Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

"It used to be a garage," Adrin Socorro told me as he opened the large doors of El Garabato, his art studio on Calle Narvez beside the San Juan River. "Then, around the time that Matanzas was preparing for its 325th anniversary in 2018, the city historian finally approved my project and I moved in."

Inside was a warehouse-like room littered with the paraphernalia of an active workshop: plastic bottles and clusters of brushes, a multi-coloured palette, a half-finished sculpture of a cow-like animal hanging upside-down from the ceiling. Paintings were everywhere: hung on walls; propped on easels; stacked on tables. I spied dogs, chickens, flowers and nudes, all of them creatively drawn in a style that seemed to mix impressionism with the avant-garde.

"I paint from my own life and experience," Socorro explained. "I don't paint those pictures of old ladies smoking cigars that the tourists want to see."

Socorro is from Matanzas, a port city wrapped around a deep, sheltered bay 90km east of Havana, Cuba. When I revisited in December 2021 after a three-year gap, small but innovative restaurants offered homemade pasta and snack-sized tacos. The riverside walkway of Calle Narvez was a glorious artistic esplanade embellished with astonishing sculptures: an emaciated pig standing atop a red balloon; a depiction of Cuban national hero, Jos Mart, with a sword in his mouth; pink stepladders and life-sized giraffes. Within the space of 300m, I wandered from Socorro's studio-gallery past a music school, an art college and half a dozen imaginative bars and cafes.

It felt like a completely different city than the one I first travelled to in the late 1990s then a scarred, dilapidated and semi-abandoned place, left to rot during the country's economically challenging "Special Period", a decade of austerity after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, whose subsidies had made up around 30% of the Cuban GNP. Back then, foreign visitors were whisked from the airport to swanky new resorts in the nearby town of Varadero, where Cuban guests were barred from entering resorts. Calle Narvez was a neglected warehouse district. The Parque Libertad, beautifully Botoxed by 2021, was dingy and unloved. Restaurants were practically non-existent. To me, the city resembled a sunken ship, a stricken Titanic whose damaged riches were hidden by decades of neglect.

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Matanzas: The rebirth of Cuba's abandoned cultural hub - BBC News

NEW YORK, Jan. 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the new market research report "Utility Communication Market to 2027 - COVID-19 Impact and Global Analysis and Forecasts by Technology (Wired and Wireless); Utility Type (Private Utility and Public Utility)", published by The Insight Partners, the global utility communication market was valued at US$ 10,730.4 million in 2019 and is projected to reach US$ 35,138.1 million by 2027; it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 16.3% during 20202027.

Get Exclusive Sample Pages of Utility Communication Market Size - COVID-19 Impact and Global Analysis with Strategic Insights at https://www.theinsightpartners.com/sample/TIPRE00009082/

Report Coverage

Details

Market Size Value in

US$ 10,730.4 Million in 2019

Market Size Value by

US$ 35,138.1 Million by 2027

Growth rate

CAGR of 16.3% from 2020-2027

Forecast Period

2020-2027

Base Year

2020

No. of Pages

191

No. Tables

79

No. of Charts & Figures

89

Historical data available

Yes

Segments covered

Technology; Utility Type

Regional scope

North America; Europe; Asia Pacific; Latin America; MEA

Country scope

US, UK, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, Australia, Russia, China, Japan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Argentina

Report coverage

Revenue forecast, company ranking, competitive landscape, growth factors, and trends

Utility Communication Market: Competitive Landscape and Key Developments

ABB Ltd.; Ericsson; Fujitsu Ltd.; General Electric Company; Honeywell International Inc.; Omicron Electronics GMBH; Rockwell Automation, Inc.; Schneider Electric SE; Siemens AG; and Tejas Networks Ltd. are among the key players in the global utility communication market. The leading companies focus on the expansion and diversification of their market presence, and acquisition of new customer base, thereby tapping prevailing business opportunities.

