Serenity in the Garden

Uncommon Goods is on the search for garden sculptures, planters, bird houses and other accessories for an outdoor space. So they have launched their first design challenge of 2013 – the Garden Décor Design Challenge .   If you have a design for those with a green thumb or a lover of the outdoors, they want to see it! UncommonGoods, an online retailer that specializes in handmade, eco- friendly and uniquely designed gifts and accessories. GRAND PRIZE: $500 cash + an UncommonGoods vendor contract RUNNERS UP: All runners up will receive a critique of their work from the guest judges, as well as tips for marketing and growing your business. Additionally, the UncommonGoods buying team will be happy to review your full portfolio and may consider adding the work submitted to the UncommonGoods website in the future.   DEADLINE: January 31, 2013 at 11:59 PM ET   You can submit your great sculptures, pots, birdhouses and other original designs f

photo by Brian Auer at Fineartblog Thank You, Pantone! I have been waiting for the design and fashion world to celebrate the color Green. We need this color right now. In a stress-filled, war-torn world, Green can calm us. Desirable Emerald Green traits:  fresh, pure, radiant, lush, healing.   This year, the  color is of growing things with more than a hint of hope. Pantone selected this jewel tone for 2013 because the company believes Green promotes balance and harmony and inspires well-being. Emerald as a precious stone has been valued throughout centuries for promoting good health, prosperity, and renewal. It is associated with Venus, the goddess of love, and in some cultures, an emerald stone is believed to heal diseases of the eye and heart. photo by Myu Myu on Flikr Did you know that patients in a waiting room that had real plants or at least featured posters of plants experienced less anxiety and stress than patients in a room with no gre

I will be giving a one day class at the New York Botanical Garden on Wednesday, February 6, 2013.  10:00 - 3:30 pm ( with a break for lunch)   I will be revealing captivating design ideas for Creating Gardens of Serenity . Johnsen Landscapes & Pools These classes are so much fun and everyone always has high praise for the material I present. I aim to share the insights and secrets from various ancient traditions and modern landscapes and show how you can use them in your garden.   Johnsen Landscapes & Pools      You must register with the Continuing Education Department on line at the New York Botanical Garden. Click here for that link. Here is what the NY Botanical Garden wrote about me last year. CLICK HERE .