First day of spring ...

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhegCS_6ge2TVdB2xH-_iz2bUHM9RKNs_rmvNJGSoga2qOjxmLFvMdmYa-W7dVdYCJV3TvA2iUS0u3PHN3srX0g_pu-dTzxqz9rIr5FsU45RmK4gqRLH0RFyMOfn59qTNF5fnwY_bEI-LGK/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-03-19+at+10.44.50+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhegCS_6ge2TVdB2xH-_iz2bUHM9RKNs_rmvNJGSoga2qOjxmLFvMdmYa-W7dVdYCJV3TvA2iUS0u3PHN3srX0g_pu-dTzxqz9rIr5FsU45RmK4gqRLH0RFyMOfn59qTNF5fnwY_bEI-LGK/s800/Screen+shot+2013-03-19+at+10.44.50+PM.png" width="450" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>A snow garden by <a href="http://www.heimlichs.com/">Heimlich</a></i><i><a href="http://www.heimlichs.com/">s Nursery</a> at the</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>2013 Boston Flower and Garden Show.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Who else is in denial that winter is not leaving New England without a fight? I think we are all getting a bit tired of posting pretty pictures of snow covered landscapes. Let</span><span style="font-size: large;">’</span><span style="font-size: large;">s just pretend that spring will actually start on March 20th as scheduled ...  </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh_fcOP62ImrFSZpla5Zz4BDwHL5Xo0p4GIKlO8PLUkxxKOIKj-4ymqEHQcbWBPh2kcTA9ZXzoVGoI25E4ZaKeIUT9T-EEQiz5LV_1Rrp6kmyfwQx4HGQIYqMLbDPHF4LlEnIju1nq0JCf/s1600/kokedama+at+library.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh_fcOP62ImrFSZpla5Zz4BDwHL5Xo0p4GIKlO8PLUkxxKOIKj-4ymqEHQcbWBPh2kcTA9ZXzoVGoI25E4ZaKeIUT9T-EEQiz5LV_1Rrp6kmyfwQx4HGQIYqMLbDPHF4LlEnIju1nq0JCf/s800/kokedama+at+library.jpg" width="450" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">It felt like spring last week at the Lynnfield Library during the annual Art in Bloom exhibit. As a member of the Village Home and Garden Club, I was asked to interpret a work of art with fresh flowers. My particular inspiration piece was a vibrant cut paper collage titled “</span><span style="font-size: large;">Nicaraguan Volcano</span><span style="font-size: large;">”</span><span style="font-size: large;"> by Lynnfield high school student Alisha Fodera. I loved her mix of colors: lemon yellow, ocean blue, and emerald green.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">The arrangements that I created for the show appeared (by complete chance) to be both submerged and rising out of the library provided cube-stacked pedestal that I draped with a delicate light blue wrap. Yellow tulips and green Bells of Ireland burst boldly from cylinder shaped glass vessels. The centerpiece of the arrangement was a plant form called “</span><span style="font-size: large;">kokedama.</span><span style="font-size: large;">” We were taught how to make these at our last club meeting. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbbkRdRbZFk9H4MP1UaPcHaRQ5lG1PEI3M9UvyO7gmFdvPbXN_GF_5Y0_cMP-zvztRtbaI7sm3mJchbYwzudj59oK9xtlytm_7Xr8F6gmaR_MvOF48UageM8TGwn8e8xzYz_LaCwsLzrRY/s1600/ingredients+for+kokedama.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbbkRdRbZFk9H4MP1UaPcHaRQ5lG1PEI3M9UvyO7gmFdvPbXN_GF_5Y0_cMP-zvztRtbaI7sm3mJchbYwzudj59oK9xtlytm_7Xr8F6gmaR_MvOF48UageM8TGwn8e8xzYz_LaCwsLzrRY/s800/ingredients+for+kokedama.jpg" width="450" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Plant root systems are wrapped in a clay-based bonsai soil (akadama) then wrapped in moss and bound with twine to create a living container. Typically the </span><span style="font-size: large;">“</span><span style="font-size: large;">moss ball</span><span style="font-size: large;">”</span><span style="font-size: large;"> is more rounded, but mine ended up looking more like a triangle, which actually made it an ideal stand-in for the image of the volcano. Thank you, <a href="http://designing44.blogspot.com/2013/02/moss-balls-not-moth-balls.html">Laura Thomson,</a> for introducing us to this unusual technique which we were told is all over Pinterest these days.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_RXsrOn9eiMZT1BmR8iwJr7U1bxQXdUxF0V-kUlC-YC6DApDnC5TyOK5ENZqSy5-uPZexFF9tW9aR-Sx2Fy3JfF4ONlJHiawEvIEhd_DedK8KOjCvL3PWYV-z90320leXARcG8l5c7EJA/s1600/kokedama+with+bulb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_RXsrOn9eiMZT1BmR8iwJr7U1bxQXdUxF0V-kUlC-YC6DApDnC5TyOK5ENZqSy5-uPZexFF9tW9aR-Sx2Fy3JfF4ONlJHiawEvIEhd_DedK8KOjCvL3PWYV-z90320leXARcG8l5c7EJA/s800/kokedama+with+bulb.jpg" width="450" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">On Sunday I attended the Boston Flower and Garden Show and saw kokedamas on display. They were nice and round (although they looked a bit dry – they are watered by either submerging the ball in a dish of water or misting them daily) and inside of each of these was a paperwhite bulb. Kind of a cool idea to create a surprise garden starting with bulbs as opposed to a grown plant like we did (mine is home to traditional ivy).</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-z3hLXaGfjA2xFXIAl2YgzDCuxLmf_vDd9GTy4knTIj9hVn7xjaOt0ziZb5axc5X2lwTtHuj7LyLjUJKJEUyjqeXF0s-KFfyhrHS6l2eDsmXD095ccyOYsMGitOguuW697ffP9CSTM_CZ/s1600/paperwhites.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-z3hLXaGfjA2xFXIAl2YgzDCuxLmf_vDd9GTy4knTIj9hVn7xjaOt0ziZb5axc5X2lwTtHuj7LyLjUJKJEUyjqeXF0s-KFfyhrHS6l2eDsmXD095ccyOYsMGitOguuW697ffP9CSTM_CZ/s800/paperwhites.jpg" width="450" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>paperwhite bulbs at the Boston Flower and Garden Show</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-GG74_htolAJvUgM27TlIDiCrt4s-yhyphenhypheno7IoCpF67470jE3auvzk5nWOjSkzgfFbFhEtR2PUx7hNW8vbLo3G94T2N0HWa-VRTwY_qcdIZcEpObqmeRGIKB5JEaV-Cy-DDr3uoAbe_VdY3/s1600/spring+blooms+Flower+Show+13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-GG74_htolAJvUgM27TlIDiCrt4s-yhyphenhypheno7IoCpF67470jE3auvzk5nWOjSkzgfFbFhEtR2PUx7hNW8vbLo3G94T2N0HWa-VRTwY_qcdIZcEpObqmeRGIKB5JEaV-Cy-DDr3uoAbe_VdY3/s800/spring+blooms+Flower+Show+13.jpg" width="450" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>boxwood, daffodils, Jacob’s ladder, ferns, azaleas</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">There were lots of bulb and woodland gardens at the flower show. These first-up favorites say spring to me. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGndu5RSuRjx-UtoNXRjiIox09dHoatc07U1hGchwvXMRlizcWVeBaiquaO1iz5iZ4s3b2LipihhSzZVlrNpquqY2sxWTHbfvKys5aFXYWPrkxmfhuGTcE8Ur2yUSm6a5V8rKGs6a-Janl/s1600/captured+garden+at+flower+show.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGndu5RSuRjx-UtoNXRjiIox09dHoatc07U1hGchwvXMRlizcWVeBaiquaO1iz5iZ4s3b2LipihhSzZVlrNpquqY2sxWTHbfvKys5aFXYWPrkxmfhuGTcE8Ur2yUSm6a5V8rKGs6a-Janl/s800/captured+garden+at+flower+show.jpg" width="450" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://www.thecapturedgarden.com/index.htm">vignette by The Captured Garden, Milton, MA</a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I will be borrowing this idea for my backyard this summer for sure! Vertical containers made out of aluminum air ducts hold twig gardens and sphagnum moss. </span><span style="font-size: large;">Finally a way to make my husband</span><span style="font-size: large;">’</span><span style="font-size: large;">s HVAC supplies look fabulous!</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">Love it!  </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZYsSuinOXRaUoInzTgPUUwGg5C_1LZh4tPMNsha4mHQRjFPmUuGWz_vNRXbp8QfZezmAm0uCtKKCbe1ek1iQOB71zGJks_ZLaLmyHeRrmKgk9kCz6y26sxRl4QL4eXfkh2ff0Lw2zxA5Z/s1600/shade+garden+flower+show.