Feng Shui is the practice of arranging your environment to maintain and build chi, which the Chinese believe is the positive energy flow that connects all things. Thoughtfully arrange your environment and reduce your outdoor clutter, which blocks natural energy flow, and you can enhance your life, increase comfort, and attract positivity into your life. […]
Philosophical Notes on the Land and Landscapes
Straight lines in nature
Outdoor Craftsmen designers don’t ascribe to the idea that straight lines in the landscape look too ‘formal’ or ‘unnatural’. Indeed, straight lines can be quite attractive when contrasted with their counterpart ‘curves’ and are an effective way of drawing our attention to special areas of a property. We wouldn’t design an awkwardly curved path when […]
The Energy of Outdoor Spaces
A contemplative approach to landscape design is a hallmark of our work at Outdoor Craftsmen. We are strongly influenced in design by English sensibility and Asian feng shui. Our founder, Scott Deemer, is a philosopher and fine artist at heart and that informs all aspects of our work culture, and our work. The energy of […]
Summer Solstice – the Luxuriously Longest Day of the Year
“In early June the world of leaf and blade and flowers explodes, and every sunset is different.” – John Steinbeck Tuesday June 20th is Summer Solstice – that time of year when the sun reaches its highest position in the sky and those of us in the Northern Hemisphere celebrate the first day of Summer. […]
Landscape Classics for 2017
Some things never go out of style. This holds true for fashion, cars, jewelry, and architecture. And landscaping. The most beautiful landscapes and environments in the world are memorable because they are beautiful to behold, the contain intentional elements of function and aesthetics, and because they stir in us feelings of reverence, vitality, and humility. […]
The best kind of gift to our clients
Landscape design is much more than dramatic swaths of color and form, although we certainly appreciate some drama in the gardens and outdoor spaces of our clients. Deeply experienced and philosophically grounded, Outdoor Craftsmen uses a less razzmatazz approach in planning and creating rich and inviting environments where all may be uplifted, and sustained. To […]