In 2020, Verizon collaborated with Honeywell to help utilities speed up and simplify the deployment of new communication-enabled, intelligent sensors and controls for the smart electric grid. Honeywell would be integrating Verizon's Managed Connectivity LTE solutions into smart meters and other edge devices.

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In 2019, Tejas Networks signed an MoU with Bharat Electronics Limited for using Tejas' optical transmission, access, and data-switching products for domestic and export markets.

Utility communication is a communication network that can ensure continuous transmission of voice, data, and video through LANs and WANs. Digital transformation can be described as the use of technology to enhance company efficiency or scope. Digital technologies and social networks are increasingly being used nowadays to improve interaction between government, corporations, civil society, friends, and family. Some of the most commonly used systems are Ethernet network control and data collection, SCADA and smart grid control. The smart grid infrastructure plays a critical role in the communications business of energy & power utilities. A smart grid influences ICT to converge and enable the flow of real-time information within the power utilities; between the power utilities, suppliers, and partners; and between the power utilities, business, and domestic customers. Smart grids and their implementations rely on a robust, secure, highly ascendable and always available communication networks. Owing to the willingness to improve service efficiency, service providers will also ensure regulatory enforcement and mitigate the detrimental effect of cost-cutting problems. Thus, the utility communications network is the basis for two-way communication through the system to all the data points. It assists in tracking and managing grid equipment, measuring network output, and providing real-time information.

In terms of industrialization, there is a correlation between the energy demands of modern society, the economic realities of the utility sector, and the environmental protection standards. This combination forces a new form of a power system to be developed and introduced. The growing usage of smart grid systems in the utility communications industry is driving the global utility communication market's overall growth rate due to its widespread application in various industries, especially the energy & power industry. The contact network forms the foundation of all logical, smart factories. Hence, ensuring its safe and efficient operation is the prerequisite for the successful realization of the Industry 4.0.

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The lockdown of various plants and factories in China affected the global supply chains and negatively impacted the manufacturing, delivery schedules, and sales of various electronic goods. The most striking effect of COVID-19 in the ICT sector was the cancelation of the Mobile World Congress scheduled to take place in Barcelona in February 2020. Companies such as Apple and Microsoft have already announced possible delays in product deliveries and slump in future sales of their products. In addition, the global travel bans imposed by countries in Europe, Asia, and North America are affecting the business collaborations and partnerships opportunities. All these factors are anticipated to affect the information and communication technology industry in a negative manner and thus act as restraining factor for the growth of various markets related to this industry in the coming months.

Smart grids facilitate quicker restoration of electricity after power disturbances, and help reduce management and operational costs of utilities; this ultimately lowers power costs for consumers. Moreover, various initiatives advancing the technological landscape pertaining to the energy sector are likely to drive market growth during the forecast period. The US electrical system announced its "Grid 2030" vision in collaboration with the electric utility industry, equipment suppliers, IT operators, federal and state governments, advocacy organizations, colleges, and national laboratories. This vision encompasses the following aspects related to the power sector: generation, transmission, delivery, storage, and final use. It describes the fundamental problems and obstacles in grid modernization, followed by making recommendations for policymakers and industries to assist them in the development of the electric distribution infrastructure of future, such as utility communications. Mobile network connectivity facilitates the management and tracking of the overall power distribution system operations. It enables contact between smart meters and utilities through nodes. The mobile network connectivity also supports the introduction of smart metering systems across a vast area network. Mobile networking or cellular network technologies include communication technologies such as 3G, WiMAX, and LTE. Thus, with the increased use and demand for smart grids and mobile devices, the need for utility communication channels is also increasing.

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Utility Communication Market: Technology

The global utility communication market, based on technology, is segmented into wired and wireless. The wired segment held the largest market share in 2019. Wired network is used to relay different types of electrical signals from one end to the other. Using T1 thread, cable modem, or by some other means, often in wired networks, an internet connection is established. Using a wired network definition, the connection is shared between multiple devices. Power Line Carrier (PLC) communication has gained confidence due to its robustness in access, efficiency, and security with the advancement in its technologies led by PRIME PLC over the past decade, and the latest development of PRIME 1.4 technology.