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZYsSuinOXRaUoInzTgPUUwGg5C_1LZh4tPMNsha4mHQRjFPmUuGWz_vNRXbp8QfZezmAm0uCtKKCbe1ek1iQOB71zGJks_ZLaLmyHeRrmKgk9kCz6y26sxRl4QL4eXfkh2ff0Lw2zxA5Z/s800/shade+garden+flower+show.jpg" width="450" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>large leaf hostas, curly willow, fern, vinca // <a href="http://www.crystalbrinson.com/">Crystal Brinson</a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Gardens are more than just plants ... stepping stones and rocks add interest to a predominantly green shade garden at the show.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTmEVcbeuEB3_2Eyhvj4xxecLd1J-ZMSfYVrYL5Y6FTtB1AyLUNQNDoZZd-Ilo1btJ-fQs0k4w5goycaafsdjXE1ybtrVXPjfDkAQX_5JgRtvZRdosehIlosdAnyiqxPME3dgv-mK0P_Px/s1600/grass,+moss,+yellow+florals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTmEVcbeuEB3_2Eyhvj4xxecLd1J-ZMSfYVrYL5Y6FTtB1AyLUNQNDoZZd-Ilo1btJ-fQs0k4w5goycaafsdjXE1ybtrVXPjfDkAQX_5JgRtvZRdosehIlosdAnyiqxPME3dgv-mK0P_Px/s800/grass,+moss,+yellow+florals.jpg" width="450" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>forsythia, gerbera daisy, </i><i>Italian ryegrass, </i><i>birch, ivy, </i><i>billy balls</i><i> </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">The show had plenty of garden club variety arrangements, too. This was one of my favorite constructions titled “For the Love of the Game – Tennis</span><span style="font-size: large;">” by Andrea Graveline of the Hopkington Garden Club.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> It won a blue and red ribbon for creativity and design. Playful!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbrdDpnbA1DBN511f1mdqf4vVvXM9xINwfIJudygjTxZoziFfRVygVRHKcyOqoQCICACbtIcZ_QBTvHeSmjHe4wWTZIGNHnzrXSfVivIbbseJMsIQp_JZyS2tdeGBXDnz2icTdzakKZ0vB/s1600/circus+table+@flowershow.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbrdDpnbA1DBN511f1mdqf4vVvXM9xINwfIJudygjTxZoziFfRVygVRHKcyOqoQCICACbtIcZ_QBTvHeSmjHe4wWTZIGNHnzrXSfVivIbbseJMsIQp_JZyS2tdeGBXDnz2icTdzakKZ0vB/s800/circus+table+@flowershow.JPG" width="450" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">This birthday party theme table top arrangement was designed by members of the Wareham Garden Club. I could appreciate their explanation: “Life for a six-year old boy can be a piece of cake, but often looks like a circus!” Yeah, I can attest to that.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc6Vqozl7kpxJuQzhGFxFb03OHWTnjzYows31vdxP3AY0IpIhM-XozKcZOdxyo6D4B9fjVcFSNkc-SNJRNsJmth4CkUYzN3aahOQlVNB5YALrsALnjcUWA604SducYHOHGttF2eEtPu2BW/s1600/bamboo+and+moss+garden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc6Vqozl7kpxJuQzhGFxFb03OHWTnjzYows31vdxP3AY0IpIhM-XozKcZOdxyo6D4B9fjVcFSNkc-SNJRNsJmth4CkUYzN3aahOQlVNB5YALrsALnjcUWA604SducYHOHGttF2eEtPu2BW/s800/bamboo+and+moss+garden.jpg" width="450" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://www.nelandartisan.com/">New England Land Artisan</a> and <a href="http://www.goshenstone.com/">Goshen Stone Company</a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Serenity! If you have trouble growing gardens, why not try starting a collection of moss covered rocks? They are basicaly maintenance-free and verdantly gorgeous, too. And you won’</span><span style="font-size: large;">t find a quicker growing plant to go with them then bamboo. This minimal landscape, artfully arranged, makes gardening look like a simple task.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigEC9Wy6npREX0mrVDzri2dCLaSO6mnj58xgqi1RntJMenXPAUaoHBYoAvseIqX4w8LLurn9TzVEiFg4BWCzgBYJxm4iMTTcI_lviFEf9p467VRhH9AjS-xzA71oMdh3DS4iutawWN13VO/s1600/moss+garden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigEC9Wy6npREX0mrVDzri2dCLaSO6mnj58xgqi1RntJMenXPAUaoHBYoAvseIqX4w8LLurn9TzVEiFg4BWCzgBYJxm4iMTTcI_lviFEf9p467VRhH9AjS-xzA71oMdh3DS4iutawWN13VO/s800/moss+garden.jpg" width="450" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Japanese garden by members of the Newport Flower Show</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">If you don’t have a lot of room or time, you could start your garden out really small like this Japanese rock garden which was just a few feet across. Sweet. I think I will make one of these in <a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2009/08/my-secret-garden-room.html">my patio area.</a> I have plenty of moss, ferns, and pea stone. I love a cost-free plan that isn’</span><span style="font-size: large;">t labor-intensive.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOKQNx1-WoII65E0raOV0jG2oLzt0tWc2uEyRAFh8FtAYZbK-1W3n07w_WSxq4S9ruTrjjzQ46a4k_uNTBL_LjTQsledJakgXBVChiaWtCELaXWI3Qx98sVxaaA-SEuWPfRPBxpgA9pC61/s1600/manzanita+display.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOKQNx1-WoII65E0raOV0jG2oLzt0tWc2uEyRAFh8FtAYZbK-1W3n07w_WSxq4S9ruTrjjzQ46a4k_uNTBL_LjTQsledJakgXBVChiaWtCELaXWI3Qx98sVxaaA-SEuWPfRPBxpgA9pC61/s800/manzanita+display.jpg" width="450" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>design by Hiroko Matsuyama and Keiko Thayer // Ohara School</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I am totally into vertical gardens lately. White mitsumata branches are striking in this Ikebana display (Japanese art of flower arranging) when combined with camellia leaves, yellow oncidium orchids and dripping amaranthus caudatus ‘</span><span style="font-size: large;">Rosary.</span><span style="font-size: large;">’ Thankfully names of plants and materials used are posted beside each arrangement!</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">  </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqrIVgfr3lcvkJEEUXAEIJ7Y5-vokgCEC0R4iXWcN0bSglViDnui1PdjkCW5j-INO8W6yMJauma5sVs0L2RmRKXABvLjxrjxBDdBa6_8SWMdUtc9FpEvkfu_JL17RehnU11fYayYXHsjyj/s1600/electrical+pipe+garden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqrIVgfr3lcvkJEEUXAEIJ7Y5-vokgCEC0R4iXWcN0bSglViDnui1PdjkCW5j-INO8W6yMJauma5sVs0L2RmRKXABvLjxrjxBDdBa6_8SWMdUtc9FpEvkfu_JL17RehnU11fYayYXHsjyj/s800/electrical+pipe+garden.jpg" width="450" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://www.angelarose.org/SculptureGarden.html">Angela Rose</a> and <a href="http://www.lavitabellagardens.com/">La Vita Bella Garden Design and Company</a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">More vertical fabulousness. Electrical pipe curls and grows out of a white rocked stream surrounded by dwarf mugo pine and spritely English daisies. This flowing sculpture garden is titled “</span><span style="font-size: large;">Beneath</span><span style="font-size: large;">”</span><span style="font-size: large;"> and is inspired by the forms and textures found on the ocean floor. Delightful!</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvrZg2-zGBQCOTAO5fW5S0skgIvcmIyprX4FMf8STuEDas2ddieFyoFskoS1uyY9BDZ3n4fHQXvEvlGwsIOh4fyajEz9UBuhIFTLdN_jVTAI_A1muoBNwAAiz4OKkJcSRK_UkRqBCw1cHQ/s1600/daffodils+@flowershow.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvrZg2-zGBQCOTAO5fW5S0skgIvcmIyprX4FMf8STuEDas2ddieFyoFskoS1uyY9BDZ3n4fHQXvEvlGwsIOh4fyajEz9UBuhIFTLdN_jVTAI_A1muoBNwAAiz4OKkJcSRK_UkRqBCw1cHQ/s320/daffodils+@flowershow.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">This year I vow to give my garden the attention it deserves. I have been completely inspired! How about you?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />

