Longwood Gardens’ Post

Leave only footprints, take only pictures Making it a bedtime ritual to look at a leaf pressing bookmark, can be a therapeutic way to unwind before bed. Some artists who make leaf art prefer to pick up, clean, and dry dead leaves. They admire hollow veins or enjoy the original colors of the remaining green or brown layer. Sometimes, they dye the leaves with different colors. Each leaf art piece is a natural creation; making a leaf rubbing or a pressed bookmark is a blast to your life. TOPIC #2: It's important to preserve natural resources. Instead of collecting fallen leaves, it's better to leave them where they are to maintain a healthy ecosystem. If you want to make leaf art, you can pick up the fallen leaves in your garden or a potted plant and still enjoy the fun! #wellcaremonthlytopic #breathwarmnature #wellcare #4DDWF #climatechange #bestbedclimatedesign #bbcdesign #carearoundyou #worldenvironmentday

Houseplant Studios at Chelsea: Pinnacle of Design The reason I wanted to go to the most prestigious flower show was the houseplant studios, and I was not disappointed. Took me a lot of time to actually sit down and write about this; I could say I wanted all this information to settle, which helped with a more balanced opinion. Also, I had some eventful days between Chelsea and now. The problem is that some details were lost, although I wrote an article about my general impression first. Anyway, my favourite studio was Hope After Humanity, designed by Gemma Haigh from The Plant Parlour with plants from GrowTropicals. I guess I have a soft spot for nature taking over abandoned buildings and graffiti, but it was more than that. I loved the lack of overrated variegated plants and the big statement: the future is green. With Hoya Linearis cascading from a broken roof, ferns growing behind a mirror and a dump smell inside, I got this eerie feeling. Maybe this apocalyptic theme that is used in entertainment a bit too much in the last years gave me this saturation feeling. Clearly, there is a lot of change in the world, but that doesn't mean humanity is about to perish. Regardless, I think this studio deserved a gold medal rather than a silver gilt medal. The rest of the story is on my blog https://lnkd.in/er-q4VYW #houseplantlove #plantlife #urbanjungle #indoorplants #hopeafterhumanity #theglasshouseeffect #plantswithsoul #calathealove #rhschelsea #houseplantstudios #chelseaflowershow #growtropicals #monsteradeliciosa #monsteradubia #monsteraesqueleto #terrarium #airplants #carnivorousplants #philodendron #orchid #succulents #greenmonstera

Leave only footprints, take only pictures Making it a bedtime ritual to look at a leaf pressing bookmark, can be a therapeutic way to unwind before bed. Some artists who make leaf art prefer to pick up, clean, and dry dead leaves. They admire hollow veins or enjoy the original colors of the remaining green or brown layer. Sometimes, they dye the leaves with different colors. Each leaf art piece is a natural creation; making a leaf rubbing or a pressed bookmark is a blast to your life. TOPIC #2: It's important to preserve natural resources. Instead of collecting fallen leaves, it's better to leave them where they are to maintain a healthy ecosystem. If you want to make leaf art, you can pick up the fallen leaves in your garden or a potted plant and still enjoy the fun! #wellcaremonthlytopic #breathwarmnature #wellcare #4DDWF #climatechange #bestbedclimatedesign #bbcdesign #carearoundyou #worldenvironmentday

Fantastic piece in yesterday's WSJ highlighting the value, use cases and growth of ADUs. The article notes, "There are many practical reasons why a homeowner might want to build an accessory dwelling: to house aging parents or adult offspring, or as an income-generating rental property. But some are designing them just for themselves. An ADU isn’t to be confused with a tiny house, which is a portable home on a platform that may have a composting toilet and other unappealing off-grid workarounds. The accessory dwelling unit is built to code and set on a solid foundation, with dedicated spaces for living and sleeping, a fully plumbed bathroom and kitchen, and appliances like a washer-dryer." Anchored Tiny Homes is launching in Chester and Lancaster Counties, PA soon. https://lnkd.in/eWZcwdZe #anchoredtinyhomes #customadu #adubuilder #tinyhomes #chestercounty #lancastercounty

Moving into a new home in Annapolis, especially with a growing family, is an exciting journey. 🎉 But making it feel like "home" is even more fun when it's a family affair. Here are some simple ways to decorate your new space with your kids' help: 1️⃣ Kid Art Gallery: Encourage your kids to create art. Frame their masterpieces or string them up; it adds a touch of personality and pride to your home. 2️⃣ Colorful Walls: Let your kids choose the colors for their rooms. A few choices make them feel included and excited about their new space. 3️⃣ Personalized Spaces: Create a corner for each child with their favorite books, toys, or stuffed animals. It gives them a sense of belonging. 4️⃣ Creative Garden: If you have outdoor space, involve your kids in planting flowers or herbs. 5️⃣ Family Photo Wall: Compile fun family photos and make a wall display. Decorating together not only makes your home special, but it also builds memories. 🏡 How do you make your house a home with your family? Share your tips!

