Dane Buxbaum
Occupation: Recently retired former ad agency production manager in Miami. Moved to Little Rock to work as such for Heifer International.
My favorite space is: the deck we added back in 2010. Converted to an outdoor kitchen/eating space with an 18-foot hexagonal gazebo and natural gas hookup.
Why? The gazebo offers shade and shelter and the view is great, nestled in among three large oaks, a huge Arkansas shortleaf pine and five big Natchez crapes. During the spring and fall we eat out there more than inside. I love taking out my guitar and just playing to the flora (and the occasional neighbor who might be within earshot). The deck also offers a place to display a few trees from my bonsai collection, most of which reside at a state-of-the-art greenhouse located at the Hillary Rodham Clinton Children's Library off of Fair Park near the zoo where I "curate" the exhibit. I've been seriously fascinated with the art/science of bonsai for over 35 years now and some of my trees at the greenhouse have been with me for nearly as long. Since moving to Arkansas I have been experimenting with some indigenous varieties with varying degrees of success.
If I could make one change to improve this space I would: add several cantilevered stands for my bonsai that would hang off of the railing so as not to take up deck space and bring them up to the proper height for display. I'd still need the greenhouse for the winters, though.
HomeStyle on 07/29/2017