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Metering ICs Market Forecast to 2028 - COVID-19 Impact and Global Analysis by Function (Apparent Energy (kVA), Active Energy (kWh), RMS Energy, Reactive Energy (kVAR)); Type (Single-Channel, Multi-Channel); Application (Industrial, Smart Appliances, Smart Homes, Others) and Geography

Energy and Utility Analytics Market Forecast to 2027 - COVID-19 Impact and Global Analysis by Type (Software and Service), By Deployment Model (On-Premise, Cloud and Hybrid), By Application (Load Forecasting, Customer Analytics, Grid Analytics, Asset Management, Smart Meter Analytics, Others), and By Verticals (Oil & Gas, Renewable Energy, Nuclear Power, Electricity, and Water, Others)

Advanced Metering Infrastructure Market Forecast to 2028 - Covid-19 Impact and Global Analysis - by Device (Smart Meters, Communication Infrastructure, Home Area Networks (HANS), In-home Display Units); Solution (MDM, Meter Data Analytics, AMI Security Meter, Communication Infrastructure); Service (System Integration, Meter Deployment, Program Management and Consulting) and Geography

Smart Grid Sensors Market Forecast to 2027 - COVID-19 Impact and Global Analysis by Sensor Type (Voltage and Current Sensor, Temperature Sensor, and Others), Voltage Range (Low to Medium Voltage and High Voltage), and Application (Substation Automation, Advanced Metering Infrastructure, Smart Grid Distribution Network, and Others)

Metering Pumps Market Forecast to 2028 - Covid-19 Impact and Global Analysis - By Type (Diaphragm, Piston/Plunger, Others ); End-Use Industry (Water and Wastewater Treatment , Petrochemicals, Oil and Gas , Chemical Processing , Pharmaceuticals , Food and Beverage , Pulp and Paper , Others) and Geography

Smart Gas Meter Market Forecast to 2028 - COVID-19 Impact and Global Analysis By Technology (Automated Meter Reading (AMR), Advanced Metering Infrastructure); Type (Smart Ultrasonic Gas Meter, Smart Diaphragm Gas Meter); Component (Hardware, Software); End User (Residential, Commercial, Industrial) and Geography

Digital Water Solutions Market Forecast to 2028 - COVID-19 Impact and Global Analysis By Solution (Hardware, Software, Services); Technology (Metering and Customer Management, Network Management, Work and Asset Management, Others) and Geography

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Contact Person:Sameer JoshiE-mail: [emailprotected]Phone:+1-646-491-9876Press Release: https://www.theinsightpartners.com/pr/utility-communication-marketMore Research:https://www.openpr.com/news/archive/139407/The-Insight-Partners.html

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Utility Communication Market Size Worth $35,138.1 Million, Globally, by 2027 at 16.3% CAGR - Exclusive Report by The Insight Partners - PRNewswire

West Simsbury, Conn. | $619,900A 1788 house with four bedrooms and three and a half bathrooms, on a 1.4-acre lot

In its early years, this house was a stagecoach stop for travelers passing through this part of Connecticut, about 15 miles from Hartford and 30 miles from Springfield, Mass. The house is well preserved, with its original mantels and moldings in several of the main living spaces. It is within walking distance of a small shopping center, a post office and the Tulmeadow Farm Store, a popular spot to buy seasonal produce, baked goods and freshly made ice cream. A number of schools are within a five-minute drive, including public elementary and high schools, a private school for students in kindergarten through 12th grade and an all-girls school for sixth through 12th grades.

Size: 4,419 square feet

Price per square foot: $140

Indoors: From the street, a driveway leads to the back of the house and the attached three-car garage.

