Landscape designer John Sharp is known for creating gardens that exist in a realm between the wild and the ethereal. His Los Angeles-based practice, Studio John Sharp, specializes in telling ‚botanical stories‘ through its work, which can be seen wrapping the homes of many prominent figures in California. From iconic architects like John Lautner and Richard Neutra to Hollywood stars like Hilary Duff and Sophia Bush, Sharp’s gardens are lush, native landscapes that frame and complement the architectural masterpieces they surround.
One of the key themes in Sharp’s work is the integration of organic nature and a sense of wonder, exploration, and discovery. His gardens are designed to be sensory and extraordinary places where visitors can escape reality and experience new dimensions. Each garden is carefully crafted to rewild and welcome the natural world back into the space, creating a harmonious balance between man-made structures and the surrounding environment.
When it comes to working with existing architecture, Sharp pays close attention to preserving the legacy of iconic modernist homes while also infusing them with a retro-future aesthetic. From exterior lighting to garden compositions to outdoor furnishings, every detail is considered to create a seamless connection between the past and the future. Sharp takes a holistic approach to landscape design, incorporating architectural elements like pool grottos, outdoor showers, and edible garden structures to enhance the overall experience of the space.
In terms of plant selection, Sharp believes in creating gardens that look timeless and established, even in modernist settings. He aims to blend traditional garden design with innovative ideas to create spaces that are both original and inspired by the best garden trends. Sharp also emphasizes the importance of purpose and use in garden design, moving away from traditional lawn narratives to create nurturing ecosystems for people, plants, and pollinators to thrive.
When deciding between a wild-looking or manicured garden, Sharp’s preference is clear – manicured is never the answer. He believes that a successful garden design should activate all the senses and create its own energy, reconnecting us with the earth and each other in the process. Ultimately, Sharp sees a garden’s biggest asset as its ability to hold time and provide a space for reflection, connection, and rejuvenation.
In conclusion, John Sharp’s approach to landscape design is a harmonious blend of nature, architecture, and storytelling. His gardens are not just spaces to be admired, but places to be experienced and explored, where the boundaries between the wild and the ethereal blur to create a truly magical environment.