Thursday, January 6, 2011

Landscaping the Jungle

We finally met with Christian!

He is only about 6 weeks behind, and has cancelled 2 appointments and didn't show up for the 3rd.  We were supposed to meet at noon on Tuesday in his office - no show, didn't answer his cell - at 5:30 he arrives at the house with plans and we discuss for 2 hours.

He is extremely creative, and his concept plans reflect that - they are actually too much for what we really want - like the 20' x 4' 'water feature' across the front of the house that cascades under the driveway and has stepping stones across it to the front door.  PRETENTIOUS were the first words out of my mouth.

Then there are the 'walls' at the back of the pool terrace.  They are there to balance the shower structure and create interest - yes, and block the view of the spectacular jungle behind the house - no - next!

Past the pool, the land narrows and slopes steeply away - the concept is a terraced fruit orchard - clear away all the natural vegetation, recontour the land and plant fruit trees (which Lisle really wants).  My comment - we want whatever we do in landscaping to enhance what is already there, not replace it, allow the beauty of what is there to come through, not create something artificial.

I think he left with the clear understanding the something simpler that didn't make the house look like a boutique hotel was more in line with our style.

That said, he had many many great ideas that we supported and that he said he would come back with a revised design Thursday - let's hope it comes together!

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