The front door, set in the middle of the facade, opens into a foyer with wide-plank hardwood floors and one of two staircases leading to the second level.

To the right is a sitting area with a fireplace and paneling painted a shade of blue that might have been used in the late 18th century, when the house was built. A door on one side of the room leads to a study with a built-in window bench. To the right of the study is a large family room with a fireplace, exposed beams and glass doors that open to the backyard, part of a 1985 addition.

To the left of the front door is a dining room with a fireplace and a custom-made cabinet designed to hold the sellers collection of antique tin. Through the dining room is the kitchen, which also connects to the study. A fireplace on one side of the kitchen is original, as are the exposed ceiling beams; the room is large enough to hold a dining table and a sitting area. Off the kitchen is an enclosed sunroom with brick floors, as well as a powder room and several closets.

Stairs in the family room lead to the primary suite on the second level, part of the 1985 addition. The spacious bedroom has a fireplace and overlooks the grounds; across the landing is the primary bathroom.

Two corridors extend off the primary suite: One provides access to the second staircase and to a guest room; the other leads to another guest room and a bathroom.

The fourth bedroom and its en suite bathroom are at the end of the main hallway on the second level, a few paces down from the primary suite.

The finished basement is accessible from the kitchen, and could be used as a media room or a playroom.

Outdoor space: A brick patio off the family room faces the large backyard, landscaped with grass, neat hedges and mature trees.

Taxes: $13,164 (estimated)

Contact: Geena Becker, Geena & Company, William Raveis Luxury Properties, 860-983-4446; raveis.com

The seat of Loudoun County, Leesburg has a historic downtown district that was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970. Much of the quaint downtown is within walking distance of this house, and Loudoun Street, a major thoroughfare with a brewery, several coffee shops and bakeries, well reviewed restaurants and the town hall, is a few blocks away.

Washington is about an hours drive, and housing prices in Leesburg are considerably lower than in closer suburbs like Arlington and Alexandria, making the town appealing to those who work in the nations capital.

Size: 1,962 square feet

Price per square foot: $313

Indoors: This house is one of several in a new development of brick rowhouses designed to evoke traditional Federal-style homes.

The front door opens to a staircase that leads to the main living area on the second level. The sitting area at the front of the house has a sleek fireplace and street-facing windows, as well as an exposed-brick wall and hardwood floors that run to the back of the living space on the other side of the house.

The open kitchen has new stainless-steel appliances, white wood cabinets and space for a dining table next to doors that open to a balcony. Between the sitting area and the kitchen is a half bathroom.

Two of the bedrooms are on the third floor. The primary bedroom, which faces the back of the property, has carpeted floors and a walk-in closet; the en suite bathroom has a double vanity and a walk-in shower with gray tile and black-metal hardware. At the other end of the hall is a guest room with an en suite bathroom that has a single vanity and a combination tub and shower.

On the fourth floor is an open loft-style space, with an exposed-brick wall, a wet bar with a mini-refrigerator and a double-sided fireplace that warms the terrace outside as well. The third bedroom is also on this level; next door is a full bathroom.

Outdoor space: The balcony off the kitchen is big enough to hold a cafe table and chairs. The roof deck with the fireplace on the level above is big enough for a table and additional outdoor furniture, and has easy access to the fourth floors wet bar and bathroom. The attached garage at the back of the entry level holds two cars.

Taxes: $6,111 (estimated), plus an $85 monthly homeowner association fee

Contact: Vicky Noufal, Platinum Group Real Estate at Pearson Smith Realty, 703-402-5416; goplatinumgroup.com

Vestavia Hills, named after the estate of a former Birmingham mayor, has about 40,000 residents, many of whom commute 15 minutes into downtown Birmingham. The suburbs public schools are a huge draw for many families: One of the elementary schools is a Blue Ribbon school, and the local high school, about five miles away, is known for its debate team.

