tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86098944869854634352024-03-05T01:06:47.087-05:00limestone and maplesBrendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00554745033421773764noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8609894486985463435.post-11618575763876331282014-01-29T05:23:00.001-05:002014-01-29T09:54:15.195-05:00Little Green Onions<br />
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I often wonder if I am strange, or if living in the country has just made me feel stranger without the veil of a busy city life to disguise things. I can't sleep again, and at 2 am I thought I would be much alone with with my thoughts to sort this out. But a constant scraping outside the window has alerted me to my neighbour, who is shovelling his driveway. I guess he can't sleep either, or he's trying to escape his wife again, for which I wouldn't blame him.<br />
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We moved to our country setting nine years ago to find peace. But the quiet imposed by this winter has made it almost too quiet. The birds have retreated and the coyotes haunting chatter has ceased to fill the early morning air. The relentless cold and ever mounting snow is starting to feel less beautiful and more confining. Reaching for gratitude lightens my spirit and I do try to remind myself that nature is vastly intelligent, and in the spring this snow will melt and feed my well, the river that runs behind us, the roots of the trees and the very soil that I need to grow things in.<br />
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All will be made green and glorious once more.<br />
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Our wood pile has dwindled down to the last row of logs that are perfectly frozen to the ground. Feeding my wood stove gives me purpose in the winter, and one of my few forms of exercise. Chop, carry, stack, repeat. Though we can heat with the furnace, we've tried very hard not to and much like an eager child I look forward to seeing how much lower my hydro bill can actually go, and if the savings we incur offset the initial cost of the wood. And, so far, yes it has. With the wood supply dwindling I am worried about the rhythm of my days as two more months of winter looms in the horizon.<br />
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Which is why I am thinking too much.<br />
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I am one of those that worry deeply about climate change and wish truly that I had more answers on how to make it better. I look at my youngest daughter and wonder what her life will be like when she reaches my age. Food security is a hot topic right now, and I do find it encouraging that more of us seem to be inclined to have chickens and victory gardens and bravely take a stand for a more honest way of living. I wish our governments and large corporations could bring themselves to be just as honest.<br />
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We compost, we recycle, we buy as much organically grown and free trade products that we can afford. In the growing season we choose to design with native plants and drought tolerant varieties. Little acts of kindness to repay a world that has given me so much.<br />
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I was inspired by a photo I saw on<span style="color: #e06666;"> <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/66146688247233369/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Pinterest.</span></a> </span> I started saving the ends of the rather expensive organic green onions we've been buying and planting them up in spot on the only windowsill in the house that lets in enough light. They will grow in water, but I was craving soil between my fingers.<br />
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I don't believe I have ever admitted the aversion I have to house plants in general, which seems like a contradiction to my very nature. I know am very hard on myself and I find it utter nonsense that I can't keep an African Violet alive, but there you have it. A confession. That these unsuspecting green onions have flourished and are ready for harvesting after a mere three weeks is astounding to me. One small victory. I'll gladly take it.<br />
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I think the point I am trying to make to myself in these early morning, slightly caffeinated ramblings is that there is always more we can do, that I can do, even when we feel overwhelmed by the troubles of the world. That I may be strange in thinking that a garden has the power to change a life, to change worlds, but that perhaps I should be thankful that I feel that strangeness...that I am not content to live by the status quo.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh2S0QDhQrpl7gge28u5W0EACqnX5MPZY4X4LgpVgrE-bjSud7zQltGT9DY9HWVZm0tXWUfIZNb57xtdHrhSOIaA60sHFTq0uqQvqPpeFb_gDgGCXYNRlk7DxPXyRKs6cRn0ZAwNG6ywmA/s1600/quote-ron-finley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh2S0QDhQrpl7gge28u5W0EACqnX5MPZY4X4LgpVgrE-bjSud7zQltGT9DY9HWVZm0tXWUfIZNb57xtdHrhSOIaA60sHFTq0uqQvqPpeFb_gDgGCXYNRlk7DxPXyRKs6cRn0ZAwNG6ywmA/s1600/quote-ron-finley.jpg" height="320" width="288" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ronfinley.com/?page_id=5" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ea9999; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Meet Ron Finley</span></a></td></tr>
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Hope takes many forms. Inspiration can be found in the smallest of things. Gratitude has the power to shift beliefs.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">Be bold. Cherish everything. Grow onions.</span><br />
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Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00554745033421773764noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8609894486985463435.post-90708193161535390862014-01-27T05:59:00.004-05:002014-01-27T06:07:26.297-05:00Kiwi Gardens, PerthI am slowly making my way through the hundreds of pictures I took last summer, scattered between the Canon and the Blackberry. Waiting to edit summer photos while yet another January snow falls softly outside the windows is a reward in itself, and I am thoroughly enjoying the escape to some of the beautiful places and spaces we were able to visit in 2013.<br />
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At the end of the first week in June, Paul and I were able to sneak away for a quiet drive to Kiwi Gardens in Perth. Though it is only an hour away, this is the first time we had been there. I was on a quest for Persicaria Polymorpha, and their <span style="color: #e06666;"><a href="http://www.kiwigardens.ca/" target="_blank">website</a></span> had it listed…the only garden centre, it seemed, anywhere near Kingston that had this particular perennial available...but that is a post (or rant) for another day.<br />
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As we pulled into the parking lot, the gardens began, and I instantly regretted leaving the Canon at home. I said a small prayer to my husband's Blackberry and hoped it would do some justice in capturing what I was seeing. The garden centre is surrounded by lush forest, and overcast skies gave contrast to the vibrancy of the perennial beds, most designed with shade loving perennials and native shrubs…I will let the pictures speak for themselves.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSpH83BORRxcdZ1-4H45ho7EAK4nQVvhwUK9f8F543BmnrorUuf7qCXQeFjQNGSdilxLhS6ZsFp1VSMAil5YjeoPPsEQ1CCHR2Q8Xr1vFVPoH0Qr2A-q9V5o9MmhG42LlQTIm7ELYrPWg3/s1600/kiwi-13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSpH83BORRxcdZ1-4H45ho7EAK4nQVvhwUK9f8F543BmnrorUuf7qCXQeFjQNGSdilxLhS6ZsFp1VSMAil5YjeoPPsEQ1CCHR2Q8Xr1vFVPoH0Qr2A-q9V5o9MmhG42LlQTIm7ELYrPWg3/s1600/kiwi-13.jpg" height="301" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><i>Parking lot border</i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqiudQhxkmyEee2rsit75xcSylRUnobwD7rlTZKwSNxpG7wO6CG8u-EA_0_AE9BiXBbp7FUQx6tjpv-Alq3TSqetC622qY1ETOir4CrGkes7cxfYufmBCLX4REjOONV0VAFZ1jg9MZ2EqQ/s1600/kiwi-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqiudQhxkmyEee2rsit75xcSylRUnobwD7rlTZKwSNxpG7wO6CG8u-EA_0_AE9BiXBbp7FUQx6tjpv-Alq3TSqetC622qY1ETOir4CrGkes7cxfYufmBCLX4REjOONV0VAFZ1jg9MZ2EqQ/s1600/kiwi-12.jpg" height="292" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><i>A lesson in the effective use of ground covers, <br />colour and composition.</i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmOV2brZKPxOodiboEyU7OMf9NDdIW1kgHt_p9iRxaD_dHlpohwp24os6H2YiqB9SxiKc1MAYYr_rkxeDzdf2wJOMMI54aNvVf0LKUerQiEqSUuAp7nsj0BlSfgiv22ooc9-FaKy1Lxub2/s1600/kiwi-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmOV2brZKPxOodiboEyU7OMf9NDdIW1kgHt_p9iRxaD_dHlpohwp24os6H2YiqB9SxiKc1MAYYr_rkxeDzdf2wJOMMI54aNvVf0LKUerQiEqSUuAp7nsj0BlSfgiv22ooc9-FaKy1Lxub2/s1600/kiwi-11.jpg" height="338" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><i>Beautiful flagstone pathways - <br />hostas clearly thrive here</i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaa13lt4rXl6TeFucEQtyg-fY73EkAQVhges7uAi4vc3J0_tM2NvZgyUJOb1ON_GgKlQcTmvGOx8uAifWGjt2PRrH0bx4uY1mnMRu3hjN3JwA2CmMM-5sJ2MakzOaZ0BkEndjIFqt9mLzH/s1600/kiwi-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaa13lt4rXl6TeFucEQtyg-fY73EkAQVhges7uAi4vc3J0_tM2NvZgyUJOb1ON_GgKlQcTmvGOx8uAifWGjt2PRrH0bx4uY1mnMRu3hjN3JwA2CmMM-5sJ2MakzOaZ0BkEndjIFqt9mLzH/s1600/kiwi-10.jpg" height="307" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><i>The nursery - I was impressed with the staff as much as the gardens. <br />Everyone was incredibly friendly and possessed a genuine, passionate <br />knowledge about the plants they sell. </i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5wlFdBGJe1ZSRGZGliTor91lR6P-zQcQv424fwtxf-aYKcdGN2zJvhRBEelzTqsdhbkJkX1lHu2tlMShpyfSw5VOXC1yuK0BUvfSMnoQiicIIW_BQfZMsXgGQK6Cc5P-cavMW3CavGpZD/s1600/kiwi-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5wlFdBGJe1ZSRGZGliTor91lR6P-zQcQv424fwtxf-aYKcdGN2zJvhRBEelzTqsdhbkJkX1lHu2tlMShpyfSw5VOXC1yuK0BUvfSMnoQiicIIW_BQfZMsXgGQK6Cc5P-cavMW3CavGpZD/s1600/kiwi-6.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><i>Pathways lead you through tantalizing display gardens, <br />many perennials are identified along the way <br />for gardeners of all abilities.</i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisLgyLIylMvSHeNQ3mAmeNWpAzvWVp691aYuYZyi5wnxnQUsQXgTaKdLGP1LPzeEmP2DeDrLgMcP-m6-JNf3qVOLyfc568InL02FO1IAYE_4q-9Z_MJi88RfvHhRRiE-5_0guMFh1al3dC/s1600/kiwi-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisLgyLIylMvSHeNQ3mAmeNWpAzvWVp691aYuYZyi5wnxnQUsQXgTaKdLGP1LPzeEmP2DeDrLgMcP-m6-JNf3qVOLyfc568InL02FO1IAYE_4q-9Z_MJi88RfvHhRRiE-5_0guMFh1al3dC/s1600/kiwi-5.jpg" height="291" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><i>Hostas!</i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><i>Beautiful artwork is displayed along the walkways.</i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiv8sw1WOCr1rGsYlF3xylmcckRUYE0Ek1h6h1heSUgii-Q_C9r4v3cIePhWOVSYRDMbPIkNptlwNWJuvWrnPkb2Id4afKLUDpZxPBYGP5eFnhjSgrfEEIX7GZdhrM5aMIPw8toZdIz-n8/s1600/kiwi-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiv8sw1WOCr1rGsYlF3xylmcckRUYE0Ek1h6h1heSUgii-Q_C9r4v3cIePhWOVSYRDMbPIkNptlwNWJuvWrnPkb2Id4afKLUDpZxPBYGP5eFnhjSgrfEEIX7GZdhrM5aMIPw8toZdIz-n8/s1600/kiwi-3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><i>Display bed - perennials are grown and propagated on site.</i></span></td></tr>
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Kiwi gardens is situated on ten acres near Perth, Ontario. The owners have been in business for twenty-five years and though I did not have the opportunity to meet them, their love of the plants and nature is evident in every beautiful nook and cranny. I look forward to visiting again this spring and perhaps wandering a little longer.</div>
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Theirs represents the dream of a life I hope to have someday, working and living amongst gardens, sustaining, nourishing and cherishing diversity. Kiwi Gardens offers a refuge for 3000 perennials, many unique and not easy to find on the tables of our mainstream garden centres. A <a href="http://www.kiwigardens.ca/plants.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">plant list</span></a> is available on their website, and I urge you to browse through it as we sit and wait, planning for spring. If you are lucky enough to visit and shop, I urge you to bring your camera and comfortable shoes for strolling the trails.</div>
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By the way, I did find my Persicaria, and purchased three healthy plants along with five Carex Rosea and a few more perennial treasures.</div>
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Wishing you lovely day!</div>
