When I see Los Angeles tree trimmers often butchering trees when they touch power lines, I cringe. I read a kids’ story about “stompies”, trees cut back so much that they suffocate and can’t recover, which still sits under my skin. I have stepped out of the car and talked to trimmers, who grin at me in oblivion: it’s just a tree ma’am. Not a solution for insensitivity but smart crafty vendors are using cut branches to make candle holders – perfect for rustic weddings.

Reclaim wood when you see it. Wine country people check your wineries: these rustic elegance pieces are made from oak barrel staves.

Grape vine trunks looks rather arty and air plants, a unique and so far rarely used idea, are such cool  easy to grow creatures.