National Parks

Morro Bay

Morro Rock - Photo © Alice Joyce

The Morro Bay State Park is a relaxing spot to enjoy ocean vistas, people watching, and a bit of beachcombing, while the bay offers a commanding approach to Morro Rock and numerous photo ops of the iconic form. Check out Google maps for intriguing satellite views of the park and the rock. Quieter still and beautifully serene is the lagoon area’s saltwater marsh, a place where nature buffs will want to spend time identifying the many shorebirds. Just past the marina you’ll find the parkland’s Museum of Natural History.

Continue reading Morro Bay: Paso Robles to the Pacific

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Green Roofs/Vertical Gardens

Vertical Gardens Revisited

Athenaeum Blanc Vertical Garden detail Photo © Alice Joyce

While in London this Spring I revisited the Vertical Garden created by Patrick Blanc for the Athenaeum Hotel, Piccadilly. Last year when I photographed Blanc’s green wall the garden had been installed about one year. The growth was noticeably more lush since 12 months had passed. During Patrick’s visit to San Francisco earlier this year, to herald the planting of his Vertical Garden for the new Drew School Samuel Cuddeback Assembly Wing building .. the artist/botanist’s sketch for the project was on display.

Continue reading Vertical Gardens Revisited: Patrick Blanc in San Francisco

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Portland

Iconic Ira Keller Fountain: Portland

Keller Fountain Photo © Copyright Alice Joyce

In the book, 1001 Gardens You Must See Before You Die …there’s an entry for an iconic 20th Century Modern public space in Portland, Oregon: Ira Keller Fountain Park. In this city that celebrates fountains, the Ira Keller fountain reprises in all its contemporary angularity the wondrous power of the natural world, encountered an hour or so outside the urban environment. Designed by Angela Danadjieva, associate of renowned American landscape architect, Lawrence Halprin, the interactive water feature achieved the goal of providing access to water so that people might revel in its sensory pleasures. The city of Portland clearly appreciates the many ways that fountains enliven a neighborhood, offering pleasurable spots for families and friends to gather.

Continue reading Iconic Ira Keller Fountain: Portland

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