Between Art and Landscape: Roberto Burle Marx (1909-94)

Roberto Burle Marx was Brazil's most influential landscape artists and is internationally recognized as the "creator of the modern garden".
A painter, designer and self taught botanist, Burle Marx treated the landscape as a living work of art.

Burle Marx's tapestries, on view at Paco Imperial museum

Garden Design Seanz Pena Square, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 1948


Garden Design Plan, Duque de Caxias Square Rio de Janeiro 1948


Site Plan of Ibrirapuera Park Project, Sao Paulo, Brazil 1953


Detail 5, Ibrirapuera Park Project, Sao Paulo, Brazil 1953

Just a few of Burle Marx's realized works

Brazil's Civic Square






Terrace garden rio de Janeiro


Brazil

A passionate proponent of Brazillian native flora and fauna Burle Marx is also recognized for his discovery of some thirteen plants that bear his name, see my 5 selected below.

Heliconia hirsuta 'Burle Marx'

Calathea burle-marxii

Neoregelia burle-marxii


Philodendron 'Burle-Marx'


Begonia 'Burle Marx'

planning for biodiversity: mixed native hedgerow

The native hedgerow provides structurally diverse habitats that include a mix of vegetation types varying in height and form. This variation in structure provides different types of critical habitats for a variety of native wildlife species. Ecological benefits include natural fertilization of native and domestic plant material, natural pest control, provision of food, shelter and important travel corridors for native species.

planted hundreds of years ago

this native hedgerow winds its way through the English country side.

Set in an urban context, I have been asked to solve a boundary issue while providing visitors an educational opportunity to learn more about the potential of our native flora and fauna.

Below are a few species I am using on the project.

All selected plant materials have been chosen for their suitability to the sites soil and climate conditions, while offering foraging potential for both humans and wildlife.

Crataegus sp.

This thorny, vigorous grower will thrive in any soil and situation. The nectar rich May blossoms attracts 150 insect species, including bees and other pollinators, while the fruits provide food in winter for the local bird population.

Corylus sp.

The Hazel responds well to hard pruning and are known for their prolific nut production and architectural branching structure.

Viburnum opulus

The guelder rose is laden with bright red berries in Autumn and the creamy white flowers are a favorite of the hover fly.

Symphoricarpos albus

Snowberry is unlike almost any other plant in the world. The profusion of white winter berries appear to float lightly in the air and illuminate the space in which they inhabit.

Prunus sp.

Like Crataegus sp. it produces plenty of flowers and fruit to support local wildlife while thriving in neglect.

Mahonia sp.

The evergreen foliage will create shelter for local wildlife during the winter months when cover is scarce. The berries can also be harvested and eaten raw or used in preserves.

Rubus spectabilis

fruit + edible young shoots can be used in salads while attracting an abundance of hummingbirds.


native plant references
Native society of British Columbia NPSBC
www.npsbc.org

The Native Plant Study Group (NPSG) is an affiliate chapter of the Native Plant Society of British Columbia
www.npsg.org

Unjust Acts to Urban Vegetation

Warning - Some of these images may be unsuitable for avid horticulturalists.

Urban trees and vegetation are faced with many obstacles during their lifetime. We put them in less than agreeable situations and expect them to thrive. They tirelessly and without appreciation clean our air, reduce the urban air temperature and offer us improved emotional and psychological health.
This post is dedicated to the persistent nature of plant material in the urban habitat.