First day back and I’m already in the garden but who can blame me when my inspiration is provided by Los Angeles-based Elysian Landscapes. Whether a private oasis to escape from the mad L.A. hype or the public face (or should that be space) for high end retailers like Balenciaga, Balmain and Isabel Marant, the design/build firm believes “that landscape is a conduit for social engagement and can inspire meaningful connections between people, places, nature and the seasons. With an ambition toward creating dynamic environments, which join us to our context and community, our projects are vibrant, visible and integrated within our daily lives.” It’s about atmosphere, movement, colour and light, about the public and the private. (Kim’s post from over 10 years ago is here.)