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Day Trip: Barcelona's Best Beaches Are Out of Town

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We had heard that the best beaches in Barcelona weren't actually in Barcelona, and our suspicions deepened after we walked down to the sand one day and couldn't see it. Every square inch was covered by a blanket or a towel or a sunbather. There were so many people on the beach that it didn't look like there was any air left to breathe even though we were outdoors. And this was on a weekday.

So on a recent Saturday morning my husband and I took a day trip east. We boarded a train at 9:30 am with a plan to get off an hour or so outside the city, in a little town called Arenys de Mar (pop.15,000) known for its lacemaking, fishermen, and proximity to a lovely stretch of sand at the edge of the Mediterranean. Plus, the city's recently appointed Counselor of Culture Joan Miquel Llodrà offered to give us an insider's tour of the best local beaches.

Our train had barely left Barcelona before it veered toward the sea, running alongside the sand like a boardwalk. It's a wonder the high tide doesn't wash away the tracks, I thought, idly looking out the window as the local beaches hurtled by exhibiting a certain sameness: snack bar, families on blankets, striped umbrellas, and—

"Topless," my husband observed.

Photographs by Michelle Slatalla except where noted.

arenys de mar street barcelona spain via Gardenista

Above: Tour guide Joan Miquel Llodrà showed us a typical side street in Arenys (pronounced "or-enge") de Mar. The nearby lacemaking museum actually makes lacemaking interesting. My husband was fascinated by the bobbins.

arenys de mar church barcelona spain via Gardenista

Above: Before we went to the beach, we saw the church—one of the only ones in Catalonia that wasn't desecrated during the Civil War in the early 20th century.

arenys de mar mercat municipal barcelona spain via Gardenista

Above: Like Barcelona, Arenys de Mar has a public food market, where there is amazingly fresh seafood (there's a daily fish auction on the docks after the local fisherman bring in their nets).

Arenys de Mar Spain beach via Gardenista

Above: At Arenys de Mar, there's plenty of empty sand to spread out on.

sant pol de mar via Gardenista

Above: Hot as it is, most people don't have air conditioners once you get out of the big city. Photograph via Ruscalleda.

Alabaster window in medieval church Pont Pau Spain via Gardenista

Above: We had lunch at the beach (mussels, fried sardines, and sangrìa) and then drove north with Llodrà to investigate other beaches.

A few minutes farther north is the hipper town of Pont Pau, with beautiful stretches of sand. There you can also visit a medieval church; the windows of a pre-glass era are made of alabaster. In the old days, the townspeople barricaded themselves in the church when they saw pirates coming. Photograph by Josh Quittner.

sant pol de mar carme ruscalleda barcelona spain via Gardenista

Above: These quiet commuter towns north of Barcelona are weekend destinations for locals. In Pont Pau, chef Carme Ruscalleda i Serra has a world-renowned restaurant near the train tracks. For more information, see Carme Ruscalleda. Photograph via Ruscalleda.

At the end of the day, Llodrà dropped us back at the train station with perfect timing. The train to Barcelona arrived 30 seconds later.

If you are looking for a guide in Barcelona or nearby towns, Joan Miquel Llodrà can be reached by email at llodrajoan@yahoo.es.

Continue exploring Spain with our series Travels with an Editor: Barcelona


Guilt Free: Salvaged Patio Furniture with Style

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Founded by Gloria Margenat in Barcelona in 2008, Arxe is a design studio focused on creating furniture and one-of-a-kind textiles for the home from salvaged industrial materials. The principals "search across Europe to find antique furniture and old industrial materials—wood, leather, iron, steel, and textiles"—which they bring back to their warehouse in Catalonia to be refashioned into one-off or limited edition pieces. We're particularly fond of the patio furniture.

To see more of the studio's work, go to Arxe; a small selection of work is offered at the Woki Organic Market in Sant Cugat del Vallès, Spain.

Industrial metal patio dining table Arxe via Gardenista

Above: For a tour of Arxe's shop, see Shopper's Diary: Arxe in Barcelona.

terra cotta pots on patio dining table arxe via Gardenista

Above: Each piece of furniture is one-of-a-kind and made by hand.

arxe furniture one of a kind patio furniture via Gardenista

Continue exploring Spanish design in our series Travels with an Editor: Barcelona

Hike of the Week: Camino de Cavalls, Menorca

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When we first went to the Mediterranean island of Menorca in the early 70s, no one had heard of it. They knew about its close neighbors Mallorca and Ibiza, but Menorca had no profile and is still thought of as the "quiet" island. This is a good thing. Instead of parties as a unique selling point, the whole island is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. An increasing number of visitors arrive with mainly wholesome pursuits in mind.

Photographs by Jim Powell except where noted.

