Antique Garden
Guide to an Oakland Garden: Using Native Flora and Art
Puttering around your garden on one of these beautiful summer days can leave you with many good results. First, of course, it is always good to get out into some warm sunlight and, second, spending time away from the TV's maddening ruckus can do the soul nothing but good. While visiting your garden, or if you are just putting one together in a long-forgotten corner of your estate, there are many elements to consider.
Foremost is what is your theme going to be? Will it be formal and structured or loose and whimsical? Japanese gardens are always the most formal and have limited appeal to many Americans because of that. Additionally, the environment surrounding most American homes is not conducive to the formality required to obtain the Japanese "serenity" so often associated with that style. After all, how can a logical transition be made between Pop's BBQ set-up and white, combed rocks? Somewhat difficult, anyone would say.
On the other end of the scale is what is increasingly referred to on the West Coast as an "Oakland" garden. These Oakland gardens are, indeed, something majestic to behold. Admittedly, the first time one sees these multi-hued masters of art, color and design one might believe they are looking at a weed patch; but upon closer examination, it becomes all too clear that a great amount of time, effort and money have gone into making an Oakland garden look just like anarchic garden splendor. Developing first in the Piedmont area of Oakland, California it seems that the Oakland-style garden is spreading quickly. This author has spent hours puzzling together how the style originally developed only to give up and exclaim, "Well, it's just genius whoever made it happen."
Distilled to its essence, the Oakland garden is an effort to use plants native to the location in which the garden sits, employing natural-looking features or constructs so as to enhance the overall effect of being in nature, and tastefully employing Garden Art in an effort to create the appearance of nature, as opposed to a husbanded setting such as the Japanese employ. A direct result of an Oakland garden is the almost immediate return to one's garden of native birds, butterflies, bees and other life forms.
One highlight of the typical Oakland garden is the abundant use of Garden Art. The key to discerning an Oakland garden, indeed, may just be how thoughtful is the placing of the Garden Art that is employed.
Garden Art is not new, of course. From the days of King Louis XIV when the art of the garden reached its zenith and was never again surpassed, all the way back to the Romans, Greeks, Egyptians - well, you get the picture: Garden Art has been around a long, long time. But in just the past 25 years, or so, Garden Art is making a resurgence.
The fine skill of employing Garden Art to its fullest potential is honed through study, visiting purveyors of fine Garden Art and, of course, visiting all of those lovely gardens in your neighborhood that you find utilizing Garden Art. Online resources to study the art of the garden abound. For one United Kingdom website has an entire 2-volume work on gardening from 1912 entitled History of Garden Art by Marie-Luise Gothein. After reviewing this tome, it is pretty evident that our long-passed author Gothein's work is about as exhaustive as it gets and is, therefore, a grand starting-off point for anyone interested in Garden Art.
A well-known West Coast center featuring Garden Art is Inner Gardens with two locations in the greater Los Angeles area. A passion for plants, flowers, and garden antiques prompted Stephen Block to open Inner Gardens in 1990. Since then, Inner Gardens has become the West Coast leader in Garden Art and has grown into two showrooms in the Los Angeles area. The original, on Melrose, has recently been joined with a 15,000 square foot Jefferson showroom featuring a vast selection of vintage and antique garden containers and ornaments, as well as Inner Gardens' own line of containers and accessories featuring both contemporary and antique reproductions and exotic flora. While walking around the gardens at Inner Gardens may not be as neighborly as traipsing through the gardens on your street, you can certainly pick up all of the ideas, tricks, tips and techniques necessary to piece together your own Oakland garden.
Once you have put together all of the pieces, don't be surprised if your neighbors start traipsing all around your own, beautifully-wild Oakland garden.
About the Author
Read about umbrella thorn acacia and acacia honey at the Acacia Plant website.
