Field Notes

Four Human Principles of Design

Resources

Unity through gardens: the four human principles of design we hold tight to at ORCA.

Ren von Hasseln

Plants + People

A conversation with Ren von Hasseln of Ren Ceramics about her process working with clay.

Gift Guide for the Garden Dweller

Resources

ORCA's founder, Molly Sedlacek, shares what she's gifting this year.

Material Study: Black Locust

Resources

Black Locust: a deciduous hardwood tree native to North America.

Garden Flooring Made of Earth

Resources

We select surfaces that reflect the earth they occupy using clay, wood, and stone.

Max Kingery

Plants + People

Filled with an abundance of California natives, pollinators, and wildflowers, take a tour of Max Kingery's garden.

Paver Layouts For Outdoor Spaces

Resources

There's boundless opportunity for creative exploration in devising paver layouts for outdoor spaces.

Color Study — Shades of Green

In native gardens, plants collage into a sea of green creating a visual balance that makes the garden inviting.

Native Plantings For Songbirds

Our favorite California native plantings and the native birds they bring to the garden.

Ashley Adelson

Plants + People

Devoted to sustainable and regenerative practices, Ashley’s garden is brimming with life.

Leave the Leaves

Resources

From insects seeking refuge and food to birds foraging on them, leaf litter plays an essential role in our ecosystem.

Material Study: Brass

Resources

Brass: an enduring material is a metal alloy made from two natural elements: copper and zinc.

Enzo

Plants + People

Enzo's practice is a mindful consideration of the way gardens can become organic extensions of architecture.

Seijun Nishihata

Plants + People

For Seijun Nishihata also known as the “Plant Hunter”, it has always been about plants & people.

Zenjiro Hashimoto

Plants + People

A self-described “landscape artisan,” Zenjiro Hashimoto's design practice is centered around tending to the stories t...

Plants + People Japan

Plants + People

We are pleased to introduce a special edition of Plants + People—each captured last autumn while traveling across Japan.