Hike: Cami de Cavalls. Gardenista

Above: Yes, there are beaches on Menorca, sandy in the south and rocky in the north, but it's also a fantastic place to walk. Walking and beach visits are best early in the day or late. Otherwise it's just a case of "mad dogs and Englishmen."

Hike: Cami de Cavalls. Menorca

Above: The best kind of walk culminates in a swim, and this hike ends at Bini Dali, a small cove on the south of the island with a horseshoe-shaped sandy beach and rocks to jump from. It could also end at Bini Safuller which is strictly rocky, with ladders leading snorkelers down to the depths. Or it could end at any rocky outpoint of your choosing. Photograph by Julian Arkell.

Cami de Cavalls hike on Menorca via Gardenista

Above: This walk could really end anywhere, as the island is criss-crossed with paths which were originally bridleways, hence the name Cami de Cavalls on the sign above. These merge with old Roman roads, so the going can be slightly rough, used by cyclists, occasional horseback riders, and pedestrians with sturdy footwear. Photograph by Sarah Webster.

Hike: Cami de Cavalls. Gardenista

Above: "I know where I'm going!" A sensible Roman road cuts through the underbrush. The route we are taking begins in a small lane near the airport and is known as Camin Vell de Bini Dali. The walk is mainly populated by Spanish mainlanders and Menorquins. Our guide, Sarah Webster, says that the walk "is about 45 minutes long and can be performed ida y uelta [round trip]." Photograph by Sarah Webster.

Hike: Cami de Cavalls. Gardenista

Above: It is likely that you will find yourself encountering this kind of terrain. After the Biosphere Reserve declaration, the network of horse trails—along the perimeter of the island as well as through the interior—was reclaimed by a walking group of local Menorquins.

"These revived trails have been embraced by a new generation of young Spaniards," says Webster. "They thrive on mountain biking and walking." In the "early years" (the 1970s, when some of us first visited), the road near Webster's house hardly seemed accessible. "And yet a horse and carriage regularly traveled its length to go into town and back," she recalls. Photograph by Sarah Webster.

Hike: Cami de Cavalls. Gardenista

Above: Striking off the main highways and byways, the agricultural fabric of Menorca reveals itself. Stone huts for animals merge with stone walls embedded with curious animal troughs and piggeries. The fields are mainly red-brown soil punctuated with desiccated plants, having adapted in their own way to the desert-like conditions. Shown here: a giant umbellifer running to seed and playing host to some molluscs.

Hike: Cami de Cavalls. Gardenista

Above: There are farmhouses and gardens along this walk but no paved road in sight. How do people live in this wilderness? Morning glory and bougainvillea are signs of civilization. Photograph by Kendra Wilson.

Hike: Cami de Cavalls. Gardenista

Above: Much of the vegetation in Menorca looks familiar, but different. Shown here, tough old rosemary living cheek by jowl with some thorns.

Hike: Cami de Cavalls. Gardenista

Above: Other edibles look positively inviting, like these figs readying themselves for ripeness toward the end of August.

Hike: Cami de Cavalls. Gardenista

Above: A milestone tree. When you pass this unmissable tree you know you almost deserve a swim.

Fauna to look out for on any hike in Menorca are hoopoe birds (Upupa epops), quail, vultures, a multitude of beetles and the island's mascot, the gecko lizard.

Hop from rural Menorca to rural Mallorca: Off the Grid at Finca Es Castell.

10 Ways to Make Sure Summer Never Ends

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Just as Michelle returned from her Catalonian adventure, Erin skipped out for the Oregon coast. Want to come over and see our vacation slide shows?

The lushest, green garden  in Barcelona, on Gardenista.

Above: A visit to an abandoned leather factory was our most popular post this week. No wonder.

We've become obsessed with the world according to Pancho Tolchinsky.

Suffer from a black thumb? Here are top eight plants for beginner gardeners.

Oregon by Erin Boyle via Gardenista

Above: If Erin were to decide she's never coming home, we would totally understand. Photograph by Erin Boyle.

Stacey is captivated: a documentary explores Afghanistan's photography revolution.

One of our top obsessions of the week: outdoor planters from Barcelona-based Emiliana Design Studio's ZigZag line for Kettal.

We agree with Mindy Kaling: Gardening truly is like "fashion for your dirt patches."

Roof gardens? The more, the better. But what are your thoughts on this roof mountain in Beijing?

White Bean Salad recipe via Gardenista

Above: Weekend menu: a late Saturday lunch of White Bean and Cod Salad (a classic from Barcelona) and sangria, followed by Rosemary and Butter cookies. (We hope to soon have our kitchens in true foodie-shape.)