First day of spring ...

A snow garden by Heimlich s Nursery at the 2013 Boston Flower and Garden Show. Who else is in denial that winter is not leaving New England...

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Kitchen Tour Week: Day One

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmYh2cRPuhfEPEwu_QUnF5Dn2aG5HCnAltNLi0BjMfgzHY1tnlVdvHeGyUeVxAceHEYg889PUzFPH9OSeXld2Jh7t-U1OEHz9ync76Ypoz45vWMu3RxNQ5Z99iBdpVAFpGhPW00DoB_V6d/s1600/rooster+on+porch+WKT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmYh2cRPuhfEPEwu_QUnF5Dn2aG5HCnAltNLi0BjMfgzHY1tnlVdvHeGyUeVxAceHEYg889PUzFPH9OSeXld2Jh7t-U1OEHz9ync76Ypoz45vWMu3RxNQ5Z99iBdpVAFpGhPW00DoB_V6d/s800/rooster+on+porch+WKT.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Company is coming! I figured Thanksgiving week would be a good time to show off the homes featured during the 5th Annual <a href="http://wenhammuseum.org/">Wenham Museum</a> Heart of the Home Kitchen Tour last month. I took a LOT of pictures (there were 9 homes on the tour) so I will have to break this post into a weeks worth of inspiring kitchen images. It</span><span style="font-size: large;">’</span><span style="font-size: large;">s been awhile since I have posted on a daily basis, but I will give it my best shot. This first home, which dates back to 1765, has been thoughtfully renovated by its architect owner. Surrounded by garden-filled grounds, it is a lovely property that still maintains an historical feeling while accommodating 21st century family life. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-KEnFU3Z3hO46s-kJhwj6op0MEWv8UxVYzQtinKz9bTaGfStLks6E56Fic4qE3JAWwqKOZoJ0mahPYbGmqPJ14BEGPg-tw2-PBdeHn8YGWNYd9kRJuSeUJAOz4OMEtHFnvbNylexaJu9H/s1600/boot+room+WKT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-KEnFU3Z3hO46s-kJhwj6op0MEWv8UxVYzQtinKz9bTaGfStLks6E56Fic4qE3JAWwqKOZoJ0mahPYbGmqPJ14BEGPg-tw2-PBdeHn8YGWNYd9kRJuSeUJAOz4OMEtHFnvbNylexaJu9H/s800/boot+room+WKT.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">The well-organized mudroom is one of the new-and-improved additions to this vintage home.  </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBnEAcNEv0Tat0Mvf3JaD4CFL80e_obcNbWZSDMh7VdTks4Y85F2bNAiLUHsYcdCCizyflEjgZV_EWN8_uSJLzGVhHCmH3Mb5BW-6ddUqbDmu1d-_P9p5hsYt_ooJUOJRpChr9ZiSLEeDB/s1600/vintage+kitchen+w:oar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBnEAcNEv0Tat0Mvf3JaD4CFL80e_obcNbWZSDMh7VdTks4Y85F2bNAiLUHsYcdCCizyflEjgZV_EWN8_uSJLzGVhHCmH3Mb5BW-6ddUqbDmu1d-_P9p5hsYt_ooJUOJRpChr9ZiSLEeDB/s800/vintage+kitchen+w:oar.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Country kitchen white beadboard walls and seeded glass cabinets are paired with a dual-fuel professional stove. The curved bow of the island provides comfortable seating while softening its visual edge. This family loves spending time on the water. They have decorated accordingly.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8MU-BY_u97DZhvB5_7nrOc9Tv8q6tIZroTPrgDRa4ngUS5puWUkY1Zb92SHDVavUp-KbfvDhDUDejIaG2PQOSaDQIaWXkHBlTWx_8eaHe5Wo6BgskbBQ0AV3fWwpPWh3OE1qn44bngIGH/s1600/soapstone+sink+WKT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8MU-BY_u97DZhvB5_7nrOc9Tv8q6tIZroTPrgDRa4ngUS5puWUkY1Zb92SHDVavUp-KbfvDhDUDejIaG2PQOSaDQIaWXkHBlTWx_8eaHe5Wo6BgskbBQ0AV3fWwpPWh3OE1qn44bngIGH/s800/soapstone+sink+WKT.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Soapstone sink and counter with a grooved dish drain are from <a href="http://cumar.com/">Cumar Marble and Granite.</a> Cross handle levered faucet from <a href="http://salemplumbing.com/">Salem Plumbing Supply.</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE96csYYH4YoO0qwwA0oGqDj1534C4AyaauCoW3kwCfC2QHE6WXZH_9oWe_m36vT5FjzFJZDV7tFc4lx5wMIpwJ19P0MtRTmwMJGSDtC2WG-9G-HIPsMD0aOtpk7vPsiy5BxXscyNNabBW/s1600/dining+table+WKT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE96csYYH4YoO0qwwA0oGqDj1534C4AyaauCoW3kwCfC2QHE6WXZH_9oWe_m36vT5FjzFJZDV7tFc4lx5wMIpwJ19P0MtRTmwMJGSDtC2WG-9G-HIPsMD0aOtpk7vPsiy5BxXscyNNabBW/s800/dining+table+WKT.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">The dining room welcomes with a long table, windsor chairs, and original hearth. The piano in this space reminds me of when families used to entertain each other instead of plugging in. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDymrL0VGNrN3hscaUM20bYoW-Vdz5b0-7kfRbK-PgnlGOZ-5YQlgvxtHs_4fO57bO00tpH0NntnXLOalJ0Rujfg0kkeuvh0NZfDsue-8x4RvnM1o8j_wc54UQAaUOwEI_P58yomnqrPSM/s1600/vintage+sink+WKT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDymrL0VGNrN3hscaUM20bYoW-Vdz5b0-7kfRbK-PgnlGOZ-5YQlgvxtHs_4fO57bO00tpH0NntnXLOalJ0Rujfg0kkeuvh0NZfDsue-8x4RvnM1o8j_wc54UQAaUOwEI_P58yomnqrPSM/s800/vintage+sink+WKT.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">A charming first floor powder room. Love the bar soap in the compote dish. More pretty styling: an embroidered hand towel.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWhCO7s3Sq_vGbSGvFrhBPDEzRWmf0rMlxfsNbsWEfSvjCpYmjEoP3H-HKD6yxQxHLMXktUZqXMZDjyFom3BLfrePuq3WuwOHzERNmhtr8qgo23oFJn_SYwqwJfyKJFv3VMmx968b03foM/s1600/trough+sink+WKT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWhCO7s3Sq_vGbSGvFrhBPDEzRWmf0rMlxfsNbsWEfSvjCpYmjEoP3H-HKD6yxQxHLMXktUZqXMZDjyFom3BLfrePuq3WuwOHzERNmhtr8qgo23oFJn_SYwqwJfyKJFv3VMmx968b03foM/s800/trough+sink+WKT.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">In the side yard, an original soapstone sink has been cleverly transformed into an herb trough. I actually have one of these is in the basement of my 1904 farmhouse. If I can find a way to get it outside, I would love to do this next summer.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiux6V1g9wgzVSR3Or5uY3KYLBwFHMC7D8TePIdFCdT2YleIMdH_k6GDiSiXH9NnMTefHWenKzRoQNtSSuOrOxktHIhmUb9L21PaRxnVX3cGYMhvgCEBWK0t-GjQs_dQB4ILzWGq7OVr7wK/s1600/veggies+in+garden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiux6V1g9wgzVSR3Or5uY3KYLBwFHMC7D8TePIdFCdT2YleIMdH_k6GDiSiXH9NnMTefHWenKzRoQNtSSuOrOxktHIhmUb9L21PaRxnVX3cGYMhvgCEBWK0t-GjQs_dQB4ILzWGq7OVr7wK/s800/veggies+in+garden.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">There were s</span><span style="font-size: large;">till some greens in the garden on the day of the tour. By now I am guessing it is all composted and resting for the winter to come.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><br />

