Sunday, September 30, 2012

Little and Lewis

Back in July during my trip to Oregon and Washington with my axe murderer and serial killer garden friends, we paid a visit to the famous concrete garden sculpting and painting duo of David Little and George Lewis.  Although Little and Lewis are celebrities on the PNW garden scene, they aren't as well known in New England.  Much has been written about them by people who are better writers than me.  If you would like to learn more about them and the work they do, visit their website HERE or launch a quick google search.

I am absolutely in love with the bold tropical garden style of Little and Lewis!  By most standards their garden is small but the attention to detail is unsurpassed.  Details that encourage visitors to explore and discover.




Our group spent almost an entire morning in the garden (which is also their home) on Bainbridge Island in Washington state.  Like so many other owners of nurseries and gardens we visited on this trip, George and David were welcoming and gracious hosts.

George chats with the group.

This tree is actually a concrete sculpture covered with moss.  Water constantly drips from the mosses creating a delightful effect.  Water is an important design element in a Little and Lewis garden.



Lisa capturing the perfect shot.

Creative vignettes were thoughtfully placed all throughout the garden.












Front door detail



Cast concrete leaves painted in eye popping colors are another signature Little and Lewis creation.    








Some of the smaller items available for sale.  I purchased the red chicken to the left of the mirror.  My first choice, a cast leaf was a bit rich for my budget :).


Concrete columns positioned as tropical ruins are another Little and Lewis trademark




































I've been home from this trip for more than two months.  In some ways it seems like just last week and in some ways it seems like last year.  Before you know it we'll be firming up the plans for next year.  Is tomorrow really the first of October?  Time flies and the future is not guaranteed so follow my lead and celebrate every day.

Tonight I am struggling to celebrate today but it's been a challenge.  Last night my cable internet went out and today it took close to five hours including five calls to Cox and a trip to one of their stores for a new cable modem (not the problem) to get back online.  At the end of the day I did get the lawn mowed, my workout done, and something that remotely resembled dinner on the table without having to kill anybody so for that I am thankful. 


Sue~


 



14 comments:

  1. What a stupendous garden. Wish I'd been there. Thanks for sharing

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    1. Next year, Deanne. Be there or be square!

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  2. Wow...thanks for posting so many gorgeous photos, it's almost as good as getting to visit in person.

    Any idea what the strappy leaved pair of plants are in the pots just four photos up from the bottom? LOVE them!

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    1. Loree, it appears no one in the group asked about those plants (quite frankly I'm surprised). Denise thinks they are Cordylines but Kathy was thinking Phormiums. Both would know better than me. If I get a sure ID, I'll let you know.

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  3. Ax murderess checking in here...what a great batch of photos you got Sue ! I think this is the garden that put me over the edge on the water-feature front. I'm determined to rig something up this spring. I want a Lotus bad.

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  4. What great photos to fantasize over -- It's always amazing to me to see how true artists generate such electric creativity in their personal spaces - I can see where one could spend an entire day trying to take it all in. More food for thought for us commoners. Thanks for taking the time to post what was only one amazing highlight of many such events, Sue. Wowser. - Cindy H.

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  5. What a wonderful, interesting garden. The art work really adds a lot of interest. Love those columns too.

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  6. Today has been a bit of a challenge here as well, but certainly checking out the details above improves my outlook! Thanks Sue!

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  7. Your vivid recollections and photos take me with you. I can see why you so enjoyed your visit, Sue.

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  8. Yowsa, beautiful garden! I've got to go over there sometime! You could make your own concrete leaf castings; it's really not difficult. Little and Lewis's fabulous colors are hard to replicate but the leaf castings themselves are pretty straightforward to make. Now's the time of year to do it while there's access to lots of big leaves that will be taken out by frost soon.

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  9. The "the strappy leaved pair of plants in the pots just four photos up from the bottom" are bromeliads rescued from a local Home Depot. They are wintered over in our solarium.

    all best.

    David

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    1. Thanks for the ID, David! And thanks again for sharing your garden with us.

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