A new garden comes to Southern California this fall: In honor of William Mulholland, who brought water to Los Angeles, the LA Department of Water and Power is adding new landscaping, greenery, benches, and more to one of Mulholland's most memorable accomplishments.

Over on Remodelista, Sarah has us appreciating tile in entirely unique ways.

Glass house in Virginia, on Gardenista via This is Colossal

Above: We found the best view of Mantova, Italy; this glass house may offer the same for West Virginia. Photograph via Colossal and Half Cut Tea.

We're curious: Are you packing for a trip or just returning? Fill us in on your adventures in the comments section below.

In the News: Top 5 Posts of the Week

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We posted our 10 Foolproof Tips for Avoiding Other Tourists (especially if you are one, too).

Cafe Josephine Barcelona potted plants on trellis via Gardenista

Photograph by Michelle Slatalla.

On Remodelista, Julie discovered stylish Rental Apartments to stay in while you're on holiday.

Rental apartment barcelona via Gardenista

Above: Photograph via Destination BCN.

Question: What's the World's Best Farmers' Market? Answer:

Emu eggs at La Boqueria via Gardenista

Above: Emu eggs for sale at La Boqueria. Photograph by Kathryn Greenhill via Flickr.

Hivernacle greenhouse nursery Barcelona  

Above: Michelle discovered Where Florists Buy Their Plants.

  Zig Zag zigzag patio planters via Gardenista

Above: On Remodelista, Sarah's sleuthing uncovered some patio planters we're coveting.

An Unexpected Spanish Castle, on the South Carolina Coast

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Atalaya Castle fits one stereotype of antebellum mansions in the American South—the bigger and grander, the better. But in its Moorish Revival style and rather severe architecture, it bucks tradition. 

Atalaya was a recommended stop on a recent trip I took to the South Carolina coast. Approaching the castle, I expected to find a gracious and proper mansion—and was surprised to find a stark, gray cement building hidden behind heavy trees. If not for the fact that the iron window grates were fancifully designed and painted bright turquoise, I might have thought I had stumbled upon the ruins of an ancient prison.

Palm trees on Atalaya castle lawn via Gardenista

Above: Atalaya was built by millionaire Archer Huntington for his wife, Anna Hyatt Huntington. The pair came to South Caroline from the Northeast, seeking a warm winter to ease Anna's tuberculosis. They purchased three adjoining rice plantations on which to make their home, and planned a winter mansion and a botanic garden. Photograph by Matthew Wnn via Flickr.

iron garden gate green atalaya via Gardenista

Above: Though Archer Huntington lacked a formal education, he traveled the world as a child and developed a passion for Spanish culture during his many trips there. He learned Spanish and studied the art, literature, and history of Spain. Photograph by xr20rkandn via Flickr.

Vines climb wall at Atalaya castle in South Carolina via Gardenista

Above: Arthur designed his home in the Moorish Revival style, common on the Spanish Mediterranean coast. The style is typified by ornate interiors concealed behind plain facades, which explains Atalaya's forbodeing exterior. Photograph by Frank Eaton via Flickr.

Archway at Atalaya South Carolina via Gardenista

Above: The home's 30 rooms open onto a courtyard, a common feature of the Moorish style. The home was built during the Great Depression, and Arthur Huntington insisted on hiring local craftsmen to provide them with work. Though the workers had little experience with brick, and Arthur never drew plans for the house, he managed to dictate the design to his workers. Photograph by Mike Baldwin via Flickr.

Atalaya grillwork detail, gardenista

Above: Anna Huntington was a sculptor, but was too ill to practice her art while the house was under construction. Instead, she occupied herself creating Spanish-style decor for the home. Among her designs are ornate green grills on the windows, meant as protection from southern storms. Photograph by Jeanne Rostaing. 

Atalaya window SC via Gardenista  

Above: As Anna Huntington recovered from her illness, she began to use two large studios that Archer had built for her, one in an outside courtyard and one inside with a 25-foot skylight. Photograph by Pamela Fitzgerald via Flickr. 

Atalaya castle ruins overgrown brick wall vines via Gardenista

Above: The Huntingtons left Atalaya in 1947, and from 1960 to 2003 the house was neglected. For the past decade it has been under the protection of the South Carolina Parks Service, which has worked to preserve the structure. Photograph by Comtrag via Flickr.

Architectural details Atalaya garden gate via Gardenista

Above: Archer Huntington died in 1955, but Anna continued working as an artist until her death in 1973. The botanic garden the Huntingtons established on the property—Brookgreen Gardens—is still thriving today. It serves as a setting for Anna's larger-than-life sculptures, several of which reveal her own adopted love of Spanish culture. Photo by Brungrrl via Flickr.