Kitchen Tour Week: Day One

Company is coming! I figured Thanksgiving week would be a good time to show off the homes featured during the 5th Annual Wenham Museum Hear...

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After work snapshots ...

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE9tknhKKg06PM8mfyXWbZr-XtDLi9SD7W4x6z9UK27SkcakcHQWPr9tuZj8YZML3dvIXBU9zvTJIdVoTuJkwnnE1-4zxsRRxX-vPd07QwXGi6IpPptDl4QfCyUisH9Y9i7Cl84Whv2v4I/s1600/shadow+under+tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE9tknhKKg06PM8mfyXWbZr-XtDLi9SD7W4x6z9UK27SkcakcHQWPr9tuZj8YZML3dvIXBU9zvTJIdVoTuJkwnnE1-4zxsRRxX-vPd07QwXGi6IpPptDl4QfCyUisH9Y9i7Cl84Whv2v4I/s800/shadow+under+tree.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9xX4dHNSMTSWXiC9Sfv1cCLlb1ycgzgBeL1d2HCx1KMh4hoOX46AJZ2taYVVnF73gZWWQu5nnYnYtyZojCSJFC_tV6UdT26Wlkxpy5fIWM9FNw9lp0DZHAnQ5yFGpMwndKuy5E8hQtJUC/s1600/succulents.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9xX4dHNSMTSWXiC9Sfv1cCLlb1ycgzgBeL1d2HCx1KMh4hoOX46AJZ2taYVVnF73gZWWQu5nnYnYtyZojCSJFC_tV6UdT26Wlkxpy5fIWM9FNw9lp0DZHAnQ5yFGpMwndKuy5E8hQtJUC/s800/succulents.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;">I think our bunny Shadow is spending more time </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;">outdoors </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;">this summer then I am. The boys let him run in the yard every night when the sun is low and the air is cool. I join them after work.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;">Herding a bunny is serious business. On the one hand I am happy to see him outside hopping about freely, but I would hate to lose him to the </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;">wilderness (although he certainly deserves a chance at bunny love). We each watch him from a different angle. Bunnies are known to change direction without notice, often turning in the air as they leap for joy.</span></div><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;">After hearing a dog bark somewhere nearby, we quickly scoop Shadow up and leave him to rest in the safety of his hutch. I go inside to pour myself a glass of wine and contemplate how little attention I have given to my garden. Succulents, however, require minimal care so my hens and chicks appear to be surviving, but surely could use some liquid refreshment as well.   </span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;"><br /></span>

After work snapshots ...

I think our bunny Shadow is spending more time  outdoors  this summer then I am. The boys let him run in the yard every night when the sun i...

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Easy to care for ...

