u2014 ALE: Wayne Rain Garden Pennsylvania Landscape & Nursery Association u2014 ALE: Wayne Rain Garden Terren Landscapes http://www.terrenlandscapes.com 2014 PLNA Awards for Landscape Excellence winner Category: Residential Up to $15,000 Award Level: Gold Project Description: Our company was contracted by the client to provide a creative solution to an ongoing drainage problem. Their property is located within 30 feet of a local stream that collects storm water from the surrounding area. The nearby stream and high water table caused the lawn area at the side of their home to flood and to remain waterlogged for a few days after each storm. The client not only had difficulty growing plants in the existing conditions, but also had a problem with mosquitoes due to standing water. Our goal was to design a self-contained, naturalistic rain garden that slowed storm water runoff, allowed for percolation, and promoted infiltration while permitting excess clean water to enter the nearby stream with diminished force. As designed, the rain garden allows the earth to slowly and more naturally absorb excess storm water while filtering out toxins such as excess nitrogen and phosphorous which are frequently found in the landscape, therefore reducing the contaminants entering the stream. A percolation test was conducted with criteria of absorbing a one-inch rainstorm within four hours without overflow. The one-inch storm calculation included an existing downspout from the home, which would be piped into the rain garden to reduce roof runoff. The first test failed due to a deep layer of high clay-content soil. Excavation continued until a layer of sandy loam was reached, the percolation test was repeated, and a successful test result was achieved. Next, the entire rain garden basin was excavated to the sandy loam layer and the soil amended with compost and sand to create a highly porous planting media. Geotextile fabric was placed to help reduce migration of the surface stone into the soil and allow for minimal maintenance. Gravel, river stone and small boulders were carefully placed to achieve the look of a natural streambed. A palette of mostly native plants with a few non-invasive ornamentals were chosen for their ability to survive in extreme conditions ranging from floods to drought and were placed according to their specific preferences. Wetland plants were chosen for the lowest portion of the rain garden as that area remains saturated for longer periods of time, with a Chionanthus virginicus as a focal point surrounded by irises and ferns at the lowest depth. Plants tolerant of drier conditions were chosen for the upper edges of the garden. The beautiful colors of Monarda, Ligularia, Eupatorium, Solidago, Chelone, and Rudbeckia were scattered within the upper edge, while movement and softness were incorporated by use of the graceful Nassella that lines the border. Finally, winter interest was provided with a backdrop of Cornus sericea. As built, this small rain garden creates tremendous impact by decreasing the amount of storm water runoff not only on our client's property, but also in the neighboring stream. It serves as a means of slowing the water and providing an area for infiltration back into the earth. The plants provide a habitat for birds, butterflies, and insects, working in harmony with nature and providing beautiful visual interest year-round. Photo Credit: Lisa C. Falls

It has long been established that a Vistafolia® wall goes anywhere, but what happens when the idea of the installation is that our artificial green wall panels go everywhere? Cruise ships are big business, offering passengers a taste of luxury and a 5-star treatment every step of the way. Saga Cruises approached us to provide them with a low-maintenance green walls option that looked as good as the real thing. By installing our breathtakingly beautiful Signature Range on one of their outdoor areas, we did just that. The panels do not require any ongoing water or chemicals, and certainly have no need for an irrigation system – something that would be unnecessarily complicated on a ship. Instead, a simple periodic hose down will keep the wall looking its best every day, whether docked in port or sailing the seven seas.

Vistafolia® was able to provide an inexpensive, realistic solution that would remove all the time and effort from a living green wall. Once up, the panels do not require any ongoing maintenance and certainly no unreliable irrigation systems, and the market-leading 5-year warranty gives our client reassurance and complete peace of mind that it will stay looking its best for a long time to come. Most importantly for the client, the straightforward nature of VistaFolia’s installation process meant that the artificial green wall was able to go up in no time, ensuring no unsightly gaps in the fence. The client achieved a truly authentic finish. The green wall goes hand in hand with the flowers and plants of the garden, without anyone suspecting the wall to be artificial.

