My Urban Garden Deco Guide

 The German brand Radius have designed this sleek BBQ/grill/ fire pit . Yet I am not entirely sure the text used to promote it does not lack a bit of romantic umpff!:

 »fireplate« is a practical, atmospheric fireplace for outdoor use  , used in conjunction with the optional barbecue grill it allows food to be prepared directly over an open fire in the traditional manner.The grill with a diameter of 50 cm is made of stainless steel and is available for both large versions of the »fireplate«.

I highly recommend this book as it is a collection of truly inspiring and daring creations form around the world. It is like Haute Couture, you may never go that far but pinching a few ideas can make such a difference:

And as described byRIBA

Contemporary garden design has embraced the latest thinking in science and materials, architecture and product design, redefining the border between nature and the man-made. One indication of the rise in popularity – and controversy – of such 'experimental' gardens has been the growing number of conceptual garden festivals, which have become the premier international showcases for new ideas.Avant Gardeners presents the most exciting and innovative contemporary garden and landscape-design practices from around the world, profiling the work of each designer through informative texts, photographs and plans. Topical essays explore the underlying principles, and show how a rising generation has largely rejected traditional Western garden design, favouring instead influences such as Modernism, Postmodernism, Pop Art and Land Art.From playful conceptual art to elegant public space, radical and joyful urban landscapes to idiosyncratic private gardens, this book shows off diverse and innovative work from 50 firms, including West 8, Gustafson Porter, Atelier Big City and Janet Rosenberg. Fresh and green.

Just a post to celebrate the fanstastic news of Ingrid Betancourt being freed after 6 years!

Thank you to those who signed the petition posted a while on my blog and withdrawn when the gossip was that all this PR was working against her.

Anne

 My much loved Eiffel tower has stopped  twinkling as it did 10 minutes on the hour since 2000.

As of yesterday 11 pm 'she' has opted for a blue dress ie the European flag color...celebrating Sarkozy's role as European President.