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAyLJeiRY2yUsFqQkmjrMiBeUvqmxgsSP8PyCwCUeLocsroXN9gdYTYYm2-OTMnnVhCJzSOUNjPxHHgut7AQsFdm7mdphZZkOiynpc2P2jzK419LHMeIebhBLuY3UnFzdqW0g9Eg8cQp7P/s1600/planter_pennoyernewman@ADhomeshow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAyLJeiRY2yUsFqQkmjrMiBeUvqmxgsSP8PyCwCUeLocsroXN9gdYTYYm2-OTMnnVhCJzSOUNjPxHHgut7AQsFdm7mdphZZkOiynpc2P2jzK419LHMeIebhBLuY3UnFzdqW0g9Eg8cQp7P/s800/planter_pennoyernewman@ADhomeshow.jpg" width="450" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I am thinking about getting a pair of bunnies, but I am on the fence. Do we need more mouths to feed around here? Should I just stick to trying to fill the planters at my front door before Easter? And then remember to water them? My indoor plants have not fared so well this winter. Moss and grass I am pretty sure I can handle. Moss is very forgiving and will stay green even without water for extended periods of time.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5MbzN-qTyTv_7cwX3xlvO8ARrO_Ogw86z5GP_QShp5HXP5vvpuaRjWHfOh7PePF_s14jc4KlZgK0pLlPSGKpeuoiDV4IlRzJKGgfIse1njGaYcMqPVzHIzb9DCDODtb7UhGnJpsiBK1yP/s1600/flowers_grass_PN_@ADhomeshow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5MbzN-qTyTv_7cwX3xlvO8ARrO_Ogw86z5GP_QShp5HXP5vvpuaRjWHfOh7PePF_s14jc4KlZgK0pLlPSGKpeuoiDV4IlRzJKGgfIse1njGaYcMqPVzHIzb9DCDODtb7UhGnJpsiBK1yP/s800/flowers_grass_PN_@ADhomeshow.jpg" width="450" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I really love these lightweight stone resin <a href="http://www.pennoyernewman.com/pltr_65.html">corner planters</a> cast from estate originals by the company <a href="http://www.pennoyernewman.com/index.html">Pennoyer Newman</a> seen at the <a href="http://www.archdigesthomeshow.com/">Architectural Digest Home Design Show.</a> Combining a set of four could create an intimate English garden-like seating area. Boxwood plantings would fill them nicely, or a fragrant herb garden perhaps. These bright and cheerful flowers are ranunculus. Aren<span style="text-align: center;">’</span>t they sweet?</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBAqWJYjMHpqP2ULP9Dbxd_1plZJbaEOB0KtbSACpg1UFZVWfaIYbI1R1OkbfgNWD-M8EN1LT56aCptyImMUAzDbqulSQyjXWxzh67zX_UljpoRJCas1uwa1ck9ypwp0t1E8OmEe7puPsX/s1600/pennoyernewman@ADhomeshow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBAqWJYjMHpqP2ULP9Dbxd_1plZJbaEOB0KtbSACpg1UFZVWfaIYbI1R1OkbfgNWD-M8EN1LT56aCptyImMUAzDbqulSQyjXWxzh67zX_UljpoRJCas1uwa1ck9ypwp0t1E8OmEe7puPsX/s800/pennoyernewman@ADhomeshow.jpg" width="450" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">This <a href="http://www.pennoyernewman.com/pltr_7.html">circular planter</a> would make a stunning container garden focal point, with or without the heron statue. I love how the succulents are paired with the moss.  The <a href="http://www.pennoyernewman.com/egg_shaped_garden_stone.html">egg shaped garden stones</a> in the background are pretty cool, too. They would look neat tucked away in the wooded part of our property like fossilized dinosaur eggs. Is it too late to have them delivered for our Sunday morning Easter egg hunt?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeTXH_vgDa_QH52UdYCEHv4eWueQzSwAsGR8ZqOc4TNdqS40WSMNZtXOvSJQ24GrFEPL3m2ZRAYNMAI7GRkk0N6eWeqVyoCMdEYPBkc4ABGxlD6Znw0J_u11qezHG6YLsYUw5YnflB0dli/s1600/blackrabbit_moss_pennoyernewman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeTXH_vgDa_QH52UdYCEHv4eWueQzSwAsGR8ZqOc4TNdqS40WSMNZtXOvSJQ24GrFEPL3m2ZRAYNMAI7GRkk0N6eWeqVyoCMdEYPBkc4ABGxlD6Znw0J_u11qezHG6YLsYUw5YnflB0dli/s800/blackrabbit_moss_pennoyernewman.jpg" width="380" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">How will you fill your </span></i><i><span style="font-size: large;">planters this spring?</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><br />

Easy to care for ...

I am thinking about getting a pair of bunnies, but I am on the fence. Do we need more mouths to feed around here? Should I just stick to try...

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Design tip: add orange

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrZ-Sn3AWbjmSU3QeBXW_Wtc-jiuPTIYIqdHpKPCDlC_eSjcb59iv-jzycWicjEZG3JdhhQKld0mrobSV8LbiOW9lFOADTVgrgTSZ-vO6JYDxHN7lAA8p6-uvdyHiHPijUvV-I7GQZmAj2/s1600/IMG_2051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrZ-Sn3AWbjmSU3QeBXW_Wtc-jiuPTIYIqdHpKPCDlC_eSjcb59iv-jzycWicjEZG3JdhhQKld0mrobSV8LbiOW9lFOADTVgrgTSZ-vO6JYDxHN7lAA8p6-uvdyHiHPijUvV-I7GQZmAj2/s800/IMG_2051.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Photo credit: Laura Thomson</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">In case you were unable to attend the <a href="http://www.bostonflowershow.com/">Boston Flower and Garden Show</a> in Boston last week, my friend Laura Thomson who blogs at Designing44 posted some of <a href="http://designing44.blogspot.com/2012/03/boston-flower-show.html">her favorite takeaway tips</a>. Stop by her blog for a tour!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><br />

Design tip: add orange

Photo credit: Laura Thomson In case you were unable to attend the Boston Flower and Garden Show in Boston last week, my friend Laura Thomso...

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Not tending the garden ...

