THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, September 17, 1995 TAG: 9509160032
SECTION: HOME PAGE: G1 EDITION: FINAL
COLUMN: AROUND THE HOUSE
SOURCE: BY MARY FLACHSENHAAR, SPECIAL TO HOME & GARDEN
LENGTH: Long : 105 lines
EVERYTHING MAY BE coming up roses in some gardens but not in the ones that author and photographer Jennifer Isaacs explored over the last six years.
In one of the 45 gardens showcased in her book ``Quirky Gardens'' (Ten Speed Press, 1995) blooms a ``tea-tree,'' an ordinary tree to which its clever owner attached old or imperfect teapots that she couldn't bear to throw away. She couldn't bring herself to part with an ailing toaster so she made it a mailbox. Even tiny bits of broken china find new life in the handmade mosaics that cover the outer walls of her house.
Eccentric gardens are not unusual in Australia, where this charming book was photographed and written. Contemporary spinoffs on the English and European tradition of decorating gardens with statues and other artwork, the yards visited here often suggest the nonconformity and sense of isolation that characterize the Australian spirit.
No two of these contrary gardens are remotely alike, much to the delight of the reader.
Some of the gardens seem pure whimsy - like the collection of more than 50 wind mobiles made from paint lids, bicycle wheels, detergent bottles and other raw materials scavenged from a dump.
Some seem to make a political statement - like the garden that extends to the roof where the rear end of a scud missile is implanted.
And some are personal and poetic - like the front yard that is a miniature Dutch village of houses, streets and people. It was constructed by its owner as a reminder of his beloved birthplace.
The book is ideal for the coffee table or as a gift to the gardener who has everything. It can also serve as inspiration to the wannabe gardeners among us who were not blessed with green thumbs. KITCHEN OF YOUR DREAMS
Americans, according to the current issue of Food & Wine magazine, have come to cherish their kitchens.
In profiles of the five dream kitchens that were winners in the magazine's annual home kitchen contest, F&W observed:
``Rather than being set off from the rest of the house, this space has become an integral part of the whole. In fact your entire notion of the ideal kitchen has expanded to include lounging, studying, dining and entertaining areas. In addition . . . you told us you also wanted a fully functional work space with first-rate appliances.''
One of the winning kitchens has a fireplace, one has a pine floor. Another is a restored farmhouse kitchen, filled with antiques such as a wood-burning stove and apple cider press. All the kitchens are eye-catching and user-friendly, '90s style.
All have lots of work space - counter tops that can accommodate big jobs like bread-making and extra work stations such as islands and butcher-block tables for households with multiple cooks.
And all have lots of storage space - bookcases, desks, hanging pot racks, extra-deep drawers and pantries, all in sensible locations.
One kitchen has open cubbyholes on top of the counter top to house small appliances and dishes, along with a library ladder for access to high cabinets. Another has a refrigerator with a glass door, so the kids can decide what they want before they open it. And one has stepped shelves in a cupboard near the stove that hold 75 spice jars. FRESH IDEA FOR FLOWERS
If you usually place a single floral arrangement in the center of the dining room table when you entertain, you might want to try this new look suggested by the American Floral Marketing Council: Set a series of alternating candles in crystal holders and crystal vases filled with one, two or three blooms. Elegant, but easy.
More fresh ideas are available from the floral council. Dial (800) 805-8200 and ask for the a free copy of the guide ``Blooming Ideas for the Home: Decorating with Flowers.'' HELP PRESERVE OUR PAST
The fourth edition of the ``Virginia Preservation Sourcebook'' is hot off the presses.
Published by the Preservation Alliance of Virginia, the book includes names, addresses, phone and fax numbers and descriptions of the work of the more than 150 organizations dedicated to preservation in the state.
Homeowners, contractors, architects and local government officials will find this reference useful. So too will anyone looking for groups that specialize in archaeology, battlefield preservation, downtown revitalization, folklife and landscape preservation.
Copies of the book are available for $7.95 plus $1.50 shipping and handling by calling or writing the Preservation Alliance in Staunton, P.O. Box 1407, Staunton, VA 24402-1407; phone (540) 886-4362. The alliance is an information and advocacy network for preservation. GIVE YOUR HOME A CHECKUP
We make sure that our kids, our pets, our cars all have annual checkups. But most of us neglect to give our homes the safety checkups they should have twice a year, according to Underwriters Laboratories Inc.
The nonprofit organization makes this easy by offering its ``Home Safety Inspection Checklist'' free to consumers. The easy-to-use questionnaire deals with fire safety, carbon monoxide poisoning, extension cord overload, appliance usage and more.
For a copy, write Safety Checklist, UL Literature Dept., 333 Pfingsten Road, Northbrook, IL 60062 ILLUSTRATION: Color photo
Jennifer Isaacs showcases 45 gardens that display the nonconforming
spirit of Australians.
by CNB