balcony

A Meditation on Textures, balcony addition

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This summer, I thought up a recurring photo series—a thorough examination of the textures and materials on my balcony. After the recent outdoor renovation we did, I’ve been thinking a lot of the elements that make up tactile surfaces. In the summer, we all tend to be outside in the warm weather and sunshine, and I’m no exception. When I’m on my balcony, I find myself pondering how everything has its own physical fabric in this world, and begin to eagerly examine and study the textures I see.

There’s something artistic about all the finishes that come together to form my balcony. From the rough stuccoed ceramic of the pots that hold the plants, the wood grain in the furniture, the weave and textile of the cushions, to the painstaking pattern and braiding of the area rug; all these textures come together to form my own outdoor oasis. A place of respite, escape, and fresh air—surrounded in nature and the textures that comprise it.

New Plants, New Season, all Green

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After the long winter, I have returned to tend to the garden kept on the balcony of my apartment. At my husband’s request, I went to find new plants to nurture among our many others. I brought an Italian lavender tree and a green Japanese maple into the garden to join our existing potted and propagated menagerie. I’ve learned that come fall, the maple’s leaves will change somewhat with the seasons to a shade of orange.

My garden continues to grow in size and age with each passing year. While cultivating new plants, I also care for my old ones. Two plants in particular I’ve fostered for five years. They’ve moved along with me to and from four separate apartments. Each time, they made everywhere I’ve lived feel like home.

  • zamartz750 moore apartment balcony
  • zamartz750 moore apartment balcony

All of my snake plants in my garden aren’t only found family, they’re actually related. Propagated from just one snake plant purchased six years ago, as its grown I’ve cut off stems to grow many more since. That one snake plant has roots and relatives everywhere; I’ve given my parents and a couple friends its proliferated offspring.

This past weekend, I’ve made new cuttings to create even more baby plants! Maybe I’ll give out some as gifts, or even start selling them locally. As the warm weather sets in and the days lengthen, it’s been an enriching breath of fresh air to be able to tend to my garden again, and bring out new trees and shrubs to further grow it.

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