Stoneware

Puya alpestris? Definitely photo-shopped! That can't be real - the 1970's Turquoisey Teal Blue-Green Metallic colour just doesn't seem natural. If it were real though, and I was going to use it, I wouldn't try to be gentle, I would do something over the top, and bring in other bold colours - reds, yellow, oranges and blues (and maybe throw in some artificial grass too).

Hey Ryan, here in South Africa, I've had the same perceptions. I think that no matter where you are in the world though, you have gardens and gardeners that play it safe, and stick to what everyone else is doing. Thats what results in the stereotypes - its just that the stereotypes look different depending on the climate, history and plant choices of the area you're in.

The problem is, that as designers, we are often limited by what our clients want, and need to stretch them a little to try something different. I guess also, the mainstream media needs to be giving more focus to those who are doing something different - that way our clients become more open to new ideas?

We have our fair share in South Africa of compulsive crazy clippers - but Santa Barbara seems to take the cake - You should start an awards ceremony for heretical hedgetrimming or lamentable landscape decisions... or maybe for awful alliteration - while I'm at it!

I guess I'm also a bit of both? But I relate to verdancedesign - I think I have orphanitis - the extra plants left over from my landscapes find their way onto my balcony or flat gardens...

Great opening post, looking forward to more digressions and diatribes! I'm relieved to hear that you have no garden - I've always felt like a bit of a fraud for that same reason. Kind of like a mechanic with no car? Except my Ficus is a 3rd floor flat...

BTW, while I'm confessing...I am going to have to steal that planting combination as soon as I have a chance...just as soon as you're not looking.