ECOLOGY OF PLACE for Phil Biaggi
Sonoma 2013

A garden designed for Cornerstone Gardens in Sonoma focusing on the question of place and how it relates to sustainability. It is about the ecology of the site as it once was symbolized by recreated wetlands, oyster shell mulch, and the runnel bordering the pathway signifying the water that once flowed in from San Pablo Bay; the present represented by sculptural vineyards; future possibilities symbolized by the sculptural tree- inspired by the California Buckeye (created by Regan Gentry from New Zealand), restored native plantings and wetlands.

It is about the ever-present wind visible in the patterns created as it passes over the symbolic vines, moving the aluminum “leaves”, creating patterns of light and sound.

It is about memory evoked by the presence of my brother, a devoted ecologist, that can be felt in the subtle sound element combining our voices, his favorite music, and sounds from the earth.

This Garden is about discovery and contemplation. As the serpentine  pathway slowly reveals the intent, shade and seating invite slow navigation allowing for universal design and time to consider our role in the ecology of place.