Outdoor Gardeners: COLOR IS without doubt the most obvious part of an ornamental plants attraction, and the most important to the majority of gardeners. A dazzling, riotous display of color from spring to the fall is generally the ideal for beginner gardeners. But as time goes on and experience accumulates, this aim gradually changes as you realize that more subtle but more satisfying blendings can be obtained, in which colur is mixed with white, or cool grays and silvers, or with plants grown for the shape and texture of their leaves.
GOING GREEN: Eco-friendly style is gaining in popularity, but it's not always easy to find. Here in the Valley it can be had at Modern outdoor gardeners, based in Van Nuys. Their furniture has a sleek aesthetic with clean, simple lines. And one key material they use is Ipe, a sustainably harvested wood that's three times as dense as teak. "It's one of the best woods you can use to make outdoor gardeners furniture," says company vice president Brett Himmel. "Our furniture is designed for heavy commercial use. A 20-mile-per-hour gust of wind won't blow your chair into the neighbor's yard." |
