Displaying posts labeled "Outdoors"

Hooray for Fridays! The weekend is just about to begin and my mind is turning to getaways. How about a Belgian B&B? Bricks and render and a monotone palette of greys and creams and linen and lush lawns with clipped buxus? We can take tea and relax in the summer house or explore the countryside and be back home in time for work on Monday. OK I’m daydreaming but what a lovely dream. The Little Monastery in Damme, Belgium.

Books are something I constantly crave. I especially love books that have me dreaming of climates much unlike those here in Ottawa right now. I am SO OVER WINTER and counting down the days to my trip south, so this book could not have come into my possession at a better time. Gardens at First Light by talented photographer Stacy Bass (with words by Judy Ostrow and published by athome Books) is a beautiful coffee table worthy book that gives you a glimpse into some of the most stunning private gardens you will ever see. Stacy is an extraordinary nature photographer (among other genres as you will see tomorrow) who uses early morning light in such striking ways to create enchanting scenic photos. I could go on and on with more adjectives, but I will let this small sample of photos from the book show you – but I bet you’ll start getting that gardening itch before the end of the post! Get yourself a copy via Amazon or Barnes & Noble. 

Oh! Oh! I want one! Rear Yard Art Pavilion by Gemmill Design. Who knew that such a thing could live at the bottom of a garden?

Sitting proudly on the rise with its face turned to the sun is the striking Quinta da Baroneza House by São Paulo-based Candida Tabet Arquitetura. Massive spans and a play of horizontal against vertical elements characterise the design.  Sun kissed, open and generous. A true Brazilian beauty.

Is it obvious that I’m collecting backyard inspiration? Hence my obsession with Sydney landscape architectural firm Secret Gardens? We’re planning on doing some work to tame our jungle of a garden into something sophisticated, stylish, with outdoor “rooms”. If only my place could be as stunning as this Coogee space. Definitely backyard bliss.