I had the pleasure of sitting for a chat with Allie Turner, who was kind enough to write an article featuring our Hazelnut Inn boutique hotel project. We talked a little bit about our “one-of-a-kind fantasy-themed hotel“ and some of our other projects. Take a minute to read Allie’s article over at Vancouver Is Awesome.
Planting a story
It is amazing how much the plants change the look of the Hazelnut Inn. Peter and Becke carefully placed the plants to enhance the completed theme work. Although we had not yet selected the plants when we designed the Inn, we sculpted the brick and plasterwork knowing it would eventually peek out between the plants in a ‘random’ fashion. Near the pond we selected plants that look like march plants. It is all about telling a story! The plants are carefully layered as you look form the sidewalk. As Becke and Peter selected the plants they paid careful attention to how big they will grow as they mature. They were spaced in the ground with these same specs in mind so everything grows together without crowding.
Planting
It is common for the planting of the landscaping to be the very last thing that is done before completing a project. It makes sense for most projects, for it lessens the chance of damage from heavy construction equipment. This week we decided to do the planting at the front of the Hazelnut Inn. Many passers by were excited for this signalled the completion of the project based on conventional wisdom. But our logic is different than most. While Hazelnut Inn already looks very good from the road, it is still very much a work in progress - especially the interior. By planting now we could purchase smaller plants this far from opening and allow them to flourish over the next year. By that time everything we have planted will have taken root, the climbing vines will be firmly established and the landscaping will look exactly as it should - when we open. Anticipation builds in Yarrow…
