Summer 26
On the outer bounds of Esoterra Culinary Garden, site specific land art provides therapeutic awe for farmers and community alike. This outdoor museum is where land and sea meet. Nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, what once was a vast ocean, serving as a gentle reminder to relax and ponder, as you would with sand beneath your feet. Each piece handcrafted to embody this sun-drenched landscape, with the smell of fresh cut hay, for a cinematic retreat.
Summer 26 was designed next to the sound of a steady flowing creek with the gentle splash of marmots and blue herons dipping their beaks. Waves of a lush meadow with the occasional bloom rippled through each blade as if crashing on a beach. Greenery erected from a tapestry of trees, in the open air and sheltered sanctuaries. Willows sculpted by the stream and cottonwoods whispering like a dream.
Land art
The garden room
1
Willow branches woven into a tree. Creating a silent retreat next to a flowing creek. A space to take a pause in the dog days of summer’s heat.
Parting the sea
2
A secret valley carved from willow trees. Opening the gates to a hidden retreat. Take a seat and watch them regrow several feet.
Nature of the nest
3
A nest-like structure composed of discarded plants. For neighboring wildlife to take a nap. Reviving one’s waste into another’s treasure map.
Keyhole arch
4
A circle of branches naturally curved by the wind. Look beyond to view the end, then step through the gate to begin again.
The cove
5
Willow branches formed to a tree’s shape. Each bend, adapting to the seascape. Carving a door with a luminous drape.
Arbor
6
Branches carefully balanced like a bridge in the sky. Sitting on the earth, yet standing high. A frame for ephemeral paintings money can’t buy.
Sea ball
7
Last years’ thistles entwined into a ball. Ready to be picked up and rolled off through the straw. Mesmerizing onlookers with each rise and fall.
Chopsticks
8
Two arms embrace as a big floating hug. Uniting land and sea from the cottonwoods above. A tailor’s work, fitting the earth like hands to a glove.
The overhang
9
A fallen branch with one arm perched. Carrying a ball of stalks dried over the earth. The axis between worlds about to burst.
Sea stacks
10
Slabs of bark dropped from a tree. Revealing strength after storms of debris. Like driftwood weathered by currents of the sea.
Clifftop stairs
11
Chunky bark paves the way. A bridge to the waters edge will save the day. When you need to give wandering thoughts away.
Seawall
12
Driftwood branches balanced between two trees. A delicate buffer responsive to the lightest breeze, yet sturdy enough to deflect the wind with ease.
Floating lagoon
13
Decades of cottonwood branches reconnected on the floor. When you look out to stare at the moor, your worries will wash back to shore.
Dock of the bay
14
Where fallen bark meets its trunk once again. Each groove connecting to way back when. For a place to waste time alone or with friends.
Sundial
15
A spiral set of undulating rays. A place to honor the passage of days. Each lunar cycle serving as a brighter doorway.
Material palette
peppergrass
wild mint
willow
cottonwood bark
wild asparagus
cottonwood leaves
green thistle
cottonwood splinters
wild spinach
tumbleweed
fresh mullein
meadow grass
Timeless pendant shades. Handcrafted from the land.
