Pier I, if you have one near you, has really cool Morrocan style hanging lanterns (candle power) for fairly cheap money. I noticed the seating area and whereas the lanterns come in several colors, you might be able to play off the colors in the cushions and the lit fountain. What material will the base of the seating area be?

I love your plan and look forward to seeing pictures.

Nice layout.
I think you would win points if you made the exhibit wheelchair accessible by nixing the steps ups and use a ramp.
Unless this isn't a walk thru exhibit, then , never mind

Where on earth are you going to get this type of plant material in your area ?
Those plants are a piece of cake to acquire here in California, but in your area ,,, wow, you might have a challenge .

If my memory serves me correct, your show is sometime in late winter early spring.
Here on the left coast , at that time of year, the banana's would be just waking up as well as the cardoon and acanthus.

My guess is that you will be growing all these plants on in a heated green house thru out the winter.
If so, mid autumn would be a perfect time to U-Haul your plants across cross country .

If you need west coast sources for your materials I have a bundle of them for you.
For starters check out the availability list at San Marcos Growers -smgrowers.com.

I'm flying down to Santa Barbara for their annual party day and can check out their stock for you if you'd like.

Susan, give us the scoop on how you plan on acquiring this type of plant materials for your exhibit.
I'm dying with curiosity !!!!!

Thanks Mich and INK.

Usually I'm very sensitive about disabled access, but at this show, disabled access means free run for misbehaved toddlers. I have had to speak forcefully each year at parents who do not control their children. I had a parent dangle his kid over my water feature last year so he could play with the water! Another one fell into the plants because he was walking along the top of our stone wall. ARGH!

The plants have already been discussed w/my secret weapon...John Story at Meadowbrook Farm. John is a Philadelphia Flower Show veteran and extremely respected plantsman. Meadowbrook forces for some others including me. Forcing for a show this early is madness and he's the best there is. I usually ask for something odd, so it's a challenge for him. Last year we learned that Agapanthus is too difficult to force for my mid-February date, but it was fine 3 weeks later for Philadelphia. Some of the plants will likely come directly to the floor from Florida. But more on the plants later.

What I'm really excited about is making this contemporary. Not a Morrish garden per se, but using the framework and the structure and using it to make a modern statement with it's feet in the past. Feet in the sand?

The water feature I envision (once again, cost will be an issue) will be constructed out of 1/2 inch acrylic. Translucent white on the bottom and opaque black on all sides. The translucent bottom will be strewn w/cobalt crushed glass and lit from below. The fountain I hope will be a glass basin--like the ones in contemporary bathrooms rigged up to do fountain duty. The structure will be able to be leveled on the show floor after it's fabricated. The water feature except for the basin will appear to at the ground plane. I'm hoping the overall effect will be somewhat like what I felt the first time I saw the spaceship in Close Encounters of the Third Kind.

I've also hooked with the folks at the link below. They have incredible things and I will rent some architectural pieces from them.

That's all for now.

Here is a link that might be useful: Mosaic House

Probably best to carry on over here rather than on the discussions site.
Do a google search on "Majorelle Gardens" or "Jardin Majorelle" and you will be inspired, it is/was an artists garden so the use of colour and exotic planting is mouthwatering.
Just one word of caution: bearing in mind some peoples views on Islam it may be a good idea to play down this aspect.

Actually Majorelle is one of my favorite gardens. Years ago I took a small book on it out of the library and I was hooked. The use of strong architectural color is amazing and not found often in gardens here. Madoo is an exception to that--it is also an artist's garden.

One of the reasons that I chose the Moroccan theme is because it's not common here. There is an interest in tropicals and plants that aren't hardy. Again, the inside scoop says that some of the other gardens are what you would expect rooted in European or Asian inspiration and I wanted to shake 'em up abit.

" I wanted to shake 'em up abit"

yup, Some Islamic factions will have a way of doing that , so you're not too far off the mark there Susan. - - : ~ )

Tread lightly, we don't want to see a Fart twa ( you know, those pesky 'call to arms' curse thingys ) called against you for using a bathroom accoutrement as a fountain head.

There have been some side discussions involving plant possibilites for the garden. I think it's useful at this point to note that the entire garden is 20' x 30' with the seating bump out. The 4 planting beds are 3' x 5' each. There is room if necessary to make them slightly larger. My list on the plan was the first thoughts that came to my head. Since I don't work in an area w/a Mediterranean climate, the learning curve is somewhat steep. Those who know me know I love a challenge. As soon as I have a more formulated planting scheme I'll post it.

Paulines--I happened to be at a Pier 1 today for another reason and didn't see the lamps you mentioned but did see some other things that might proove useful if the colors end up being right...

Susan,
Here is a photo from Carol Poshepney's Morrocan garden.
She had just returned from a 2 month long trip there and was still pumped up with coucous over the whole experience.

