Designing Fall

Designing Fall

September 17, 2016

Fall is creeping into Litchfield Connecticut. Woodland, an autumn Paola Pillow, is once again, making her seasonal debut. Hostas of all kinds are delightful, as they reappear effortlessly each Spring. Woodland is a nod to the more mature hosta….full of all warm shades of brown, tan and gold. I love what cold and bright autumn sun do to a hosta leaf. I have two bareroot hosta plants coming any day. An Aphrodite Hosta- alarmingly fragrant, large white flowers, ( with boring leaves). AND, a White  Feather Hosta, which supposedly has all white leaves. Can’t wait to see them in Spring.
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End of Summer Gardening

End of Summer Gardening

September 6, 2016

We were bereft of roses in the gardens this year. Truthfully, our new property isn’t very rose-friendly. I have maybe three, scrubby little rose bushes that didn’t even deliver the meager assortment of flowers they might have due to an early cold snap and little rain this summer. Related Images:
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Flower Fantasia

Flower Fantasia

August 27, 2016

What’s that in the sky? It’s a flower, no, it’s a flower scarf! This week I turned my attention to some new designs using the ever lovely tropical hibiscus. Related Images:
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The Art of Collaborating With Nature

The Art of Collaborating With Nature

August 20, 2016

Serenity is something to be strived for. We bought a serenity statue a few years ago in Brimfield MA. Each year we try to get a little farther in making a special place in the garden to secure our own serenity. Our statue sits in the shade of an old Japanese maple. Over time, I’ve noticed that sunlight penetrates the foliage behind the statue pretty consistently all day. So, this year, as part of the front garden development, we built up the hill behind the statue and added flowering bushes planted above and behind. So, now in addition to azaleas
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How do you relax?

How do you relax?

August 16, 2016

Periodically, people ask me this question. Each time I get stumped and fumble for words. Two well known slogans come to mind: “More doing” and “Just do it.” Even basking in the sun is a challenge for me without something to do. When I go to the beach, I’m most happy with a novel under my nose. Then, I relax.  Related Images:
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Red is Better

Red is Better

August 9, 2016

Sunny days in Connecticut. Last week, we slipped out to the beach at Old Lyme to burn ourselves for the day. We’re still red. It was great. (Do not attempt this at home) Every night my daughter discovers a new remedy for her burn. We used sunscreen! Related Images:
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Water Lilies-Jewels of the Pond

Water Lilies-Jewels of the Pond

August 6, 2016

Some consider water lilies the jewels of the pond. Not only beautiful, they also improve the ecosystem they live in. I have NOT planned in a water feature to my new garden. You too, will undoubtedly find this video terribly tempting. Related Images:
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