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Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00554745033421773764noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8609894486985463435.post-13614616508430861882014-01-24T08:07:00.000-05:002014-01-27T06:10:25.404-05:00Beginning Again<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It has been quite a while since I’ve written, and I am actually so surprised I remembered my password to login. Making the time to write, something I think of as a gift to myself, lost priority this year to the running of businesses and caring for a home and family. More than once I have wondered why we keep up this crazy notion that running two businesses at the same time is a good idea, but it is hard to imagine life without both of them in it.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Spring!</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 12px;">The doubts and constant soul searching that comes with being an entrepreneur, and a completely self taught one at that, creep in constantly. In a seasonal business like landscaping, when winter feels like it will never end, I find myself worrying what the next season will bring. Will I have amazing clients like last year, will I be challenged, how is the industry truly doing, will I be able to pay the bills, will the bees come back, will I finally make time for tomatoes…</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYswpQiuBijXxpjk7npjUi4n8xGgyHNQYPoEeR25g0FfYn0SEcvX9hH2MqlCFiYTNJb_zQIpU25io7iaAF6cHSfa22nbQ1eEn6ckjTSj-zbSiA9vmoBtWg-aQP71jcHBqozahhgH_hhB3N/s1600/bachelor-buttons2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYswpQiuBijXxpjk7npjUi4n8xGgyHNQYPoEeR25g0FfYn0SEcvX9hH2MqlCFiYTNJb_zQIpU25io7iaAF6cHSfa22nbQ1eEn6ckjTSj-zbSiA9vmoBtWg-aQP71jcHBqozahhgH_hhB3N/s1600/bachelor-buttons2.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Bachelor's Buttons blooming all summer…one of the few bees we had can be seen nestled in a flower</span></i></td></tr>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Nepeta…perhaps a garden's best friend</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">I am so grateful to report that last spring and summer was a truly amazing season for us. My baby, Stone and Maple Landscpaing, had the opportunity to work with truly wonderful, interesting and inspiring people. We began in the spring teaching a group of volunteers in a three week landscaping program partnered with a not-for-profit daycare centre. A cedar pergola and sandbox was constructed for the children, and our volunteers learned valuable skills, the most important I think being the value of giving and the happiness that working with your hands can bring. I will never forget the last day of the project, as three tough looking guys with tears in their eyes stood watching the kids play in the sandbox for the first time. Priceless.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguc1TqO4pAiU53V3oTXrFmrYaeeV9bDY4FLPspp7bxN6knwk1KZSX6gTIbqZQANF_sbZOYNVYYGhtjpe-eOQDiZWWM_KoYZOA3LztUwuQmUWIRBUmp5lP4n5TTG8PeLY0NSwjHhmphDeCQ/s1600/my-garden-2013-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguc1TqO4pAiU53V3oTXrFmrYaeeV9bDY4FLPspp7bxN6knwk1KZSX6gTIbqZQANF_sbZOYNVYYGhtjpe-eOQDiZWWM_KoYZOA3LztUwuQmUWIRBUmp5lP4n5TTG8PeLY0NSwjHhmphDeCQ/s1600/my-garden-2013-6.jpg" height="510" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Found a new geranium at the garden centre…she's so pretty</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipwb9lu6Nf6AsANinL5LIV7gsWDVLPPhT7u4x_FHij2Rii5pGT89PWWUTGUHvRk1gibn11Nnrw4nOPAMijg-TPkyRMf1vtGHt54feQZEopP0KTJD7pD_gSjd3UNVYL-U1k6L0AAtFsOnQr/s1600/summer-38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipwb9lu6Nf6AsANinL5LIV7gsWDVLPPhT7u4x_FHij2Rii5pGT89PWWUTGUHvRk1gibn11Nnrw4nOPAMijg-TPkyRMf1vtGHt54feQZEopP0KTJD7pD_gSjd3UNVYL-U1k6L0AAtFsOnQr/s1600/summer-38.jpg" height="482" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Chamomile left to self seed</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The rest of the summer was a whirlwind. At home inspiration came from that April ice storm. So many branches destined for the fire pit made their way instead into the beginning of a </span><a href="http://permaculturenews.org/2010/08/03/the-art-and-science-of-making-a-hugelkultur-bed-transforming-woody-debris-into-a-garden-resource/" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #e06666;">hugelculture garden</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. The plum trees bloomed, the cherries tried, a carpet of chamomile swept under the apples. I waited for bees. I cursed the mustard garlic pulling it out by the wheelbarrowfull. I planted peas, lettuce and spinach with my sweet Julia, watched in amazement at the progression of the raspberry patch. The old apple tree bloomed. The redbud bloomed, I sat in my wicker swing and meditated on its beauty. I sat grateful everyday for the spring rains, plants that struggled last year burst forth with flower. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYGF5HvsjBQfThrcwFhEs2YK4DhLRh7djdFCnvESJrXvSNZV8vt8uU0t7UlUcs5CoAycQ96SQhGW2zy5OSjQR4q-zNJ7NDs2hk0XqLDq3QPE0YLVoKsGjpNHC0QDZF7nvMRSqDCu0cpXMm/s1600/summer-39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYGF5HvsjBQfThrcwFhEs2YK4DhLRh7djdFCnvESJrXvSNZV8vt8uU0t7UlUcs5CoAycQ96SQhGW2zy5OSjQR4q-zNJ7NDs2hk0XqLDq3QPE0YLVoKsGjpNHC0QDZF7nvMRSqDCu0cpXMm/s1600/summer-39.jpg" height="506" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">All the world becomes right again after a few moments spent in the swing...</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsKFI5-7tWHJbWnPf9aT1xHh6u-BPamQLiz_66QkDu4PX3GXtklaUut-l1ETjlf1HVJj76bAiMd-c8VPrxwr_kL61wALfWAvNYoDYzMZo3A3aTIw3PHhsVLBelgdscoFQKvsNcWH54Nr-n/s1600/summer-37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsKFI5-7tWHJbWnPf9aT1xHh6u-BPamQLiz_66QkDu4PX3GXtklaUut-l1ETjlf1HVJj76bAiMd-c8VPrxwr_kL61wALfWAvNYoDYzMZo3A3aTIw3PHhsVLBelgdscoFQKvsNcWH54Nr-n/s1600/summer-37.jpg" height="506" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Our youngest daughter Julia and my best garden helper! </span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0px;">The glorious blue spires of baptisia, luscious peonies, iris, lilac, and the tiny white bells of Deautzia Chardonnay Pearls and Bridal Bush. Bachelors buttons, calendula and daisy erupted everywhere. The clematis was a riot of pink, nepeta Walker’s Low was a froth of lilac/ Carl Foester was stately, but Miscanthus and Pennisteum were sadly missing. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0px;">We watched and waited for the bees. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Chives, rhubarb and comfrey in the herb garden</span></i><br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsa8vVpeWTIoYz2bqHSFTtL0-YfjzsMjqmXwB0eJV38YaM6UEwtqlriQ8n4OLRSzgtAKIPuN2a5GBN1-5FgjGXyxtoUyG8Ug_xj3YyWiH-r6fydRP_f43VusL4r6KLqEz4YMFseRSohR_M/s1600/my-garden-2013-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsa8vVpeWTIoYz2bqHSFTtL0-YfjzsMjqmXwB0eJV38YaM6UEwtqlriQ8n4OLRSzgtAKIPuN2a5GBN1-5FgjGXyxtoUyG8Ug_xj3YyWiH-r6fydRP_f43VusL4r6KLqEz4YMFseRSohR_M/s1600/my-garden-2013-9.jpg" height="530" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Beautiful blue baptisia </span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I pulled more mustard garlic. The hedge of comphrey was a magnificant show, I left it to flower for the bees. A few came, but not the hundreds that used to swarm the comfrey flowers, falling asleep in a contented, drunken state to be found asleep every morning snuggled in the blossoms. <br /><br />I watched Julia play in the garden, marvel at the size of the rhubarb, sit quietly by the pond, play with frogs, run through the stone pathways and gather bouquets of dandelions. She waited for the butterflies.<br /><br />In the shade gardens the hostas grew, mingling with Solomon’s Seal, hydrangea, geranium and masterwort. Ajuga spread under the boxwoods, jacob’s ladder and brunnera created a sea of palest blue under the japanese maples.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>The sweet scent of Miss Kim lilac perfumed the yard for days on end</i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Clematis finally taking off this year, I thank the spring rains</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I added more herb beds and promised myself that I would valiantly make the effort to take care of my vegetable garden, whose fate is very similar to that of this blog. Additional work and maintenance began for two of our favourite long-standing clients at their </span><a href="http://www.stoneandmaple.com/the-cottage-project.html" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #e06666;">cottage</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">; a drainage problem was remedied and a new garden was created for Pauline, one of our very first clients, and as such holds a special place in our hearts. We spent a few days on spring maintenance at the </span><a href="http://www.stoneandmaple.com/water-conservation-garden.html" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #e06666;">Utilities Kingston Water Conversation Garden</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> then spent time throughout the summer working with the summer’s garden intern, another sweet, creative, hard working Julia, who was an absolute joy to be with. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />We worked again with Utilities Kingston to design and install Phase 1 of a water conversation garden, this time at the King Street Water Treatment Plant in Kingston. Everyone we worked with on this project was so truly kind, passionate and supportive of this project, it was a true pleasure. This segued into a three week build of retaining walls during the hottest part of the summer. Our client Tom was a dream to work with, and he made sure he kept us well watered and filled with gingerale as we struggled in the heat and humidity. But it hurt, my muscles ached for weeks and my body reminded my daily that I was definitely not even close to being 29 anymore.<br /><br /><br /> That segued into the <a href="http://www.stoneandmaple.com/alwington-avenue-bioswale-project.html"><span style="color: #e06666;">bioswale installation</span></a> in Kingston, which I confess is one of my most rewarding experiences, for many reasons.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><br /></span>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Echinacea and switchgrass dancing in the bioswale</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />Summer gave way to fall, then winter and Christmas and finally this ice locked January where I sit in my snow pants at the keyboard trying to warm body and soul.</span>
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Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00554745033421773764noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8609894486985463435.post-21474390273508378832013-04-13T06:41:00.003-04:002013-04-13T06:41:58.067-04:00April Ice<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have been trying very hard not to jump on the bandwagon and complain about the absence of spring. Very hard. When I've been feeling down the last month about the cold, the frozen ground, the northern winds that penetrate to the bone and, oh yes, the lack of sunshine, my lovely six year old daughter has done her best to cheer me up."You can't look on the dark side Mommy, you always have to look for the brightness." She is a very clever little girl.<br />
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Yesterday, as the universe and little girls have a gentle way of reminding us, was a perfect weatherly illustration that everything indeed happens for a reason and in its own time. 12 hours of freezing rain from a slow moving winter storm enveloped most of eastern Ontario, and had any of my plants been above ground the damage would have been much, much worse. I am thankful for that. My tulips are only 2" high and everything else has quite sensibly stayed asleep.<br />
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I sloshed around in the back with my camera after the worst was over. Ice coated shrubs and branches gave an almost ethereal effect against the newly greening grass.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Definitely broken. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>In total we have nine large branches down, not too bad really, and they all missed hitting anything important, like the house and the cars. I think my husband is excited to get his chainsaw out today and start cleaning up!</i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRYpIBDDq5Zc5SE-To6C98bEFp5X7HatuhA2RbCSKBD_t_SqjwRPtaN-ScZlHijTrgF63b3rJEs1OyMXsUxuViBiOCfa_kDbtTk5DwXJW3J4k94bxX1Urj1w9rlSF5u72FKSbAP2iB0Fpk/s1600/ice-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRYpIBDDq5Zc5SE-To6C98bEFp5X7HatuhA2RbCSKBD_t_SqjwRPtaN-ScZlHijTrgF63b3rJEs1OyMXsUxuViBiOCfa_kDbtTk5DwXJW3J4k94bxX1Urj1w9rlSF5u72FKSbAP2iB0Fpk/s640/ice-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>The new "orchard" in progress. Young and strong, they show no signs of damage.</i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>An icy tangled mess of bush honeysuckle and sumac that grows wild along the boundaries of my property.</i></span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_8rCK4zikNLtz6QE2utenuUJvOyWg3dzY8UdKLFKmm484c9R5pZ90Fn9C9jWYSMfwUnCpunVs51bqgNIVDVpqbcmNSyvQJ-Q81CjAPElPtTHmS2dEWXxHKUF017hweIRsEsWe1Ikzcov_/s1600/ice-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_8rCK4zikNLtz6QE2utenuUJvOyWg3dzY8UdKLFKmm484c9R5pZ90Fn9C9jWYSMfwUnCpunVs51bqgNIVDVpqbcmNSyvQJ-Q81CjAPElPtTHmS2dEWXxHKUF017hweIRsEsWe1Ikzcov_/s640/ice-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Of course no one was sitting here at the time, thank goodness.</i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Limbo anyone? <br />This birch tree showed amazing flexibility and I had no need to worry, though I must confess I was redesigning this space in my head in case it shattered. I am amazed that this morning it has fully rebounded.</i></span></td></tr>