You might find it easy to acquire some big arse Olive trees. They are being grown and field dug like there is no tomorrow and the west coast market is flooded with them.
... very Meditterraenean. !

as is Citrus, which will be naturally full of fruit at show time.

- some of the plants in this photo _ lots of aeoniums, doryanthus ( phormium look alike sorta ) phormiums, donkey tails succulents (dripping over the walls ) citrus, and sweet jasmine.

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Have you begun to think of your colors?

The terra cotta and cobalt above is so striking - love the way it shows the greens. Another interesting take on your theme could be with the absence of color, cool, crisp white linens and weathered wrought iron.

I just checked Pier 1's website and they only show the mosaic one, which may not work for you. They had several solid colored ones a month or so ago and I wound up purchasing an amber colored one with garnet beading for about $40.00. If you are interested in it, you are welcome to it as I never found quite the right spot for it.

I lived in Morocco off and on over the last six years (3-10 months at a time). You have a wealth of possibilities for plant material as there are a variety of eco-zones: lots of coastline, Sahara dunes, stony desert, fertile plains and really big mountains. Over the years many plants have made their way into farms and gardens from areas far from North Africa.

The "feel" of Moroccan riyad courtyard or outdoor garden plantings is cooling -- not hot, spiny and desert-y. ItÂs a familyÂs personal oasis. ItÂs not the southwest U.S.look nor is it flamboyant tropical. What makes Moroccan courtyards unique and exotic is the exuberence of the multi-colored patterned zellij tile, the Moorish arch, and carved plaster friezes rather than the plantings.

But perhaps you are considering doing an "outside-in" design with plants not typically found in a courtyard? Might be interesting because Moroccan blue is used more for exterior walls.

For me, the iconic plants of Morocco are: date palm, citrus (lemons, oranges and tangerines), almond, olive, bougainvillea, pomegranate, roses (yes, commerical rose attar production in the Dades Valley), Opuntias (the Barbary fig used extensively as fencing in rural areas) and Moroccan spearmint.

Btw, Phoenix robelenii is fluffy only until you impale yourself on its long, sharp leaf base thorns. For the entrance you might want to consider a taller Phoenix dactylifera (with its fronds above head level) or another palm with fewer defenses -- although if you were looking for a way to keep little urchins from running roughshodÂ..

For a touch of authenticity, use a random combination of ungrounded 110v and 220v circuits in the water feature and donÂt forget to add unexpected deteriorating steps, each having a unique height.

Thank you all for the imput, ideas and support. One of the considerations for this project always is cost. It is very expensive to force plants in the NE for a mid February show--not to mention the cost of all of the other materials including rentals. Yes, rentals.

As I said before, my goal is to use the traditional riyad layout as a framework for something modern and contemporary. I am not seeking to create a facimile. There will be some artistic license. I have been exploring formality of structure juxtaposed w/lush planting in my display gardens for the past 3 years. I like the formality of the courtyard layout.

I haven't explored the cost of Citrus trees yet. The palms are because that's will set the public's imagination (or lack of it) in the right direction...

Susan we have touched on the marketing value of this event in the past but I had a thought (just the one). Is there an opening night? When my wife mounts an exhibition it is the tradition here to have a 'vernissage' which gives an invited crowd a first opportunity to view before the varnish is completely dry. There is wine and interviews and so on. What about a belly dancer as the "so on" for you?

No, I wish there was one. By day three I could use a drink or three. The show opens an hour early for the press and some press are invited onto the floor during set up. Still in its formative years, the show has to find its place. Like the Chicago Flower Show, it's run by a show production company--not a horticultural society, so there's definately a commercial aspect to it. Each year it's gotten better.

The marketing value of this event is important. As a designer I can't support myself remaining purely local, my corner of NJ is too small with too much competition...This gives me regional exposure. As for the timing, I just got a deposit on a large project from people who saw me at last year's show, didn't sign my guestbook or request any info--they just took my card and thought it over for six months.

The show, however, isn't the only marketing advertising tool I use. Word of mouth is still the most important.

Susan--

Anthropologie has interesting candle lamps...of the sort paulines had in mind. Just so you can see what she was envisioning...

melanie

PS--I couldn't see the lettering on the post--but hope to print it out and read it when the printer is *ahem* available again. goodness. You'd think homework was IMPORTANT or something!

Here is a link that might be useful: Moroccan Lantern

I have been reading this with interest since this insider view of a garden show installation is new to me. I did go to the SF show at Fort Mason? in May 1994 but the escaped convict from federal prison I was with at the time rushed me through. I briefly considered moving to Marin County after that visit. What I saw there still lingers in my mind. Different subject.

