I wanted to post this new piece being installed with the Crown Project – a modern, raw steel staircase set against the existing stone walls. This isn’t just any staircase, it’s a testament to the beauty of contrast and transformation. The steel is raw, left to embrace the elements and age gracefully into a soft rust. Can’t wait to see how the softness of the rust plays against the hard geometry of the stairs. The step lights and Ipe handrail will be going in soon – the oiled wood texture against the soft rust will be amazing. Thanks to Jeff at Solid Core Welding for the fantastic work! #ModernDesign #RawSteel #OutdoorLiving #StaircaseDesign #uncommongardens #landscapedesign #design #designinspo #Gardengoals #gardensofinstagram #designlovers #gardendesigner #landscapedesigner #gardendesign #napa #sonoma #sthelena

from Instagram: https://instagr.am/p/C51Hg9yrhfW/

The Bird’s Nest fungus (Crucibulum laeve) belongs to the family Nidulariaceae within the order Agaricales. These intriguing fungi derive their common name from their fruiting bodies, which resemble tiny egg-filled birds’ nests. As saprobic organisms, they thrive on decomposing organic matter and are often found growing on decaying wood or in soils enriched with wood chips or bark mulch. Close-Up Details: • Texture: Velvety and intricate, resembling a tiny bird’s nest. • Color: Earthy browns and tans, blending seamlessly with fallen leaves. • Habitat: Found nestled in decaying wood or leaf litter. Spring Rain’s Role: Rain awakens dormant spores, coaxing them to life. These fungi play a vital role in nutrient cycling, breaking down organic matter and enriching the soil. Next time you wander through the woods, keep an eye out for these delicate cups! #NatureMagic #FungusAmongUs #SpringAwakening

from Instagram: https://instagr.am/p/C5y3GnCJrLb/

Real progress on the Crown Project #sauna. Attention to #craftsmanship is really showing in the details. #saunas #saunadesign #cedar #napavalley #napa

from Instagram: https://instagr.am/p/C4voClnxOX-/

Went down to Oakland to visit The Dry Garden! They had a specimen Yucca I needed for a very special client. …but I stayed to browse and was just blown away by the diversity of the plants they have! Check out those Agave × leopoldii and the fully trunked Agave attenuata! #agave #agaveattenuata #uncommongardens #landscapedesign #design #designlovers #gardendesigner #landscapedesigner #gardendesign #napa #sonoma #sthelena

from Instagram: https://instagr.am/p/Cz9TsVZvbnW/

2.4 inches of rain! Feels like the first good winter soaking up here in Napa Valley! #rain #raingauge #raingarden #uncommongardens #landscapedesign #design #designlovers #gardendesigner #landscapedesigner #gardendesign #napa #sonoma #sthelena

from Instagram: https://instagr.am/p/Cz1gH0aPQzm/

from Instagram: https://instagr.am/p/CyyuKeUN9l0/

I was amazed by the diversity of oak acorns I found on my morning walk. From tiny to huge, from smooth to hairy, from green to brown, each one so unique and beautiful. Can you name them all? …for more photos and info about the acorns and the trees that make them check out my journal post here https://ift.tt/OQbm24S #oak #acorn #nature #walk #californianatives

from Instagram: https://instagr.am/p/CyMGn-vSZJh/

Clean, Contemporary, Curated house designed by #johnpawson with a clean, contemporary, curated landscape designed by us! Lots of grasses, concrete and DG. #uncommongardens #landscapedesign #design #moderndesign #designinspo #Gardengoals #gardensofinstagram #designlovers #gardendesigner #landscapedesigner #gardendesign #napa #sonoma #sthelena

from Instagram: https://instagr.am/p/Cx8ijkFB-Pu/

Seed Pods Spent some time this morning collecting seeds from the test garden Started with the Romneya coulteri – Matilija Poppy, then Salvia clevelandii (specifically the ‘Allen Chickering’ cultivar) on to some Achillea ‘Moonshine’ Yarrow, and finally a mix of Echinacea purpurea cultivars – including the standard Magnus, some Alba, and a unique deep red variant whose name escapes me at the moment… Some Native – some not all beautiful #seedpods #SeedCollectionMorning #ExperimentalGarden #RomneyaCoulteri #MatilijaPoppy #Salvia #SalviaClevelandii #AllenChickering #Achillea #AchilleaMoonshineYarrow #Echinacea #EchinaceaPurpurea #EchinaceaCultivars #EchinaceaAlba

from Instagram: https://instagr.am/p/CxyUn7bBwHi/

Visited Solid Core Welding today to see the progress on the Corten steel planters for another #Napavalley project. It’s amazing to see them come together – from just a #Vectorworks file on my computer, to here in the shop, and then finally installed on site. The planters are made of 3/16 steel plate, which will rust over time and develop a beautiful patina. They are perfect for adding a natural and rustic look to any landscape design. Stay tuned for more updates 🌱🌿🌳! #CortenSteel #SteelPlanters #RusticDesign #LandscapeDesign #PlantersInProgress #ShopVisit #OnSiteInstallation #NaturalLook #RusticPatina” #uncommongardens #landscapedesign #design #moderndesign #designinspo #Gardengoals #gardensofinstagram #designlovers #gardendesigner #landscapedesigner #gardendesign #napa #sonoma #sthelena

from Instagram: https://instagr.am/p/Cxa9WotvdWC/