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I hope everyone affected by the storm has power back on and made it through with little or no damage. We'll be spending our weekend cleaning up and looking forward to the brighter, sunnier days that are sure to come.<br />
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Take care wherever you are - best wishes for peace, love and joy and happy gardening!<br />
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<br />Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00554745033421773764noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8609894486985463435.post-24356437637210842762013-03-23T06:14:00.001-04:002013-03-23T07:04:21.584-04:00Cookies for Breakfast!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Not so long ago, I used to believe I could eat anything. Physically demanding work and raising five children kept me very active and I honestly thought I had been blessed with an amazing metaboliosm. Back then my favourite go to food was cereal - I loved it....breakfast, lunch, supper it didn't matter and it was so easy. Though not exactly a creative, culinary choice, I naively thought I was fortifying myself with a healthy, crunchy, yummy food. Not so anymore. <br />
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After turning 40, my body started rebelling. Aches, pains, chronic inflamation, burning stomach aches, poor sleep. It was my wise beyond her years oldest daughter who suggested that I may be lactose intolerant. As it turned out eliminating dairy did help me feel much better but how I mourned the loss of some of my favourite foods. When she suggested I try the gluten free diet that she was following I was terrified. She sent me a copy of the book "Wheat Belly" and with a doubt filled heart I started on my gluten free journey - and that has dramatically changed my life.<br />
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One year later and I still feel amazingly better - no more chronic pain in my shoulder and thirty pounds lighter. I still have weakensses and I find myself craving cookie like textures and crunchy cereals. A gardening girl and a busy working Mom needs to start the day the right way and it is so nice to add a little variety. If it can be quick, easy, healthy and provide much needed energy so much the better!<br />
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I have so many food allergies that I resort to using coconut flour for all of my baking - which has resulted in some dry and disappointing results...and honestly, as my husband frequently reminds me, coconut can get a little boring. </div>
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Yesterday, I was inspired by <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/stevenandchris/2011/10/gluten-free-chocolate-chip-cookies.html" target="_blank">this cookie recipe</a> from Steven and Chris on CBC. Not having all the ingredients on hand, I made some substitutions and was very, very happy with the moist, sweet cookies that came out of the oven. The quinoa packs in a lot of nutrition and adds a nice brownie-like heft to the mix while the eggs and bananas keep the cookie moist. Though there are 4 bananas in this recipe, they seem to balance nicely with coconut flour, and neither flavour is overly dominant. I use organic palm sugar (found in my neck of the woods at The Bulk Barn) as it is much lower on the glycemic index.</div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Quinoa Chocolate Chip Cookies</span></h2>
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<span style="color: #e06666;">INGREDIENTS</span></h3>
4 eggs<br />
4 ripe bananas, mashed<br />
1/2 c coconut oil melted but not hot<br />
1 tbsp pure vanilla extract<br />
1/2 c organic palm sugar<br />
1 c organic coconut flour<br />
1 tsp baking soda<br />
1/2 tsp sea salt<br />
1 c cooked quinoa<br />
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1/2 c dark chocolate chips (I splurged and used 1 full cup of Camino bittersweet chips this time, but a chopped dark chocolate bar 80-85% cocoa would be equally as fabulous)</div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;">Fun options:</span><br />
You can get creative with this recipe and add in your own favourite healthy additions like shredded coconut, cocoa nibs, nuts, or sunflower seeds. The original recipe actually calls for 1 c. unsweetened coconut.<br />
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<span style="color: #e06666;">DIRECTIONS</span></h3>
Quinoa is made the same way you prepare rice, twice as much water as quinoa. I like to make a big batch which will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. It makes a great breakfast topped with fresh fruit and a sprinkle of palm sugar or agava syrup, or a nutritious lunch topped with chicken and steamed veggies. Also very handy when you want to whip up a batch of cookies or muffins!<br />
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<li>Prepare the cooked quinoa: Bring to a boil 1/2c. quinoa in 1c. water, reduce heat and simmer for 15 min. Allow to cool before adding to recipe.</li>
<li>Preheat oven to 350 F</li>
<li>Beat the eggs until light and frothy</li>
<li>Mash the bananas and blend with the eggs</li>
<li>Add coconut oil, vanilla and mix thoroughly</li>
<li>Mix in the palm sugar</li>
<li>In a separate bowl whisk together the dry ingredients until well blended</li>
<li>Slowly add to the wet mixture incorporating well</li>
<li>Stir in the quinoa and chocolate chips </li>
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Drop by tablespoons onto a greased or parchment lined cookie sheet - I can attest to the fact that coconut flour cookies will stick.</div>
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I roll the cookie dough into a ball then flatten with the back of a spatula - these will not spread like traditional cookie batter. </div>
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Bake at 350 F for 15 minutes</div>
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Enjoy!</div>
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...and yes I did have some for breakfast this morning - they were a little bit of cookie heaven both husband and kid approved! These will make awesome little snacks when gardening season kicks in and weeding becomes more important than cooking.<br />
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Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00554745033421773764noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8609894486985463435.post-7527832325218426262013-03-21T09:56:00.002-04:002013-03-23T07:17:48.948-04:00Blood, Sweat & Tears: The Making of a Shade Garden<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I thought I would share the project that kicked off my gardening season last March. I had been working on design plans all winter for our own property, and redoing the side yard took priority as I knew I wanted to move some mature plants early in the spring. Our side yard is actually a good size, and you can see in one of my first posts about my lovely twisted sisters that it is also rather bare with a slope of approximately three feet. The previous homeowner had used this area for a daycare and had 12 yards of sand dumped in for the kids to play on. Not so good for lawn or garden, but with perseverance and a great deal of compost I have slowly been able to improve the growing conditions.<br />
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Even though the grass now grows, this portion of our property is hardly used as it is completely visible to the neighbour who frightens the kids and the dog. Perhaps I'll enlighten you more in another post, but I'll be be charitable today and spare everyone the ongoing saga of the fight for privacy from said scary neighbour.<br />
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I planned the new shade garden to consist of two tiers to address the slope. Each tier measure 8' wide by 24' long. As our property sits perched on fractured limestone, the first order of business was to search for the ever prevalent rock that plagues my gardening enjoyment. This first find proved to be a challenge. Barely sticking out of the soil, I had no idea what I was about to get myself into...a battle with a three foot triangle of limestone that did not want to go quietly.<br />
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There is nothing like a pair of steel-toed boots to make a girl feel like superwoman! Armed with a shovel and a pry bar, and a weak knowledge of basic physics, I started off feeling rather invincible. Two hours later, exhausted, and utterly annoyed I called in back-up. My son Jo was 13 in that photo, and had sprung up to 6'2" over the course of the winter. His new found strength came in handy though he enjoyed gloating a little too much that he was finally stronger than his mother. (In my defence I do believe the rock was still wet, and therefore heavy, from the spring thaw...I can normally do this on my own.)<br />
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Triumph! With Jo's help (he's still in his pajamas!) the rock was shimmied over to take the corner position of the first tier. To finish off, stone was unearthed from this garden area and other various locations, and after four days of digging, lugging, preparing base, and levelling I was ready to start prepping the soil...and have a very long nap.<br />
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Lots of compost went into the beds as well as five yards of Gro-Max which is a fantastic product I order from my local supplier. The garden filled in with a lovely mixture of textures and my favourite vibrant hues of green from emerald to chartreuse...perennials include hostas, ferns, brunnera 'Jack Frost', heucheras, polemonium (Jacob's Ladder), Alchemilla mollis, (Lady's Mantle)<b style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">, </b>hydrangea 'Annabelle'. I added two clipped yews for vertical accent and two Japanese maples which my wonderful, thrifty husband had bought for me at an end-of-year blowout sale for only $8.00 each.<br />
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Here are some photos of the finished product as it started to fill out in May and June:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Upper tier</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My elegant $8 japanese maple looking pretty in the morning sun</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A hedge of Annabelle hydrangea back the lower tier</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Though it looks like fall this photo was taken at the beginning of July - the effect of the drought can be seen with falling leaves littering the curved pathway between the garden and the house. Two large rain barrels sit to the right of this picture which helped keep everyone alive.<br />
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I am so looking forward to seeing this garden spring back to life over the next two months. Until next time I wish you sunshine, warm days, peace and joy!<br />
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Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00554745033421773764noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8609894486985463435.post-35869625799228421672013-03-09T06:25:00.000-05:002013-03-09T06:32:49.742-05:00The Garden Stars of a Long Hot Summer It is 3 am as I sit down to write this. An ungodly hour to be up, even for my early rising self. The stomach flu has swept through our house this past week, finally claiming me as a victim on Thursday. After sleeping for the better part of 24 hours, I feel remarkably restored and grateful that we all seem to be getting back to normal.<br />
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There is not a lot a girl can do at 3 am especially with a husband snoring softly away on the couch, himself in a state of recovery. Tip-toing, I brewed some fresh coffee and made my way to the back deck. It is -3 C outside, but not too cold and the sky is brilliantly clear, a deep black cloak bejewelled with stars. The snow still lies a foot deep, the steam rises from the mug in to the clean country air. Somewhere to the southwest the coyotes are wailing in their eery sing song voices.<br />
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So much to be grateful for.<br />
