By Nanette Wiser
SUSTAINABLE HOME SPACES
In July, Sunken Gardens hosted a talk and book-signing with HGTV’s “Curb Appeal” host and author, the charming John Gidding. At Home With Nature: A Guide To Sustainable, Natural Landscaping is the must-have book for creating beneficial home spaces in Paradise, a step-by-step guide for transforming a manicured lawn to eco-conscious garden. In his book, homeowners will find thorough blueprints to reap the benefits of lower water bills and more while bringing their dream garden to life. johngidding.com
Born in Istanbul, John Gidding attended American schools in Turkey and Switzerland before entering Yale University, where he received a bachelor’s degree in architecture. An enthusiastic art and math student, he also earned a master’s degree in architecture from Harvard’s Graduate School of Design. He hosted the hugely popular HGTV shows “Curb Appeal,” “Curb Appeal, the Block,” and “Designed to Sell,” has appeared on “Trading Spaces,” and is a frequent guest on Rachel Ray. Sunken Gardens hosts an Heirloom Vegetables for Florida + Plant & Seed Sales 8/26 @11am-noon.
Increased awareness of the environment and an ever-present interest in curb appeal means that homeowners are eager for more sustainable, natural landscaping. And why shouldn’t they be? In addition to supporting local flora and fauna, ditching grass for lush, native plants helps lower water bills and results in self-sustaining gardens long-term. Complete with specific information for every U.S. bioregion, a glossary of native plants, illustrated yard renderings and photos, and detailed explanations of suburban codes, this book has examples and techniques to build responsible natural spaces.
Local vendors who can help you achieve your goal include The Little Red Wagon Native Nursery, Florida Association of Native Nurseries and Living Roots Eco Design & Plant Nursery.
ART ALIVE
Refresh your home with art from The Faux Zone, local artist Deborah Holliday’s murals, repainted furnishings/lighting and artwork rejuvenate your rooms. Vanities, tables, bedroom sets and walls are a canvas for her wild talent, from a kraken painted on an elevator to Alice In Wonderland-like dining rooms perfect for a Mad Hatter tea party. She started her career in decorative home and commercial painting, faux finishing, and painting murals over 30 years ago and is a specialist in trompe l’oeil and can mimic stone, marble, and wood using only paint to fool the eye. deborahholliday.com