Focus on the Naturally Beautiful

Focus on the Naturally Beautiful

September 30, 2017

I’m writing with this smashing pink peony on the screen. I love the colors and drama of water droplets in the sun. Naturally beautiful, no editing required. Many years ago my mother used to talk about how she understood the process of painting a picture. She described the importance of an artist creating a path for a viewer to follow into the composition. Leading that  person into another “world” using the tools of color, light, line and shapes. Much later when a painting wasn’t coming together for me, I could appreciate that sentiment, some part or parts were stuck or
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Escape the Serious

Escape the Serious

September 26, 2017

I don’t know about you but I’m full up on current affairs. Art and gardening have always afforded a blessed escape from work, and everything else you have to do before you carve out your own time.  I’m learning to do that even if it means setting an alarm. Less guilt that way. Related Images:
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The Bittersweet Tale of an Invasive Plant

The Bittersweet Tale of an Invasive Plant

September 23, 2017

The word “invasive” sounds rude. Morning Glories, and my most favorite color Midnight Blue, are considered such a scourge. Prior to my experience over time, I was firmly in denial about that. The color, the shape, the transient beauty whose life spans a single day, how could it ever be considered undesirable? Related Images:
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Never-ending Fall Clean Up- What’s a Gardener to Do?

Never-ending Fall Clean Up- What’s a Gardener to Do?

September 19, 2017

New England is a classic draw in the fall. People travel from far and wide to get the color experience. Gardeners rake forever, and clean gutters in between -especially if you’re fortunate enough to have maple trees overhanging the entire front of your home and garden. And dear Larry to get up on the ladder with a garden hose. Fall plant care..can’t live with it, can’t live without it. Related Images:
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In Quest of the Perfect Pot

In Quest of the Perfect Pot

September 16, 2017

When we bought the cement pedestals for the garden last week, I realized that once again we’d jumped into the  process of finding just the right pot to go with them. Home décor –(in this case “garden” décor) has come a long way since we re-did the house almost six years ago. Now, there are tools available to people 24/7- working through decisions about stuff for living spaces. Related Images:
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Aphrodite, Daughter of Sea Foam, Goddess of Love

Aphrodite, Daughter of Sea Foam, Goddess of Love

September 12, 2017

September 12th is our wedding anniversary so I was inspired to post an image of roses and then to look deeper into the historic association of roses and love. Did you ever wonder about that? The word rosa comes from the Greek word rodon, meaning “red.” A Greek rose was a deep, crimson color—the color of “blood and passion. The red rose in Greek and Roman iconography was tied to Aphrodite, or Venus, the Goddess of Love.  Related Images:
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Some Crazy Artist

Some Crazy Artist

September 9, 2017

The word crazy can mean many things besides a pejorative about somebody or something. Crazy wonderful or even crazy beautiful! Summer is coming to a close in New England and our venerable Japanese maple has taken on a wilder, some might say “crazy” look. Sunlight highlights the stark reality of the effect of cooling temperatures and rain on the landscape. The light seems sharper and less flattering -creating more drama than harmony. Related Images:
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The Lingering Orange Thunbergia

The Lingering Orange Thunbergia

September 5, 2017

I just planted my new Thunbergia in a place of honor in the formal garden. Will it winter over in New England? Going to try BUT I think it will need to come inside ( it’s native to Africa and Madagascar)…along with its friend the NOT hardy fake maple plant… Only special healthy annuals are given berth indoors. This is the time of year when my thoughts turn indoors- how about you?…Maybe that includes new room arrangements, new colors, updated pieces of furniture or re-organization. I remember this image I saved when we were doing our home. Love it. The
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