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKZwaj6u1282m424qPzQ-DAjQBb1ip8UBwM23nCOiDt9aNXgtCjuk2IhyphenhyphenT9mCWev-MD3SZaFWaXIL6rZMQyPqeP2yVMAgM_MXAbyBJiyiLs4XiPAh4WLmhfWF0eWSZ46URC-1tHjkWNR1p/s1600/barn%253Aqueenannes.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637746290741220546" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKZwaj6u1282m424qPzQ-DAjQBb1ip8UBwM23nCOiDt9aNXgtCjuk2IhyphenhyphenT9mCWev-MD3SZaFWaXIL6rZMQyPqeP2yVMAgM_MXAbyBJiyiLs4XiPAh4WLmhfWF0eWSZ46URC-1tHjkWNR1p/s800/barn%253Aqueenannes.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br />Did you know that if you leave weeds alone long enough they will flower? This is my side yard next to our barn. While most of our yard is mowed weekly, this area is allowed to grow wild. The result is a pretty swath of tall grasses, Queen Anne’s Lace, Goldenrod, Thistle, and a delicate purple flower that I can’t identify. I have been extra busy this summer on work related projects and this image says it all “I’m in the weeds!” (if you have ever worked in the restaurant industry, you may have heard this saying before : ) </span><span style="font-size:130%;">I particularly like how these easy going flowers have formed a bright and cheerful border along our rambling fence.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_nIua-fnEeLLOg41TxqMbe5KgI_zBUHHhJYIOIovSoL4GD8PCQSCwcdMqlGZPe-iyGLbEuvwl6TJaZNQZ1dxi028Q6pfvoO44G5RFh8qFjco20M5SLyhcUtsXzdpT8lTutiZWvzV06V9y/s1600/flowersbyfence.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637746284899087010" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_nIua-fnEeLLOg41TxqMbe5KgI_zBUHHhJYIOIovSoL4GD8PCQSCwcdMqlGZPe-iyGLbEuvwl6TJaZNQZ1dxi028Q6pfvoO44G5RFh8qFjco20M5SLyhcUtsXzdpT8lTutiZWvzV06V9y/s800/flowersbyfence.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Even with the lazy-days-of-summer appeal of low maintenance backyard gardening, it is still nice to present a pretty face to people passing by the front side of the house. My mom knows I have been too distracted lately to tend to my gardening, so she surprised me the other day by decorating our </span><span style="font-size:130%;">farmer’s porch </span><span style="font-size:130%;">with a little container gardening</span><span style="font-size:130%;">.<br /><br /><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoe2k3RWYlInKDUnTgyitjk-NaTRe9EqflP_o1OY5PYnOBtPaiJwb7TyWqsgHETuNsGAVwjfDlxqFNKQVh4dwgAbh0n6-FpjPuA3T-qKfmW722OSNfgmfOyYEVDgRrad66vjb-j-_wKhMx/s1600/salvia.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637758029402640066" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoe2k3RWYlInKDUnTgyitjk-NaTRe9EqflP_o1OY5PYnOBtPaiJwb7TyWqsgHETuNsGAVwjfDlxqFNKQVh4dwgAbh0n6-FpjPuA3T-qKfmW722OSNfgmfOyYEVDgRrad66vjb-j-_wKhMx/s800/salvia.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px;" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjokXzXIGy0Bd9l5wC3LKECmEaga1pIlmhyphenhyphenCJaVyrHGw0Qtb6ersrVSxjz6LebY6AQBA5SMbrZ8xhhPm4MHqc3vWIKyg3npIQbCaN5gubdP_ZFfCIqgMIDE0-aHQggX8Ce9zR0ewY1wFBIG/s1600/plantontable.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637759786439341538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjokXzXIGy0Bd9l5wC3LKECmEaga1pIlmhyphenhyphenCJaVyrHGw0Qtb6ersrVSxjz6LebY6AQBA5SMbrZ8xhhPm4MHqc3vWIKyg3npIQbCaN5gubdP_ZFfCIqgMIDE0-aHQggX8Ce9zR0ewY1wFBIG/s800/plantontable.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyA4VO_LTnvnvBLHfwuTBO6wC9f9WxY5ajkV2BLfKdC6xz2h9iM3rEDoCC2ejbgjoAdRz4kKNUY-kaXkm4FJC_QjKt20Aq2mKTAGp_d_qxPpIw5pk8bx9igUsLCuM2NsKJryxIYh49v5Oq/s1600/whiteflowerbystairs.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637750602239935986" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyA4VO_LTnvnvBLHfwuTBO6wC9f9WxY5ajkV2BLfKdC6xz2h9iM3rEDoCC2ejbgjoAdRz4kKNUY-kaXkm4FJC_QjKt20Aq2mKTAGp_d_qxPpIw5pk8bx9igUsLCuM2NsKJryxIYh49v5Oq/s800/whiteflowerbystairs.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px;" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlqLbrsBkx61d4rhgi-H8oo2cmOLt6QpXBVNE5CEFM-ITiNRDqswtL8GCZO6kS6a_r0WzDe3AzEMokOq2xzj4Q73WHNrg76E0AiOmqck1GG5FfCSA3MSJQXv5ebw0StZhrvguLUjdsyIn_/s1600/pinkflowersatfrontdoor.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637758027082041906" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlqLbrsBkx61d4rhgi-H8oo2cmOLt6QpXBVNE5CEFM-ITiNRDqswtL8GCZO6kS6a_r0WzDe3AzEMokOq2xzj4Q73WHNrg76E0AiOmqck1GG5FfCSA3MSJQXv5ebw0StZhrvguLUjdsyIn_/s800/pinkflowersatfrontdoor.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px;" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Thanks, Mum, for picking up where Mother Nature left off! Now when I am coming and going, I will at least have something pretty to greet me upon my return home : )<br /><br /><br /><br /></span>

Not tending the garden ...

Did you know that if you leave weeds alone long enough they will flower? This is my side yard next to our barn. While most of our yard is mo...

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Tips on Container Gardening

<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVxDBhJtpKrlomYl9trvrfpt0vvoFHJ5swDac2CvivKxZt9xPjNpGTCma1rNhURiAMUxAo6ExzVaPDDlRzQ43_RvylV2n3XZ_c3m8CvVdtyX7NdSYNf_onCKytgIQ0v0nu0jCPwrbAIr8u/s1600/hugecontainerBFSsm.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589509930674459986" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVxDBhJtpKrlomYl9trvrfpt0vvoFHJ5swDac2CvivKxZt9xPjNpGTCma1rNhURiAMUxAo6ExzVaPDDlRzQ43_RvylV2n3XZ_c3m8CvVdtyX7NdSYNf_onCKytgIQ0v0nu0jCPwrbAIr8u/s400/hugecontainerBFSsm.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 225px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Boston Flower & Garden Show, 2011</span><br /></div><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">New England is finally warming up, and now is a great time to start planning for our summer landscapes. A good place to start is with a collection of containers, which when combined, create an above ground garden! Visit <a href="http://lynnfield.patch.com/articles/design-forecast-container-gardening">my latest post at Lynnfield Patch</a> to get some professional tips on putting together a container garden of your own. </span>

Tips on Container Gardening

Boston Flower & Garden Show, 2011 New England is finally warming up, and now is a great time to start planning for our summer landscapes...

