Winter Colors

Winter Colors

March 2, 2019

Winter surface design offers the same color combinations as in warm weather. Warm and cool. The tone however, is entirely different. It’s important to note that all of my design inspiration begins in the garden which changes with the time of day, season and light. Even as I look forward to working in the garden and photographing its fresh spring colors, the cold weather continues to interest with its intense variations of warm and cool colors. I’ve been working with some dried roses to create my last winter scarf- a tribute to my sister Laura. Orange goes to earthy rust,
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A Blanket of Snow

A Blanket of Snow

February 19, 2019

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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Summertime in Winter

Summertime in Winter

January 22, 2019

In the northeast this time of year, it’s easy to fantasize about bright colors and blessed memories of summertime. Let’s indulge! The first white phlox of the garden are in bloom. And…paper whites are on the ascendancy. I’m not quite there. Some people take off for a warmer climate this time of year. What are the other options? Well, this artist thrills to the creation of sunny images with power to transport the imagination. This was a busy week for Paola Prints. We’re getting a print order ready for two new designs and have almost finished a third. The Blues
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Growing Partners

Growing Partners

September 20, 2016

Just remember. You can’t do it alone. At some point all growers understand that. I am constantly waay over my head with stuff that needs doing in the garden. SO, anytime, I’m showing photos of my latest idea or a growing tip about something, just remember, we are not alone in a private little outdoors- the world continues around us. Related Images:
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Standing up to Thanksgiving

Standing up to Thanksgiving

November 21, 2015

Every year about this time, a vague feeling of dread comes over me—time to cook for Thanksgiving. (I’m babysitting cheesecake as I write). I decided to get a jump on dessert and just say no to pies this year. Besides, cheesecake will freeze and improve with age. Related Images:
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Say Goodbye to Summer

Say Goodbye to Summer

November 14, 2015

I finally got outside to fertilize the azaleas and put my last “discount plant” finds in the ground. Of course, that meant bulbs, watering and chips too. After a couple hours racing around, I realized I’d pretty much failed “being in the moment”. I tried. Got a lot done though. Related Images:
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Happy Endings

Happy Endings

November 3, 2015

For the paper wasps not so much. A happy ending to the growing season for the dahlia tubers- ready to come inside. That’s one of their dahlias on the right. I was amazed at the wasp nest. It hung very high overhead on a tree branch in the backyard getting bigger by the minute until one day the crows discovered it. They attacked it, tore it from the tree and devoured what they found. We were hiding inside the house (totally gleeful because they did such a good job, had a great meal, AND we didn’t have to do it
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Leaf Lights in Autumn

Leaf Lights in Autumn

October 27, 2015

The sun is absolutely golden this time of year. I went out late this afternoon to shoot around and realized I had some prep work to do (raking the beds) and was a little too late to capture the pretty light traveling through the leaves. Related Images:
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The Business of Art

The Business of Art

October 20, 2015

Did you ever hear someone say, “Wow, your art is so great, you should sell it.. people will be crazy about it. Some say, “Be smart and for sure, don’t leave your day job!” Related Images:
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