I'm not sure how you're faring, but the spring season was fast and furious around here with not much time to share the latest happenings.
Summer's arrival hasn't changed the pace significantly. The title of the novel by Paulette Jiles, News of the World, comes to mind. We hear, see, and learn of new information constantly, it can be a race to keep up. It's not unusual to feel that the burdens of the world actually do rest on our shoulders.
There is so much to understand and absorb. How to repair when it's overwhelming? Wish I had the answers. Wish there was an easy fix.
Be kind. Listen. Be open to change. Vote. And seek solace and renewal in nature.
Gratefully, my work continues to provide a sense of balance with opportunities to stay connected to community. As always, color, scent, form, texture, motion; all combine to exercise those creative muscles with help from my muse, Mother Nature, as I design gardens that soothe and feed the soul.
Find your joy.
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A Quick Visit to Climate Zone 10 |
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The walking path along Palm Beach provides stunning views back toward West Palm. |
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The color combination of the day was absolutely aqua blue and orange.
While in Palm Beach county recently the Royal Poinciana tree caught my eye repeatedly. Delonix regia hails from Madagascar and thrives in this part of Florida
So bold, so fresh. The common name 'Flamboyant Tree' is spot on.
The architecture in the historic, colorful West Palm Beach neighborhoods, the sky, the water, my borrowed bike, shouted out the colors. |
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Mid-Century Modern with tropical influence and more aqua-blue |
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Henry Flagler envisioned these neighborhoods late in the 1890s—not sure if the color scheme would be familiar to him
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Closer to home: Fragrance
'carries the day'
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Lilacs in full bloom beside the Tred Avon River on MD's Eastern Shore |
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Regular and frequent site visits to garden projects are part of my job. It's lucky timing in the spring, whether working with my landscape crews to divide and replant perennials, or adding a totally new planting area, I'm 'on site' at just the right time to catch and celebrate scent. This spring was no exception.
Scent can carry us back to a long forgotten memory or simply slow time to a crawl as we absorb the fragrance. That old expression about stopping to 'smell the roses' is not for naught.
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Hyacinths—plant in the fall & enjoy fragrant blooms in spring |
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Viburnum—fragrant spring blooming deciduous shrub |
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Hardy gardenia—the fragrance knocks your socks off |
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Fragrant 'Stargazer' lily partnered with Allium Millenium |
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Reminder for Gardeners: Plan Ahead |
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Darwin hybrid tulips often return the next year, unlike other tulips |
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No matter if you are an old hand, sophisticated horticulturalist, or a 'budding' (pun intended!) new gardener, here's a reminder that it's time to start thinking about ordering bulbs.
If you plant them in the fall, you can orchestrate layers of color (and scent) beginning in the late winter, extending into spring and summer.
For me, the special challenge is planning ahead and thinking about combinations of hardy flowering shrubs and perennials that coincide with blooming bulbs.
If the calendar and weather cooperate—stand back and enjoy the show.
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Allium bulbs planted in the fall share the spring show with dwarf Deutzia |
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'Patricia's Carrots' (often referred to as Dancing Carrots) have just arrived at their new home.
The delightful resort, The Inn at Perry Cabin in St. Michaels, MD, installed a set of carrots along the main entry lane.
The nearly five-foot-tall piece provides a bit of whimsy and a colorful contrast to the lush, emerald green manicured gardens.
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Masonry expertise needed to build the raised circular concrete base |
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Nearly five-foot-tall, the Carrots are a whimsical new feature at The Inn at Perry Cabin resort |
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Happy to have help from the able garden staff at the St. Michaels resort |
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Zenith Gallery in Washington, D.C. |
This 37-inch-tall eggplant sculpture is in great company at Zenith Gallery—it sits on a tall base for great visibility |
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Well-known gallerist (and wood artist) Margery Goldberg has just installed 'Aubergine' at the Zenith Gallery's Iris Street location in N.W. Washington, D.C.
This home gallery sits in a quiet residential neighborhood where you'll find an astounding amount of dramatic and eclectic pieces, both two and three-dimensional art. The Zenith has been a leader in the D.C. art scene for over 40 years. The Iris Street Gallery and the city location at 1111 Pennsylvania Avenue present a rotation of events and shows... and there's a new location at 7350 Georgia Ave... Check them out when you are in D.C.
Thanks for including 'Aubergine', Margery!
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Creating a Backyard Oasis |
A timely article by Michael Valliant in the July 2022 issue of The Tidewater Times shares the concept that your outdoor space, no matter the scale, can become an oasis, a retreat, a place to recharge and restore.
He agrees that being out of doors, soaking in the natural world, can provide healing properties.
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Did you catch us in Coastal Style Magazine? |
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I am a bit late sending the folks at Coastal Style Magazine and especially writer Joe Willey and photographer Jill Jasuta my thanks for their terrific work. A fine collaboration!
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So, we are gathering our strength where possible, shoring up our inner framework to weather whatever comes next.
Seek a friendly shoulder to lean on. Be there for each other. Lend a hand. Listen carefully. And, keep your eye on Mother Nature, it helps.
And, yes—please click on the yellow line below to help share my stories with your friends.
Thank you!
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