Several shopping centers are within a five-minute drive, affording easy access to grocery stores, a movie theater and a large hardware store. The University of Alabama at Birmingham is less than 10 minutes away by car.

Size: 2,866 square feet

Price per square foot: $216

Indoors: A paved path leads from the sidewalk to the front stoop; a driveway runs alongside it, from the street to the garage.

The green front door swings open into a foyer with hardwood floors and a staircase that has a simple iron banister. To the right is a dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the front yard.

The hardwood floors continue from the foyer, through the dining room and into an open kitchen with granite counters, stainless-steel appliances, a breakfast bar that seats three and a dining nook near backyard-facing windows.

The kitchen is open to a living room with a fireplace and more windows overlooking the backyard. Off to one side is a door to a screened porch with a stone fireplace.

Also on this level is a dedicated home office, just off the entry, as well as a powder room between the dining room and the kitchen.

Three of the four bedrooms are on the second floor. The primary suite, at one end of the hall, has carpeted floors and a large en suite bathroom with a shower and a deep soaking tub. The other two bedrooms, at the opposite end of the hall, are connected by a full bathroom.

The top floor functions as a guest suite, with a full bathroom and windows facing the front and rear yards. It could be converted into two bedrooms or a bedroom and playroom.

Outdoor space: A deck outside the screened porch has a barbecue hookup, a built-in sink and plenty of space for a dining table. The lawn in the backyard slopes down to a low rock wall and an area that could be a garden. The attached garage holds two cars and has an area that could be turned into a home gym.

Taxes: $3,108 (estimated)

Contact: Brian Boehm and Mimi Nolen, The Boehm Nolen Group, Realty South, 205-238-8154; greateralabamamls.com

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What $620,000 Buys You in Connecticut, Virginia and Alabama - The New York Times

This magnificent 9,000 square foot estate sits on 1.5 gorgeous acres. From the moment you enter from the foyer, you will be enthralled with the countless upgrades and exquisite finishes.This dream home is perfect for creating life long memories. The Hearth rm w/wet bar & gas fp leads to the Designer eat in kitchen including:custom cabinetry,Viking stove,Fisher& Paykal and Kitchen Aid dishwashers,3 Subzero Fridge/freeezer, Kitchen Aid double ovens &warming drawer &double islands w/full view of the Sunroom.The Sunrm includes WOLF INDOOR GRILL,Fisher&Paykal dishwasher,GE Monogram double fridge&wine coolers,wet bar,wd burning stone fp.w/pizza oven.Vaulted Primary Ensuite addition (new carpet) is a staycation dream:access to private patio,2 walk in closets(new carpet),luxury bath(tv on mirror)& INDOOR exercise pool.2nd floor has an additional ensuite,3 full baths & 4bedrms.LL Fam rm has an exercise area & full bath.Outdoor salt water pool & patio have irrigated landscaped gardens & 3car gar

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6 Bedroom Home in Town And Country - $1,899,000 | | stltoday.com - STLtoday.com

Come take a look, before you miss your opportunity! This China Grove home features lovely wood floors in all bedrooms and living spaces, a formal living room, dining room with kitchen access, and a split bedroom plan for added privacy. The spacious primary bedroom boasts an en suite bathroom with dual sinks, garden tub, and separate shower, and a generous walk-in closet for clothes and extra storage. This charming home has been freshly painted throughout for the new owner (December 2021). The covered rocking chair front porch is the perfect place to unwind after a long day and the backyard offers a great space for entertaining friends and family. You'll enjoy the best of both worlds; a quiet street AND a location that's minutes from shopping, schools, and major highways. The only thing needed to make this home complete is you.