Acme Junior Power Cultivator Antique Garden Tractor
 |
 Antique Cast Iron Red Jacket Pump Old Windmill Water Well Farm Hand Pump $227.50 (19 Bids) Time Remaining: 5h 4m |
 vintage GARDEN WATERING CAN water can 6qt REMCO great shape $22.49 Time Remaining: 29d 19h 43m Buy It Now for only: $22.49 Buy It Now |
 Antique Japanese Cast Iron Garden Lantern Birds Flowers Bamboo Trees Ivy $159.49 (5 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 4h 57m |
 2 Antique 19thC Chinoiserie Painting Tin Toleware Jardiniere Urns Planters NR $304.00 (12 Bids) Time Remaining: 2h 29m |
 ADORABLE CHILDS ANTIQUE GARDEN VTG WATERING CAN OLD RED PAINT LONG SPOUT AAFA $74.00 (5 Bids) Time Remaining: 17h 6m |
 Vintage 15 1 2 Metal 8 Spoke Cast Iron Wheelbarrow Wheel $39.99 Time Remaining: 29d 19h 51m Buy It Now for only: $39.99 Buy It Now |
 Vintage Pedestal Machinge Age Industrial Cast Iron Stand Table Plant Base $49.95 Time Remaining: 20h 33m |
 Vintage WOODEN WHEEL BARROW antique barrel garden furnature display wheelbarrow $139.00 Time Remaining: 4d 6h 19m Buy It Now for only: $199.95 Buy It Now |
 KISSING MOURNING DOVES VINTAGE CEMENT CONCRETE GARDEN TOPPER CHIPPY WHITE PAINT $63.00 (7 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 6h 47m |
 VINTAGE ORNATE WROUGHT IRON METAL BASKET $36.00 (2 Bids) Time Remaining: 39m |
 OLD VINTAGE BRASS GARDEN TAP WITH BRACKET $43.86 Time Remaining: 28d 16h 40m Buy It Now for only: $43.86 Buy It Now |
 Antique Ornate TableTop Cast Iron Victorian Plant Stand Shabby Chippy Chic White $24.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 3d 6h 23m |
 3 ANTIQUE VICTORIAN GOTH CAST IRON ORNATE CROSS CHURCH GARDEN BENCH LEG BACK $129.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 1h 20m |
 Lot of 15 Vintage Antique Cast Iron VALVE HANDLES Water Faucet Knobs $28.50 (3 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 5h 58m |
 1940 Wheeler Williams Lead Garden Sculpture Catalog Vintage Original $34.95 Time Remaining: 29d 19h 1m Buy It Now for only: $34.95 Buy It Now |
 Antique Vintage LG Mfg Co Galvanized Steel Sprinkling Watering Can 14 High $11.45 (4 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 5h 53m |
 1 of 2 Antique Vintage Primitive Metal European OLIVE bucket basket industrial $69.99 Time Remaining: 1d 22h 46m Buy It Now for only: $78.99 Buy It Now |
 Set of 8 Victorian cast iron bed edging rustic twig branch decoration $205.49 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 23h 58m |
 CHARMING ANTIQUE COPPER PLANTER POT WITH IRON HANDLES 1910S 9T X 13 ACROSS $34.99 Time Remaining: 22h 47m |
 Antique Vintage 3 Tine Garden Hand Tool Hoe Cultivator Excellent Condition $12.99 Time Remaining: 6d 19h 28m Buy It Now for only: $12.99 Buy It Now |
 Antique Victorian Steel Gate Ornate Finials EXCellent Piece $49.95 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 3d 1h 14m |
 SMALL ANTIQUE FRENCH CAST IRON RECTANGULAR PLANTER ORIG PAINT 8 3 4 LG $45.00 Time Remaining: 2d 5h 11m |
 7 Vintage cast iron faucet handles $9.99 Time Remaining: 1d 22h 8m |
 Vintage Planet Jr No 300A Seeder Plate No 5460 for seeds 27 39 $23.95 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 1h 32m |
 RARE ANTIQUE CAST IRON AUTHENTIC WW11 PRACTICE BOMB 1942 GARDEN DISPLAY $150.00 Time Remaining: 6d 6h 26m Buy It Now for only: $150.00 Buy It Now |
 ANTIQUE HEAVY CAST IRON CEMETERY VASE w PETAL SHAPE ART FOR THE GARDEN $55.00 Time Remaining: 4h 51m |