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I am often guilty of planning so many projects for myself that I tend to feel overwhelmed even before I have started. These projects are then quite often interrupted by a sudden burst of inspiration that takes me off in a completely different direction. My problem really is that I am a problem fixer and I sometimes forget to appreciate all that is right.<br />
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So at 3 am this morning, surrounded by a dark and sleeping world, clarity crept in as I let my thoughts wander to the heroes of last summer's gardens...the plants that amazed me, that stood up to the drought with surprising fortitude. There were so many lessons and some pleasant surprises. I am grateful that as gardeners we have such a multitude of colours to paint with, that with a little research, creativity and a freshly sharpened spade we can create a truly personal masterpiece in any part of the world.<br />
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Here is a short list of a few plants that I could not live without, that offer beauty with a strong mix of tenacity and tolerance. As I wrote this, I realized they all have similar traits...drought tolerance, interesting texture and scented foliage.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZf_hmW4T5fMrGoe_uI8lBg-SFfIc7-UUoB_gx3HBvT3-xV8_aikghvnAhk8S-LpQnlJ5fIEICqGyKnNfKX04ymy48CnuoXd1WHEc3wq5lGZ3jptc1vKfsbPHFf8jurerWjVXoR0ugr7Tl/s1600/web1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="489" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZf_hmW4T5fMrGoe_uI8lBg-SFfIc7-UUoB_gx3HBvT3-xV8_aikghvnAhk8S-LpQnlJ5fIEICqGyKnNfKX04ymy48CnuoXd1WHEc3wq5lGZ3jptc1vKfsbPHFf8jurerWjVXoR0ugr7Tl/s640/web1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Nepeta Walker's Low (divisions from my own garden) creates a striking border for a butterfly garden at a school in Kingston. Looks completely natural planted with echinacea, rudbeckia and perovskia. This was an enormously gratifying project...You can read more about the garden <a href="http://www.stoneandmaple.com/st-patricks-school.html" target="_blank">here on our website</a>.</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">Nepeta:</span> I have two varieties, Walker's Low and a border of the more diminutive Blue Cloud. This is one of the first perennials to show life in early spring. At first a soft green mat appears that belies the size it will soon take. Walker's Low flowers in late spring to early summer after which it is cut back for a second show that carries through until the fall. This darling perennial has so many virtues. Very drought tolerant, requiring little extra water. The soft grey-green leaves have a wonderful mint like fragrance which deters insects, but the flower is a huge attractor of the good ones - bees and butterflies love it!<br />
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It is cloud of soft purple when in flower, making a casually elegant hedge or a beautiful specimen. I have found it is beneficial in deterring insects from neighbouring plants as well, helping to reduce maintenance in the beds.<br />
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Nepetas are what I like to call a "bang-for-your-buck" plant, reaching full size within 2-3 years and very easy to divide. From my original mother plant I have created dozens of offspring. The mature spread is approximately 3' with a flowering height of 18-24". They rarely look good potted up in the nursery, but don't let that deter you, once it has room to grow it will quickly fill out to its full glory.<br />
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<b>Hardiness:</b> Zone 3-8<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXw72BapBhWXdsP6iLM8f2IRB0RVFbJpMr-4Sz5dwxAkfnCJ4INO3frLg6CIAjlB-H6tES0z7ejfSmkNxSz5yVKt40Hu3GyZ-ZsoJ-K0iFrcXy0wtpcw8vHMcu4owyJ23Tekt5E1UVgF2i/s1600/summer-32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXw72BapBhWXdsP6iLM8f2IRB0RVFbJpMr-4Sz5dwxAkfnCJ4INO3frLg6CIAjlB-H6tES0z7ejfSmkNxSz5yVKt40Hu3GyZ-ZsoJ-K0iFrcXy0wtpcw8vHMcu4owyJ23Tekt5E1UVgF2i/s640/summer-32.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first flowers of the Nepeta are almost ready to bloom (bottom left)...the timing is perfect with lupine, peony, and iris. Geranium alba (front) provides a nice textural contrast, echoing the rising green spires of delphinium in the background. Picture taken 2009.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption">And here is a mature nepeta clump as it appeared early September 2012, you can see it survived the drought quite nicely. I can't say that about the rudbeckia which looks surprisingly stressed out. A column of Calamagrostis acutiflora 'Karl Foerster' is backed with the remarkable hardy and self-seeded annual Nicotiana alata or night-scented nicotinia.</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">Caryopteris:</span> Also know as Bluebeard, this hardy shrub provides late season interest, bursting into a cloud of blue in late summer and early fall. I have a small hedge of three beside the patio where I can run my fingers through the scented foliage that is an alluring minty sweetness. Likes the sun by I can report that mine have done nicely with some afternoon shade.<br />
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Beautiful grey green foliage adds a softness to the garden, mine is offset with the deep rich green of climbing hydrangea behind, and boxwood in the front. My favourite combination is with <span style="color: #e06666;">Gaura lindheimeri</span>, the airy white whirling butterflies create the illusion that the bluebeard is in flower all summer, a happy planting accident that created a stunning effect. Once in bloom, the plant is alive with bees, who I think must be grateful for such an abundant food source so late in the season.<br />
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<b>Hardiness:</b> Zone 5-9. In my zone 5b garden, the plant is treated more like perennial and I cut back the foliage from 6-8" in early spring.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh99zhaYCDhRKHb45s7OzQQ04HgE-1UmldMYlAMQtHeUcDzojALkcX_jmBYKOi_jx_cchkgmJF5moFbAg3JZD2-pMA6vDyCSHZV2_BGp7daE3lUE8KpsMy_dX_ov1hwdBNChlBS6OZu7-LN/s1600/summer-33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="580" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh99zhaYCDhRKHb45s7OzQQ04HgE-1UmldMYlAMQtHeUcDzojALkcX_jmBYKOi_jx_cchkgmJF5moFbAg3JZD2-pMA6vDyCSHZV2_BGp7daE3lUE8KpsMy_dX_ov1hwdBNChlBS6OZu7-LN/s640/summer-33.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have the hardest time trying to capture this shrub just right...but here it is, my lovely caryopteris beside the patio. just past its prime. If you look closely you can see the small white flower of the gaura mingling in the background.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And here is a picture from <a href="http://www.longwoodgardens.org/" target="_blank">Longwood Gardens</a>...what a stunning display the long borders of caryopteris make!</td></tr>
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And for this post I will end with just one more....<br />
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">Geranium macrorrhizum:</span> I love, love, love this ground cover! This amazing perennial, also known as Big Root Geranium, stands up to extremely tough conditions, like drought, shallow soil, and dry shade. It will grow virtually anywhere in any soil conditions.<br />
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Though it spreads quickly, it is not one of those dreadful garden thugs...it is very to control the size and direction you want the clump take. As the plant matures and spreads it performs as a wonderful weed suppressor - I have yet to pull one unwanted invader.<br />
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I find this geranium performs better with some shade as mine have displayed burnt leaves in full afternoon sun when the UV warnings have been high. Lovely magenta flowers in spring...you do not have to deadhead unless you so desire as the new growth covers the seed heads nicely.<br />
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The foliage is strongly scented (some would say pungent)...to be honest I cannot decide if I like it or not. I find the leaves to be somewhat spicy with a strong hit of lemon. This of course helps repel insects, and I have never had a problem - it also seems to help keep slugs away from the neighbouring hostas. </div>
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Hardiness: Zone 3-8</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Geranium macrorrhizum in the shade garden at <a href="http://www.stoneandmaple.com/water-conservation-garden.html" target="_blank">Utilities KingstonWater Conservation Garden</a>. I divided and potted up over 80 divisions to create the border in this part of the garden...very rewarding!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ln7JMvB1HlcdJkMX8CGJw46AVEpQwcHcksAz4aa2BomoTDkuLZhbtCZvSKIr5neQWr__nZU4YgxHmyKtKuSIhR9oOjemfkl_itqdHZ6wqW62G7Xo3jsSko3Tm6DI79DePJDEl7kLZVsO/s1600/summer-23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ln7JMvB1HlcdJkMX8CGJw46AVEpQwcHcksAz4aa2BomoTDkuLZhbtCZvSKIr5neQWr__nZU4YgxHmyKtKuSIhR9oOjemfkl_itqdHZ6wqW62G7Xo3jsSko3Tm6DI79DePJDEl7kLZVsO/s1600/summer-23.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another shot of the <a href="http://www.stoneandmaple.com/water-conservation-garden.html" target="_blank">Utilities KingstonWater Conservation Garden</a>.<br />
After one season this pretty river of geranium is already filling in...<br />
the roots of the large silver maples have not hampered its efforts in the least.</td></tr>
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These are but a few of the plants I truly adore...I would love to hear what some of yours are!</div>
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Until then I wish you love, light and peace...and take a moment to reflect on what you are grateful for. As gardeners we tend to be too critical of our work, embrace the beauty you have created in your part of the world.</div>
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Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00554745033421773764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8609894486985463435.post-56850225501074046162013-03-03T06:32:00.002-05:002013-03-03T07:42:41.944-05:00Ruby Treasures<br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A little touch of ruby red and seashell pink can be found in many of my shade gardens. The delicate fronds of <i>heuchera</i> are accompanied by two of my newer favourites, the <i>geum rivale </i>or Water Avens<i>,</i> and <i>astrantia major </i>or masterwort. These delicate flowers nod in the breeze, dancing amongst the stronger leaves of hosta and the upright plumes of astilbe. I find they offer a sweet contrast, slightly romantic and completely charming.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #353535; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">My Garden, 2012 | </span><span style="color: #353535; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">A pretty native, Geum rivale </span><strong style="color: #353535; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">Water Avens</strong></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The bell shaped flowers of </span><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 15px; text-align: center;"><i>Geum rivale</i> or </span><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 15px; text-align: center;">Water Avens</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> grow on long, arching stems held above basal rosettes. This perennial really prefers moist soil and is native to much of North America and parts of Europe found growing in bogs, near streams and in other wetland conditions. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is reported that Water Avens will flower throughout summer, from June to late July. Perhaps in the right conditions mine would do the same, but my lovely girl in the photos above and below flowers happily in late May, early June, then no more. I fully expect a lack of repeat bloom has to do with the lack of desired water. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Despite that, mine has been established under the shade of a Miss Kim Lilac and for three years, happily flowering in early summer at the same time the lilac begins to bud out. I love the harmony of colour between the two plants. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;">Growing Conditions:</span> Hardy zone 3-7. Height 18-24" cm. Spread 12" cm. Divide in early spring, cut back for repeat bloom.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="color: #353535; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">My Garden, 2012 | </span><span style="color: #353535; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">A pretty native, <i>Geum rivale,</i> </span><span style="color: #353535; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">Water Avens <br />under the shade of the Miss Kim Lilac with a blanket of creeping phlox</span></td></tr>
