Personal paradise - Garden Design - Brief Article

Sunset, Sept, 2003 by Dale Kern

"I wanted to make something unique by integrating furniture, accessories, and plants in different vignettes in intimate settings so people could envision what their own garden rooms could look like," explains Irwin "Windy" Overbach about creating Island View Nursery in Carpinteria, California. The ever-evolving project sprawls over 10 acres and has 14 plant-filled greenhouses--three of which display an enthralling array of plants and treasures amassed from around the world. Here are four of those vignettes, with lessons for the would-be escape artist. 3376 Foothill Rd.; (805) 684-0324.

Be subtle Bali temple statue hides in bromeliads (Guzmania 'Marjan') like hidden treasure waiting to be discovered.

Try a theme Plantation chair pairs with bamboo pens in a seedpod-covered terra-cotta jar, inlaid bamboo side table, and a phalaenopsis orchid.

Mix it up Bamboo stepladder, spiky Dracaena marginata 'Tricolor', variegated schefflera, and, behind, a leafy anthurium are a study in contrast.

Compose yourself Dendrobium orchid frames a hand-carved teak Buddha, while Moroccan bowls complement the statue's hues.