I think I disagree over worrying about Islam. This is Rock the Kasbah afterall and it may be a way to show that we all have something to offer and what better place to find common ground then in the garden, the planet earth we all share. I am not suggesting you put a Koran on display but don't be afraid to hide it's origins. My guess is that most Americans can't make such a connection anyway.

Nomad no more says it is not a spiny hot desert thing but a cool personal oasis. Can you emphasize that by doing a touch of hot and spiny on the outer edge with a cool and comfortable center? A place to come sit, relax and maybe learn some new things from the garden, away from the fire and heat outside. A place to meditate or have a private conversation.

Since you want this to be a bit more contemporary it may be good to show that horticulture has brought plants from around the world and joined them in harmony. That could give you some license to add some of the more colorful tropicals.

Two plants I have not heard anyone mention yet, maybe they are passe now, are rosemary and coffee. Rosemary, nuf said. Coffee is a beautiful glossy green shrub that is a sweet smelling winter bloomer and native to Africa. Yes I've got it! The Internet Cafe Kasbah.

ilima

That's it! Thanks for the link Melanie!

Here's the annual conundrum--budget. To pull off these temporary gardens, one must be willing to spend, spend, spend! As usual, things will be simplified to accomodate the budget or lack of it!

In previous years I've been able to get stone and brick from one of the show sponsors, but they're only providing pavers to their clients this year. I have contacted a company here that does beautiful tumbled limestone paving stone that would be incredible. They discussed partnering when I saw them at an industry trade show, but they're not getting back to me. I won't be able to use it if I have to buy it. I'm already committed (or maybe I should be committed) to buying some imported tile--I don't know how much that's going to be yet.

The plants will be several thousand dollars at least, so I need to borrow where I can. Still no word on the water feature--again, the determining factor there will be $$. Last year we built our own funky version and it worked out fine.

Ms. R,
You're talk'en to the Queen of Cheap Attacks .

You want a feeling authenticity yet envoke a sense of contemporary design and you need for it to be affordable ? - use the cheapest Mexican satillo paver tiles you can find and infuse them with a small brilliant blue accent tile every so often .

I can go down to the local Home Cheapo and pick up Mexican terracotta paver tiles for .98 cents a sq. foot.

The cost of these traditionally used inexpensive tiles here in Spanish/ Moorish design work is extremely common and the look is fabulous.

To get a feel of how you can pull this off in a contemporary manner do a google search on Santa Barbara Spanish style architecture.
Or if you can get your hands on a book on Spanish Colonial California style architecture you'll see lots of inspiration done with very inexpensive satillo tiles as the field tile.

The Satillo / Mexican terracotta tiles may be a little more expensive in your hood because of trucking , but it is the cheapest form of tile that I know about and it will marry perfect with your theme.

I've never seen them at Home Cheapo here--probably not frost proof. I have seen some in 'imported' tile stores though. I do have some alternatives--we are (cheap, cheap, cheap) trying for the free alternative first!

When, in my wild youth, I lived in West Hollywood (way before it was chic), I lived in a ramshakle 1920s Spanish style appartment building that hadn't been renovated since it was built. There were several beautiful buildings in the neighborhood with incredible tile and stucco work. I always loved them with the scale of their plantings--I had never seen leaves that big before--or oranges on the trees! It was all very romantic--or maybe I was just young and poor...

Sorry I have not read the complete post, but did see dicussion on the overwhelming cost of display construction.

I used to design and/or construct 3 display gardens in the winter months, and what I would do is solicit corporate clients totally unrelated to gardining, some sponsors I have had are TD Bank, IBM, Lexmark, TD Waterhouse.

I usually receive an honorarium (subsidy) from the garden show promoter of approx $4.00 per sq ft to go towards construction, Landscape (hard/soft) suppliers are reluctant to give/lend/discount their materials in lew of direct payment.

The rest is generated from usually Banking/Investment/HighTech corporations that all need good PR Â a buddy of mine constructs a garden with a $250,000 budget and has the $$ offset by AIM/Trimark

~ian

Progress was unintentionally made today. I was in NYC registering my kid for Saturday design classes and voila--I found myself around the corner from the school in the Plant District. What to my wondering eyes should appear? Palms, succulents, hibiscus, bananas and citrus trees and more--all aimed at the interior plant industry in Manhattan and all for rent. It was glorious and exotic amid the humidity and concrete. I went into several places and asked about specific plants and got some cards. I'll return when I don't have a teenager in tow! Sometimes the obvious solutions are hidden in plain sight.

Spent an hour at HD yesterday looking at materials for walls and flooring. There was little in the way of cheap flooring that would be appropriate, no great tiles alas. When I mean nothing, it was sad. All so generic and bathroomy looking. I'm going to hit up the tile stores next...

