Design Inspiration

Got a space between a fence and the sidewalk or along the side of your apartment building that could use some beautifying? We showed you a great example of using succulents to fill even the tiniest space, and here’s another using drought tolerant grasses:

This is a more minimal and utilitarian look than the succulents, but the texture and subtle differences in color make this striking. As we mentioned in planting the parkway, when you go to the nursery find the full sun section and seek out the ornamental grasses, they’re normally grouped together. Just pay attention to how big the label says the mature plant will be. You don’t want to plant a grass that will grow 6 feet high! Make sure you choose plants that will all do well with little water and full sun (if those are the conditions of where you’re planting).

Have you tried something like this at home? Have you seen it done really well? One of our favorite things to do (if it isn’t totally obvious from our posts) is to wander the neighborhood checking out what everyone else has been up to and what plants are doing really well. Chances are if they’re doing well next door, they’ll do well at home.

The large window and glass shower stall doors preserve the vineyard panoramas. Plain white tile gives the shower a fresh look without detracting from the view; a handsome wood stump helps ground the airy feel of the shower stall.

Resource: Monkeypod stool from Lime Stone ($293; www.limestonehealdsburg.com or 707/433-3080).