ARTICLES Archives - Page 90 of 314

Brilliant Reflections

It's been many, many years since I visited Bordeaux - and when I did get there back in the 1970s, I had yet to develop my appreciation for the French region's wonderful wines. As a result, I was the swiftest of sightseers out on a day trip, and one of the few things I recall with any strength of memory was the Bourse, a set of grand riverfront structures that now serve as the region's central commercial exchange. Under construction from 1730 to 1775, the complex was designed by Ange-Jacques Gabriel, probably most renowned for his work on the Place de la Concorde in Paris. He was an ardent exponent of neoclassical symmetry and certainly didn't ease off his preferences in this case. When I saw it in 1978, I was impressed by its balanced grandeur and spectacular level of detail. here. To see his own gallery of images of the Miroir d'Eau, click here.

Creative Genus

'In looking back over several recent projects,' observed Stephanie Rose at the start of her Natural Companions column in September 2006, 'I noticed that I've been using one particular genus of plants more frequently than just about any other.' 'Its name probably evokes thoughts of petri dishes and bacterial colonies for most of us, but this plant

I’m Not Alone . . .

When I wrote about the trend toward floating "river pools" in my July 13 blog (click here), I had no idea I'd pick up quick editorial support from TravelandLeisure.com, the web site for the grand magazine of the same name. In an article entitled, "Absurdly Scenic Floating Pools to Add to Your 'To-Swim' List," Erika Owen flashes through five of the

Crime-Scene Ponds

Most ponds are at the mercy of predators of one sort or another. In Mike Gannon's experience, however, there are two usual suspects he knows he can ignore -- and a whole class of offenders who can't seem to resist stopping by to feast on fishy treats.

Key Conversations

As a professional, I've always seen myself as something of a calming influence - basically as an instructor who offers reassuring guidance. I teach my staff, I teach my clients and their families and, through all of the videos I've made, I also like to think I help other pond professionals by giving them tools they can use to

The old poolscape had its problems -- chief among them having been built partly over a huge trash pit. Correcting that situation was no fun, but it was only the first step in a process that saw Shane LeBlanc revise and upgrade the space from the back door to the view beyond.

Trash to Treasure

This is the story of the rebirth of a pool - and then some. It all started when I was contacted by a homeowner who was in what I'd call perfectly reasonable distress: His swimming pool was a mess, he told me, surrounded by cracked decking, a crumbling slide structure and a deteriorating fireplace. He'd already spent a bundle on piers and other fixes recommended by engineers, hoping to

To the Good Life!

'If you work hard,' wrote Brian Van Bower to open his Aqua Culture column for September 2001, 'you should get to enjoy the fruits of your labor.' 'For all of the obvious truth of that idea, I wonder how many of us hard-working folks in the watershaping trades take the time for those things that bring us enjoyment and a sense of

Drain Wisdom

With new rules and varying codes, setting up drain systems for pools and spas is more complicated than it once was, notes Paolo Benedetti. Here, he offers a bit of technical advice that will help clarify the process -- and make it easier for systems to pass inspection.

Fountain Foolishness?

Where do you stand when it comes to people using off-limits public fountains to beat the heat? With the arrival of the dog days of summer, I've spotted a generous selection of news items about people getting in trouble (or at least being chased away) when they've sought cool comfort in the waters of

Rockin’ in Rio

I've been an avid fan of the Olympic Games ever since I can remember. It all started with the 1960 Games in Rome, which I watched with my brothers and sisters through some of the few hours of available television coverage. Mostly I recall Rafer Johnson's and C.K Yang's duel in the decathlon, with the mere concept of competing in ten separate events blowing my young mind. And I recall watching Cassius Clay in boxing