 2 of 2 Antique Vintage Primitive Metal European OLIVE bucket basket industrial $69.99 Time Remaining: 1d 22h 46m Buy It Now for only: $78.99 Buy It Now |
 RARE Vintage Antique Fairbury WINDMILL co CAST IRON PUMP Hand Water Pitcher OLD $26.00 (10 Bids) Time Remaining: 3d 22h 33m |
 LARGE CAST IRON MERMAID GARDEN POOL SIDE SEA SIDE DECK PATIO MOTHERS DAY GIFT $84.95 Time Remaining: 6d 4h 7m Buy It Now for only: $84.95 Buy It Now |
 ANTIQUE GLASS GARDEN CLOCHE OLD GLASS DOME REPURPOSED LAB DOME SO COOL $10.49 (2 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 6h 6m |
 Vintage Red Jacket Hand Well Pump $98.99 Time Remaining: 6h 57m |
 Vintage Planet Jr No 300A Seeder Plate No 5494 for seeds 01 13 $23.95 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 1h 31m |
 LARGE Vintage Buddha Cement Garden Statue Best Weathered Chippy Shabby Patina $41.00 (2 Bids) Time Remaining: 2d 5h 38m |
 PAIR OF SHABBY N CHIC VINTAGE EXTERIOR WINDOW SHUTTERS W PINEAPPLE CUTOUTS $54.99 Time Remaining: 13d 2h 37m Buy It Now for only: $54.99 Buy It Now |
 2 Vintage Cast Iron Garden Hoes $9.99 Time Remaining: 4h 23m |
 OLD HOLLOW LOG VINTAGE CEMENT CONCRETE GARDEN PLANTER $30.00 (2 Bids) Time Remaining: 3d 6h 45m |
 Ornate Decorative Rustic Cast Iron Park Bench Parts Arms Legs Garden Yard Decor $126.47 (24 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 2h 8m |
 20 Vintage Lot faucet garden water valve handle Knob ornate industrial art craft $17.99 Time Remaining: 8h 31m Buy It Now for only: $36.00 Buy It Now |
 Rustic Wrought Iron Wall Bracket Plant Hook Baskets Lanterns Metal Hanger Holder $9.99 Time Remaining: 19d 1h 1m Buy It Now for only: $9.99 Buy It Now |
 Vintage Cast Iron Bell Stand Bird Perched Atop Garden Or Indoor Decor Sweet $19.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 3d 4h 6m |
 vintage HAND WATER PUMP CAST IRON GARDEN DECOR fountain well antique farm yard $17.06 (16 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 6h 43m |
 REGAL POINTER PUPPY VINTAGE CEMENT CONCRETE GARDEN STATUE $56.99 (4 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 6h 49m |
 Old Vtg Antique Grub Hoe Odd Chopping Hoe w Handles2 PRICE INCLUDES SHIPPING $32.50 Time Remaining: 26d 16h 29m Buy It Now for only: $32.50 Buy It Now |
 VINTAGE CEMENT CONCRETE GARDEN STATUE PELICAN SIGNED $95.30 Time Remaining: 1d 7h 8m |
 MAJESTIC HUGE STANDARD POODLE VINTAGE CEMENT CONCRETE GARDEN STATUE $61.00 (4 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 6h 45m |
 Antique Garden Hand Tool Metal Hoe $9.99 Time Remaining: 4h 55m |
 VINTAGE COPPER RAIN CHAIN TULIP SHAPE NICE PATINA $51.01 (8 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 1h 48m |
 Rusty Classic Decor Wrought Iron Shelf Wall Bracket $9.99 Time Remaining: 8d 46m Buy It Now for only: $9.99 Buy It Now |
 Vintage small watering can $9.99 Time Remaining: 3h 41m |
 BLUEBIRDS VINTAGE CEMENT CONCRETE GARDEN WALL PETITE BIRDBATH $51.00 (8 Bids) Time Remaining: 3d 6h 44m |
 ANTIQUE VINTAGE FROG LAWN GARDEN SPRINKLER FAB FOLK ART $133.49 (10 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 4h 8m |
 The Art of the Garden: Collecting Antique Botanical Prints List Price: Sale Price: $53.96 You save: $25.99 (33%)  Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionAn essential reference, this gorgeous book documents the magnificent botanical prints produced by notable artists of the 17th through the turn of the 20th centuries. Celebrated artists include Basil Besler, Maria Sybilla Merian, Mark Catesby, Georg Ehret, George Brookshaw, Robert John Thornton, Pierre Joseph Redout, and many others...  |
