One Hundred Bells

My dear friend and colleague Jessica Viola of Viola Gardens published her book entitled ‘One Hundred Bells’ this month. The final product is a hardcover coffee table book full of gorgeous illustrations by Carly Jo Carson, luscious photos of Jessica’s work by myself and Suzanne Strong, and of course Jessica’s inspiring, educational story. Viola writes about her life’s journey into becoming a steward of the earth, a business owner, a mother and how her growth and lessons have been mirrored and taught by the way her gardens grow. The book follows this metaphor of life as a garden throughout, leading to wonderful revelations that ground the reader deep into their roots. By taking the elements of permaculture and teaching us how they can be applied not only to our gardens but to our entire lives as we evolve and grow, Viola reveals a splendid ideal lifestyle to strive for that is inherently in tune with nature. The book is now available HERE. Do your soul a favour and order your copy now. xo

“It’s befriending the bloody heart that lives in all of us and that inhabits this at-times stony culture. It means shining a light on what breaks us down in the dark of night, and still choosing to rise. To be ultimately committed to what you love – to Love in itself – as a way of life. Choosing love over fear. Choosing authenticity, choosing self acceptance, choosing forgiveness, choosing to live on the growing edge of who you are and all that is possible in who you are as a way of giving back, as a simple way of recognizing the divine in you and the divine in others.”

from ‘One Hundred Bells’ by Jessica Viola

Viola Gardens.

33360PCH_SM-1433360PCH_SM-533360PCH_SM-233360PCH_SM-333360PCH_SM-833360PCH_SM-133360PCH_SM-1633360PCH_SM-733360PCH_SM-933360PCH_SM-15I had the pleasure of shooting this stellar, permaculture, drought-tolerant, landscape design by Viola Gardens at a Malibu Beach residence today. Viola introduced me to the design philosophy that is permaculture and I’m hooked. The most poetic permaculture lesson I learned was to keep a focus on the edges of things, as it is often in the space between, not in the things themselves, where new growth occurs.

Viola Gardens is growing fast! If you would like to help the business grow please write a review on Yelp or Houzz. xo