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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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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Time to wake up

Time to wake up

September 8, 2015

Summer is not quite over- even as the maple leaves flirt with orange and yellow. I’ve been generally avoiding the garden because the foliage can overwhelm this time of year. Now, the late blooming flowers are showing up demanding their day in the sun. How could one not pay attention? I’m devoting this post to some late summer beauties you don’t want to miss. Related Images:
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A New Paola Pillow Frontier

A New Paola Pillow Frontier

April 21, 2015

In between sales calls, printing oversight and identifying shows, I find myself at times rebelliously fading back to design exploration. You can see looking at my site that color is very important to me. The “pop” of color is better described as an EXPLOSION. Related Images:
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Working on a New Paola Pillow

Working on a New Paola Pillow

March 14, 2015

I love this photo- the colors are so great together- all  green and red. Doesn’t it look like the coat is rising up inside the green arch? This week I’ve been working on a new spring pillow. And I mean working. Related Images:
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Happy New Year

Happy New Year

January 1, 2015

Hank Mobley, like many great musicians, had early childhood exposure to lots of music. His mother, grandmother and uncle played piano. His uncle played six other instruments and encouraged him to play sax. Related Images:
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Paola Pillows Have Arrived

Paola Pillows Have Arrived

December 29, 2014

Lots of people are taking stock this week in what they accomplished in 2014 and making projections for 2015. So, it seemed fitting to go with the flow. As the Pointer Sisters sang in 1984- it’s time for Paola Prints  to JUMP in! Related Images:
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Paola Pillows and Starbucks

Paola Pillows and Starbucks

September 25, 2014

What do Paola Pillows and Starbucks have in common? They both raise the bar on a product once thought to be a commodity. Not every flower finds itself reproduced on a luxurious 18” pillow. I have a passion for making beautiful things an important part of everyday life.  Related Images:
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I fell for the color red many years ago

I fell for the color red many years ago

June 26, 2014

Red is one of those colors that like it or not, has tremendous impact. Sometimes people question how they can include strong colors in their living space given all the other colors and patterns. I say, be daring. Don’t you mix multiple colors and texture into a single bouquet of flowers? Flowers are great like that. Related Images:
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