When designing work for a specific space, I usually begin by searching for existing elements that I can use as inspiration, both as a way to give my work relevance to the space, but also as a tool to expand my thoughts about design possibilities.  When we were visiting the site, I observed that the ground was littered with seedpods from the Honey Locust trees surrounding the patio.

I decided that these seedpods would be my inspiration for two of the pieces I would create; sections of garden railing at one end of the patio:

and an arching arbor at the other entrance:

Clicking HERE will show how each of the hundred or so leaves in the arbor was forged.

Davies Associates brought in 4th generation stonemason John Cortese to work with them on the design of the patio surface.  John had recently returned from a visit to his native Italy, and proposed a patio design based on the simple beauty and geometry of ancient stone paving he had seen in Sicily.  It was the geometry of the paving design that informed my designs for the other pieces I would ultimately create; an outdoor dining table with bench seats:

and an iron trellis for the cottage wall:

Davies Associates collaborated with Stonegate Landscape Professionals  on plantings to compliment the patio design and my ironwork.  Karen Waldron of Classic Home and Garden provided the stoneware pottery and tableware.  Michael Deo of Naturescape Lighting worked to illuminate the Blacksmith’s Garden at night.  The patterns of shadows he has achieved with his creative lighting of our work adds a whole new dimension to the Garden for evening visitors.

THE BLACKSMITH’S GARDEN