It has long been established that a Vistafolia® wall goes anywhere, but what happens when the idea of the installation is that our artificial green wall panels go everywhere? Cruise ships are big business, offering passengers a taste of luxury and a 5-star treatment every step of the way. Saga Cruises approached us to provide them with a low-maintenance green walls option that looked as good as the real thing. By installing our breathtakingly beautiful Signature Range on one of their outdoor areas, we did just that. The panels do not require any ongoing water or chemicals, and certainly have no need for an irrigation system – something that would be unnecessarily complicated on a ship. Instead, a simple periodic hose down will keep the wall looking its best every day, whether docked in port or sailing the seven seas.

It has long been established that a Vistafolia® wall goes anywhere, but what happens when the idea of the installation is that our artificial green wall panels go everywhere? Cruise ships are big business, offering passengers a taste of luxury and a 5-star treatment every step of the way. Saga Cruises approached us to provide them with a low-maintenance green walls option that looked as good as the real thing. By installing our breathtakingly beautiful Signature Range on one of their outdoor areas, we did just that. The panels do not require any ongoing water or chemicals, and certainly have no need for an irrigation system – something that would be unnecessarily complicated on a ship. Instead, a simple periodic hose down will keep the wall looking its best every day, whether docked in port or sailing the seven seas.

The Waterfall Foodscape is a lush, layered edible landscape designed around a naturalistic waterfall and the experience of moving through the garden. Rather than separating food production from ornamental planting, the design weaves edible perennials, fruiting plants, flowers, shrubs, and habitat-supporting species throughout the landscape. Stone, water, pathways, and planting work together to create a space that feels immersive, productive, and alive. The waterfall acts as a focal point and sensory anchor, bringing movement, sound, and a cooling presence into the garden. Around it, layered planting creates seasonal interest, supports pollinators and wildlife, and provides ongoing harvests. The result is a foodscape that balances beauty, biodiversity, and productivity while feeling natural and integrated with the surrounding landscape. Designed and built by Edible Landscapes Design Ltd. in Victoria, BC.

This project encompasses the renovation of two aging metal warehouses located on an acre just North of the 610 loop. The larger warehouse, previously an auto body shop, measures 6000 square feet and will contain a residence, art studio, and garage. A light well puncturing the middle of the main residence brightens the core of the deep building. The over-sized roof opening washes light down three masonry walls that define the light well and divide the public and private realms of the residence. The interior of the light well is conceived as a serene place of reflection while providing ample natural light into the Master Bedroom. Large windows infill the previous garage door openings and are shaded by a generous steel canopy as well as a new evergreen tree court to the west. Adjacent, a 1200 sf building is reconfigured for a guest or visiting artist residence and studio with a shared outdoor patio for entertaining. Photo by Peter Molick, Art by Karin Broker

Our client for this project envisioned a whimsical great room design that was conducive to hosting gatherings and her ongoing book club. She also desired a comfortable, classic sofa that could accommodate her friends’ knee and back issues, while also incorporating her existing furniture in the refreshed design. A woven jute rug added texture and set a casual mood. We then found the perfect sofa style to beautifully complement the space and accommodate her friends’ needs. We created a welcoming, balanced ambiance by contrasting bold geometrically patterned pillows with organic drapery.Versatile swivel chairs with polka dot upholstery rounded out the seating for guests. We also added round iron nesting cocktail tables to provide the ideal spot for snacks during her book group meetings. A magnificent waterlily painting adorned the walls, adding to the garden-inspired ambiance. Our client’s finished great room is now an oasis of tranquility and charm. She’s thrilled to have her new “happy place” – a beautiful, welcoming space to entertain her friends and family.

It has long been established that a Vistafolia® wall goes anywhere, but what happens when the idea of the installation is that our artificial green wall panels go everywhere? Cruise ships are big business, offering passengers a taste of luxury and a 5-star treatment every step of the way. Saga Cruises approached us to provide them with a low-maintenance green walls option that looked as good as the real thing. By installing our breathtakingly beautiful Signature Range on one of their outdoor areas, we did just that. The panels do not require any ongoing water or chemicals, and certainly have no need for an irrigation system – something that would be unnecessarily complicated on a ship. Instead, a simple periodic hose down will keep the wall looking its best every day, whether docked in port or sailing the seven seas.