A Seaside Garden on an Aegean Island

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On the Aegean island of Paros, off the coast of Greece, garden designer Carolyn Chadwick created a coastal garden with waves of plantings to emulate the blue waves below.

To capitalize on sea views from the house, Netherlands-based Chadwick created a series of undulating garden beds filled with plants such as lavender, cacti, and ornamental grasses that require little water even in a sunny, hot climate. With an emphasis on blue and white plants, the garden's colors echo the colors of the water on the horizon.

Photographs via Carolyn Chadwick.

Above: Overlooking the garden, the house has typical Greek whitewashed walls to reflect midday sun. To create the same look, see "DIY: Whitewashed Greek Walls."

Above: The unobstructed sea view, from the house.

Above: Agapanthus, a native of South Africa, is drought resistant.

Above: A stone terrace surrounded by blue, white, and purple flowers also has views of the sea.

Above: Smooth local rock creates a seating arrangement on the terrace.

Above: Paths of crushed stone edged with irregularly shaped rocks meander through the garden, where plantings are kept low to avoid blocking sea views.

Above: A rose under a hot sun.

Above: Agapanthus buds, daisies, lavender, and ornamental grasses.

Above: The front of the house, and garage, face inland, with a pergola-shaded terrace to provide shade.

For another of our favorite seaside gardens, see Rustic Living on the Beach in Uruguay

N.B.: This is an update of a post originally published August 12, 2012.

Chapman at Sea Surfboard Covers

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I'm lucky that the 8-foot surfboard that makes its home in my 240-square-foot Brooklyn apartment (when it's not taking the A train to Rockaway) is actually kind of cute. If you can ignore the dirty wax with bits of sand embedded in it and focus on the blue-green edges, you might even notice that it matches the color scheme of the rest of the room (See DIY: The Magical Power of Cherry Blossoms for a peek). Still, when I saw these canvas surfboard bags from Chapman at Sea, I was seriously tempted to place an order.

Chapman at Sea | Gardenista

Above: Made from leather and canvas, the covers are as functional as they are nice to look at. The Sailor comes in storm/khaki and natural/khaki color combinations in sizes meant for short boards, $139.

Chapman at Sea | Gardenista

Above: Nautical rope and leather cinches make for a handsome enclosure.

Chapman at Sea | Gardenista  

Above: The Scout is a round-top version meant for classic longboards; $149.

Chapman at Sea | Gardenista

For more information and to purchase, visit Chapman at Sea

For more suggestions about how to integrate surfboard style into your home, see An Urban Surf Shack in San Francisco.


DIY: Beach Stone Gate Clasp

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A project for beachcombers: stones collected from the shore, strung together to form a simple gate clasp.

drilled beach stones DIY gate latch clasp via Gardenista

hand drilled beach stones on a map via Gardenista

Above: A set of five hand-drilled stones collected on the beach is $8.80 from Up North Stones at Etsy.

hand drilled beach stones to make DIY gate latch clasp via Gardenista

Above: A set of six hand-drilled stones is $13.20 from Up North Stones at Etsy.

For another of our favorite gate closers, see Cannonball Gate Closer.

N.B.: This is an update of a post originally published August 9, 2010.

Required Reading: Kitchen Memories by Lucy Boyd

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Lucy Boyd, head gardener at Petersham Nurseries near Richmond (just outside London), has written a cookbook. Kitchen Memories ($20.61 from Amazon) combines her garden experience with childhood memories, inspired by the cooking style of her mother, the legendary British chef Rose Gray.

For Lucy Boyd's reciped for Pan-Fried Squid, Tomatoes, Parsley, Lemon, and Creme Fraiche, see ingredients and step-by-step instructions below:

Lucy Boyd, Kitchen Memories. Gardenista

Above: Lucy Boyd is a gardener-cook, or more properly a cook-gardener, having trained as a chef (at her mother's restaurant The River Café) and taking up gardening later. Her background and her whole life is about food.

I remember eating rocket and parmesan at the River Café in the 1980s and being amazed by this novel combination. Food culture was non-existent in the UK before a handful of restaurants including the River Café taught people how to eat. Lucy grew up in this food vanguard and it is to her credit that she grows what she eats. Photograph by Keiko Oikawa.

Lucy Boyd, Kitchen Memories. Gardenista

Above: Before commercial success, Rose Gray and her children went to live in Italy. The family went for walks by their home near Lucca in the Tuscan hills: "We were looking for supper," says Lucy. They'd come back with porcini, dandelions, wet walnuts. "It's important to look at what you have and decide what goes with what," says Lucy about the beginning of her food education.

The markets as well had vast potential. Tomatoes? Consider size, color, sweetness, thickness of skin. What variety would you use for a certain dish, and with what herbs? The tomato is a key ingredient in Lucy's cookbook. Photograph by Laura Edwards.

