Special Events

2009 - LA Garden Show
The Accessible Edible Garden
All of us face possible disability from injury or age but we can keep gardening by using thoughtful tools and techniques. Laramee’s display garden uses a large round table that rotates. This allows the gardener to stay seated in one spot while moving the garden. It works like a Lazy Susan. Also included are raised beds that have leg room underneath so a gardener can face forward just like working at a table. Soil level is shallow in front but much deeper in back. This makes reaching into the garden much easier. Pathways are smooth and wide for easy turning. Herbs and vegetables fill the beds to complete this accessible edible garden.
                                         See the ABC2/KCAL9 Video HERE

2008 - LA Garden Show
Cabinet de Verdure
This cabinet of green is a garden enclosed by tall grasses and miniature trees to create a quiet intimate space. In the center is a circular bench facing inward. The bench is made from recycled plastic and supported by recycled broken concrete. The plants are locally grown and all items in this garden will be reused. A place for conversation, a peaceful retreat, a moment shared together is the goal of this garden room.

2007 - Pasadena Showcase House
Breakfast At Tiffany’s
Outside the breakfast room is a small formal garden called Breakfast At Tiffany’s. The much beloved movie and book by Truman Capote will be the inspiration for this garden space. Intimate and romantic with a touch of New York, this garden will be a tribute to love of the heart.

Spring, a Roman inspired statue, is the center of the garden. The seasons and elements were frequent themes for statuary in the ancient world. Spring holds a sprig of pussy willow, one of the earliest blooms foretelling the coming of the season. Around Spring is an oval boxwood hedge containing a mix of silver and burgundy colored plants. A simple gravel path and bench seat for two complete this relaxed and romantic garden.

2006 - Pasadena Showcase House
Jardim do Amor
Leave the worries of a busy life behind as you enter this tranquil garden. It is a place to reflect on what brings you joy and rejoice in those you love. It is the garden of reflection and love.

Centered in the garden on a raised island is a sleeping pavilion modeled after an antique Chinese bed. The pavilion evokes a sleeping porch from the 1920’s brought out into the garden. A stream filled with flowers joins the upper and lower ponds. Small fountains play soft water music. Two curved pathways end in small pagodas holding tranquil statues of Buddha. Lush ferns, Philodendrons and Japanese Maples make a varied garden of greens.

Afternoon naps, curling up with a book or sleeping outside are a few of the joys offered by this romantic garden. At night, lanterns in the Oak tree sway in the breeze to create a floating world. Candles and rose petals scattered throughout complete this Garden of Reflection and Love.

2005 - Pasadena Showcase House
The Children's Garden
The Children’s Garden is about running, jumping, hiding, climbing, spinning and imagining. It is about enticing children away from buttons, joysticks and screens. It is about blue sky, afternoon sun, and traveling to the green world. It is about exercising hearts, muscles and minds.

The garden includes an Animal Tea Party, Sand Pond, Native American Tipi, and Building Blocks. A curved path for bikes and riding toys forms a loop connecting the play areas. Two iron benches by Efren Peralta give adults a place to sit and watch the fun.

In the center of the garden is a whimsical play structure with a tree tower, ladders, swings and slide. The play structure is designed and made by Barbara Butler. Barbara is nationally known for building play structures with art, careful crafting, wit and jaw dropping style.
 

Cool green ferns, moss and tumbling ground covers growing among the stairs and rocks are trappings of a wilder place. A rustic railing of mock wood will be made with cement and iron. Broken concrete set to look like stone will form a path at the bottom of the steps. Benches for resting and viewing will be located below the balustrade and above the rock pool stairs. A cool, moist retreat from summers increasing heat. Copper path lighting will be subtle but sufficient to light the steps and seating areas. Up lighting on the gargoyles and one or two of the trees will add drama for the evening viewer.

2001 - Pasadena Showcase House
Italian Sculpture Garden
In keeping with the Italian style of the house this garden uses sculptures of ancient mythical designs. The center statue is of Pan, protector of woods and hills. The two flanking statues are Spring and Summer, seasonal themes often used in ancient gardens. The abundant planting emphasizes foliage colors including dark green, gray green, silver and burgundy. roses compliment the theme while a riot of low shrubs and ground covers contrast with the elegance of classical sculptures. At the ends and edges of the site boulders with grasses and native plants are used to reflect the original wildness of the setting.

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