PACIFIC PALISADES has been a cool escape from Los Angeles noise, grit and heat ever since Sunset Boulevard was extended to reach the beach in the 1920s. It offered the ocean views of Malibu, the canyon hideaways of landlocked Hollywood Hills and a cloistered playground for Beverly Hills movie stars. The enclave, one of Southern California’s most treasured locales, also became a palette for pioneering architects who embraced the distinctive topography with experimental glass houses.

The Palisades, it can be said, shaped the houses, rather than the houses shaping the Palisades. After World War II, Richard Neutra, Charles Eames and other Case Study House designers landed in the woody bluffs here. Read more…

One of the mildest and driest winters on record has been harsh on those whose livelihood depends on regular snowfall.

Winter’s footprints were invisible until last week’s snowfall. But some local businesses may find it difficult to rebound.

Kmart, nationally, experienced slumping sales in November and December 2006. Sales decreased 1.2 percent and apparel sales were negatively affected by the unseasonably warm weather.
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After growing up on the rugged terrain of a Nevada ranch, Caroline Croswell understands how to work the herds of people moving in and out of the Oxford Community Arts Center.

Croswell recently became the first full-time director of the center, and has the task of transforming the old dusty building into a palace, showing the rich history of the site and, most importantly, highlighting Oxford’s dynamic artists.
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In response to sensible landscape architects and landscapers designing and developing gardens that are appropriate for current climate and water conditions, DecoR Pebble has increased their range of Australian Nature’s Stone landscaping stones. DécoR Pebble’s Nature’s Stone range is a range of natural stone and is the largest range of decorative pebbles available in bulk. Australian Nature’s Stone is available in different sizes, ranging from 7mm river pebbles to 600mm plus landscaping rocks, which are sourced from different parts of Australia.
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The Blair PTSA Beautification Committee is working on a master landscaping plan for Blair’s exterior and courtyards. Though the landscaping project is only in its preliminary stages, it could potentially start construction in a year, according to horticulture teacher Leslie Backus.

The committee is currently asking for landscaping ideas on InfoFlow and aims to make Blair a better environment for students and a place they can be proud of, according to Charles Garlow, the committee’s founder. Five professional master gardeners have volunteered to help design a general plan free of charge. A meeting is scheduled for Jan. 17 to discuss landscaping ideas and goals for the project. “Any students who’d like to come [is] invited,” Garlow said.
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In response to sensible landscape architects and landscapers designing and developing gardens that are appropriate for current climate and water conditions, DecoR Pebble has increased their range of Australian Nature’s Stone landscaping stones. DécoR Pebble’s Nature’s Stone range is a range of natural stone and is the largest range of decorative pebbles available in bulk. Australian Nature’s Stone is available in different sizes, ranging from 7mm river pebbles to 600mm plus landscaping rocks, which are sourced from different parts of Australia.
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Two Waukegan men have been arrested and almost $100,000 in stolen property has been recovered as part of an ongoing investigation by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.

Authorities said Thursday that more arrests are expected in the case, which included the theft of high-end landscaping equipment and other items.

The stolen property was recovered following the mid-December execution of search warrants at two properties, including the home of one of the men charged in the case. Read more…

The cumulative effects of the regional construction boom, pegged at $1 trillion, have boosted interest in allied sectors as a host of interior designers, landscaping professionals, architects, design consultants, chefs and lifestyle participate in the Dubai Ideal Home Show. The expo is scheduled to be held at Airport Expo Dubai from Nov 30 to Dec 3, 2006.

“The roll-on effect of the regional construction boom on related industries including interior and exterior design, kitchen, table and dining products, home technology, arts and crafts for the home, and garden & outdoor living that seek to capitalize on this development has been immense,” said Christopher Hudson, Exhibition Director, Messe Frankfurt, organisers of the show.
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Consider the plants and trees of your prospective home in terms of what the property can do for you.

While many home buyers have house inspections, even the savviest often overlook the benefit of assessing the landscape. Ground isn’t always as malleable as you might think. There are some elements that can be more difficult to change on a property than in the house, such as which way the water flows and the steepness of your slopes. Read more…

A new website called LandscapingIdeasOnline.com provides landscaping enthusiasts with ideas, images, how-to guides, user forums, and much more. For people who want to take their landscaping to the next level, this comprehensive site offers a wealth of material to help landscapers conceptualize, design, and execute plans for attractive and functional yards and gardens.

According to Greg Rozsa, the creative force behind LandscapingIdeasOnline.com, it is the only landscaping site on the web with over 2,200 free picture ideas to inspire seasoned and novice landscapers, hobbyists, and homeowners. “Because coming up with landscaping ideas can be a challenge even for experienced landscapers, we’ve put together a massive collection of landscaping pictures to give our visitors the ideas they’re looking for,” says Palmer. “With images from professional photographers as well as from our website visitors, our gallery contains photos of landscaping features such as patios and decks, fencing, swimming pools, and plants and shrubbery, among others.” Read more…