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Despite drizzle, the crowds had good cheer. Then we split into groups to view the new gardens by Christine Nye (horticulturist at the Shedd Aquarium &, like me, former MELA board member) and Roy Diblik (supreme plantsman from Northwind). Fun gardens on two inches of soil & rubble with wind & bunnies galore...so sustainable methods & plantings important. Christine has been doing this for years and we look to Roy for amazing plant info as he works from nature. Some natives, some ornamentals and a lovely design. Good to see forward work at a public site.
"Reconnecting People to the Landscape" was a title of
a past MELA conference. It's in action now with a terrific
client and her family. Not gardeners before, she and
her kids started growing veggies from seed indoors
this spring. They are learning as they go and loving
being engaged. Such a wet spring may not yield the
most bountiful crop, but the process should make its
imprint felt. Above you can see their veggie area
about a month ago...I suggested using pots the first
year and if they liked it, to put in a real growing bed
next year (with some fortifications against the many
deer & rabbit).
No dog pee on tree please...(seen on Wilson Avenue in Chicago)
&
Luscious peas, Thank You! (from dear client in Lake Forest who has had a bountiful, organic veggie garden for over a half century).
It took some sleuthing to discover (afterwards) that it was designed by Kathryn Gustafson. I should have known by her tree choices...I love the Lurie Garden that she designed across the street in Millenium Park with Piet Oudolf...but was underwhelmed by this new garden. It's dominated by the architecture and given the light conditions, I doubt the grasses will thrive and so, the plants will hardly soften the structure. With an all-grass garden, I would plant another texturally-different plant to provide contrast and pop the texture of the grasses. Plastic plants or none would have been better. Also, the sculpture ("White Curve") is by Ellsworth Kelly who has never much moved me. I believe I understand what they were trying to achieve with the overarching curve but I don't think it succeeds.
Renzo Piano the architect. Fabulous reflections plus great view of Millennium Park from inside. Also: amazing doors! Some kind of cool hinge: too bad my iPhone battery died. But got the elevator...it was drawing people like a magnet.
Eva Hesse
Some of my all-time favorites...
Robert Smithson (on the floor)
With most of "spring" planting done (despite torrential thunderstorms), on Thursday I was able to take off an evening to recharge my being human...
after 5 pm, Thursday & Friday nights are free. All the hype is warranted: this building hits the mark in terms of enticing architecture that serves to highlight exhibits that allow the art to breathe. I am always taking to clients about negative space and mass & void: these concepts are an integral part of this space. The magical light & perfect proportion & airiness absolutely enchant. Above you can see the main hall that functions logistically and aesthetically, facilitating the flow of light and people. I got a crick in my neck from staring at the ceiling. There are several layers of different materials that allow the natural light to filter in and blend with the artificial. Here you can see the effect early evening.
