Please tell me that you are well. That's what I want to hear when I call my friends or family, or speak with a client or
professional associate.
So many questions swirling about. No simple answers.
Upended routines; unstable footing.
Yet, we must stay strong and gather the energy, however possible, to keep going in this challenging and complicated time.
How are you?
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Two by Two:
Finding strength, keeping balance, and building personal momentum is a daunting task. For me, right now, I'm sustained by two things: conversation and the joy found in nature, like the flamboyant
Allium schubertii
flowers above. They are in the onion family and are an outrageous form, reminding me of 4th of July fireworks. Plant bulbs in fall for mid-spring bloom.
Number One Source of Stability: Conversation
Conversation, complete with eye contact, is always welcome, but even more so, now. I find that speaking with clients, friends, contractors, or family stokes the fire. We sure need each other and a little 'chit chat' or more in-depth sharing help us feel connected and strengthened.
Number Two Source of Stability: Nature
Watching Mother Nature's show as spring unfolds and slips into summer has been so nurturing and inspiring. I have been absorbing bursts of brilliant color and been bowled over by the scent of honeysuckle, peonies, lilacs, roses, and gardenias. How joyful!
A moment of joy is a powerful spark. It fuels the hope that our future will be better. We will be OK again.
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Syringa patula 'Miss Kim' (manchurian lilac)
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Two by Two: Garden Design Project Results
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#1 Update:
Kermit's Privacy Hedgerow
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Kermit 'in the new garden'
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Kermit's privacy hedgerow has been planted and he approves! This brand-new collection of
Pinus taeda
(lobolly pine),
Metasequoia glyptostroboides
(dawn redwood),
Myrica/Morella cerifera
(southern bayberry),
Cornus
sericea
(r
ed twig dogwood),
Panicum virgatum
(switch grass) and more, is already beginning to provide a
sense of privacy.
Winter design work and pre-planning, along with super thorough bed preparation, has given this planting a jump-start.
Thanks to my pal Kermit's people for their collaboration!
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Young bayberry, loblolly pines, and switchgrass in the new hedgerow.
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#2 Update:
The Woods Garden
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Matteuccia struthiopteris
(ostrich fern) and
Itea virginica (
sweetspire). Both of these plants spread via underground
'
stolons' and will happily wander a bit in the new woods planting. There's plenty of space!
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The park-like wooded property on the river between Easton and St. Michaels is so beautiful, it was hard to imagine making 'improvements' to the natural setting.
But, winter design work gave me a chance to walk the site and think about preparing for a spring planting that would enhance this fabulous mixed hardwood and pine forest. A bit of refining took place, yet the woodland setting remains true to its original, natural identity. I strive to respect the 'givens' when designing; this is no place for an over-designed garden.
Newly planted understory native trees are thriving. They were recently joined by a mix of shrubs, perennials, sedges, and ferns, all adding a layer of complexity to the stunning waterfront forest on the Chesapeake Bay.
More thanks to our 'family in residence' for their enthusiastic
design input!
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Chionanthus virginicus (fringetree or old man's beard)
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Two by Two:
Sculpture Opportunities Arrive in Pairs
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First up:
The Inn at Perry Cabin is a glorious hotel not far from my home studio near St. Michaels, Maryland. As a member of the Preferred Hotels Group, they are noting International Pineapple Day by featuring my Pineapple sculpture during the week-long celebration this month.
Inn at Perry Cabin guests view the piece in the warm and welcoming entry hall at the main entrance.
The Preferred logo and official symbol of hospitality is the pineapple, so it's a perfect partnership all around. More than 750 independent hotels around the world are joining the celebration and throwing their energy into prepping for re-openings. So thrilled to be part of the excitement—good luck to all!
Thanks to the entire team at The Inn at Perry Cabin! Looking forward to toasting your reopening. Enjoy.
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Two by Two:
The Second Sculpture Opportunity
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'Women Sculptors Bringing Balance with Humor'
Art on Pennsylvania Avenue - Washington, D.C.
Gallerist and artist Margery Goldberg of
The Zenith Gallery
has been patient and determined. The sculpture show featuring select pieces of my fruit and vegetable sculpture, along with the sculpture of Barbara Kobylinska and Cindy Winnick, was installed last week.
Margery's engaging concept partnered our work to provide balance to the recent "hard to imagine" news. The whimsical art will bring much needed smiles when Capital City visitors stop by the Zenith Gallery on Pennsylvania Avenue.
'Women Sculptors Bringing Balance with Humor'
June 15th through September 12th, 2020
Monday-Friday: 8am-7pm
Saturday: 8am-4pm
(
enter on 12th St NW—please knock and guard will let you in)
An Opening Event is 'in the works'—date to be determined.
Eleven Eleven Sculpture Space
Hosted by Zenith Gallery
1111 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20004
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Two by Two—One More Time:
Gardens as Inspi
ration for Art
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'Inspirational Photo' used by Joe Willey for his watercolor painting
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My friend Joe Willey and I are teaming up! I love 'dreaming up' and building beautiful gardens. Joe loves to paint in nature and has a yen for gardens, especially on the Eastern Shore.
Here's an example of our collaboration. It's a small watercolor that captures the essence of one of my favorite Oxford gardens. The three young
h
ydrangea paniculata
'Limelight'
anchor this lawn path that leads to a 'secret garden.' Butterfly bush also adds a shot of purple in mid-summer when the hydrangeas are in bloom.
This garden sits on a gorgeous piece of the Tred Avon River and has a mesmerizing view. A watercolor interpretation of your favorite garden vista awaits! Contact me to arrange this magical opportunity.
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Want more stories and photos?
Follow me on Instagram & Facebook!
Landscape. Sculpture. Jewelry.
Follow @jankirshstudio on
Instagram
and
Facebook
to stay up-to-date on landscape projects, observations of nature, sculpture inspiration, current exhibits and installations, and our brand new,
3D-printed jewelry collection.
#thegardensparkles
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The choice is ours as we move forward. Stay strong.
Pay attention. Welcome healthy change.
Best regards,
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