 |
| ©Linda Nelson 2014 |
….you create skeletal tree sculptures and bring in twenty yards of mulch. That’s what I did with a client project I took on the summer of 2012. This area, affectionately referred to as ‘the park’, had been destroyed by hurricane Irene, with remnants of devastation sitting idle until I gave this homeowner a glimmer of hope.
From what I understand, this site had been chock full of assorted plant material, big and small. The survivors consisted of many badly beaten junipers and five Baptisia australis perennials. That’s it. I convinced my client to let me reincorporate a simplified and reduced amount of plant material and introduce some nonliving, weatherproof elements into the design. She agreed. She also agreed, quite enthusiastically, to let me transform the standing trees, albeit dead ones, into the new design. Talk about being open-minded. She was such a good sport about it. And very patient. This was not an instant reinstallation. I chipped away at this project in between other jobs, and each aspect of the design process was given extensive thought and consideration. Choosing the most forgiving and abuse tolerant plants was key.
Things were underway, and my client and I were both thrilled.
 |
| ©Linda Nelson 2014 |
Then along came Sandy.
 |
| ©Linda Nelson 2014 |
 |
| ©Linda Nelson 2014 |
A week passed by before I could even access her driveway. I stood bewildered, defeated and heartbroken…… but not for long. You see, I just love a challenge. Take that, Sandy.
This year we (and the plants) are back on track, standing proud and more rooted than ever before. So, as per my client’s heart’s desire, we have ‘Zen Meets the Beach’. And skeletal tree sculptures.
 |
| ©Linda Nelson 2014 |
 |
| ©Linda Nelson 2014 |