Flowers Galore

Flowers are the number one reason this gardener gardens. Of course, the number one flower for any mom is her daughter. In this photo, Bridget is shown modeling our new scarf Caroline, named after a great lady, Caroline Ferriday. We’ve created a tradition where I finish a couple new scarves and snag Bridget to pose for them in exchange for coffee on me. It’s been no small feat convincing my dear photophobic daughter to help out but it’s been fun!  This year’s garden efforts will include enriching existing beds and improving all blooms. We began last fall with a general
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A Blanket of Snow

Connecticut really hasn’t had significant snowfall yet this year. The morning’s showing was a welcome sight to this gardener. Did you know that snow can be good for your garden? Less frost damage for example. Did you know that snow cover is a great insulator? Certain varieties of azaleas and flowering bushes are better suited to some zones. Think about that in Spring when you next shop for them. There are general “good practices” to be aware of in preparing for winter and caring for bushes year -round. Wind protection and bush placement are important. Watering well before winter is
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New Scarves Incoming

Wintertime is design time as the garden sleeps. Happily, I’ve been busy and we have three new scarves ready to order – Caroline, Mardi Gras, and The Blues. Another one is just back, Laura. Waiting for stitching. As thoughts turn to garden, I thought a couple links might prove helpful. Every year at this time I find a need to check again when that last frost might be passing through. Here is it again. And some thoughts about what to do when that happens! How about starting seeds indoors? I found this funky site. I heard this young man’s voice
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Happy Valentine’s Day

What are your Valentine’s Day memories?  At least as far back as the 1700s, people have been exchanging Valentine cards.  No surprise then that growing up, our experience included cards except that we always made our own -on a kitchen table littered from one end to the other. Every shade of red and pink, glue, sparkles and of course white lacy doilies. I LOVED it. Making the cards was the most fun about the day that I remember. What are your memories? What will you do this year? We bought my daughter and her husband tickets to a Valentine’s Day/dinner
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Life -A Catalyst for Creative Endeavors

For several weeks, family members have been watching over my older sister who’s been ill with Alzheimer’s for many years. She’s finally reaching her end of life. Hosting out of town family members has become a new reality for those of us nearby. And not entirely unpleasant. Whenever else would we make the time? I take solace in creative work. Quiet time engaged in physical activities like gardening, cooking or sewing can go a long way in achieving internal peace- rather then hitting hard issues head on. I chose the name “Caroline” In honor of Caroline Ferriday, the inspiring former
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