Landscape Architecture in Bali

[Roy]

On a couple of other strings the topic of landscape architecture in Bali has come up, albeit in the context of a discussion about Balinese names.

For me, and admittedly I am biased, my wife Eri is as good as they come. A sort of natural talent for the arts is embodied in her entire family, as is commonplace among the Balinese in general.

IMHO, it is one thing to take an already spectacular piece of land, such as along the Ayung River Gorge, atop a hill viewing stepped sawahs, or a high cliff overlooking the ocean and transform it into a more beautiful environment. It is entirely something else to take some flat parcel of land, unused (except to dump refuse) smack in the middle of a village and transform it into a private tropical paradise. That is exactly what Eri did with the almost 13 are of land that comprises our new compound.

Here are some pictures, but as you view them, keep in mind that most of the plantings have only been in place for less than 10 months. Hopefully in just a few more years, it will really be spectacular.

In my view, it takes a Balinese to fully understand their land and to design the landscape architecture in a manner that is in harmony with Bali. Too much of what I see as done by commercial and non Balinese landscape architects looks contrived and commercial...much like the buildings set on that property. That’s my view, but as I already admitted, I am biased in that opinion.

Some overall views:




Details:



Flowers:

[froggy]

Wow, The last time i saw these areas they were dirt and rocks with a few walls, turned out great, really nice,,,,, Hey what the hell is that big huge ugly 3 story thing in the background in that one pic? A flight tower? :lol: :lol: ,, Just ribbing ya! Har,Har

[toucan]

Just beautiful, thanks so much for posting the photos. Also love the stonework in the walls, perfect frame/backdrop for the plants.

[Roy]

Froggy, do you remember meeting Jaya, Eri’s nephew? He sold a few hectare of land along the Ayung River, and for big money, as to be expected. To his credit, he re-invested a lot of it (after buying a Beemer of course) on various plots of land within the village. So, on that plot, which is only 3.5 are, he built that three level monster, which from the other side (your side) doesn’t look bad, but from the back, (our side) is just raw concrete. He says he will eventually get around to painting it. But, you know how that goes over here. Many thanks to you and toucan for you kind comments.

One thing this process taught me is just cheaply one can go about getting great plants for very little money. That can be just as easy as asking around the village, or even asking in other villages. It’s best to keep this a Balinese to Balinese matter, assuming one can find a Balinese who knows their plants well, and can be relied on. One great score (among many) that Eri made was to locate five really nice and mature Japun trees that she was able to buy right here in our village for only Rp 50k each. At the various nurseries along the by pass road, they are over a million each. Of course, we had to go and dig them up, and transport them, as well as transplant them, but hey...five million plus worth of Japun trees for 250,000 Rp is good deal in my book!

Luckily, our house boy, cum packer, cum keeper of the pool is also a super gardener and really knows his plants and how to care for them. I have what is called a black thumb as opposed to the green thumb metaphor associated to skilled gardeners. My dad was an undertaker, so it runs in the family. As he once put it, “if anything I plant in the ground comes back up, I’m in real trouble! :lol:

[Jimbo]

Green with envy Roy. Not hard to understand why you love it so much there.Well done,

[DCC]

You're a proud papa, eh! :D Nice.

[Roy]

Thanks to both you gentlemen...Jimbo and DCC. I am proud, most especially so for what Eri accomplished in this whole project. In truth, she handled most all of this project on her own. It wasn’t that I didn’t care, rather, it was more that I was just too busy making the “ends meet” to make it happen. This whole project was a mutual “nest building” that each of our three sons can eventually make their home as well, down the line, when they marry and raise their family.

My part wasn’t all that easy, to be sure, but the credit for how it turned out is all to Eri. She was brilliant, awesome, incredible, and totally determined. I’d be a liar to say this whole process wasn’t without stress, “discussion” and an argument or two, but our marriage and commitment as parents became set in stone as a result of the process.

[froggy]

Hey, I think I see some unused space in a few places, you could always grow kratom or other "Herbs" and sell it to Bongtime, I mean Dongchime, whatever! I remember who the flight tower house belonged to, and how much you appreciated it :evil: ,I was just messing with you..

[Roy]

I hope it is understandable that in my view, no westerner can adequately emulate Balinese landscape architecture. I would say that the same applies with traditional Balinese painting, sculpture or architecture...even down to the most humble daily offering.

Anyone who has spent a lot of time on Bali has hopefully been lucky to visit numerous Balinese compounds. There you will find the essence of Balinese landscape architecture.
There one will find the plants, both flower and fruit giving, in complete harmony within the living environment of a Balinese compound. There is NO comparison between the landscape architecture of a five star resort, or villa, and a Balinese compound. On one hand you will see contrivance, and on the other, a longevity of harmonious life. There is no mistaking the two, as they are entirely different, and easily identifiable.

[milan]

Oh, it's sublimely beautiful. Compliments to your wife.

Actually, I was going to ask everyone who lives in Bali to show us pictures of their homes but was afraid that I might be too intrusive. But now you came with these photos, I just love them. I'm nuts on home and gardens too.