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I have to admit that it took me a while to warm up to the astrantia. I would pass by it in the nursery, intrigued by the pincushion like blossoms, but standing alone, it does not exactly come across as a true garden beauty...and so I would leave it. </div>
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Finally though, I could resist the temptation no longer, and several varieties of astrantia now call my garden home. It is in mingling with other shade plants that the astrantia truly shines and I have come to adore it. </div>
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The soft ruby colour of the Hadspen's Blood variety and the pale bloom of Roma add contrast in the hydrangea border and echo the lush pink of peony blooming at the same time. Though astrantia prefer rich, moist, well drained soils, once established they can survive on less water.</div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;">Growing Conditions:: </span>Hardy zone 3a-7. Height 18-24" cm. Spread 24" cm. Divide mature clumps in early spring.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0em 0em 0.8em; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">My Garden 2012:</span><em style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0em 0em 0.8em; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"> Astrantia major "Hadspen Blood" </em><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0em 0em 0.8em; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">and</span><em style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0em 0em 0.8em; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"> Roma, </em><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">in the hydrangea border.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; text-align: left;">My Garden 2012: </span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0em 0em 0.8em; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">Pretty in pink:</span><em style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0em 0em 0.8em; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"> Astrantia major "Hadspen Blood", </em><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">Masterwort</span></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The flowers look gorgeous in mixed bouquets and can look fresh for up to a week in the vase. This perennial is also versatile as flower gives way give way to equally pretty </span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">seed heads that can be left to offer garden interest and the hope for new offspring.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #e06666; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 18px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><i>Until next time - wishes for peace, love & joy!</i></span></div>
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Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00554745033421773764noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8609894486985463435.post-34953465357219696242013-02-24T18:55:00.003-05:002013-02-24T18:55:47.361-05:00Garden Blues<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hello again everyone. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am shocked that it has been so long. The last time I wrote I was heading out to the garden almost one year ago. And there I did stay for quite a while. One project led to another...</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stones were pried from the ground, walls were built, plants were divided, pruned, moved, deadheaded. Then 32 weeks of teaching began followed shortly by a drought unlike anything I have experienced before. By the time October rolled around I was one stressed out, tired, sunburnt garden warrior actually looking forward to the relief that a winter respite would bring. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I rejoiced when fall finally allowed me to put away the garden hoses, sprinklers and pumps, to empty the very large collection of rain barrels and water tanks, to put to bed a garden that was looking as battered as I felt. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But, as the saying so wisely goes, that was then. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">During the winter I dedicate my time to lesson planning, marketing, designing websites and compiling new safety training manuals for my husband. With the end of February upon us I am ready to relinquish my position at the keyboard and create with plants instead of pixels.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Though I have not forgotten the torture inflicted by the weather last summer, the pull of the seasons has me ready to start anew, to hope, to plan, to dream of sun-filled days blended with enough rain to see us through. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am so craving the perfumes of freshly turned earth, sweet spring breezes, laundry blown clean on the line. I long for the sweet faces of violas, the tiny cabbage-like buds of sedum, the curl of the fern under the shade of the twisted maples. Yet the garden still sleeps and impatience will not hasten the arrival of spring.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So to celebrate the garden blues, literally, I choose to share some of my favourite azure beauties. Blue in the garden is restful, a wonderful classic compliment to whites, a pastel friend to pink and mauve, and stunning when paired with vibrant hues of orange and yellow.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And who can resist the perfect simplicity of the pansy.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here planted in zinc containers.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;"><a href="http://sjarmerende-gjenbruk.blogspot.com/">sjarmerende-gjenbruk.blogspot.com</a></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="padding-top: 4px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><span style="font-size: small;">...and the sea of forget-me-nots floating behind <br />the gentle wands of heuchera </span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">or the lush carpet of creeping phlox, </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">t</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">he vibrance of ajuga chocolate in bloom</span><br />
<a href="http://www.obsessiveneuroticgardener.com/2011/09/ajuga-bugleweed-chocolate-chip.html"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">http://www.obsessiveneuroticgardener.com</span></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Until next time - wishes for peace, love & joy!</span><br />
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Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00554745033421773764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8609894486985463435.post-92087120258616519372012-03-11T07:09:00.001-04:002012-03-11T10:15:08.278-04:00Spring Forward!Did you remember to change your clocks? I know you, like my teenage daughters, might meet this grand day with some moans and groans as you realize you just lost an hour of sleep. But for me, today has all the excitement of Christmas morning, the clocks moving ahead that wonderful hour means that I have the gift a "normal" life again.<br />
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For reasons unknown, my body decided four years ago that it simply didn't care what time it was anymore. The time would change, but I would not. I have always been an early riser, and grateful for it... up before the sun, usually between 4 and 5 a.m. With a house full of kids, a very busy husband, two cats, a dog and a japanese fighting fish named Princess, two hours alone every morning with my coffee and my thoughts is a much cherished ritual. In the fall when we turn the clocks back an hour, my body wakes itself up at 3 a.m - not nearly so desirable and it can be hard to keep busy that early in the morning when there is nothing but snow and darkness about.<br />
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But today I am just giddy with anticipation and I hope wherever you are that you can share in my happiness! In addition to the time change, it seems Mother Nature has finally decided to smile upon us and deliver a balmy day of 9 C and with a warming trend the rest of the week. As far I am concerned, today is MY first day of spring, and I am already wandering around in my blundstones waiting for the sun to come up so I can get outside and do something.<br />
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And there is so, so much to do!<br />
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My list is rather long - I will be out there brandishing the pruners, tackling the shrubs, cutting back the grasses, and picking up all the stuff that was left behind in the fall and tossed around in the wind storm two weeks ago. No doubt I will calling out to my son to pick up dog poop he missed over the winter and for my husband to please help me clean and sharpen the tools. The patio chairs will receive their cushions, the bbq will be cleaned, and perhaps the waterfall will be started up in the pond. We will be looking (praying) for the coi and trying to decide if the frog floating around on its back is just sleeping or has met an untimely demise (whereupon we will distract my five year old so that said frog can be gently removed).<br />
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I will walk the gardens seeking signs of life...the sweet cabbage-like buds of sedum, the dainty strands of crocus, buds swelling on the lilac, plum and apple. I have been writing this long enough that the song of robin and whip-poor-will have started up and it is now time to go.<br />
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It is going to be a glorious day!<br />
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So until next time when I may have some lovely shots of my own garden to share, all spick and span, and bursting with life, I would like to share some photos from other gardeners who have been enjoying spring a little longer than I have.<br />
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From the lovely blog <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;"><b><a href="http://wifemothergardener.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Wife, Gardener, Mother</a></b></span> we have these gorgeous snowdrops and crocus...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption"><a href="http://wifemothergardener.blogspot.com/2012/03/crocus-chrysanthus-goldilocks.html" target="_blank"><br />Just love this cheerful little crocus surrounded by sedum acre: <br />http://wifemothergardener.blogspot.com</a></td></tr>
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And from <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;"><b><a href="http://sweetbay103.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Sweetbay</a></b></span> are these shots from her garden taken last April and May - she has the most beautiful woodland gardens...</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://sweetbay103.blogspot.com/2012/02/blooming-friday-colors.html" target="_blank">White iris are stunning</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://sweetbay103.blogspot.com/2012/02/blooming-friday-colors.html" target="_blank">A lush planting</a></td></tr>
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<a href="http://sweetbay103.blogspot.com/2012/01/wildflowers-year-in-review-part-i.html" target="_blank">And an elegant Alabama Azalea </a></td></tr>
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And from a blog I found just yesterday,<b> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;"><a href="http://www.rhonestreetgardens.com/" target="_blank">Rhone Street Gardens</a></span></b>, we have these beautiful photographs from Scott Weber...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.rhonestreetgardens.com/" target="_blank">Snowdrops</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7191/6956033075_7b16bfb667_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7191/6956033075_7b16bfb667_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.rhonestreetgardens.com/" target="_blank">vibrant hues of sedum welcome spring</a></td></tr>
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I hope you enjoy this glorious Sunday and all that it has to offer. Happy gardening!</div>
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</div>Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00554745033421773764noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8609894486985463435.post-48705095993225586772012-03-05T10:05:00.001-05:002012-03-11T10:16:27.300-04:00Les Quatre Vents: a beautiful legacy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">“We should be transported from our regular preoccupations. With an open heart and soul we can be receptive to the images, scents, sounds, spaces, and views that surround us, as well as to the touch of the wind and the rain, to the peace everlasting of the “genius of the place.” </span></i></span></span></blockquote>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px;">~ Frank Cabot, "The Greater Perfection" </span></div>
