Small efforts equal large results |
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So the story continues. When speaking with friends, family, and clients, peering over the tops of their masks, there's visible emotion. It's in the eyes and the tone of voice. Not frustration, not defeat.
It's hope. Hope that we'll work together to get through this national crisis. Standing strong and supporting each other feels like the only way to go forward.
Here's an artful example of a superb collaboration on the home front.
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Artist Charlie Hewitt with his 'Hopeful 2020' sculpture
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The monies raised are providing food, shelter, and health services to our county's under-served residents.
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This Hopeful 2020 campaign will continue until the end of the year. Everyone is encouraged to be Hopeful and Helpful by contributing.
Learn more about how each small effort adds up in Amy Blades Steward's article in the Talbot Spy.
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As an eternal optimist, I have my moments of doubt, but I know that the future will be better. We are all walking the same path, sharing the same sense of uncertainty, not knowing what will happen next. Be the balance to pull your pals along when they need you, and they'll, in turn, do the same for you. |
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This is not a flash of brilliance, but in these troubled times, I'm reminded repeatedly that it's the little things that can make the greatest impact. Finding a reason to get up in the morning, digging into a new project, making even a small forward motion can create ripples that change someone's day. Might be your day. Might be your friend's day or a stranger's. No matter. Get up and get moving. |
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Two of my friends are making a difference with their small businesses, organic farmer, Jena Paice, and accomplished baker, Marshall Hallock. |
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Jena Paice: Small-town farming |
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Photo: Farwell Photography |
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Online ordering and delivery available |
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Jena Paice of Spirit Grower is a favorite at our local farmer's market in St. Michaels.
Her tasty heirloom tomatoes make meal planning easy this summer.
Jena grows sustainable, healthy produce, plus she's an educator, and garden coach. She and her team build 'Victory Gardens' for local clients, teaching families how to eat well from their own gardens.
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The photos of her 'ready to be planted' transplants this time of the year are gorgeous greens and brilliant brassicas (these are the cabbage family, including broccoli and cauliflower). |
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Japanese Giant Wave Mustard |
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Purple of Sicily Cauliflower |
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Jena's small farm is making a difference in the way many of us feel about preparing meals.
Eating well keeps us positive and healthy.
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Marshall Hallock:
Small-scale baking company
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My friend Marshall was inspired to start her new business by her love of baking. She cooked up 'Baking for Change' with both a small-town outlook and a grander view.
She followed her heart into this second career as a custom baker almost in sync with the arrival of COVID-19. But, there's no holding her back and the results of her efforts nearly make me run out of adjectives for her handcrafted baked goods; fabulous, mouth-watering, delicious, beautiful, splurge-worthy.
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Even if you shy away from carbs, the unusual grains and flours that Marshall uses produce breads, cakes, pies, and cookies not easily duplicated. And, if you are lucky enough to be reading this nearby, she delivers the goods herself! A small effort need not mean that it's easy, nor lacking in impact. |
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A BFC original, made with organic oats and unsweetened coconut |
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A delicious gluten-free cake, made with almond flour, olive oil, and fresh lemon. Baked as "cakelets" for sharing |
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Beet Bread!
A rustic specialty bread made with fresh local honey and puréed beets
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Marshall envisions her baking efforts as an opportunity to connect with people and organizations working to uplift citizens in our community and around the world.
Her newsletters explain her story.
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Small gardens with big impact |
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Speaking of small, in my own design practice, it's clear to me that small gardens can produce as much delight as their larger counterparts. It's not always about scale. I am embarking on a few design projects in quiet residential neighborhoods, but before we began, I shared a couple of completed gardens with my new clients where they gathered plant and paving inspiration.
As they toured mature gardens, they also learned the important lesson that good design means good design, no matter the size of the project.
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Two plan sketches for a new backyard garden in Stevensville, Maryland,
close to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge
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Small Garden #1
This front and center, always visible garden on a corner lot in St. Michaels, Maryland, was already home to a collection of flowering shrubs and perennials when I began the design work. The plants were well chosen and growing well, but there was something missing.
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During the all-important initial design conversation my client shared that they were not engaged with the space, they didn't sit on the front porch, didn't open the window shades in the two front rooms. They wanted an improved view and a bit more privacy. |
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It felt too public in this sweet little town where tourists and locals enthusiastically walk (and peek) everywhere. This south-facing, sunny space, with great potential, was under-loved. |
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Jumping to the punch line here, the garden was redesigned to provide a sense of enclosure. Evergreens at the outer border will provide privacy, the gravel paths and sitting area make it functional. It's a flower-filled destination. |
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The walkers still catch more than a glimpse of the garden (we do like to share!), but the feeling of privacy and views of the garden now make the front porch a frequent destination. The gravel paths and bench tucked into the plantings are well used. My client proudly pointed out that the window shades are now wide open, so the garden views can be enjoyed from inside. |
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Honoring the memory of a loved one, this garden fills the entire front yard of a cottage in a riverfront town. The small scale is deceiving, it feels like a larger space, as it includes flowering shrubs and ornamental grasses that provide the backbone of the garden, with central beds home to a series of blooming plants; perennials and shrubs. |
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The main hardscape addition is a narrow, winding, natural stone path that guides you through the garden and serves as a border for the plant-filled beds.
Amsonia, allium again, sedges, red flowering crocosmia, astilbe, switch grass, abelia, creeping blue star ground cover, and more.
The stone path culminates in a pebble mosaic in the form of an abstract flower.
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The garden is much viewed by passers-by, as this little town is a walker's paradise, too. This young garden, only in its second full season is already adding color to the neighborhood and welcome views from street-side interior windows. |
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There's been a sculpture switch out!
The Pineapple sculpture, previously on display at The Inn at Perry Cabin in St. Michaels, now resides on Pennsylvania Avenue in the Zenith Gallery's exhibit in Washington, D.C.
'Women Sculptors Bringing Balance with Humor'
June 15th through September 26th, 2020
Monday-Friday: 8am-7pm
Saturday: 8am-4pm
(enter on 12th St NW—please knock and guard will let you in)
Thanks to Margery Goldberg for putting this show together.
We all need a little lift.
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11:Eleven Sculpture Space
Hosted by Zenith Gallery
1111 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20004
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The Inn at Perry Cabin in St. Michaels
is celebrating summer (and my summer vegetables)
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With so many outdoor venues, the Inn is a popular destination for couples and families who want to play, dine, and relax safely out-of doors in a beautiful, riverfront setting. |
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Inspired by a favorite sleek and glamorous summer vegetable, the new display in the entry hall at the Inn consists of a half dozen of my hand-painted Ichiban Eggplants.
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They are lined up, side by side, nestled together, welcoming guests.
These colorful summer vegetables mirror the beauties found in the local Farmer's Markets in St. Michaels and Easton.
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Small is colorful. Small is delicious. |
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Look out for each other and offer your support.
Wear a mask.
And please VOTE like your life depends on it.
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Photo: James Kirsh, Falmouth, Maine |
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Want more stories and photos?
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Landscape. Sculpture. Jewelry.
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Small efforts do make a difference.
Be well
Stay safe,
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