It has long been established that a Vistafolia® wall goes anywhere, but what happens when the idea of the installation is that our artificial green wall panels go everywhere? Cruise ships are big business, offering passengers a taste of luxury and a 5-star treatment every step of the way. Saga Cruises approached us to provide them with a low-maintenance green walls option that looked as good as the real thing. By installing our breathtakingly beautiful Signature Range on one of their outdoor areas, we did just that. The panels do not require any ongoing water or chemicals, and certainly have no need for an irrigation system – something that would be unnecessarily complicated on a ship. Instead, a simple periodic hose down will keep the wall looking its best every day, whether docked in port or sailing the seven seas.

It has long been established that a Vistafolia® wall goes anywhere, but what happens when the idea of the installation is that our artificial green wall panels go everywhere? Cruise ships are big business, offering passengers a taste of luxury and a 5-star treatment every step of the way. Saga Cruises approached us to provide them with a low-maintenance green walls option that looked as good as the real thing. By installing our breathtakingly beautiful Signature Range on one of their outdoor areas, we did just that. The panels do not require any ongoing water or chemicals, and certainly have no need for an irrigation system – something that would be unnecessarily complicated on a ship. Instead, a simple periodic hose down will keep the wall looking its best every day, whether docked in port or sailing the seven seas.

It has long been established that a Vistafolia® wall goes anywhere, but what happens when the idea of the installation is that our artificial green wall panels go everywhere? Cruise ships are big business, offering passengers a taste of luxury and a 5-star treatment every step of the way. Saga Cruises approached us to provide them with a low-maintenance green walls option that looked as good as the real thing. By installing our breathtakingly beautiful Signature Range on one of their outdoor areas, we did just that. The panels do not require any ongoing water or chemicals, and certainly have no need for an irrigation system – something that would be unnecessarily complicated on a ship. Instead, a simple periodic hose down will keep the wall looking its best every day, whether docked in port or sailing the seven seas.

It has long been established that a Vistafolia® wall goes anywhere, but what happens when the idea of the installation is that our artificial green wall panels go everywhere? Cruise ships are big business, offering passengers a taste of luxury and a 5-star treatment every step of the way. Saga Cruises approached us to provide them with a low-maintenance green walls option that looked as good as the real thing. By installing our breathtakingly beautiful Signature Range on one of their outdoor areas, we did just that. The panels do not require any ongoing water or chemicals, and certainly have no need for an irrigation system – something that would be unnecessarily complicated on a ship. Instead, a simple periodic hose down will keep the wall looking its best every day, whether docked in port or sailing the seven seas.

Lemon Remodeling Earns Diamond Certified®! Scores Highest in Quality in Local Service Company Customer Satisfaction Study Lemon Remodeling a design and build construction business in the bay area, has been awarded the prestigious Diamond Certified symbol after being rated highest in quality in ongoing customer satisfaction ratings performed by American Ratings Corporation. In order to earn Diamond Certified, a local service company must apply to be rated by American Ratings Corporation (ARC) and pass each step of its twelve-step rating and certification process. ARC actually pulls a random sample of past customers from the applicant company’s files and surveys typically 100 customers by telephone. Not only do the customers rate the applicant company on a 1 to 10 scale for quality, but also they indicate their willingness to return or refer other consumers to the company. Most companies can’t pass the rating because a customer satisfaction survey score of greater than 90 on a 100 scale is required. In addition, ARC verifies liability and workers’ compensation insurance, state license status, complaint status, business practices, financial stability and legal judgment status. Additionally, ongoing customer satisfaction surveys are conducted to ensure the Diamond Certified Company is maintaining its high customer satisfaction. “Our entire team at Lemon Remodeling is pleased to earn this prestigious award. And, it is especially gratifying because it’s based on our customers’ perception of our quality,” said the owner of Lemon Remodeling and Services. “Personally, I’ve been focused on rating local service companies for the past 20 years and I’m always impressed at how certain organizations are so focused on satisfying their customers. Your Company Name is one of those special companies,” said the Founder and CEO of American Ratings Corporation. About American Ratings Corporation American Ratings Corporation’s mission is to define excellence and to identify for consumers the highest quality local companies. It rates local service companies in Northern California and awards the Diamond Certified symbol to companies rated highest in quality. It backs these companies for consumers by providing, when necessary, Diamond Certified mediation services and a money-back guarantee. For more information, visit www.diamondcertified.org or call 800-738-1138.