Hucknall Library will reopen on Thursday 30 January, following improvement works funded by the Libraries Improvement Fund in collaboration with Nottinghamshire County Council 🌟 After a three-month closure, the library will reopen with upgraded facilities, improved flexibility of the space, and access to a customer toilet. Additional improvements include redecoration and recarpeting of public areas, a reconfigured layout to create more flexible spaces, and new shelving, furniture, and signage. Read more about the improvements and altered opening hours following consultation 👉 https://bit.ly/42lWZAT Arts Council England Nottinghamshire County Council

Symphony of Bricks: The Cultural Tapestry of Page Street The chequerboard elevational treatment of the Grosvenor Estate in Page Street isn't just an architectural quirk; it's a visual symphony that resonates with layers of cultural significance. As you step into this tapestry of brick and mortar, you're not just entering a residential area; you're stepping into a historical narrative where architecture, music, and games converge in a harmonious dance. Imagine the checkerboard pattern stretching upward, each brick a pixel in a larger cultural mosaic. It's not just a design choice; it's a nod to the rhythm of ska music, pulsating through the streets of Westminster. Ska, with its offbeat syncopation and infectious energy, found its home in the vibrant communities surrounding Page Street. The chequerboard facades seem to echo the lively, improvisational spirit of ska, each alternating square a playful riff in the urban melody. But the symbolism doesn't end there. The chequerboard pattern also evokes the timeless game of chess, a game of strategy and foresight. Just as in chess, where each move carries weight and consequences, the design of the Grosvenor Estate reflects careful planning and deliberate choices. Each square, like a chess piece on the board, plays its part in the grand architectural strategy conceived by Sir Edwin Lutyens and his visionary workforce. Lutyens, renowned for his mastery of form and function, orchestrated this conceptual architectural operation with precision. His team of craftsmen and artisans brought his vision to life, blending tradition with innovation to create a living testament to the spirit of the times. And in the midst of this architectural marvel, the community thrived, finding inspiration in the rich tapestry of their surroundings. As you stroll through Page Street, you're not just witnessing history; you're immersed in a story where art, music, and architecture intertwine to create something truly extraordinary. The chequerboard becomes more than just a pattern; it's a symbol of creativity, resilience, and the enduring power of human expression. And in the heart of Westminster, amidst the grandeur of the Houses of Parliament and the timeless beauty of the River Thames, Page Street stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of community and culture. #PageStreetChronicles #ArchitecturalHarmony #ChequerboardCulture #SkaSquares #ChessInBricks

A brief post about feeder pillars and what to do with them! A necessary evil, feeder pillars work as distribution centers for power, all the bits in one place as it were. They need to be close to the objects needing power, so tend to be slap in the middle of landscape schemes. There are some that fold down into the ground, but those cost more so we are left with the ones that are impossible to integrate, screen, or hide. I feel the best solution is not to try to disguise them, like a pot on a manhole in the middle of a lawn whatever you do will only draw attention to them. So take the approach that Worcester Paint Festival have promoted and use them as canvases for street art. (https://lnkd.in/ey_5MTfT) These swans are my favorites; a lovely, cheerful, bit of design. See what you can find out there, there are dozens and all of them a welcome addition to the streetscape of the city.

The Pulse of the Streets: Street Art and Urban Culture Street art has become a vibrant expression of urban culture, reflecting the identities and stories of communities around the globe. From murals to graffiti, these art forms break the silence of neglected spaces, turning dull walls into canvases that inspire dialogue and engagement. Each piece tells a story, capturing the essence of local life and culture, while also celebrating the diversity that shapes our cities. Beyond aesthetics, street art serves as a powerful catalyst for social change. Artists often tackle pressing issues like inequality, racism, and climate change, using their work to provoke thought and inspire action. By highlighting social injustices, they empower communities to reclaim their narratives and spark meaningful conversations that resonate far beyond their urban landscapes. In essence, street art is not just a visual feast; it's a movement that strengthens community bonds and encourages collective action. Let’s embrace this dynamic form of expression and celebrate the voices that shape our urban identities! #StreetArt #UrbanCulture #CommunityIdentity #SocialChange #Graffiti #Murals #ArtForChange #UrbanExpression #CulturalDiversity #ArtInPublicSpaces #art #artwork #gallery #artgallery #ArtisticExpression #ArtInspiration #CreativeJourney #ArtisticMinds #ArtLovers #ArtCommunity #ArtisticPassion #ArtisticExpression #ArtisticSoul #ArtisticVibes #ArtisticExploration #ArtisticInspiration #ArtisticCreation #ArtWorld #ArtisticCommunity #ArtisticJourney

How to Incorporate Art into Urban Design Identify High-Visibility Locations – Place public art in parks, busy streets, and commercial areas for maximum impact. Collaborate with Local Artists – Work with the local artistic community to ensure authenticity and cultural relevance. Combine Function with Art – Use artistic designs in functional items like benches, bus stops, or lamp posts. Tell a Story – Use public art to narrate the city's history, culture, or unique identity. Rotate Exhibits – Consider rotating art installations to keep public spaces fresh and dynamic. #PublicArt #UrbanDesign #StreetFurniture #CityBeautification #ArtInTheCity