Lucy Boyd, Kitchen Memories. Gardenista

Above: Tomato plants at Petersham. On arriving back at the UK, the family had to adjust to the very impoverished selection of fresh produce available. Lucy was used to cooking with vegetables and fruit which were easy to grow in Italy but impossible to find in the UK. At Petersham, there is a strong collaboration between the garden with its wealth of varieties and the Michelin-starred café. Photograph by Keiko Oikawa.

Lucy Boyd, Kitchen Memories. Gardenista

Above: Store cupboard ingredients are as important as fresh. You should always have enough to make Arrabiata sauce (tinned tomatoes, olive oil, garlic dried chilli and basil if you have some).

One essential which comes up time and again is the anchovy, as a flavoring and in its full-blown form. "Salted anchovies on toast with tomatoes is a favorite breakfast in my family," says Lucy. Photograph by Laura Edwards.

Lucy Boyd, Kitchen Memories. Gardenista

Above: Herbs are not an optional extra. Shown here, dill grown at Petersham Nurseries. Photograph by Keiko Oikawa.

Lucy Boyd, Kitchen Memories. Gardenista

Above:Photograph by Laura Edwards.

Lucy Boyd's Pan-Fried Squid, Tomatoes, Parsley, Lemon, and Creme Fraiche

Ingredients

  • 6 medium-sized very fresh squid (the white flesh should not have tones of pink)
  • 2 thick-skinned unwaxed lemons
  • 25 g roughly chopped flat-leaf parsley
  • 100 g creme fraiche or sour cream
  • 400 g tomatoes; a mixture is good
  • Olive oil
  • 1 handful rocket, tough stalks removed
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Sea salt and black pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the squid or ask a fishmonger, cutting on the diagonal into 3-4 pieces.
  2. Grate 1 teaspoon of lemon zest and combine with the parsley.
  3. Put the creme fraiche in a bowl and season with a small pinch of salt to taste and black pepper
  4. Cut the tomatoes into regular shapes according to their size.
  5. Season the squid with salt and pepper.
  6. Heat a frying pan until smoking hot, then add half a tablespoon of olive oil. Cook the squid (including tentacles) in batches on each side until the flesh is opaque (30-40 seconds). Place in a colander.
  7. Wipe pan, then add tomatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil and cook over a medium to high heat until they start to yield their juices.
  8. Add rocket and a dollop of creme fraiche and serve the whole thing piping hot. Scatter lightly with the parsley and lemon zest. To help bring out the flavors, dribble over a little extra virgin olive oil and lemon.

Lucy Boyd, Kitchen Memories. Gardenista

Above: The café at Petersham. Photograph by Stephanie Wolff.

Lucy Boyd, Kitchen Memories. Gardenista

Above: Lucy's nursery beds at Petersham; flowers are not forgotten. Photograph by Stephanie Wolff.

Lucy Boyd, Kitchen Memories. Gardenista

Above: Kitchen Memories is $20.61 from Amazon.

Not all of the recipes here are complicated, but they are a little different. "If you're on your own and you want a quick meal," Lucy advises, "put a quail in the oven." Eat one with some vegetables: whatever is in season and simply cooked.

For more about Petersham Nurseries, see Shopper's Diary: Petersham Nurseries in England.

Must-Have Markdown: A Stylish Beach Chair

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By our calendar, there's still six more weeks left of summer, plenty of time to get good use out of an outdoor chair. If we were beach bound, we'd jump on Serena & Lily's sale:

Canvas beach lounge chair sling via Gardenista

Above: With a foldable teak frame and an all-weather Sunbrella seat, the Sling Chair from $205 to $149.95 (it's non-returnable.

Headed to the beach? See our favorite folding chairs in 10 Easy Pieces: Folding Lounge Chairs.

Floating Islands: Garden Beds of Rare Lettuces

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The French expression, "raconter des salades," might translate roughly as "to spin a yarn," but we promise we're not making anything up when we tell you about this installation by French landscape architects Atelier Altern.

Commissioned by the Maison de la Culture d'Amiens, the installation featuring floating islands of covered and raised garden beds is part architectural feat—and part political commentary on agricultural biodiversity. 


On Vous Raconte des Salades | Gardenista

Above: The beds are planted with heirloom varieties of open-pollinated lettuces that have largely fallen out of favor in modern agricultural practice and been replaced by F1-hybrid seeds.

On Vous Raconte des Salades | Gardenista

Above: The trouble with F1-hybrids is that most of these seeds are not open-pollinated and can't be saved by farmers from year to year. In "On vous Raconte des Salades," Atelier Altern showcases heirloom varieties of lettuces, many of which aren't currently for sale on the open market.

