The Floating Barge

Project Portfolio: The Floating Barge

The Specs:

Location: Oakwood, Ohio

Architects: Jim Teske, landscape architect, Centerville Landscaping; team also included Tim Ludwig on woodwork and Cate Renner on the mixed container plantings.

Amenities: Every two years, the Dayton Philharmonic Volunteer Association (DPVA) puts on a Decorator Show House and Gardens. The 2003 month-long show took a 35,000-square-foot house inspired by a European Castle--once used as a convent--and made it magical.

A custom-made floating barge was designed to convert the undersized pool into an oversized fountain feature.

Styrofoam coated in concrete with 45 boxwoods planted in a trough dazzles visitors. What is holding it up? It was actually floating and tethered to shore with invisible fishing line.

A French flower cart, statues of the four seasons, wicker furniture and 25 window boxes on the seat wall just took your breath away.