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I am guilty, dear readers, of overlooking what has been in my own rather large Canadian backyard. In fact I have somehow overlooked what is "considered to be one of horticultural masterpieces of the 20th century". Like many of us, my attention has been trained on the spectacular gardens of England and France and the famous designers that inspire and teach us. Granted, Canada is rather a large backyard, but I find no excuse for not knowing that such a glorious creation existed just one province away.</div>
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I first saw a picture of Les Quatre Vents (garden of The Four winds) just two short months ago as I was perched at my desk, researching the web for information on Canadian gardens...it was sheer joy when the image below from ridngthebuses.com appeared on the screen. I was completely enraptured by the unique border of ornamental rhubarb, the rill leading us to the view beyond. It was rather unusual - and daring - and brilliant. I was smitten and I have been searching for information on Frank Cabot and Les Quatre Vents ever since.</div>
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I am not going to write an in-depth piece here (I hope you don't find me lazy), but what I am going to do is provide you with some inspiring photos. I have compiled a list of links at the end of this post that will take you to articles written by authors who have actually visited the gardens and will do much more justice to this place than I could at this moment.</div>
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Situated near La Malbaie, Charlevoix County, Quebec Les Quatre Vents is the private garden of Frank Cabot and his wife Anne. A self-taught gardener and designer, Cabot spent 25 years developing, restoring and creating 20 acres of masterful garden 'rooms' that include the whimsical, the formal, the lush and so much more - all infused with Cabot's passionate eye to the "genius of the place".</div>
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Sadly, Mr. Cabot passed away in November 2011 at the age of 86. I am committed to visiting the garden this summer, even in the midst of our busiest season, but I confess I deeply regret that I will not have the opportunity to meet this most inspiring gardener. He leaves us now his gardens as teachers and I hope you will find some inspiration from his work as I have.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/193865958929233561_4QgFRwmy_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/193865958929233561_4QgFRwmy_f.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Ornamental rhubarb creates a luscious border</span><br />
Photo via: <a href="http://ridingthebuses.com/?s=les+quatre+vents">Riding the Buses</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.finegardening.com/assets/uploads/posts/20647/8-29-2011-Cabot4-VS.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.finegardening.com/assets/uploads/posts/20647/8-29-2011-Cabot4-VS.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Frank Cabot in the garden at Les Quatre Vents</span><br />
photo via: <a href="http://finegardening.com/">finegardening.com</a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/31173422390546243_XORE8xjD_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/31173422390546243_XORE8xjD_f.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #211922; line-height: 17px;">A clever use of mirrors in the garden...</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #211922; line-height: 17px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #211922; line-height: 17px;"> creating the illusion that you could simply walk forever </span></span><br />
Photo via: <a href="http://www.finegardening.com/item/20674/les-quatre-vents-an-optical-illusion">finegardening.com</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/193865958929454219_Mj8vOyAa_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/193865958929454219_Mj8vOyAa_f.jpg" width="333" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 24px;">An archway in the pigeoniere beckons us to the gardens beyond</span></span><br />
<a href="http://blog.douggreensgarden.com/more-pics-from-les-quatre-vents/">photo via: Doug Green's Blog</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9_7dWHegoJQ/Ttf_yq62NBI/AAAAAAAAKFM/9FT5PULuXFU/TeaHouse_QV_A9R642408_web504x375.jpg?imgmax=512" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9_7dWHegoJQ/Ttf_yq62NBI/AAAAAAAAKFM/9FT5PULuXFU/TeaHouse_QV_A9R642408_web504x375.jpg?imgmax=512" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The Tea House at Les Quatres Vents</span><br />
photo via: <a href="http://inthegarden.marthastewart.com/2011/12/01/frank-cabot/">inthegarden.marthastewart.com</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.cassandrapages.com/.a/6a00d8341c643353ef0133f2b44320970b-600wi" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://www.cassandrapages.com/.a/6a00d8341c643353ef0133f2b44320970b-600wi" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The stunning contrast of the formal within a natural setting</span><br />
<a href="http://www.cassandrapages.com/the_cassandra_pages/2010/07/charlevoix-iii-jardin-des-quatre-vents.html">photo via: The Cassandra Pages</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ridingthebuses.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/les-quatre-vents/mozart-or-dixieland-15deshow-dynamic-sl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://ridingthebuses.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/les-quatre-vents/mozart-or-dixieland-15deshow-dynamic-sl.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">A touch of whimsy...<br />This is from a wonderful collection of photos:</span><br />
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Photo via:<a href="http://ridingthebuses.com/?s=les+quatre+vents"> Riding the Buses</a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ridingthebuses.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/les-quatre-vents/dandelions-are-ok-17-bottom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://ridingthebuses.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/les-quatre-vents/dandelions-are-ok-17-bottom.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">...and also from <a href="http://ridingthebuses.com/?s=les+quatre+vents"> Riding the Buses</a><br />a stunning vista of glorious spring colour</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/193865958929451931_a3bgrhmJ_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/193865958929451931_a3bgrhmJ_f.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #211922; line-height: 19px;">The Blue Moon Bridge - I am speechless</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #211922; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #211922; font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Times; line-height: normal;">Photo via: <a href="http://www.finegardening.com/item/20674/les-quatre-vents-an-optical-illusion">finegardening.com</a></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #211922; font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">For more information on Les Quatre Vents follow the links below:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;"><br /></span><br />
<b>ARTICLES & PHOTOS:</b><br />
<a href="http://ridingthebuses.com/2011/07/gardens-of-the-world-les-quatre-vents/">http://ridingthebuses.com/2011/07/gardens-of-the-world-les-quatre-vents/</a><br />
<a href="http://blog.douggreensgarden.com/more-pics-from-les-quatre-vents/">http://blog.douggreensgarden.com/more-pics-from-les-quatre-vents/</a><br />
<a href="http://www.finegardening.com/item/20647/the-gardens-of-les-quatre-vents">http://www.finegardening.com/item/20647/the-gardens-of-les-quatre-vents</a><br />
<a href="http://www.cassandrapages.com/the_cassandra_pages/2010/07/charlevoix-iii-jardin-des-quatre-vents.html">http://www.cassandrapages.com/the_cassandra_pages/2010/07/charlevoix-iii-jardin-des-quatre-vents.html</a><br />
<a href="http://inthegarden.marthastewart.com/2011/12/01/frank-cabot/">http://inthegarden.marthastewart.com/2011/12/01/frank-cabot/</a><br />
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<b>VIRTUAL TOUR:</b><br />
<a href="http://www.etpanorama.com/Cabot_Garden_demo/Cabot_Garden_Intro.html">http://www.etpanorama.com/Cabot_Garden_demo/Cabot_Garden_Intro.html</a><br />
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<b>TO BUY TICKETS: </b><br />
<a href="http://cepas.qc.ca/jour-heure.php">http://cepas.qc.ca/jour-heure.php</a><br />
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<b>THE DVD</b></div>
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Mr. Cabot has narrated a DVD about the gardens. A sample clip is available on youtube and at the link below. The charm, passion and wit is audibly apparent in the warm tones of the gardener.</div>
<a href="http://gardenconservancy.org/about/news/135-new-quatre-vents-dvd-available">http://gardenconservancy.org/about/news/135-new-quatre-vents-dvd-available</a><br />
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<b><br /></b><br />
<b>THE BOOK:</b><br />
<a href="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1179495879l/923278.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1179495879l/923278.jpg" width="160" /></a><br />
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You may have a hard time finding this book, I certainly have which is making the yearning that much more intense. Available online at all the usual places like Barnes & Noble, Chapters, and Amazon 'The Great Perfection' has a rather shocking sticker price. </div>
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I have seen used copies available from just under $200.00 to well over $2000.00. At the time of this writing, there does not seem to be any new copies on the market. I am hoping if I am successful in making my garden trek, a copy may be available at the gardens themselves. wish me luck...and send me an email if you have a copy you would like to sell for less than the prices mentioned above :)</div>
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</div>Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00554745033421773764noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8609894486985463435.post-78745438256854242072012-02-29T16:56:00.001-05:002012-03-11T10:17:05.798-04:00Blue Wonder<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is yet another blustery snowy day here and the only signs of spring are blooming sweetly on the dining roomy table. But I do know spring must be coming because my favourite little campanula has arrived in the grocery store again. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxkg5AkduvpzDJUkc0iwusK6ZV6YCxLwohDzLjp4_jBOS_JzlWeSYGer_GiEvjfPxvgzcpWvrB8dyybIM-YY4ASyYALbez5zNuthgbDHsPPOMNzIg0Qbl7QEGMQELhqJA0Np9FBsxrZnkv/s1600/campanula2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxkg5AkduvpzDJUkc0iwusK6ZV6YCxLwohDzLjp4_jBOS_JzlWeSYGer_GiEvjfPxvgzcpWvrB8dyybIM-YY4ASyYALbez5zNuthgbDHsPPOMNzIg0Qbl7QEGMQELhqJA0Np9FBsxrZnkv/s640/campanula2.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Campanula Haylodgensis 'Blue Wonder'</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">'Blue Wonder' is smothered in dainty double blooms that I find irresistibly romantic. Though she is hardy to zone 3, I will have to admit defeat when I have transplanted this pretty girl outside to the garden in past years, perhaps I was a little too hasty in the acclimatization process. I am quite content to enjoy her presence indoors for the moment.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwbqO5nkq6QinmIIYFLR4siQu51GsopSL8qSDzJD5De-WMMLy82dWTAk0SeEDSKMkxDYv0OwInQs_EQG3_iWaqFHlIsslNVVwfsBpqsVNcCmB6tD_Oq8-pJK-hnZEwMbfKxeiZ-knuxNTt/s1600/campanula.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwbqO5nkq6QinmIIYFLR4siQu51GsopSL8qSDzJD5De-WMMLy82dWTAk0SeEDSKMkxDYv0OwInQs_EQG3_iWaqFHlIsslNVVwfsBpqsVNcCmB6tD_Oq8-pJK-hnZEwMbfKxeiZ-knuxNTt/s640/campanula.jpg" width="435" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Sitting pretty in a pot purchased at Neil's Flowers. <br />These french inspired containers are waterproof <br />so I can use them for cut flowers as well.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_c52y3LqTmnYI_-XM1dzDHWskx19jBEPjdEblpw8jVMgJvPT4SsQyI-74_Mi7LujaTpnAjS4ww5MsyDHr75fK1fj4B22CRQ2wrdEWM88lAt1mshzpOErsUVh1XAGbkEErfxD9Etpr6n91/s1600/IMG_5769.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_c52y3LqTmnYI_-XM1dzDHWskx19jBEPjdEblpw8jVMgJvPT4SsQyI-74_Mi7LujaTpnAjS4ww5MsyDHr75fK1fj4B22CRQ2wrdEWM88lAt1mshzpOErsUVh1XAGbkEErfxD9Etpr6n91/s640/IMG_5769.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And what would spring be without the heavy perfume of hyacinth. She looked lovely by the kitchen sink but the scent was overpowering and so she had to go - finally landing in the faraway corner of the dining room.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The garden is sleeping outside, ready to awake in all her spring glory. Blue is such a relaxing and peaceful colour to include in the perennial garden, and I love the soothing contrast of blue and whites offset with the freshness of chartreuse and apple greens. Soon will be the tulips, muscari and iris leading up to the sky blues of phlox, centaurea, and baptisia. Just to be patient a little while longer.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Love your thoughts and feedback.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>Have a lovely day!</i></span></div>