On Vous Raconte des Salades | Gardenista

Above: Delicate lettuce plants inside an architectural "veil."

On Vous Raconte des Salades | Gardenista

Above: Described as floating islands of garden beds, the beds look like they've nestled into their new home quite comfortably.

Looking to create your own (more traditional) raised bed garden? See Janet's Raised Garden Bed Roundup.

10 Easy Pieces: Shade Umbrellas

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Don't let the date on the calendar fool you, there's still plenty of time for lounging on the beach. Extend your time on the sand with one of these classic shade umbrellas.

Striped beach umbrellas on the sand via Gardenista

Above: A Frankford Wood Pole Beach Umbrella comes in striped colors including yellow (Not Shown) and is $199.95 from Beach Store.

  

Skagerak beach umbrella with tiltable head via Gardenista

Above: A Messina Parasol designed for Danish label Skagerak has an adjustable wood base that tilts to keep you shaded as the sun moves across the sky. It's $156.20 from Ambiente. Sold separately, a concrete and steel Capri Parasol Base is $373.75.

Karlso shade umbrella from Ikea via Gardenista

Above: With a luxurious diameter of 118 inches, a Karlso Hanging Umbrella from Ikea is made of fabric that blocks 97 percent of ultraviolet rays. It comes with a 102-inch-long pole and a stand but must be "finished" with four concrete support blocks purchased "at a DIY store." It's $99.

beach umbrella with wood pole via Gardenista

Above: With a diameter of 7.5 feet, an octagonal Beach Umbrella has a shade made of heavy duty marine-grade fabric and a wood pole made of ash. The collar tilts to adjust to the movement of the sun overhead; $347 from ATG.

 


  Napoli Tilting Umbrella via Gardenista

Above: With a eucalyptus frame and a 9-foot circular parasol, a Barlow Tyrie Napoli Umbrella has nickel plated brass fittings and is $1,199 from Didrik's.

  Pottery Barn solid color umbrella via Gardenista

Above: On sale from Pottery Barn, a 6-foot round Solid Color Umbrella with a eucalyptus pole comes in five colors including natural (Shown) and is marked down from $99 to $58.99. Also on sale is a 9-foot Solid Color Umbrella; marked down from $149 to $88.99.


Tucci sun umbrella from DWR via Gardenista

Above: A Tuuci Hexagon Shade has a flatter shape than most dome umbrellas. With marine grade hardware and a "sharkskin" reflective fabric, it is available in three colors including Natural (Shown) and is $1,450 from DWR.

Maui beach umbrella room and board via Gardenista

Above: A Maui Umbrella with a diameter of 6 feet can fit into an umbrella hole in a table or be used as a freestanding shade umbrella; it is $199 from Room & Board. Sold separately, a weighted Freestanding Umbrella Base is $179.

black and white striped beach umbrella via Gardenista

Above: A Basil Bang Umbrella, made of weather-resistant outdoor canvas, has a raw beech timber pole and is $450 AU from The Small Garden and comes with a matching carrying case.

California patio umbrella with wood pole via Gardenista

Above: A California Umbrella with a hardwood pole is $215.81 from All Modern; a Black Cast Iron Round Base is sold separately for  $226.75.

Headed to the beach? Take our New Favorite Beach Towel along and don't forget the 5 Things You Must Know About Sunscreen.

DIY: A Perfect Take-Along Sandwich for the Beach

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Something about going to the beach makes me instantly hungry. Is it the fresh air, the sunshine—or the knowledge that out on the sand I don't have immediate access to my refrigerator? For years I have been looking for the perfect take-along lunch to pack. Must be: delicious, easy to eat, and something that doesn't get all sandy when a breeze kicks up.

I mentioned this the other day to Olivia Rae James of Everyday Musings, and she said, "Oh, I know what you need—my avocado-lemon-sprout sandwich. I take it to the beach all the time." Turns out, she's exactly right.

For ingredients and step-by-step instructions, see below.

Photographs by Olivia Rae James.

Avocado Beach Sandwich recipe by Olivia James via Gardenista

Above: You can make this beach-bound sandwich in less time than it takes to slather on sunscreen.

Avocado Beach Sandwich recipe bread by Olivia James via Gardenista

Above: Start with a loaf of good sourdough bread.

  Ingredients for Avocado Beach Sandwich recipe by Olivia James via Gardenista

Above: Lemons do double duty: their juice keeps the mashed avocado a nice bright green color and adds a flavor kick.

Avocado Beach Sandwich recipe spread by Olivia James via Gardenista

Above: On one side of the bread, you can start with a base of vegeniase or mayonnaise, and build from there.

