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:
Read More
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:
Read More
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:
Read More
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:
Read More
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
Read More
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:
Read More
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:
Read 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 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:
Read More
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! Related Images:
Read 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. Although familiar with growing up in a city, nothing really compared to the experience of Brooklyn and the Italians. And Coney Island. Related Images:
Read More