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Newly listed homes for sale in the Cabarrus County area - Independent Tribune

Built in 1937 by the founder of Burlington Industries, this magnificent Georgian has remained an icon of the Old Irving Park neighborhood. Sited on over three acres. In the late 1990's the house underwent a total renovation by the present owner. The main house features Grand Foyer, Formal Living & Dining Rooms, Sunroom, Library, Kitchen, Butler Pantries, Morning Room, Six Bedrooms, inclusive of a magnificent primary suite with his & hers dressing rooms, baths. Lower level with Sauna, hot tub, bedroom, bath, exercise room & mechanical room. Pool House with two kitchens, two living areas & three bedrooms. The Cottage has open kitchen & living area, massive fireplace, two bedrooms and two baths. Carriage House with living area, kitchen, bedroom & bath. Gazebo, Tennis Court & open air breeze back grounds overlooking beautifully maintained gardens. Picturesque park like grounds face Greensboro Country Club golf course.

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Historical homes you can own in the Greensboro area - Greensboro News & Record

Refined, classic home in an exclusive private setting on a gated Frontenac lane. Custom built by Johnson Homes, the property features keynotes of a 3-level floating staircase, unique architectural details, marble and job finished wood floors, a 3-level elevator, newer roof, garage doors & openers, and a finished lower level. An expansive Higginbotham addition is an all-inclusive apartment above the 4-car garage, elevator ready, with separate entrance and security system. A Main level primary suite features see-thru fireplace, private sunroom, and deck access. The luxe bath has jet tub, walk-in shower, vault ceilings, double vanity, and room-size organized closet. Kitchen outfitted in 2 islands, breakfast room and hearth room detailed with a star in inlaid flooring. 3 suites on level 2, one of which can be another primary suite. Oversize lower level with full kitchen, bar, exercise/party room, media & billiard rooms, and sleeping area w/full bath. New price is below current appraisal.

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5 Bedroom Home in St Louis - $1,995,000 | | stltoday.com - STLtoday.com

Trees are an important part of any landscape, but its important to do your research before planting anything. Beasley recommends that homeowners particularly look out for any trees with leaves or flowers that might create a mess in the yard.

Some trees just tend to be messier than others, he said. Constant leaf rain is not something that will positively attract a potential homebuyer. When fall comes, they will just know it will give them a hard time.

Trees to stay away from include oak, female Ginkgo biloba, sweet gum, locust tree and Eastern white pine. These messy trees can decrease your curb appeal, and removal can set you back a hefty sum, depending on the trees size, Beasley said. Instead, choose an alternative tree, like an Eastern red cedar, crepe myrtle or Colorado blue spruce.

Save Money: 30 Ways To Upgrade Your Home Without Blowing Your Budget

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20 Home Renovations That Will Hurt Your Home's Value - GOBankingRates

Overseeing the gardens of a city museum is a somewhat atypical post in the gardening world, but a fantastic one (as head gardener at Londons Garden Museum, I should know). Horticulture is combined with history, education and storytelling, which inform plant choices, design and presentation. Errol Fernandes, head of horticulture at south Londons Horniman Museum and Gardens, which houses the collection of the 19th-century tea trader Frederick John Horniman says conversations with visitors regularly stray beyond gardening into the realms of art, collections and curation.

Fernandes, who took on the role last spring, oversees 16 acres of tropical, medicinal and rockery plantings, mature trees and large areas of parkland grass. He draws inspiration not only from his horticultural studies and experience, but a background in art and curation (he initially studied fine art, painting and photography). A painters eye, therefore, informs his approach to planting and garden maintenance.

We meet on a gloriously bright, late-autumn morning in the museums award-winning Grasslands Garden, designed by plantsman and Olympic Park landscape designer James Hitchmough to reflect North American and South African native prairies. Fernandes is busy editing the garden in preparation for winter. Traditionally, perennials are cut back entirely to ground level in autumn, or in early spring ahead of new shoots. However, Fernandes argues that, with considered editing, these gardens can be enjoyed throughout the winter.