Olivia James avocado sandwich beach snack via Gardenista

Above: Layer of avocado (check). Layer of sprouts for crunch (check). Cover with the other slice of bread, wrap, head out the door. And don't forget to take a book.

Oliva Rae James' Zesty Avocado & Sprout Sandwich
 
  • 2 slices sourdough bread
  • 1 lemon
  • 1 tablespoon vegeniase (I just prefer the taste to regular mayonnaise)
  • 1 avocado
  • 1 tablespoon flavorful olive oil
  • handful of sprouts
  • Sea salt and black pepper to taste

 

Scoop out both halves of avocado into a bowl and mash with a tablespoon of olive oil, the juice from one lemon, flaky sea salt, and coarse ground pepper to taste. Slather some vegeniase or mayonnaise on one slice of the bread, pile the avocado mixture on top, add some sprouts, put your sandwich together, and enjoy. Simplicity at its best.

For another of Olivia Rae James' garden-to-table summer recipes, See DIY: Raspberry Sparkler Cocktail. Come to think of it, that would taste pretty good at the beach too.

10 Favorites: Seaside Gardens

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Daydream worthy. Here are ten of our favorite seaside gardens: simple, minimalist spaces perfect for lounging in the sun and finishing the final chapters of a summer beach read. 

Above: A beach, or mobile house, on the Coromandel Peninsula in New Zealand. Photograph via Crosson Clarke Carnachan.

Above: A beach cabin on the island of Gotland, via Sandell Sandberg.  

Above: In Uruguay, a hut on the beach has a wraparound deck surrounded by sand and tall grasses. Photograph via Espacio Living.

Above: Barbara Bestor designed this Venice Beach surf shack; photograph via Ye Rin Mok

Above: The Bay Residence in Bridgehampton, New York, via Stelle Architects

 

Above: The outdoor dining area of a beach house, designed by Heliotrope Architects, on Orcas Island.

Above: A single-story coastal house in Argentina via Martin Gomez Arquitectos

Above: Landscape Architect Eric Blasen collaborated with SF-based architect Peter Pfau to renovate a 1968 beach house just footsteps away from Stinson Beach. Plants include the ornamental grass Jarava ichu and the mounded Muhlenbergia rigens. Photograph via Marion Brenner

Above: Hotel Fasano Las Piedras in La Barra, Uruguay is located 15 minutes from the "Hamptons of South America." Photograph via FG + SG—Fotografia de Arquitectura.

Above: An outdoor terrace at the eco-resort Onar on the coast of Andros. Photograph via Onar.

Above: Long Island's Montauk Surf Lodge surrounded by lush greenery. 

Overhauling a seaside garden? See our 10 Easy Perennials for the Seaside Garden.


Fishing Float Marine Lamps

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We've admired the work of Fleet Objects' Zoe Garred before; but we are particularly taken with her Mariner lamps. Garred got her inspiration for the design from local fishing floats and casts the porcelain lamps by hand in her Vancouver studio. The lamps are available in Vancouver at Much and Little and online at Fleet Objects.

Above: Mariner Lamp Cone; $225. The lampshade comes with an 8-inch-long adjustable cord and comes in azure, light blue, and red.

Above: Oval Mariner Lamp; $200. When lit, the porcelain gives off a warm glow that contrasts with the sharp, bright pool of light that beams through the mouth of the lamp.

Above: Mariner Lamp Cone Triple Hardware; $650.

For another porcelain lamp option, see our post on the Fuse Lamp by Note Design Studio.

Water from A Stone

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Finally, a solution for keeping houseplants hydrated that doesn't involve stuffing upside down plastic water bottles into the soil. These handblown glass vessels from Kikkerland are designed to allow a slow drip of water to potted houseplants over the course of several days. Head to the beach without worrying over parched plants.

Water From a Stone | Gardenista

Above: Each Water from a Stone vessel holds 7.5 ounces of water; $13 each from Kikkerland.

Water From a Stone | Gardenista

Above: Tucked into a potted plant, the glass plant waterers provide irrigation without overpowering the pot or plant. If you're as bad about remembering to water as I am, they're innocuous enough to leave around even when you're not away for the weekend. Lazy gardeners, unite.

For a larger-scale irrigation system see Instant Taps for Your Raised Garden Beds.

Wonders of the World: Hanging Seashell Gardens

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Spotted via Urban Gardens Web, floral designer Marissa Pretorius' Opus Studio in Cape Town has a way with seashells we couldn't resist.

