Billie's Folly

I recently realized I have a mini theme going on in my house.  I'm continually choosing diagonals.  Upon realizing this, at first I was pretty proud of myself for stepping outside my little mind-set of straight lines.  But of course it's really not so much venturing out of my comfort zone--it's for the aesthetic.  Diagonals are easier on the eyes; you're not as drawn in to follow regimented lines to a point in the distance.  And diagonals add interest, and sometimes even an element of surprise. My upstairs hallway floor will have two different stains on the white oak--only mine will be reversed--the inner squares will be the darker.  In this photo the pattern is done square to the room.  Mine will have the same pattern done on the diagonal. My breezeway floor pattern with brick and wood will also be set on the diagonal.   The master bath, one guest bath and the cottage bath floor tiles will all be laid on the diagonal. And I now realize my stair r...

If planning the house was Phase 1, and building the house is Phase 2, then the landscaping is Phase 3.  I've hired a Landscape Architect named Brian Bainnson--and he's been great.  He came up with a couple overall plans, but (as usual) I had a fairly well-established layout in mind, so we're pretty much back to my basic design--with his knowledge and input being invaluable--and his beautiful renderings helping me visualize.     The hardscape is the backbone and needs to be addressed first.  This includes, driveway, patios, paths, walls, trellises, fence and gate and water features.  These will provide the structure and flow of the garden.  Then comes defining the borders and beds.  After that irrigation and outdoor lighting.   My house, as most, is all right angles and straight lines.  And the stone exterior gives it an austere appearance.  So my rule-of-thumb for this garden is--no straight lines and loose, free-mingling planting. ...