Lou-Lou van Staaveren

Let’s get to know this monumental Mediterranean thistle, a sweetheart that deserves a place in both gardens and kitchens alike!

Including:
Artichokes: A Botanical Introduction – with botanical illustrations by Scheltens & Abbenes
Chokes in Art History – an overview of artichokes in the art history
Future Finials – Six new garden ornaments
Artichokes: Palatably Plated – A culinary history from around the world
Nostrale from Niscemi – Cultivating artichokes on Sicily

A set of garden miniatures by Kazuma Eekman

The cover is by by Scheltens & Abbenes, the inside cover is by Stephanie Hardy, and graphic design is by fanfare.

More than a mere extension of the hands, the garden tool is what helps the gardener materialise their vision. Much like the painter’s brush and the sculptor’s chisel – without it, one would be helpless. This issue of Pleasant Place dives into the world of garden tools, the essential, the practical, and the beautiful. 

Including:
Instruments of Care – An introduction by Norbert Peeters with some philosophical remarks on garden tools.
Wardens of Good – A visual essay of the wonderful objects of Garden and Wood, a business selling vintage garden tools and ephemera.
Trusted Tools – Gardeners like Piet Oudolf and Jonny Bruce talk about their favourite tools that are illustrated in detail by artist Floris Tilanus.
Passing the Trowel – A visit to Sneeboer, the Netherlands most famous garden tool company, where the trowel has been passed down for four generations.
Toolmorrow – Artists are challenged to create new types of garden tools, for lazy gardening, stylish gardening and collective gardening.

Cover by Lou-Lou van Staaveren
Inside cover by José Quintanar
Centrefold miniatures by Zilan Zhao

Graphic design is by fanfare
Concept and editing by Guus Kaandorp, Floor Kortman and Lou-Lou van Staaveren

Allow us to introduce to you, the meaning of life, Compost Almighty.

Including:
“I’m orange peels, I’m coffee grounds, I’m wisdom” – Marjory the Trash Heap tells the future
Compost: An introduction – what, why and how to compost, with illustrations by Noa Zuidervaart
Comfrey Cocktail – make your own Comfrey Feed
Worms are great and this is why – an ode to worms by Joline van Berkestijn with images by Jaap Scheeren
What to do with a whole lot of poo – Ton Hilhorst and Savitri Groag from Artis, the Amsterdam zoo, about their compost-system that thrives on elephant poo
Digital Compost – composting in Minecraft, the biggest videogame in the world

A set of garden miniatures by Hanna Something

The cover and inside cover are by Lou-Lou van Staaveren and Guus Kaandorp and graphic design is by fanfare

Many bulbous plants have been dubbed ‘heralds of spring’, but none is more deserving of the title than those carrying actual megaphones to spread the word – daffodils. To know a daffodil is to love a daffodil. Come join our cult.

Including:
I Like the Daffodils – An introduction by Lou-Lou van Staaveren to the genus Narcissus, with amazing photographs by Elspeth Diederix from her garden.
Dafs in Art History – Painters, poets and writers all over the world, have been inspired by the daffodils’ dual aura of macabre and threatening elegance.
The Daffodil Society – The members of The Daffodil Society in the UK promote the genus Narcissus for everyone’s greater pleasure. Photographer Luke Stephenson followed them to various shows where their flowers are reviewed.
How to follow your nose – Philosopher Christopher F. Julien invites us into his fragrant garden where scent mixes with memories with drawings by Pom Koolen.
Artist Tina Farifteh digs into her personal archive and writes a beautiful account of her memories growing up in Iran, and how daffodils have become a staple for New Year’s celebrations and a symbol of hope.

Cover and inside cover by Lou Buche
Centrefold miniatures by Jesse Fischer