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Simple holiday containers

<span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrx7q_ThaTCTEtytC-g8_ov1C4FHD7kcu6BDd_8kk_lJiJH1X7zivNTjlQF511kTRx5PjfVZRMvnJMp_OLOiTMfj0XpHgS66cYNp16VwxWC-JbqyqL3OqmW5zS44GboVp2moPQKEVyIz5c/s1600/applesinwoodbowl.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551106815953640226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrx7q_ThaTCTEtytC-g8_ov1C4FHD7kcu6BDd_8kk_lJiJH1X7zivNTjlQF511kTRx5PjfVZRMvnJMp_OLOiTMfj0XpHgS66cYNp16VwxWC-JbqyqL3OqmW5zS44GboVp2moPQKEVyIz5c/s400/applesinwoodbowl.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Shiny red and green apples in a rustic wooden bowl.<br />Design credit goes to a friend of mine from the<br />Village Garden Club who displayed<br />this at our holiday party.<br /><br /></span><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii8_VwnmUJq9_m5VVLqaEYgabVGfPn73pRq7DXl9hSa55158x6V7HzkZY93CBAaU-oo4ZI89mw7KweYvr3cd203JP4pizXYncQ6UhJIZkXmhg1n2kez8Hot05njbY9S9KKqIKJ5ArELl5i/s1600/poinsettia-greenery%253Acropped.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550397057042947490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii8_VwnmUJq9_m5VVLqaEYgabVGfPn73pRq7DXl9hSa55158x6V7HzkZY93CBAaU-oo4ZI89mw7KweYvr3cd203JP4pizXYncQ6UhJIZkXmhg1n2kez8Hot05njbY9S9KKqIKJ5ArELl5i/s400/poinsettia-greenery%253Acropped.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 237px; height: 400px;" /></a></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >An easy arrangement that I created with<br />two small poinsettia plants, some freshly cut<br />evergreens, and twigs spray painted white.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div> <span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></span>It is a daunting task to undertake holiday decorating while in the midst of house renovations, so I am trying to keep things simple this year. Since late last week, we have had a very good house painter here, taking care of <a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2010/10/10-weeks-10-projects.html">number 8</a> on my 10 week to-do list. He has been great ... he shows up each morning at 9am and often stays well past 5pm if he is in the middle of finishing up something. So far, he has painted the foyer ceiling, the 2nd floor hallway ceiling, the 3rd floor hall ceiling, 9 doors with trim, baseboard, stair risers and walls. He probably has one or two more days left before finishing up. I have been doing my best to keep the kids out of his way while he works (not always easy as we are down to one bathroom which is right in the middle of his work zone.) After the new year, expect lots of pictures of newly decorated spaces!<br /><br />If you live in my area and know <a href="http://www.friendswhodesign.com/Friends_I_refer_..html">Chris LoConte</a>, I highly recommend him! I will be posting more about his<br />work at a later date (but please don’t try to<br />book him till he is finished here : )<br /><br /><br /><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKFZ-kh2OWXoZQ3GM62-DZIH-FuTGvd4n3o8LvztIJuCMfChqGOcL812_FxlwagZTSY8IFVVIiLxEt19lb_y8_0vjANRP3Y7yjQBiTbpz57ZZNA2JQY9aYe1-lXO3E18AwKKdqpx4DSyP4/s1600/porchcontainer12.10.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551111555540256354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKFZ-kh2OWXoZQ3GM62-DZIH-FuTGvd4n3o8LvztIJuCMfChqGOcL812_FxlwagZTSY8IFVVIiLxEt19lb_y8_0vjANRP3Y7yjQBiTbpz57ZZNA2JQY9aYe1-lXO3E18AwKKdqpx4DSyP4/s400/porchcontainer12.10.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 302px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >My pair of <a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2010/10/minimalist-fall-planter.html">porch containers</a> got winterized by surrounding the small potted boxwoods with cut greens and rose hips from my garden.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzCqcju6YVH3g9AVRVFR0d9LnkGfQnzv7OoRE_Vt6MLwSiW0FGVyNe3O4lA-X7T0KzRrN824JQlQAIMTiS9wW_E9Z8MarAyBkQtypk12t8xlLYfb9KZmEJZ27nHLxSBz8S6WAZJgJSAwaD/s1600/xmastree-arrangement.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550399589577687074" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzCqcju6YVH3g9AVRVFR0d9LnkGfQnzv7OoRE_Vt6MLwSiW0FGVyNe3O4lA-X7T0KzRrN824JQlQAIMTiS9wW_E9Z8MarAyBkQtypk12t8xlLYfb9KZmEJZ27nHLxSBz8S6WAZJgJSAwaD/s400/xmastree-arrangement.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 317px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Organic pine cones in a glass hurricane<br />are paired with a brightly colored<br />peacock feather and sparkly lights.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><br /><br />Later this week, check out <a href="http://lynnfield.patch.com/columns/living-in-lynnfield">Patch.com</a><br />for my next column featuring the<br />12 top holiday bargains I found<br />at <a href="http://www.christmastreeshops.com/">The Christmas Tree Shop</a>.<br /></span><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm-D4SScD3XS0YznyhhHGgBwZ0RlS5KpRwls9DDs1AOjn8ka60h4jOZGZdOR6qQE7z95fxaEl6Fqa6n9cw2SsJG-9gtd22_GmaeqtloL8LehF6J3vtWB3Zfr5wbJ_ZKvdPMqDdZGUjW0wZ/s1600/ribboncandyinjar.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550399873636119122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm-D4SScD3XS0YznyhhHGgBwZ0RlS5KpRwls9DDs1AOjn8ka60h4jOZGZdOR6qQE7z95fxaEl6Fqa6n9cw2SsJG-9gtd22_GmaeqtloL8LehF6J3vtWB3Zfr5wbJ_ZKvdPMqDdZGUjW0wZ/s400/ribboncandyinjar.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 294px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;">If using candy as a decoration,<br />be prepared to refill!<br /></span></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgk-tJeMA6lToEhT5vUvbiVkTuDLNMToBVXL27JuG3-QM5gOQ2B121i8uuGCpEdU2Mc_y0E1twLQ_inZunEEYYinYunZ7sxGDgBls4UjGgCPlIhbB1yEkbOjqzKx88Fg-B9VnbVySw8Cof/s1600/danversbooutique-winter.jpg"><br /></a></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLBk752h0iDFr2-xtzNGRP9wDt_oGrJCZJVg40YVzFi2cfqFhF21cilbUc6FTcCIpCXVM82ZxsI7UHCCjt6noHnTy1EyC45iZBQRGCAbcopR1AEbdsLvw5ESv6zeOorF7DkmIQz-1j20Hr/s1600/bertfordwinterwhite10.jpg"><span><span></span></span></a>

Simple holiday containers

Shiny red and green apples in a rustic wooden bowl. Design credit goes to a friend of mine from the Village Garden Club who displayed this a...

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Last day of summer vacation ...

