I was on my way to Xera Plants to pick up a trio of Cyclamen hederifolium 'Xera's Sterling' when I saw such an interesting juxtapostion of style and materials that I had to pull over to take photos. First though, the cyclamen...
Beautiful, right? I still haven't unlocked the secret to cyclamen success in my garden, but here I am, trying, again.
I hope this time—the third—is the charm, since these have white flowers... which I prefer over the more common pink. Oh, and just in case you were thinking of hitting up Xera for some of these for your very own, don't. They are all gone.
So here's what I stopped to photograph...
This venerable old building—a former public library—must have been recently rehabbed. I've driven this very same route to Xera many times and never seen the silver metal tubes.
They're filled with cement and, in combination with the large boulders, acting as a retaining wall.
If you know me at all, you know I love shiny metal. These tubes look like sections of galvanized fence posts, the very same material I use as the base of my dish planters. In fact I've even schemed on replacing a small section of cement block wall next to our driveway with cut tubes like this. But I'm just not 100% on board with this design...
I'm also a big believer in consistency of materials. The only other silver metal element in the landscape are the tiny little buttons that run along the edge of the wall, meant to deter skateboarding stunts. I do appreciate their trying out something new and different. Maybe there's another galvanized piece in the works that hasn't been installed yet?
Then again when I look at this image I think the contrast in materials is quite attractive, and even reminiscent of a waterfall or dam. What do you think?
Weather Diary, Oct 11: Hi 60, Low 54/ Precip .35
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