Spring is Almost Sprung, Ya Think?

The “robbing” robins are back. Spring is just about here. The large robin I spied out the kitchen door was busily gathering up detritus for its new nest. When it landed on top of the bamboo fence I knew where it was headed -to the front door light sconce- a favorite spot. Four times we’ve now cleared and hidden the nest supplies. Wait, is it possible we could use these guys to clean the garden? Related Images:
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Designing a Perennial Garden

Returning home after a weekend north, our “zone five” garden isn’t showing much additional green. What has appeared is the bright sunlight that hastens a winter-weary perennial along. Yay! Related Images:
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The Wonder of Fairy Tales

Historically, fairy tales have provided an important building block in literature and also in peoples lives. Also called “wonder” tales, fairy tales are stories about living that share universal themes across culture and history. Good over evil, a reverence for aging, beauty, magic, kings, queens, life and death. Related Images:
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Eleanor and the Promise of Warm Weather in the Garden

Eleanor is a small terracotta planter we bought at Campo de’ Fiori in Sheffield MA. The pot was modeled after a friend of shop owner Robin, who grew up in Rome. The store takes its name from a small piazza where his mother used to buy flowers and vegetables. My Eleanor is outside in the garden on the stone wall- waiting for warmer weather so we can decide what kind of plant hairdo she’ll wear. However. April is the cruelest month. Are your buds covered with ice again? Related Images:
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Beauty Begins in the Garden

Just want to take a moment to remind you that for many artists (I’m no exception, the passion for art begins in nature and reflective time spent outside at the service of plant care. Obviously, the morning glories and roses aren’t out yet, but isn’t it great to have flowers with us all year on home décor fabrics and papers? Related Images:
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Is It Time For Mulch Yet?

Do you sometimes feel like nothing changes? How many weeks have you been ready for a new season? One thing I do know is we have no control over some things and one of those is the weather.  Related Images:
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Rushing To Sun

This time of year, I’m generally trying to shake off the old and get into the new side of life. Some of that just requires taking a pause- opening your eyes and allowing new things in. I’d suggest that people suffer tremendously from a lack of time, difficulty in focusing and generally giving themselves the things they need as opposed to things that need doing. Take time, give time and when it’s needed- listen. Related Images:
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