Monday, June 18, 2012

Shade Structure




     Today we installed the shade sails for this wonderfully creative garden just in time for Summer!  

     During the design process I worked closely with the clients and enjoyed balancing the interplay of rustic vs. contemporary aesthetics for the structures and hardscape of the garden.   More photos to come of the rest of the landscape after the plants establish.  We had a great team of talented professionals work together on this project.

Garden Design by Liz Simpson Garden Design

Structure built by Michael McLane of  Michael's Landscape Construction

Shade Sails Sewn by Katherine Becvar of Blue Moon Designs


Orange Mimulus cardinalis coordinates beautifully with the shade sails.


The geometry of the shade is based on right triangle relationships.


I love how the sails stretch across the sky defying gravity.


     This trellis will ultimately be covered in grapevines.  As we wait for the grapes to grow a second set of sails is temporarily creating shade.  Later, these same sails can be used on the seating area shade structure as replacements when the first set wears out.  The fabric and construction is designed for out door use and will last a long time day after day exposed to the elements.





Native Match Made in Heaven


     Male Valley Carpenter Bee (Xylocopa varipuncta) visiting Penstemon heterophylla in a garden I designed in Pleasant Hill.