Small Gems in a Box

For the second year in a row Alive Structures made the centerpieces for The American Institute of Architects' Gala Awards. It's a grand event with lots of champagne and of course many great architects. We thought our centerpieces could be a good way to educate the big builders about little, but important, plants. So the theme of this year's centerpieces was indigenous species, particularly spring ephemerals, such as Trilliums, Virginia Bluebells, Creeping Phlox, Meadow Rue, Marsh Marigold and other beauties. In addition we had 70 planters made by local carpenter Julie Fuchs using reclaimed Ipe wood from Coney Island's Boardwalk. We're so happy with these rustic gems we think we'll make

more...keep an eye out for them.

Overwhelmed by Blossoms

You don't have to go to the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens to see trees in bloom (it seems every street in Brooklyn is lined with blooming Callery Pears) but you do have to go there if you want to feel completely overwhelmed and inundated by early spring. I was there this week around 6pm and took these pictures of the Magnolias and Pears in bloom.

Almost as enjoyable as appreciating the trees and blossoms was seeing so many other Brooklynites enjoying them.