Though we keep as much in place for wildlife as possible, were also cutting away bits that are letting down the picture, he says, indicating a section recently worked on: an array of shimmering ornamental grasses and perennials that have lignified (grown woody), glowing gold, silver and maroon-pink. In the past, these beds were left until February, but were recognising that there is a balance between naturalistic planting looking intended and looking unkempt. I think its really important to step back and observe.

Describing his approach to composition, Fernandes uses terms more common in photography and painting: apical points, triangular repetition, aspiring towards a sense of balance. Were all very used to pointing our camera at things and I encourage my team to do the same to imagine the viewfinder and assess whats spoiling that image. Has a plant collapsed? Is there something theres too much of? You want the plants to be able to jostle together but not outcompete each other, so close attention to what is happening on the ground is important, too.

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He sees the autumn into winter period as a time of adjustments, where he might chop back a plant if its flopping too much and let others die back gradually to prolong interest. I think the contemporary horticulturist looks at structure and form in a different way. We are looking at seed heads, sepia tones. We often talk about how a plant dies does it die gracefully? Thats really important here.

In the Grassland Garden, tall seeding plumes of goldenrod (Solidago speciosa) and wild quinine (Parthenium integrifolium) contrast with the darker tones of echinacea and false indigo (Baptisia australis); the sharp outline of the tall sea holly (Eryngium yuccifolium) sits against feathery bluestem grass (Schizachyrium scoparium) all perennials with fantastic winter attributes. Its important to have species that provide contrast, says Fernandes, and a good range of textures, too, from soft to rigid and spiky.

Before turning to professional gardening, Fernandes worked in fashion editorial then in outreach roles at the Tate and the V&A, before doing an MA in art psychotherapy. Being introduced to horticultural therapy inspired him to retrain as a gardener, studying at Capel Manor College in Enfield, on the edge of north London.

The course offered Fernandes a sense of belonging: It felt like, finally, this was where I needed to be. This is what my passion is. After graduating, however, he was surprised at how hard it was to secure a horticultural traineeship. I attended interview after interview. Many national, leading horticultural institutions repeatedly fed back that it had been between me and an equally strong candidate; my college tutor was scratching his head saying: Why arent they giving it to you? It just felt odd that it was such a struggle.

He eventually landed a traineeship at the esteemed Chelsea Physic Garden and went on to work at Kenwood House on Hampstead Heath before joining the Horniman. However, his experiences have led him to question a lack of diversity in horticulture (he is a British-born Asian of British immigrant parents from Africa). Fernandes grew up with an interest in it his mother was a florist. But I couldnt imagine myself in that profession; I didnt see anybody like me a person of colour within it.

This is a complex issue, he says, and deeply rooted. My mum used to take us to various houses and gardens, and sometimes wed get quite a frosty reception. We knew what it was about, though my mum tried to shield us. I think the industry, and society as a whole, often find it difficult to imagine people from diverse backgrounds working in horticulture, particularly in higher-level positions. In a strange way Ive had to fight through my own bias to be here.

But there are encouraging signs, he says. He recently met three young students of African and Afro-Caribbean descent at a Horniman gardening study day: I asked each of them about their journey into horticulture. It felt like a profound shift. Fernandess enthusiasm for making horticulture more inclusive and diverse is well suited to the Horniman, which is endeavouring to engage new audiences within its south London community.

Right now, his creative energy is turning to fresh projects in the garden plans for 2022 include planting a micro-forest to provide a green buffer between the gardens and the busy, polluting South Circular road; and an educational border filled with drought-tolerant plants. Reducing mowing to increase biodiversity is a priority roughly an acre of lawn is given over to long grass and mown paths as is a more sustainable approach to planting, with plans to replace the traditional annual bedding in the historic Sunken Garden with longer-term schemes.

Bedding is so wasteful, he says. The constant intervention that it requires has a negative effect on the health of the soil. So weve been thinking more carefully about what we plant now, including more perennial bulbs tulips, narcissus and hyacinth that can stay in the ground for two to three years.

