Hostas Up and Coming

In the world of flowers, hostas do well as faithful border plants, returning each spring and spreading- blooming innocuously in the shade. Nothing much to write home about. Related Images:
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Eclectic Home Decor

Joseph Louis Juste is a 20th century Haitian metal artist whose work would rightfully be called eclectic. After falling in love with this piece at a great place called Black Rock Galleries (several floors of eclectic home décor)… Related Images:
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An Invasive Species in My Garden

I’m in love with an invasive species. Spiraea japonica. In fact, last fall, I transplanted some shoots in the hope of encouraging its spread in my yard. When you have a large area to cover, sometimes, you go for those plants that thrive. Managing their growth is not rocket science. You have to stay on top of it. No gardener is happy to have her garden space dominated by anybody. Until my dear Japanese spireas overwhelm their neighbors or lose their beautiful color, I’m all in. I found this site though that might be of help if you’re questioning a
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Back to Basics- Only the Beautiful Need Apply

In springtime, as the temperature warms the house, aside from wanting to live outside, I’m also inclined to want to empty the house of anything extraneous, anything not quite beautiful. When we first added the mahogany deck off the living area, it was fabulous. (And it’s almost never looked so good). I couldn’t resist dropping some of my Aquilina pillows onto the deck to make the point. Related Images:
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Brothers and Sisters Make Family

I know WordPress won’t appreciate my short title. I don’t care. Which is a phrase that siblings will understand. Many of you know I grew up in a very large family, eleven children- four brothers and six sisters. You learn quickly that you can’t care about everything someone does or you’ll lose it. Life lessons that have served me well. Related Images:
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Red is all you’ll be wearing next fall. I’m ready, are you?

Really? Aside from the fact that most of us gardeners are ready to start spring, or at least daylight savings come March 12…why worry about something two seasons off? I just want you to be ready for it–red is going to be hot in Fall 2017. (Check out image #7) Personally, I fell for the color red many years ago. It’s one of those colors, like it or not, that has tremendous impact. Maybe that’s why it gets avoided. Generally speaking most people don’t want to call attention to themselves. Others choose red precisely for that reason. I love it
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Flowers For Every Season

Flowers have always fascinated me. I’ve never quite understood why they’re invariably associated with being delicate or fragile. Because they’re beautiful? Personally, I connect with flowers much more as survivors, wonderfully changeable and strong in life, no matter the adversity thrown their way. Sort of like..women. Related Images:
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Wrought Iron Instills History in the Garden

If you’re following us, you’ll recognize the path we’ve been on the last several weeks- in search of a fence to enclose the garden- and finally a wrought iron fence. I love it! Found it in Albany at Executive Antiques. They’re closing their doors, so you have to hurry if you want to get some great gates for yourself! Related Images:
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