a rack-andpinion system operated by a custom wheel that raises and lowers a 1100-pound (500-kilogram) counterweight suspended on a rainchain. The rainchain channels water into a flush pit under the courtyard before it’s transported to a 1320-gallon (5,000-litre) underground tank in the rear garden.

36

“A garden brings life and light into the center of the house, dissolving the barriers between indoors and out.”

– Julie and Geoff

The permaculture garden provides Julie and Geoff with a more selfsustaining way of living. An aquaponics system, designed by Steve Oatley of Sydney Organic Gardens, harvests edible fish in tanks with timber-screen lids that double as outdoor seating beneath the shade of a vine-covered pergola. The nutrient-rich water in the tanks is used to fertilize the vertical productive garden, budding with all types of lettuce. Box gutters collect and filter rainwater supplying the toilets, laundry and irrigation, and wicking beds hold reservoirs of water to minimize water wastage. Chickens in the coop provide daily eggs and a vegetable garden provides fresh produce. All work in harmony with composting and a worm farm as the garden provides food, of which scraps are fed to chickens, in turn producing fertilizer and eggs. Julie and Geoff share their excess eggs and vegetables with friends, family, and neighbors, becoming a way to interact with and build a community.

43

“A garden brings life and light into the center of the house, dissolving the barriers between indoors and out.”

– Julie and Geoff

The permaculture garden provides Julie and Geoff with a more selfsustaining way of living. An aquaponics system, designed by Steve Oatley of Sydney Organic Gardens, harvests edible fish in tanks with timber-screen lids that double as outdoor seating beneath the shade of a vine-covered pergola. The nutrient-rich water in the tanks is used to fertilize the vertical productive garden, budding with all types of lettuce. Box gutters collect and filter rainwater supplying the toilets, laundry and irrigation, and wicking beds hold reservoirs of water to minimize water wastage. Chickens in the coop provide daily eggs and a vegetable garden provides fresh produce. All work in harmony with composting and a worm farm as the garden provides food, of which scraps are fed to chickens, in turn producing fertilizer and eggs. Julie and Geoff share their excess eggs and vegetables with friends, family, and neighbors, becoming a way to interact with and build a community.

43

AN EXUBERANT GARDEN TO DISCOVER AND EXPLORE The streets of New Town in Edinburgh, Scotland, are lined

ETON TERRACE

with handsome Neoclassical and Georgian terraces offering

EDINBURGH, UK

plenty of old-fashioned charm. Behind one sandstone terrace

2014

nestles this exuberant garden that’s inviting at all times of

AREA SIZE

day and year with special moments to discover and explore.

SECRET GARDENS DESIGN

The plan of the long, narrow garden is based on a sectional slice of a flower, with petal-shaped planter beds radiating from a sawn sandstone patio. At the heart of the patio, an ochre-coloured lily bowl water feature is bounded by a snaking stone wall with scorched-oak timber bench.

Its deep-blue reflective surface reflects the sparkling garden lights, providing a warm and intimate atmosphere for the owners at night.

22

AN EXUBERANT GARDEN TO DISCOVER AND EXPLORE The streets of New Town in Edinburgh, Scotland, are lined

ETON TERRACE

with handsome Neoclassical and Georgian terraces offering

EDINBURGH, UK

plenty of old-fashioned charm. Behind one sandstone terrace

2014

nestles this exuberant garden that’s inviting at all times of

AREA SIZE

day and year with special moments to discover and explore.

SECRET GARDENS DESIGN

The plan of the long, narrow garden is based on a sectional slice of a flower, with petal-shaped planter beds radiating from a sawn sandstone patio. At the heart of the patio, an ochre-coloured lily bowl water feature is bounded by a snaking stone wall with scorched-oak timber bench.

Its deep-blue reflective surface reflects the sparkling garden lights, providing a warm and intimate atmosphere for the owners at night.

22

“They like to switch on the garden lights late at night and sit around the lily bowl.”

– Carolyn Grohmann

A fine-gravel path ambles through the green surrounds contained within the backdrop of historical, high stone walls. Garden designer Carolyn Grohmann created the raised flower beds with rebar reinforcing rods woven together like basket weave. Each bed flourishes with a profusion of flowers and foliage, from the first golden miniature daffodils (Narcissus ‘Tête-à-tête’) that appear in spring until the lavenderblue geraniums (Geranium ‘Jolly Bee’) disappear at the close of fall. Throughout the garden is a rich and romantic palette of perennials with whorls of Japanese primrose (Primula japonica ‘Apple Blossom’) and scented peonies (Paeonia ‘Claire de Lune’). Sculptural box balls sit amidst fine, textured Mexican feathergrass (Stipa tenuissima) and dense, golden sedge (Carex elata ‘Aurea’). At the end of the garden, a katsura tree (Cercidiphyllum japonicum) emits a burnt-sugar scent and its fallen leaves trail a bronzecoloured carpet on the ground.

25

“They like to switch on the garden lights late at night and sit around the lily bowl.”

– Carolyn Grohmann

A fine-gravel path ambles through the green surrounds contained within the backdrop of historical, high stone walls. Garden designer Carolyn Grohmann created the raised flower beds with rebar reinforcing rods woven together like basket weave. Each bed flourishes with a profusion of flowers and foliage, from the first golden miniature daffodils (Narcissus ‘Tête-à-tête’) that appear in spring until the lavenderblue geraniums (Geranium ‘Jolly Bee’) disappear at the close of fall. Throughout the garden is a rich and romantic palette of perennials with whorls of Japanese primrose (Primula japonica ‘Apple Blossom’) and scented peonies (Paeonia ‘Claire de Lune’). Sculptural box balls sit amidst fine, textured Mexican feathergrass (Stipa tenuissima) and dense, golden sedge (Carex elata ‘Aurea’). At the end of the garden, a katsura tree (Cercidiphyllum japonicum) emits a burnt-sugar scent and its fallen leaves trail a bronzecoloured carpet on the ground.

25

Personal and private outdoor space is becoming ever-more elusive as urban areas become more crowded due to population growth and increasing development. Urban Oasis: Finding Tranquility at Home features projects from Sydney to Singapore and London to New York that showcase inspirational rooftops, gardens, and courtyards that offer private pockets of paradise. These outdoor spaces provide relaxing, sociable, and plant-filled settings for their owners to savor peace and calm, and the company of family and friends.

$40.00 [USA] £35.00 [GB]