Photographs via Opus.

seashell planters on a wall at opus florist via Gardenista

Above: Pretorius, a refuge from the advertising industry, created Opus Studio in 2010. For more of her story, see Urban Gardens Web.

opus florist shop cape town via Gardenista

Above: While experimenting with floral design, Pretorius became an admirer of Japanese kokedama. Hanging moss balls are an Opus Studio signature arrangement.

opus florist cape town taxidermy bird via Gardenista

Above: Naturalists, take note. Taxidermy is a natural complement to botanical arrangements.

opus florist shop cape town bottles and flowers via Gardenista

Above: Philodendrons, succulents, and orchids are low maintenance choices that Pretorius recommends for hanging seashell gardens.

opus florist cape town terrarium via Gardenista

Above: A miniature terrarium at Opus Studio.

opus florist cape town olive branch wreath via Gardenista

Above: More suspended animation from Opus: olive branches woven into a wreath.

For more photos of our favorite floral designs, see our library of the World's Best Florists.

All Considered Design Awards Entries Now Published in Our Photo Gallery

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Now that you've chosen the winners, come see what they were up against. We received more than 500 entries to our inaugural Considered Design Awards, and choosing the finalists was a tough task. Take a look at our Considered Design Awards Gallery for a look at all the projects entered. Remember that you can sort by contest category (see all candidates for Best Outdoor Room here) and comment on individual photos; let us know what you think.

Be sure to visit Remodelista for a look at all home design entries in the Remodelista Considered Design Awards Gallery

Gardenista 2013 Considered Design Awards Image Gallery

See all five winners of the Gardenista Considered Design Awards here, and check out their individual project profiles: Best Outdoor RoomBest Architectural Garden Feature; Best Indoor Garden; Best Urban Garden; and Best Edible Garden

DIY Outdoor Planter: Pretty Enough to Eat

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Fresh herbs are key ingredients in some of my favorite summertime dishes. But with leaves that are deep, dark purple, multicolored, or reminiscent of thin blades of grass, many herb varieties are just as pretty look at as they are delicious. I combine herbs in the same ways I would mix ornamental plants by focusing on color, form, and texture.

Photographs by Julie Chai.

herbs flowers container | Gardenista

I started with these Nalani Planters—on sale for $9.95 from Crate and Barrel—because I love the way the white sets off stronger colors as well as variegated green-and-white foliage. For this container, I used purple basil, silver thyme, tricolor sage, chives, and purple sweet alyssum, placing the tallest plant (basil) in back and the shortest (sweet alyssum) in front.

You can find organic seedlings of all of these herbs for $5 each at Mountain Valley Growers.

herbs flowers container | Gardenista

Above: I started as I usually do (see my other Containers of the Month here and here), by cutting out a paper circle that's the same size as my pot's opening. I take this cutout to the nursery and use the disc as a template to arrange plants. This lets me know how many plants I can fit in the container as well as how I might arrange them.

herbs flowers container | Gardenista

Above: Purple basil has beautiful deep plum leaves and tastes similar to sweet basil, but isn't quite as strong. Since it looks brownish when cooked, I prefer to use it raw in vegetable and grain salads, or to create infused vinegars. Basil is a warm-season annual that will die after cool weather arrives (in the San Francisco Bay Area, this is usually sometime in October.) Earlier in spring in all regions, you can start basil from seed. But this time of year, since we're nearing the end of summer, it's best to start with a seedling from a local nursery. After your basil dies, you might want to replace it with an upright herb like rosemary. 

herbs flowers container | Gardenista

Above: Tricolor sage is just what its name implies: a sage with three hues. Long, soft green leaves have white edges and new growth tinged with pale purple.

herbs flowers container | Gardenista

Above: Silver thyme has tiny gray-green leaves that are edged in cream.

Above: Purple sweet alyssum is a great front-of-container choice because the bloom-covered clumps will spill over the lip of the pot. Bees love it. Sweet alyssum will bloom from spring until frost, and if you live in a climate with mild winters, it may grow year round. If it fades, purple violas are a good cool-season substitute in many regions.

Above: Chives' wispy blades lend a grassy look to the arrangement.

herbs flowers container | Gardenista

Eventually, your herbs will start outgrowing the pot. When this happens, I lay the pot on its side and gently ease out all the plants. Then I tease apart the plants as carefully as I can, trying to keep roots intact, and either put them into a larger container or add the biggest plants to my garden beds. Chives, silver thyme, and tricolor sage are perennials in all but the very coldest climates. Depending on the severity of your winters, perennial herbs might not survive  if planted in small containers. If you're able to move them to the ground without damaging the roots, try that approach. After the first frost, cut back your plants to 4 to 5 inches off the ground. 

For more easy container gardening ideas, see a Cool Palette for Hot Weather and Tough Beauties That Won't Die. And if you want to grow herbs indoors, check out Grow Herbs on a Windowsill and DIY: Shade-Tolerant Herbs To Grow in Your Apartment.

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