The way one chooses to maintain one's garden is an important element of design. One option is to leave intact last year's growth on warm-season grasses for their sculptural quality. We love how the native Meadow Petunia fills in all the gaps, while the Black Eyed Susans provide bright and bold contrast to the mix. We call these gardens "living landscapes" because the native plants they contain seed off and change locations from year to year in a dynamic, dramatic show. The gardener becomes audience, director, and dramaturge--all in one--rather than one who tightly controls the results. (What is a dramaturge, one might ask if their friends are not in the theater?) Oxford languages explains: "1. a dramatist. 2. a literary editor on the staff of a theater who consults with authors and edits texts." In living landscapes, the native plants become a sort of text which the gardener edits in order to shape the unfolding drama for the current and next season. The gardener chooses where to pull back overly assertive plants, when to nudge forward the under-confident actor waiting to shine, when to let the mystery unfold and surprise. It is not laissez-faire or "what will be will be"--rather, it is an ongoing movement rooted in observation and reflection. This is the living landscape we strive to design and build at The Natural Garden.

Near Italy’s northeast border lies the small town of Moimacco. Once an important stop along ancient trade routes, today, all of the modern furnishings offered by the Italian design house Bross are crafted in the quaint Italian town. Hallmarks of the Bross line of contemporary furniture are an attention to detail and a careful selection of quality materials, in particular, fine European woods. The Bross focus on fine craftsmanship lends an appealing, organic element to homes decorated in the modern interior design style. The company’s commitment to producing high quality modern furniture has attracted some of the finest designers, including Paolo Piva, Gerd Lange, Enzo Berti, Laprell and Althaus and Ennio Arosio. The room service 360° collection of Bross furnishings includes buffets, consoles and dining and coffee tables that demonstrate the extraordinary technical prowess and artistic vision of these world-renowned designers. Bross is the perfect choice for contemporary homes. Welcome to room service 360°, the premier destination for the world’s finest modern furniture. As an authorized dealer of the most respected furniture manufacturers in Europe, room service 360° is uniquely positioned to offer the most complete, most comprehensive and most exclusive collections of custom contemporary and modern furniture available on the market today. From world renowned designers at Bonaldo, Cattelan Italia, Fiam Italia, Foscarini, Gamma Arredamenti, Pianca, Presotto Italia, Tonelli and Tonin Casa, only the finest Italian furniture collections are represented at room service 360°. On our website you will find the latest collections from top European contemporary/modern furniture designers, leading Italian furniture manufacturers and many exclusive products. We are also proud and excited to offer our interior design blog as an ongoing resource for design fanatics, curious souls and anyone who is looking to be inspired. In our Philadelphia showroom we carefully select our products and change them frequently to provide our customers with the best possible mix through which they can envision their room’s décor and their life. This is the reason why many of our customers (thank you all!!!) travel for hours, and some fly to our store. This is the reason why we have earned the privilege to be the starting point for modern living for many of you.

