Hedge Funz

Hedge Funz

Peekaboo…

The use of hedges in Los Angeles…specifically Santa Monica and Venice, is fascinating.   In a place where folks seem completely at ease leaving their door wide open of a warm night, extraordinary arrangements of hedges which seem to be there to provide privacy, rule.

They may frame a doorway,

or a passageway, to be more exact.

changing size, height and shape.

They may enhance the mystery of a portal,

the thickness of a wall,

or the function of a fence.

They may be created from bamboo,

or have a topiary feel.

Or, they may define the distance from front to back, to front again.

Whatever their apparent purpose, the ubiquitous, albeit, creatively engineered hedge seems to have one function underneath it all.

To create privacy using the materials of nature.

In the process, they create some very interesting spaces indeed.

What sort of hedge funz do YOU have?

If you feel so inclined, please share about it with us here.

We love to hear from you.

Remember, we are all hedging our betz in this Life, Together.

LA Stories IV: Navigating the Venice Canals 1

LA Stories IV: Navigating the Venice Canals 1

The canal district of Venice is one of the most amazing urban areas I have ever seen.    Just for that reason…how extraordinary to have picturesque waterways crisscrossing the urban landscape of this beachfront district on the Westside of Los Angeles, lined with residences ranging from the charming to the spectacular.  The stone design  of the embankment is a unifying factor, framing the multitude of creative energies and architectural styles.

The canals were built in 1905 by tobacco millionaire, and developer Abbot Kinney, who  sought to recreate the appearance and feel of Venice, Italy in Southern California.

Did he succeed?

A color friend of mine likened this residence to a sherbert sundae! I love the color reflected in the water…

A “boulevard” of water…can create a feeling of such peace.

Reflection of a palm darkly…everybody uses that water, and crosses it.

Yes, that is a swimming pool, adjacent to the green wall, under the blue roof, and next to the orange post.

The perfect vista…a bridge over untroubled water.

From formal to funky, stately to sculptural, and shutters to shingles,  the whole district is architectural eye-candy.

Multitudes of watery reflections turn the world upside down…a California preoccupation.

Classic forms remain.

Holidays on the Canals, anyone?

Have You ever visited the Venice Canals?

If so, what was Your impression?

If you so choose, please share it with us here.

We Love to hear from You.

Remember, we are all navigating this thing called Life, together.