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</div>Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00554745033421773764noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8609894486985463435.post-23160668327105481902012-02-26T07:04:00.001-05:002012-03-11T10:18:49.250-04:00The Peace of Wild Things<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #e06666; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">The Peace of Wild Things</span></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When despair for the world grows in me </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and I wake in the night at the least sound</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">in fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be,</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I go and lie down where the wood drake rests </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">in his beauty on the water, </span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and the great heron feeds.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I come into the peace of wild things</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">who do not tax their lives with forethought of grief. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I come into the presence of still water.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And I feel above me the day-blind stars</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">waiting with their light. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For a time I rest in the grace of the world, </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and am free.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Quite by accident, I stumbled across this poem this morning by Wendell Berry and I was completely drawn in by</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> those few simple, perfectly ordered words</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. "...into the peace of wild things". </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ask gardeners why they garden and you will hear many different and wonderful reasons, but I believe those reasons are all rooted to the same basic need. Beyond the beauty and the joys of creation lies a profound, inescapable connection to the earth; an ancient yearning that draws us in and commands us to stay away awhile. It is a </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">seductive undertaking t</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">o conjure up and make real our own version of paradise. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A garden offers escape, hope, healing, reassurance, a chance to breathe.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the mornings I am lured by the perfumes of freshly turned soil, the scent of lavender, lemon balm and thyme, bird song and water trickling, the sparkle of dew and a serenity that comes from being witness to all of those things. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Your version of a peaceful setting will be different than mine, this is a very personal thing. For me, woodland and Japanese (or zen) gardens are two gardening styles that perhaps best incorporate this bit of alluring wildness into the mix. I love trees and of course they are valuable for so many important reasons. They provide us with structure, rhythm and movement, an assortment of </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">colour and interest, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">shade and protection, and bring a voice to the wind. They can be small and graceful, or large and stately and no matter the size of your space one can be found that will make your heart sing.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here are a few of some of my favourite inspirational gardens - I think they all capture the essence of peace and serenity in the garden.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Grace in the garden with a planting of gorgeous Japanese snowbelles (styrax japonicas). </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hardy in zones 5-8, this smaller tree grows to height and spread of 25'...perfect for smaller yards. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dainty white blooms add beauty to the garden in late June. A touch of formality is offered up </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">by the boxwoods. I love the curves of this rustic gravel pathway </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">...leads the eye to the sculpture and fountain and what lies beyond.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Rick Darke's American Woodland Garden. The thoughtful design of this garden</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">created a truly spectacular and peaceful setting. Native plants were used extensively.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">I would love to take a stroll beside the stream and meditate with nature for a while.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal;">Image ⓒ Dency Kane from Barbara Pleasant’s <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1580175449?ie=UTF8&tag=thegarsede-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1580175449">Garden Stone</a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">A small pond and fountain tucked away in the corner of the garden<br />brings pure pleasure to even the smallest yard or balcony. Natural stones smothered in moss anchor the dainty textures of ferns and grasses - a lovely, tranquil spot. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #211922; font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-size: x-small;">( Photo via <a href="http://www.finegardening.com/CMS/uploadedImages/Images/Gardening/Plants/chionanthusvirginicus_sf_2_lg.jpg/" style="font-weight: bold; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">finegardening.com</a>)</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #211922; font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 17px;">Chionanthus virginicus (White Fringe Tree):</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #211922; font-size: small;">I adore the wild and charming nature of this native tree which gifts white spring flower to the garden. Like the Japanese snowbell, this graceful beauty reaches heights of 12-20' and is hardy to zone 4. Last summer </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #211922; font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 17px;"></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #211922; font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 17px;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_784338610">Utilities Kingston Water Conservation Garden: spring 2011</a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #211922; font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 17px;">A little bit of peace in the midst of the city.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #211922; font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 17px;">This is a project is very near and dear to my heart. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #211922; font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 17px;">My husband I designed and installed this section of the garden in 2009-2010. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #211922; font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 17px;">(Would you believe there is parking left just to the left of this photo.) </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #211922; font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 17px;">Flagstone pathways lead to sitting stones overlooking the swale.<br />Sweet woodruff as ground cover, mingles through the hostas and tiarella - </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #211922; font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 17px;">a contemplative space under the shade of silver maples </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #211922; font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 17px;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/56329/Garden-bench-traditional-landscape-boston" target="_blank">(Photo via houzz.com)</a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #211922; font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 17px;">That wild and peaceful feeling can still be found within a more modern setting.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #211922; font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 17px;">This lovely design by </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #211922; font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Samuel H. Williamson Associates incorporates simple lines</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #211922; font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">with a relaxed atmosphere created by a soothing palette. A water feature provides the soothing musical overtones to this alluring courtyard garden.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>I would love to hear your thoughts </i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>and cherish your comments!</i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><i><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_784338596"><br /></a></i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><i>Have a beautiful day!</i></span></span><br />
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<span id="goog_784338598"></span>Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00554745033421773764noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8609894486985463435.post-51266025912466062802012-02-20T11:25:00.001-05:002012-02-23T14:33:00.635-05:00Simple Pleasures<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Good morning! It is Family Day in Ontario which means on this sun-filled February morning my house is bustling with the comings and goings of my wonderful husband and four of my gorgeous children (and so far everyone is getting along and the decibel level is bearable). We often start feeling a little cramped this time of year, and we are aching to get out into the backyard where freedom reigns and there is plenty of room for everyone.</div>
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The spring and summer months are filled with so many delights, but I cherish the simple joys most of all...those that add a richness and wholeness to daily life, the tiny but powerful anchors that bring us back to earth and remind us of our humanity.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the hammock under the maples, summer 2010</td></tr>
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The garden is our summer house. The kids run through pathways, count frogs in the pond, pick mulberries and currants, and sit and swing. We bbq almost every day and wonder at the stars on bonfire nights, swatting mosquitoes and inhaling the fragrance of night-scented nicotiana.</div>
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We need a new hammock to hang between the only two perfectly spaced maples...I do believe I could fall in love with this one and wonder how much time I can find to hide away and read a book...</div>
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this one is lovely too, and perhaps a little more durable...</div>
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the view is breathtaking and reminds me that a summer vacation is long overdue...</div>
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A basket of cozy cushions on the patio would be nice....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9-zltWlDeNgpOgzZj00FJ3ylQRiLOUEt-RQ4dXWzGZzf5tsS2KvEfQYf5K4aHpDpJ0rmSSN17ofmfU4rFVwkyLSvOzoCHXco7r_KGjmHEgdwx8__e_XXA35oWr_ACRP6CfxeJlqBueVWd/s1600/270216046361971327_TYgDA9wc_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9-zltWlDeNgpOgzZj00FJ3ylQRiLOUEt-RQ4dXWzGZzf5tsS2KvEfQYf5K4aHpDpJ0rmSSN17ofmfU4rFVwkyLSvOzoCHXco7r_KGjmHEgdwx8__e_XXA35oWr_ACRP6CfxeJlqBueVWd/s400/270216046361971327_TYgDA9wc_f.jpg" width="267" /></a></div>
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but first to see the grape hyacinth...</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://frokeniknopp.blogspot.com/">frokeniknopp.blogspot.com</a></td></tr>
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and how I look forward to the scent of lilacs...</div>