In 1963, Alessandro and Giancarlo Bontempi began to lay the foundation for what would become Bontempi Casa, one of the finest Italian design firms in the world today. The two were already recognized as talented Italian designers, known specifically for their innovative, award-winning interpretations of tables and chairs. Since the 1980s, Bontempi Casa has offered a wide range of modern furniture, but chairs remain the stars of the company’s collection. The room service 360° collection of Bontempi Casa chairs includes the best of the best. Welcome to room service 360°, the premier destination for the world’s finest modern furniture. As an authorized dealer of the most respected furniture manufacturers in Europe, room service 360° is uniquely positioned to offer the most complete, most comprehensive and most exclusive collections of custom contemporary and modern furniture available on the market today. From world renowned designers at Bonaldo, Cattelan Italia, Fiam Italia, Foscarini, Gamma Arredamenti, Pianca, Presotto Italia, Tonelli and Tonin Casa, only the finest Italian furniture collections are represented at room service 360°. On our website you will find the latest collections from top European contemporary/modern furniture designers, leading Italian furniture manufacturers and many exclusive products. We are also proud and excited to offer our interior design blog as an ongoing resource for design fanatics, curious souls and anyone who is looking to be inspired. In our Philadelphia showroom we carefully select our products and change them frequently to provide our customers with the best possible mix through which they can envision their room’s décor and their life. This is the reason why many of our customers (thank you all!!!) travel for hours, and some fly to our store. This is the reason why we have earned the privilege to be the starting point for modern living for many of you.

From our Go Fund me Page Feb. 2016 Princess Kaylee is only two and a half years old and was recently diagnosed with cancer. We need your generosity so that we can give her the enchanted room of her dreams as she endures 2.5 years of treatments. We're breaking out our magic wands and designing a gorgeous room for this sweet little girl. With your assistance, we can create a fairy tale space for Kaylee and her family to rest and recover. Kaylee's story hits especially close to home in our tight-knit community. Her mother, Kelly, is an oncology nurse at Rady Children's Hospital. Yes, you read that correctly - her mother has spent the last 8 years compassionately caring after children who have been diagnosed with cancer. In fact, she was one of the dedicated nurses who so wonderfully cared for Savvy Giving by Design's very first recipient, Kasey Harvey. And Kelly is not the only hero in this family. Kaylee's father, Jared, is a local CHP officer who keeps our streets safe and not long ago rescued multiple children after a lengthy stand-off with their abductor. http://www.10news.com/news/chp-officers-relive-moments-in-highway-standoff-121214 Jared and Kelly have two beautiful children. Their son Drew is 5 years-old and daughter Kaylee will turn 3 in August. Kaylee's diagnosis, Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, turned this family's world upside down. While her prognosis is, thankfully, very good (with a 93% cure rate), the treatment will be incredibly arduous. Kaylee is facing 2.5 years of ongoing treatment with periods of intense chemotherapy followed by "maintenance" chemo. As hard as it is to believe, Kaylee's treatment will not be complete until she is 5 years-old and preparing to enter kindergarten. Given the ongoing and onerous treatment regimen that Kaylee faces, Savvy Giving by Design knows that she will need a beautiful and comfortable room where she can rest and be visited by family and friends. Kaylee is currently transitioning out of her crib and we have big intentions for this princess-loving little girl. Our plan is to combine fun and functionality with details and personal touches that will show Kaylee that there is an entire community rallying behind her. We will incorporate Kaylee's favorite colors (pink and purple) and turn her fantasies into reality by installing a built-in castle bed that makes her room feel magical and shows this little girl that anything is possible. This room will have some very personal special touches incorporated into it to pay tribute to Kaylee's fairy godmother. When Kelly was 13, she lost her very best friend, Jessica, to cancer. Kelly paid tribute to her dear friend by naming her daughter Kaylee Jessica and she wholeheartedly believes that Jessica will be watching over her little girl as she travels this difficult road. With sufficient funding, we will also be able to do a little makeover for Kaylee's knight in shining armor, her big brother Drew. We recognize and appreciate that Drew faces a struggle all his own as his little sister battles this disease. Savvy Giving by Design is a the philanthropic arm of Savvy Interiors, Inc. We are registered with the state of California as a nonprofit and awaiting our "formal" 501(c)(3) designation by the IRS. Your donations are tax-deductible. All monies collected will go directly to this space! Any excess funds will be distributed directly to the family. Since late 2014, Savvy Giving by Design has transformed 8 spaces and our ultimate goal is to have sufficient funding to take on one project each month. As stated in our founding documents, "Our mission is to provide comfort, support, and healing to families with a child facing a medical crisis by transforming the interior spaces of their homes at no cost to them". We hope you will support our mission to makeover these two rooms for this very deserving family and give Kaylee and Drew's loving parents the gift of knowing that their children are happy, safe, and ready to take on the battle of a lifetime. If you would like to join and follow Kaylee's team page, "Tutu's and Chemo drips," you can do so here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/158667784506286/ To join our ongoing grass roots efforts, please join our Savvy Giving closed group page. https://www.facebook.com/groups/SavvyGivingbyDesign/

