When a cactus gives up its first flower, you dress up the occasion. Paola Prints new Creamsicle scarf seemed just the ticket. The cactus survivor is an Eastern prickly pear Indian fig. The red center suggests a variety called “Devil’s Tongue”-native to some parts of eastern North America. Like Connecticut. Related Images:
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The garden exudes a sort of quiet fullness this time of year. In color, light and foliage quality. At the same time, there’s always a bittersweet nostalgia when faced with the end of summer. Nature is about to finish what it started last Spring. Then back to school. Autumn clean up. Why not take a road trip, visit a park you haven’t seen before? Related Images:
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It’s been a very busy week for Paola Prints. Happily, the rain has kept the plants watered and yours truly out of the garden even as the pruning and transplanting is coming up fast. Some years ago, when I conceived the idea to change from hand drawn or sewn artwork to the computer, I knew I had to acquire some essential tools. A good photographer friend listened to what I had to say and was pretty dogmatic about what I needed. Related Images:
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I aspire to this quote attributed to Belgian landscape designer Jacques Wirtz. People know I ADORE plants and color, yet the stark white landscape in winter offers contemplation of another order. We can always use more space and quiet. Well conceived landscape design can offer that. Related Images:
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It’s always a kick when the gladiolas show up after weeks of rain and green. There’s something special about the white ones too. Gladiolas are my one ongoing concession to a summer bulb. Planting and staking, digging up and storing. And starting over again next year. The gift they give is a long running bloom- pretty both in the garden and at home. Related Images:
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The cactus outside in the garden is coming back to life, and it’s channeling Gumby. Does this personality remind anybody else of that character? It reminds me of the Eddie Murphy skit every time I look at it. It got a little dicey today back at the computer ranch. I got some great shots off in the garden early this am and was ready to quickly download to the computer and get to writing this post. Not so fast. After two hours chat, research and tossing my software preferences, I still couldn’t see the camera. It’s time to download new
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I’ll never tire of waking at night to the sound of rain falling. Walking outside in a morning garden and seeing the blessed dark soil tells you it was good all around. Late July into August leads quickly into maintenance, which this week included pruning, staking and pest control. Related Images:
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Summertime offers respite from the din of everyday, everywhere. Even after traditional school years are over, people continue to forge summers that include some form of vacation from yearlong obligations. Fun, relaxation and contemplation. Related Images:
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There’s something new in every season. I discovered the yellow calla lily in a mix of mystery shoots that appeared after putting pots outside this Spring. It reminded me of the never ending mysteries that surface raising kids. Like Bridget. As hard as you try, you can’t know everything. Life is made of change. Related Images:
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We can dream. When I saw this photo, I knew it was the one I was looking for. When I conceived the garden a few years ago, it’s exactly what I was thinking. Romance, enclosure and above all, mystery. It’s all there, in the garden. The gate is not as incredibly high as one might like, BUT, the plants are growing strong. And, was that a hummingbird that passed through this morning? Heaven. Related Images:
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