Fernandes is also keen to deepen the link with the museums internal displays. Its extensive musical instrument collection is reflected through plantings such as bottle gourd (from which percussion instruments are made) and Arundo donax (used for woodwind reeds). Fernandes is now looking to interpret the taxidermy bird collection, with illustrative, informative new planting.

Gardening must continue to address issues such as sustainability and waste, and the challenge of our changing climate. But artistic vision can inspire change, too: there seems to be an increasing crossover between art and gardening, championed in recent years by galleries such as the Hepworth in Wakefield and Hauser & Wirth in Somerset (and before that Derek Jarmans Prospect Cottage in Kent). For me, gardening is an artistic, creative process, says Fernandes. I entered into it for love, and then passion got ignited.

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Ways of seeding: the designer changing the way we look at gardening - The Guardian

This would be a fascinating final-four showdown for Barty against another Roland Garros champion, last years victor Barbora Krejcikova. Theres a little bit of a pattern here Krejcikova, fresh off her Paris heroics, was one of the players the world No.1 beat at Wimbledon a few weeks later as Barty went on to accomplish a childhood dream by triumphing on the London grass. The right-handed Krejcikova has been making strong inroads in the womens game in recent times, her season-ending world No.5 coming off a ranking of 65 one year earlier.

MADISON KEYSAGE: 26COUNTRY: United StatesRANKING: 51SEEDING: n/aHEAD TO HEAD: Barty 2, Keys 1

Madison Keys used her big-hitting game to put the heat on Paula Badosa in the fourth round.Credit:Getty Images

This, too, would be a semi-final clash with plenty of appeal as American Keys has a wealth of experience at the majors that belies her current ranking. An Australian Open semi-finalist seven years ago, Keys has also gone deep at Roland Garros (2018 semi-finals), Wimbledon (2015 quarter-final) and on home turf at the US Open (2017 finalist). In some ways, of the three different players who could attempt to stop Barty from reaching Saturday nights final, Keys could be the most dangerous.

One of the following players will have the world No.1 in their sights if she wins through to Saturday nights title showdown.

DANIELLE COLLINSAGE: 28COUNTRY: United StatesRANKING: 30SEED: 27HEAD TO HEAD: Barty 3, Collins 1Made the semi-final of the Australian Open in 2019 and is a ferocious competitor who claimed titles on Italian clay and American hard courts last year. Her trainer and partner is Tom Couch, the son of the late AFL Brownlow Medallist and Geelong champion Paul Couch. Beat Elise Mertens in three sets on Monday to make the quarters.

ALIZE CORNETAGE: 32COUNTRY: FranceRANKING: 61SEED: N/AHEAD TO HEAD: Barty 1, Cornet 1.The veteran showed her resilience with a come-from-behind win over 29th seed Tamara Zidansek in scorching heat to make the fourth round, and provided one of the upsets of the Open when she toppled dual grand slam winner Simona Halep on Monday.

IGA SWIATEKCOUNTRY: PolandAGE: 20RANKING: 9SEED: 7HEAD TO HEAD: Barty 2, Swiatek 0The 2020 French Open champion plays an aggressive style of tennis and hadnt dropped a set leading into the fourth round clash with Sorana Cirstea. Cirstea took the first set of their clash on Monday night but Swiatek fought back to take the victory and keep her title hopes alive.

KAIA KANEPICOUNTRY: EstoniaAGE: 36RANKING: 115SEED: N/AHEAD TO HEAD: Barty 1, Kanepi 0The Estonian veteran knocked out Australian wildcard Madison Inglis in the third round. She backed that up with a victory over Aryna Sabalenka on Monday night. Sabalenka, the world No.2, has been battling a dreadful case of the serving yips recently and is yet to make a grand slam final. But a fascinating rivalry had developed between Sabalenka and Barty and Kanepis upset win takes the Belarusian off the board.

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The players who could stop Ashleigh Barty from reaching the womens final - The Age