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My Favorite Flower Box! #4: Melanie's Magical Block Brightener

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Location: South Park Slope, Brooklyn (8th Ave)
What's in it: A variety of grasses, bamboo, moss, Japanese maple trees and other.
Who takes care of it: The people who own the home--I don't know them personally I just gawk over their handiwork.

Favorite Garden Store: My favorite plant store is Forest Farm (based in Williams, OR, which I mail-order from).

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How does it benefit the community:
This front yard container garden beautifies the entire block and, dare I say, makes it a much better place then it would be otherwise (I wouldn't doubt if this one garden hasn't improved property values for the houses that are next to it as it shows the potential in all of them and makes them much more appealing).

I live around the corner and I look forward to walking by every day no matter what season.

 
 
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It's inspiring what the homeowners are able to do in such a small space, and the transformation of this yard compared to the identical yards next to it (see photo for example of neighboring yard) is not to be believed.

This garden has helped me realize what can be done with a space and it's provided me with a lot of inspiration for my own roof garden. I love the mix of plants that lends the yard a meditative Japanese feel.

But what is most magical is the way they have created a real sense of depth and expansiveness in a tiny space.

It seems they are able to acheive this through the way they layer the garden using planters of different heights, colors, and textures. And the use of slate, which they installed this spring, is a major envy point for me!

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Comments (4)

Sweet! Definitely an urban sanctuary. Lovely plant choices. And the burlwood chair adds so much to the overall vibe.

posted by Enrique on 2005-07-19 12:33:35

I love the chair! For some reason, I couldn't see that pic at all before, and I was wondering why this was getting gold stars, because the other pics didn't show that much of the garden. However, as of today, I can finally see the image with the chair.

posted by Fiona on 2005-07-20 12:11:58

This is just spectacular and so inspiring. I agree, the first thing that catches your eye is the chair. It is perfect for the space. The lace leaf maple, which we see so much of but I still love, works well when layered this way. And the bamboo and even moss! Though a small space, it seems so complete.

posted by dorio on 2005-07-20 13:30:05

Japanese maples! Whooo-hoooo!

posted by patrick (the other one) on 2005-07-20 13:30:20

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