<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2VclMqQvOeAK2ZSHYKu9adsyqolSYGq9b8Lf7XYHBFetnzcNFIMHFpsMoMMaC7fJBqzsjo76z5zTp-PmZFRFIekutSSoc1svWwwJlBnc_LijfaJddvyGVqmIlbvAwNA-KKfNI6xaMBkyu/s1600/dunes:pink_skyYBlacker.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511569064138851810" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2VclMqQvOeAK2ZSHYKu9adsyqolSYGq9b8Lf7XYHBFetnzcNFIMHFpsMoMMaC7fJBqzsjo76z5zTp-PmZFRFIekutSSoc1svWwwJlBnc_LijfaJddvyGVqmIlbvAwNA-KKfNI6xaMBkyu/s400/dunes:pink_skyYBlacker.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 324px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" ><br />I based this painting “Boardwalk to the Shore</span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" >”</span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" > on<br />a photo I saw in a magazine early in the spring.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /></span><br />Can it really be the last day of August already? You know that feeling you get when you attend a really fun party where everyone is dressed their best, people are relaxed, the food is delicious, and the drinks are<br />thirst-quenchingly good ... then all of a sudden, mid-conversation practically, you start to notice the music has been shut off and people that you hadn’t even gotten a chance to say hello to are putting down their glasses and are embracing the host with a fond farewell??? Then you start to think, is it really over already? Next the lights come on, food is being Saran-wrapped, and you figure it must be time to go.<br /><br />I really hate the end of a good party and that is how<br />the end of August feels to me. As I look around my summer garden, which I admit I did not tend to with half the enthusiasm as I had planned, I see that there are some dawdlers who have decided to stay on for awhile. I intend to enjoy their quiet company for at least a few more weeks, even though so many of their more colorful friends have come and gone. These are low-maintenance guests who do their own thing and still look impressive at a time when the party season that is summer is coming to a close. </span><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirTaReNYbHp8Wx0Sicdab9LPTjDpfhyphenhyphenpBkswRf3DmVWQ_tSNhxjxs0RmlXk8jf7XiYmt9j7sLB2JY2SVS_zKLDbLhb0Lh-NkMBuY4kwKKF5kgAdBPvnqaP73iOQk7HwJ8ceJRhCn_QrkfZ/s1600/chives:galvanized.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511569248029055298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirTaReNYbHp8Wx0Sicdab9LPTjDpfhyphenhyphenpBkswRf3DmVWQ_tSNhxjxs0RmlXk8jf7XiYmt9j7sLB2JY2SVS_zKLDbLhb0Lh-NkMBuY4kwKKF5kgAdBPvnqaP73iOQk7HwJ8ceJRhCn_QrkfZ/s400/chives:galvanized.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 358px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />A galvanized bucket (with drainage holes in the bottom) makes a great garden container and adds a<br />bit of rustic charm. I filled this one with chives,<br />flowering garlic and tri-colored sage.</span><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmFE-SXak73nSURnUuZ7jTrakjKMJliP4MIxEurMVy0VuIPPGilKD2IH0qQFoOp-V0FdYNrfRp6BVkra21GVn5FDarsDEJJeTVq7JQ40B4aWAzras9pDOJ3gihRapcpgpfp0EitOzR0fw9/s1600/rainwater:tub.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511593063296446530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmFE-SXak73nSURnUuZ7jTrakjKMJliP4MIxEurMVy0VuIPPGilKD2IH0qQFoOp-V0FdYNrfRp6BVkra21GVn5FDarsDEJJeTVq7JQ40B4aWAzras9pDOJ3gihRapcpgpfp0EitOzR0fw9/s400/rainwater:tub.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">This second container is filled with some delicate plants – a chrysanthemum from last fall, a young poppy, and a marigold that my son brought home as a seedling on the last day of school. He watered it in its little styrofoam cup for over a month and then it was ready to transplant outdoors. We put it in this mini-still life-garden that also shows off shells and driftwood from summer outings to the beach along with some hidden treasures.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> When it rains (which did not happen very often this summer) the vintage blue pitcher that we actually found buried in our yard collects water for future watering use.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb44ydQYgISBCIMNta0oYSqzbP5r-JoBfhqBy1EM6Ys4bpFfIM5Lra_P3UlOUrzh-HCOMmO2zVh4tUYWWP77qnxXY0ybjasmeVkwXTxGYIL3FEPzVyvwXkWJlFG9QS4uUe8eZwJdBIwYbY/s1600/henschicksdriftwood.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511575860589824802" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb44ydQYgISBCIMNta0oYSqzbP5r-JoBfhqBy1EM6Ys4bpFfIM5Lra_P3UlOUrzh-HCOMmO2zVh4tUYWWP77qnxXY0ybjasmeVkwXTxGYIL3FEPzVyvwXkWJlFG9QS4uUe8eZwJdBIwYbY/s400/henschicksdriftwood.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">These “hens and chicks</span><span style="font-size:130%;">”</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> are successful<br />transplants from my Dad’s garden.<br /><br /><br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy7Z4zvqtJPyI3IikR2QkiR2n2Ktfgmg9gs4U7ecyP707ksYtiRteqtT-tm_oVGy7JIctnQWlk80QVpsK-H8BV9F-u1AOnPn9JakCxWutoHt3CxWWbND9I2fMnRxWgFRJvgICkVwAAyQT0/s1600/succulentsprouting.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511575653998215410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy7Z4zvqtJPyI3IikR2QkiR2n2Ktfgmg9gs4U7ecyP707ksYtiRteqtT-tm_oVGy7JIctnQWlk80QVpsK-H8BV9F-u1AOnPn9JakCxWutoHt3CxWWbND9I2fMnRxWgFRJvgICkVwAAyQT0/s400/succulentsprouting.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 307px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />What started out as one large succulent,<br />has now grown some companions.<br /><br /><br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivaUiRWGdupBRj8cZiJZaZuLUfTe4NzyHb3zWc_UBxuEMiDhExChJ2azo9e2nXiqN0vjY0BFG4rrz1yC__GkLtKMcnF7-EiAev0gUk-s1kXuq3owSVFV2NigG2GFMXYPD2CBJnZLskhKXs/s1600/succulentcloseup.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511576407275879154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivaUiRWGdupBRj8cZiJZaZuLUfTe4NzyHb3zWc_UBxuEMiDhExChJ2azo9e2nXiqN0vjY0BFG4rrz1yC__GkLtKMcnF7-EiAev0gUk-s1kXuq3owSVFV2NigG2GFMXYPD2CBJnZLskhKXs/s400/succulentcloseup.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Succulents store water in their leaves which makes them the perfect plant in dry heat or if you are too busy enjoying summer to remember to water.</span><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbS_h5D8yVPyHeRgh281fQaIJ4HtbhesFcoBg3U4Wi80NfB1diCLBJuAbhAHOu6SKGUPDFf4GW3_LKNfIJrkVjf6PVMlOa_8CEtzPl9E0ikJTB3z1SFY0ush7Dnn85RK3a0jFeWdF0yNIo/s1600/succulents@FDO.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511575652980973058" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbS_h5D8yVPyHeRgh281fQaIJ4HtbhesFcoBg3U4Wi80NfB1diCLBJuAbhAHOu6SKGUPDFf4GW3_LKNfIJrkVjf6PVMlOa_8CEtzPl9E0ikJTB3z1SFY0ush7Dnn85RK3a0jFeWdF0yNIo/s400/succulents@FDO.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />A tray of colorful succulents makes a design statement<br />indoors at<a href="http://www.bostondesign.com/showrooms/fdo-group/overview/"> FDO Group</a> at the Boston Design Center.</span><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdSHj88333EctMaNXR8RXu4mpFiuyeVlju22MzsyJ3iMP-Metn9I_08mh7zkM0tHZYKidR0vw7-4xRtwv1fHZxQlnsT9YQen853mz9rdva08hVsm-jS9FZccvXjfzoxrOAQlkwq7R6kciw/s1600/ceramicsucculentsFDO.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511575640881357778" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdSHj88333EctMaNXR8RXu4mpFiuyeVlju22MzsyJ3iMP-Metn9I_08mh7zkM0tHZYKidR0vw7-4xRtwv1fHZxQlnsT9YQen853mz9rdva08hVsm-jS9FZccvXjfzoxrOAQlkwq7R6kciw/s400/ceramicsucculentsFDO.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 316px;" /></a> <span style="font-size:130%;"><br />If you prefer the ultimate in low-maintenance,<br />then these ceramic versions are for you.</span><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHjOQSj6kN1aveJE5DYJN8ZZ6EvTt2aWVOMrSDlj6A68NEtaxImLkxqQRQ_SWcsL6CLjOwazccCLaTMfLfll67BcsBAI3VqmQr4zqHcmsUoy7JOXQxvuLsJUQkFpxTn1YPs0Gm93Tgu_XV/s1600/bensmarigold.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span><span></span></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYLhZ95W6jxUN7E0yJShZtovjb-SzAIGCQDZblD3HrKGTwwClZkPZ5j25wSH3uypRPFf8ZGCbDC5U13NbOXNCo-xzlN3XtYEc65a1_zt7kC8w7wO6nqP13iY1ZpkyTe3XHDxdBtsz7_NPD/s1600/bensmarigold.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511594245088578786" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYLhZ95W6jxUN7E0yJShZtovjb-SzAIGCQDZblD3HrKGTwwClZkPZ5j25wSH3uypRPFf8ZGCbDC5U13NbOXNCo-xzlN3XtYEc65a1_zt7kC8w7wO6nqP13iY1ZpkyTe3XHDxdBtsz7_NPD/s400/bensmarigold.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 335px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Ben’s kindergarten science project turned marigold.</span><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);font-size:180%;" ><strong>Think small. Planting tiny seeds<br />in the small space given you<br /></strong></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);font-size:180%;" ><strong>can change the whole world or,<br />at the very least, your view of it.</strong></span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 64);"> <span style="font-style: italic;">- Linus Mundy </span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Even though the warmth of summer is coming to an end, there will be lots of projects to get started on and fun events to look forward to in the months to come.</span><br /><br /><br /></div>

Last day of summer vacation ...

I based this painting “Boardwalk to the Shore ” on a photo I saw in a magazine early in the spring. Can it really be the last day of August...

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