Archive for the ‘Spring 2011’ Category

27 May

Our Garden at Night

Posted by Chris P in Spring 2011. Tagged: .

Now that the rain has cleared, RP and I finally got to hang out on our roof last night. I was excited to see that some of the pots had completely dried out; a sure sign that summer is here! Time to start our near-daily watering routine.

Our ivy geranium in the hanging basket didn’t like the rainy weather, but it is perking up in the sun. A perfectionist could be frustrated that the color of the light coming from our mix of solar lanterns and lights don’t match, but let’s focus on how exciting it is to have a tiny roof top escape!

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25 May

New York City Tree Pits in Spring

Posted by Chris P in Spring 2011. Tagged: .

We’ve now taken custody of the two tree pits in front of our apartment building. Here’s some photos of OPP (that’s other people’s tree pits) that caught my attention this spring.

tulip tree pit brooklyn

Tree pits are tough. The plants have to endure rough conditions and look great without encouraging too many people to stop and pick the flowers.

This big bunch of orange pansys looked great, but it won’t last for long. This many annuals must be expensive.

Brooklyn Flowers Plants Tree Pit

Nice pop of spring. Does anyone know what these flowers are? I’m wondering if a tree pit should just be one burst of a ground cover-y plant like this or if it should be just a bit more?

I’m not sure how long this tree pit display will last, but isn’t it so optimistic?

20 May

This 1,000 square foot Park Slope roof garden can be yours … if the price is right

Posted by Chris P in Spring 2011.

Friday night seems like just the right time for real estate day dreaming. Check this Park Slope roof garden out!

This million dollar Corcoran listing features a 1,000 square foot roof garden. “Planted with over 70 varieties of perennials, annuals, fruit trees & bushes, vegetables & vines, & structurally sound to hold all of this plus 100 guests, the garden will truly amaze. Watering is made easy by the built-in irrigation system. With a large, shaded seating area, a wet bar, & an entertainment system . . . ” Wow, right?

There’s an open house on Sunday afternoon. The seller of this home reads my blog . . . thanks for sharing your great garden photos and good luck with your move.

Images: Corcoran

20 May

A Modern LED Lantern and Flashlight . . . perfect for a roof garden!

Posted by Chris P in Spring 2011.

We have two lighting needs in our roof garden: a flashlight for late-night work on the plants, and an ambient fun light for the center of the table for late-night celebrations. I found this modern, elegant solution at ICFF, the contemporary furniture fair. The Obus ($250) is a re-chargeable outdoor light that will last up to 25 hours!

The designer explains: “Obus seamlessly transitions between ambient and directional light to illuminate spaces indoors and out . . . Once lifted, Obus casts a concentrated beam through its base to direct light where needed. Designed to inspire creative use outdoors, the durable acrylic glass construction and rechargeable battery conquer the elements.”

Order the Obus here. The bummer is that it doesn’t ship until August. Read more about Obus and the industrial designer Peter Stathis on Inhabitat and  Unplggd.

17 May

Cheers, Fire Escape Farms!

Posted by Chris P in Spring 2011. Tagged: .

“Ledges, light-wells and rooftops, oh my!” says Fire Escape Farms. This San Francisco based online store specializes in the special tools we urban gardeners need to get the job done. They want to “help you turn even the smallest patch of sunlight into a farm so you can get your hands dirty and eat home-grown food.” I love their logo and am looking forward to watching their business grow.

Hat-tip to Scott and SwissMiss for telling me about this place.

Image: Sky planter from Fire Escape Farms