It’s Cut and Sew Time

I gave up growing morning glories several years ago when they started invading their neighbors space. Now, I’ve discovered a new place for them, I sew their dewy images into beautiful scarves. It wasn’t so much the flower vines traveling all over the garden as it was their insistence on climbing every plant they touched. And. After the first year, they rarely bloomed, so their prime “reason for being” had passed. I still have MANY fab photos of the glorious midnight blue flowers. Maybe another year. Related Images:
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Is it Art or Craft?

Something well crafted is something that’s well made, even handmade. Art is far more esoteric. And probably NOT functional, as a craft might be. Sounds a little confusing. What determines art or craft? Related Images:
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Beneath the Canopy

I got my first introduction to the rain forest when I visited my son Dan in the state of Washington last year. Did you know it’s not uncommon to have different weather systems in a rain forest? If you ever walked through one and it started raining of a sudden, you’d quickly get the picture. The trees are huge and the high canopy creates the feeling of a cathedral in the out-of-doors. Wonderfully quiet – a mysterious sensation. Related Images:
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Peonies- Full On Color

The peonies are coming in, in their lurid, unabashed color. Even the ivory ones look  wildly extravagant. I designed this peony pillow some months ago and was warned off producing it because it was too much color. What IS that? Wake up world and embrace the horror. Life is colorful no matter where or how you live. You take the good with the bad. And so often color brings abundant beauty. And wonderful summer scents. Related Images:
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Garden Therapy

I met a gardener last week. She’s living with her husband who has Alzheimer’s. It sounds like she’s only able to have limited conversation with him. Once a successful architect, he’s simply forgotten a lot about their life together. We talked about our gardens and it occurred to me that gardening brings her a lot of comfort. I understand. Gardening, for all its activity, is an opportunity for reflection. And somehow, it has the power to erase stress. Garden therapy. I’m a fan. Related Images:
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How Green is Your June Garden

Nature is growing greener by the day- even as the azaleas fade away. There’s a certain truth about tending a garden. You can plant what you like, where you want. Care or neglect them. In the end, Mother Nature is the one in charge. She brings light, shade, water and warmth. I know I get more than I give these plants. Just the same, tending to their needs is not for the lazy. Related Images:
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