From our Go Fund me Page Feb. 2016 Princess Kaylee is only two and a half years old and was recently diagnosed with cancer. We need your generosity so that we can give her the enchanted room of her dreams as she endures 2.5 years of treatments. We're breaking out our magic wands and designing a gorgeous room for this sweet little girl. With your assistance, we can create a fairy tale space for Kaylee and her family to rest and recover. Kaylee's story hits especially close to home in our tight-knit community. Her mother, Kelly, is an oncology nurse at Rady Children's Hospital. Yes, you read that correctly - her mother has spent the last 8 years compassionately caring after children who have been diagnosed with cancer. In fact, she was one of the dedicated nurses who so wonderfully cared for Savvy Giving by Design's very first recipient, Kasey Harvey. And Kelly is not the only hero in this family. Kaylee's father, Jared, is a local CHP officer who keeps our streets safe and not long ago rescued multiple children after a lengthy stand-off with their abductor. http://www.10news.com/news/chp-officers-relive-moments-in-highway-standoff-121214 Jared and Kelly have two beautiful children. Their son Drew is 5 years-old and daughter Kaylee will turn 3 in August. Kaylee's diagnosis, Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, turned this family's world upside down. While her prognosis is, thankfully, very good (with a 93% cure rate), the treatment will be incredibly arduous. Kaylee is facing 2.5 years of ongoing treatment with periods of intense chemotherapy followed by "maintenance" chemo. As hard as it is to believe, Kaylee's treatment will not be complete until she is 5 years-old and preparing to enter kindergarten. Given the ongoing and onerous treatment regimen that Kaylee faces, Savvy Giving by Design knows that she will need a beautiful and comfortable room where she can rest and be visited by family and friends. Kaylee is currently transitioning out of her crib and we have big intentions for this princess-loving little girl. Our plan is to combine fun and functionality with details and personal touches that will show Kaylee that there is an entire community rallying behind her. We will incorporate Kaylee's favorite colors (pink and purple) and turn her fantasies into reality by installing a built-in castle bed that makes her room feel magical and shows this little girl that anything is possible. This room will have some very personal special touches incorporated into it to pay tribute to Kaylee's fairy godmother. When Kelly was 13, she lost her very best friend, Jessica, to cancer. Kelly paid tribute to her dear friend by naming her daughter Kaylee Jessica and she wholeheartedly believes that Jessica will be watching over her little girl as she travels this difficult road. With sufficient funding, we will also be able to do a little makeover for Kaylee's knight in shining armor, her big brother Drew. We recognize and appreciate that Drew faces a struggle all his own as his little sister battles this disease. Savvy Giving by Design is a the philanthropic arm of Savvy Interiors, Inc. We are registered with the state of California as a nonprofit and awaiting our "formal" 501(c)(3) designation by the IRS. Your donations are tax-deductible. All monies collected will go directly to this space! Any excess funds will be distributed directly to the family. Since late 2014, Savvy Giving by Design has transformed 8 spaces and our ultimate goal is to have sufficient funding to take on one project each month. As stated in our founding documents, "Our mission is to provide comfort, support, and healing to families with a child facing a medical crisis by transforming the interior spaces of their homes at no cost to them". We hope you will support our mission to makeover these two rooms for this very deserving family and give Kaylee and Drew's loving parents the gift of knowing that their children are happy, safe, and ready to take on the battle of a lifetime. If you would like to join and follow Kaylee's team page, "Tutu's and Chemo drips," you can do so here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/158667784506286/ To join our ongoing grass roots efforts, please join our Savvy Giving closed group page. https://www.facebook.com/groups/SavvyGivingbyDesign/