 Maine Antique Digest Sale Price: $43.00 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1 to 3 months See Reviews For This Product DescriptionPresents coverage of the marketplace in American art, antiques and accessories. |
 Liberty Garden Products Decorative Non-Rust Cast Aluminum Wall Mounted Garden Hose Reel With 125-Foot Capacity - Antique Finish 704 List Price: Sale Price: $129.99 You save: $70.00 (35%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionLiberty Garden Products Cast Aluminum Wall Mount Hose Reel. Reel in that unruly, unsightly mess! Sick of the "tangle tango"? This attractive, Decorative Reel easily secures to walls, holding up to 125 feet of 5/8" garden hose! Simply pull out the hose for use, retract when done... |
 Antique Garden Meadow 237ml/8oz Liquid Soap Sale Price: $12.50 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product DescriptionBuy California Fleurish Bath Soaps - Antique Garden Meadow 237ml/8oz Liquid Soap. How-to-Use: Lather bath soap in hands, loofah or wash cloth. Cleanse from the shoulders down and rinse. |
 Midnight in Garden of Good & Evil Sale Price: $13.99 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionReaders of John Berendt's bestselling novel were bound to be at least somewhat disappointed by this big-screen adaptation, but despite mixed reaction from critics and audiences, there's still plenty to admire about director Clint Eastwood's take on the material... |
 Antiques Roadshow, Houston, Hour 2 Sale Price: $1.99 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product |
 Antique Garden Spiced Laurel 237ml/8oz Liquid Soap Sale Price: $12.50 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product DescriptionBuy California Fleurish Bath Soaps - Antique Garden Spiced Laurel 237ml/8oz Liquid Soap. How-to-Use: Lather bath soap in hands, loofah or wash cloth. Cleanse from the shoulders down and rinse. |
 16 Inch Amish Painted Metal Tin Barn Star - Solid Antique Bronze. Accent Your Country Home and Garden Decor with These Primitive Collectible Metal Tin Barn Stars. Create the Perfect Primitive Rustic Setting. Buy Your Barn Stars From an Amish Barn Star Crafter. Sale Price: $24.95 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product Description16 INCH AMISH PAINTED METAL TIN BARN STAR - SOLID ANTIQUE BRONZE. ACCENT YOUR COUNTRY HOME AND GARDEN DECOR WITH THESE PRIMITIVE COLLECTIBLE METAL TIN BARN STARS. CREATE THE PERFECT PRIMITIVE RUSTIC SETTING... |
 Dale Tiffany TF70672 Tiffany Floor Lamp, Antique Bronze and Art Glass Shade List Price: Sale Price: $360.00 You save: $90.00 (20%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionTF70672 Features: -Two light floor lamp. -Antique Bronze finish. -Metal construction. -Art glass shade. -Socket: On/off. -Pull chain switch. Specifications: -Accommodates (2) 60W E27 incandescent base bulb... |
 Radio Flyer Kid's Wheelbarrow List Price: Sale Price: $35.98 You save: $14.01 (28%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionThis little wheelbarrow is the tool of choice for hauling flowers, grass clippings, toys, and other treasures. Not only does it look like a real wheelbarrow, it is a real wheelbarrow, with a red steel tray, a black triangular steel undercarriage, and finished hardwood handles... |
