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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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. (more…)
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…
Paola scarves are now available to order. Have a look. If you love them, consider a wonderful addition to your wardrobe, AND, please pass them on. I appreciate it! (more…)
My dad was an italian immigrant from southern Italy who grew up in Brooklyn. He and my mother settled in Washington DC. We often drove to Brooklyn to see extended family on my Dad’s side.…