Description:
Love flowers, but not so fond of country living? Garden Home City is bursting with ideas created with you in mind--at once urban, modern, and brightly blooming. Original ways to bring the great outdoors into your living room are designed around the constraints of city living. We may love our lofts, but with problems like small balconies and nearby towers blotting out the sun, effective city gardening can be a tricky business. Unusual containers are key, according to author Bonnie Trust Dahan. Vases carved from stones, tiny galvanized pots, shallow copper pans, and simple glass shapes are shown holding everything from cheery primroses to feathery orchids. Tabletops are strewn with tiny chrysanthemum heads or leafy mesclun starter plants; tiny alcoves are decorated to reflect seasonal changes. Floating blossoms are recommended. A single hyacinth or gardenia is enough to perfume an entire apartment, and the look stays crisp and modern. While the focus of the book is mainly on inspirational photos showcasing lush colors and clever combinations, you'll also find short essays discussing palettes, scents, and beneficial houseplants. The two-page resource guide is focused on the San Francisco area, but also includes several widely available sources. Even if your available space is no bigger than a windowsill, you can give it new appeal entirely in keeping with your metropolitan life. --Jill Lightner
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