I was completely connected to this house, in fact my first night here I slept like a baby. She was my sanctuary. Still is.
When I moved in the landscaping choices that surrounded Casa Milagro were sharp, thorny and simply put, unfriendly. It felt like a fortress, with deliberate sharp plant selections that were hugging the perimeter. Trust me when I say it would have kept the prickliest of porcupines out. It felt very fear based and I knew that it didn't represent me, my being and the way I see the world. Ultimately this had to change.
Three years later after being poked, stabbed and stuck by the plant fortress I was introduced to an up and coming landscape designer by the name of Kendra Berger and her company Revive Landscape Design. We met through a mutual friend and this meeting has set off a whole chain of events...that remains for a later story.
As a designer myself, I had a concept of what I wanted for Casa Milagro. Landscaping that was drought tolerant, soft, feminine, and welcoming to dress the perimeter of my little sanctuary. That's where Kendra comes in. I still had the lawn in at the time, so Phase I was about replacing the uninviting with the soft, friendly and open. At the same time I began creating mosaics, first on the niche in the chimney and the second which is still underway is residing on the front wall. The chimney mosaic is a replica of Picasso's peace dove along with a sun motif and the front wall is 'Homage to the Neighborhood'.
Phase I has grown in beautifully and as the landscaping has transformed, so has the owner. Phase II included removing the lawn and we are in the process of completing the design of flagstone pathways representing the shadow of one of my Jacaranda trees, planting a dwarf fig tree, and continuing the softness all the way to the curb of the city street. As the landscaping has evolved, matured and softened my Casa Milagro, so too has my life and my being. Take care in what you plant...the seeds that you sow.
To be continued...as always right?