I was also looking for some off the shelf hard foam to build the walls of the courtyard with. My idea was to build foam walls and 'stucco' them w/whatever would hold paint and be cheap. The only foam they had was insulation and it was expensive. I may go to cheap thin plywood over a frame. I've dumped all the wood (construction-not decorative) I've used for the past three years, so cheap is definately the way to go. It doesn't have to pass code, lol.

Cheap Thought.....Thick and heavy cardboard with a paper mache(sp?) coat for texture and paint.

ilima

Great idea.

Now I'm going to have to build the rill and fountain myself because both quotes I got to have it built were way way over the top for my budget! The latest one was $3500. No way. I can do something that will fill the bill and be a lot less expensive. Oh to have the deep pockets of some of my clients!

Talking of quotes, I am sure you have heard this before:-
"Most idealistic people are skint. I have discovered that people with money have no imagination, and people with imagination have no money."

- George Weiss

So it's a trade off susan loads of money or loads of imagination. Imagination requires deep pockets too so that you can store all those crumpled up pieces of paper from when you had to go back to the drawing board.
What are the details of the rill and fountain?

re: walls -- I seem to recall that Shag investigated various options last year? two years ago? for building cheap, temporary and good-looking walls when constructing an exhibit booth for her husband's woodworking enterprise. I'm sure that stucco was not the finish they chose in the end (can't remember what was) but you might try dropping her a line to see if she has any advice.

Would bales of hay work for the wall base - If they were upended they'd be the right height and width-no? Cover with either thinset and paint or some sort of tile. Just a thought.

Not only does it have to be attractive yet inexpensive , but it has to hold up to several thousand people walking in and around the exhibit.

Having been involved with exhibition display shows for years now, I have found that stryofoam when used as a surface, has to be placed in an area that does not receive any foot or hand traffic.
The stuff dents like crazy and if you are using flat panels to spread your stucco onto, they need to be secured to a plywood base. .. So you might as well just skip the styrofoam cost and stucco directly onto the plywood, or use a sand grit paint that looks like stucco .

Paint and plywood are some of your most inexpensive building materials. You can get a lot of bang for your buck when using color as a 'feature'.

One year at the San Fran. show one of the designers used a Xerox copy of tiles on their walls. - The entire back wall was 'wall papered' with one giant repetived tile design . It looks great in the photograph, but in person it really didn't cut the cheeze. .. as a matter of fact it gave the whole display a sort of 'velveeta' look.

There is a West Coast trend that many designers who use to do the landscape shows are now doing, and that is to set up their own Garden Galleries in their yard spaces.

Think of Little and Lewis, Thomas Hobbs and Marcia Donahue to name just a few.
Last weekend I visited a couple of artist's homes and they were all setting up garden galleries for their work.

It cost a tremendous amount of money to do these shows.
I just don't have that type of money to spend on advertisement anymore.
Instead I pump it into my garden and open it up to the public to view and occasionally do a small vignette garden at the big event exhibition shows just to keep my name out there.

But I realize that when you are starting out , there is that need to do one of the big exhibition shows.
Then it pays to put the effort and the money into establishing your reputation.

It demonstrates to a large body of people what type of talent you pocess.

Susan, perhaps after this show you can step back from the temporary garden shows and start building your own permanent garden gallery at your own home.
,, adopt a West Coast trend. : ~ )

An all day trip to the wilds of Pennsylvania yielded much progress. After a quick stop at the Eastern Performance Trials, I went to Meadowbrook to consult w/plantsman John Story. John is a wealth of information about plants and flower shows--he has a wall (floor to ceiling) of Best in Shows from the Philadelphia Flower Show. He took myself and a friend into the back where he keeps the 'good stuff'. After looking at the plan he says, 'Build the rill out of concrete block, line it w/a rubber liner and put sandbags on the outside edge to hold it together for 4 days. Then ink the water and noone will be the wiser. That's what we did 2 years ago, worked like a charm.' I responded that I had done a similar trick w/my 2 x 4 built pond last year.

Since I'm definately working outside my comfort zone with the plants, I was awed by the variety of exotic heat loving plants he's got. Those of you in the warmer zones have some incredible plants to work with that we can only grow for two months max here.

I settled on some red Bananas as well as some pale blue aloes. I'm sorry I don't know the varieties or botanical names, but will post them as soon as I can find them in my notes--by that point my brain was spinning w/possibilities. For some of the pots, I'm going to get some Lemon or Lime or Kumquat standards as well as some standard scented Pelaroriums w/low underplantings that I haven't decided on yet. All of these might seem quite mundane to those who can grow these plants regularly, but here, in February (or any other month) they will be an exotic oasis.

I forgot about the Abutilon hybridum...beautiful. I've always wanted to use them in a garden, and now I can!

Are your plans maturing?
CB