Rise

The design team of Roger Raiche
and David McCrory are well known
for their extensive knowledge of Plants and use of diverse plant palate in their designs. In rise, we are amazed at just how many kinds of plants can fit into the 1600 square foot site. In fact, the garden is at once so abundant and so orderly that it scarcely seems real. Enjoy the fantastic growth, then step through the water main into a different (real) world. The water pipe/sound tunnel echoes several profound truths. For one, water is necessary for most plants and irrigation is a must for the abundance we see onsite.
For another, the pipe frames a beautiful view of the agricultural fields in the distance which are a reminder that the plants in this garden represent just a few of the region’s bounty.
As we emerge from the pipe, we see plants spread out all around us. Instead of a fantasy, the growth is natural, except for those odd-looking flowers to our right. They turn out to be another sort of horticultural fertility-ceramic installations by Berkeley artist Marcia Donahue.

Meet The Designers

“Where the plants look good and are appropriate
for the climate we incorporate them, without
worrying if it may be a
horticultural faux pas”

—David McCrory, Gardens Illustrated, November 2003