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/stonemaple/white-gardens/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJpp14n8GUhrwN9bDxGfsoJ1QKw907aBKVQ6vCrUSC9lPfsS8mgbo10WzMykZ0wJ1S-6zPfB2rKTsiu8OJEfc_uK_FPWMMNzQYbq74b_TXOipN8kwwgwo1bjVXRMS399b-Z4-YrWr4lAQm/s320/54887689178079493_bVCrVKgW_f.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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and the graceful spires of delphinium...</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/stonemaple/white-gardens" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLLdwQ-5MDYNcCntjAGlrIPqZ4r9y8bFnsT9GD1K8SDf4BUzgltRC91iJLUwFdrIvpptXe_EKBfo-FeWlVOUwV3pBa_KfonAds2TMETlvVAPGNbhKEVEo_waSHp4-Au4B9KW9mdcVvGojE/s400/79024168431247494_DOZCi0P7_f.jpg" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://frokeniknopp.blogspot.com/">frokeniknopp.blogspot.com</a></td></tr>
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and tucking in pretty pots of begonia to the shady corners...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK9EA5DtT2CFZBTsOCtr4yKBZoIrbrFaluQnwRASQTYR_1cCMP9gzZtbN8wYagu63OB4HkVzKXSwLMy-XK3cQcvzye-Z2DIZfISdQLQpa37JzI2emImdIyZW8L91foIsiuscZnu3_gpc9g/s1600/14003448810845576_ClyklDWo_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK9EA5DtT2CFZBTsOCtr4yKBZoIrbrFaluQnwRASQTYR_1cCMP9gzZtbN8wYagu63OB4HkVzKXSwLMy-XK3cQcvzye-Z2DIZfISdQLQpa37JzI2emImdIyZW8L91foIsiuscZnu3_gpc9g/s400/14003448810845576_ClyklDWo_b.jpg" width="297" /></a></div>
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I would like to create a romantically wild refuge in the </div>
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back corner where little girls can hide from their big brother....</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_500970988"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ4Kz378SPpPf8gBMrrdtpW6xg2dSfuLFZ2yTqqhDYP5q-KybWB0mXje350e2DN-GcrMv0lI5o_XYdng2_oLNyRqfOT099fn1kOEKIEEAtWF8-i3LI1Z1CNx_3gWU4j6las9Nbfm8ITNVS/s320/bench.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://home-biba.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2010-04-19T12%3A17%3A00%2B01%3A00&amp;max-results=7" target="_blank">from biba.blogspot.com</a></td></tr>
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and plant more cosmos this year between the grasses...</div>
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/stonemaple/white-gardens/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHFroDWzrfzHA0-vHbIgaE8GNNPmh2dXRr_slvQXgPO6E0igjYmSMo2Jd59sCKtj-lGWsO_PfRhIAQpxywY5p-blMQ1A_nz5T3eoxS2wk_rXfXHPL4s_SuU8M6WaP1e_pMSj3HuIlwqAaQ/s400/275423333430880156_x1lm0JjZ_f.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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and incorporate more herbs into the mixed beds like anise... </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh23bSTIKxy7HP3n4ySEMBCvVScq8K2Y80tK6E3xg_g-V6LcWc4hr7OSTgVFBokgA5DKzgAF-2Jc8Afrqh96HrdIPUoInQzLCfgkvE-bNPfuFRbDouS1ZRZSG9jl7wbyUM3NxLVDujNNOzu/s1600/151926187399328166_DT4rZLXJ_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh23bSTIKxy7HP3n4ySEMBCvVScq8K2Y80tK6E3xg_g-V6LcWc4hr7OSTgVFBokgA5DKzgAF-2Jc8Afrqh96HrdIPUoInQzLCfgkvE-bNPfuFRbDouS1ZRZSG9jl7wbyUM3NxLVDujNNOzu/s320/151926187399328166_DT4rZLXJ_c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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then end each day with a family dinner in a space like this...</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3BjYa5zHZ8FIjtz6yzDOpd-4ZV225GOsZ7HhbPHOfn7Hpngu4XDpXOq65D_jWSUsDeFihVsWJmIeX0wyaxP89ExuKQbZ39eQTz3DnAiGHuLrwMBgp1Qj9rqtWnuEU7x59qV7WlPSIG_4-/s1600/0910-bianchi-outdoor-patio-dining-08-de.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3BjYa5zHZ8FIjtz6yzDOpd-4ZV225GOsZ7HhbPHOfn7Hpngu4XDpXOq65D_jWSUsDeFihVsWJmIeX0wyaxP89ExuKQbZ39eQTz3DnAiGHuLrwMBgp1Qj9rqtWnuEU7x59qV7WlPSIG_4-/s400/0910-bianchi-outdoor-patio-dining-08-de.jpg" width="312" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #211922; font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17px;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/stonemaple/a-room-within-the-garden/" target="_blank">Penelope Bianchi's garden</a></span></td></tr>
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<i>Thank you so much for stopping in today...w<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 14px;">ishing you all the best of life's simple pleasures. I would love to hear what inspires you and invite you to leave all thoughts & comments below.</span></i></div>Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00554745033421773764noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8609894486985463435.post-75902106415513963292012-02-16T08:43:00.006-05:002012-02-22T06:31:05.031-05:00Deciphering your garden style<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; line-height: 24px;">Show me <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: black;">your</span> <span style="color: black;">garden</span></span> </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; line-height: 24px;">and I shall tell you </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; line-height: 24px;">what you are.</span></span></div>
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<center style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><i>~ Alfred Austin</i></span></span></center><center style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span></center><center style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span></center><center><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 24px;">My Mom was the gentlest of souls. She was quiet but creative, shy but powerful, and her touch spoke volumes. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 24px;"> She was a passionate gardener, though a little careful in her decisions. In her front gardens (the bit the public could see) she allowed only geraniums, begonias, dusty miller and sweet alyssum. But in our back gardens </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 24px;">she adored a profusion of peonies, roses, tiger lilies, asters... soft pinks, punches of colour and summer fragrance. A true romantic. Often shy, my Mom was able to express herself with greater clarity and confidence in the</span> garden.</center><center style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></center><center style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">Gardens are a reflection of who we are. For the new gardener it can all be very confusing and the biggest challenge is just trying to figure out where to begin. </span></center><center style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></center><center style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">To that I would say, you must begin at the beginning. Before a shovel so much as touches the earth you have to make some decisions...many actually, but we are going to take this one step at a time.</span></center><center style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></center><center style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;">You have to decide what makes you content, fulfilled, at peace...at one with <span style="background-color: white; color: black;">your</span> own universe.</span></span></center><center style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span></center><center style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;">A good place to start is <span style="background-color: white; color: black;">your</span> wardrobe. How do you like to dress: is <span style="background-color: white; color: black;">your</span> closet filled with simple lines, muted tones, the perfect black dress, a touch of silver, everything refined and polished. Or do you love prancing around in prairie skirts, ruffles and flip flops. Does vintage make you swoon or are you a jeans and t-shirt sort of gal (or guy). Now head out of the closet and take a look at the interior of<span style="background-color: white;"> <span style="color: black;">your</span></span> home - what is <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: black;">your</span> <span style="color: black;">style</span></span>, do you like modern, classic, shabby chic? What are <span style="background-color: white; color: black;">your</span> favourite colours, textures, patterns?</span></span></center><center style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span></center><center style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;">These are all good places to look for clues that will help you blend <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: black;">your</span> <span style="color: black;">garden</span></span> harmoniously with <span style="background-color: white; color: black;">your</span> house and <span style="background-color: white; color: black;">your </span>lifestyle. And, dear friends, that is our illustrious end goal.</span></span></center><center style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span></center><center style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; line-height: 24px;">Lets explore this a bit more with some pretty visuals:</span></span></center><center style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span></center><center style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;">If you love modern sensibilities and nothing pleases you more than simple, clean lines and a distinct lack of clutter then you might just like the modern <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: black;">style</span> </span>of gardening. This is characterized by strong geometrical shapes and straight lines in pathways, patios and gardens. The use of hard materials is used extensively and plant material is carefully selected to give maximum effect with limited selection. The planting scheme is often monochromatic. </span></span></center><center style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span></center><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNI_LrQGie7zl1wyH9F82qGWsjdlAMPMRrUNj7KqcgHZNX3XhrZ9-nE6u3sSzMTfxLHxr341MXVQkubp_JnIv6YG_WPUIcqoyosfQ2EF_EPtx03RSnZ25DchEYevMkzLL4UaJ-1NBRHKEu/s1600/155092780887200940_VrlBr9rf_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: black; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNI_LrQGie7zl1wyH9F82qGWsjdlAMPMRrUNj7KqcgHZNX3XhrZ9-nE6u3sSzMTfxLHxr341MXVQkubp_JnIv6YG_WPUIcqoyosfQ2EF_EPtx03RSnZ25DchEYevMkzLL4UaJ-1NBRHKEu/s320/155092780887200940_VrlBr9rf_f.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976562) 0px 0px 0px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; border-width: initial; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976562) 0px 0px 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: relative;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 11px; text-align: center;">Modern</td></tr>
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or maybe.....</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Or maybe you are a girly-girl at heart and pinks, peaches and other pastels make you happy. <span style="background-color: white; color: black;">Your</span> interiors could have a touch of vintage, classical or french charm - floral patterns, sumptuous pillows and sparkling crystal bring daily joy. A bit of ruffle, a touch of cashmere, a beautiful brooch... you are a romantic. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Romantics often find a kindred spirit in cottage, english and french <span style="background-color: white; color: black;">garden</span> styles. These approaches include carefully orchestrated colour palettes and colourful borders bursting with perennials and annuals. The <span style="background-color: white; color: black;">style</span> can range from the flamboyant to the charmingly controlled with pleached hedges, boxwood topiary and gorgeous urns to add structure and interest.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1697319701" style="color: black; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDz8DsDweHybpxYVX2HwaYvccxjC6b8BDa8WgT8Ks_YwHEBkkod3hYt0LsLUFh5MbraTt5noX4W4q5ZY5VKIdMXxDud1POAqZshwiMTkNlKxhxyRDNBazPPccn-7B61cF7sJCkCnZ491uS/s320/24347654204948520_pQZ1iqf8_b.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976562) 0px 0px 0px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; border-width: initial; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976562) 0px 0px 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: relative;" width="240" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 11px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ad9c9c;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8c7e7e;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="outline-color: initial; outline-width: initial;"><b><a href="http://janenorman.co.uk/" style="color: black; font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-decoration: none;">janenorman.co.uk</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><br /></span></span></b></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 24px;">+</span></td></tr>
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/stonemaple/rooms/" style="color: black; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVN-gBdZXNPrkTrmzaVlRCx12kjCqSNFEskTMDR6OpUO1jJFVPgPprf1QbjsX2W5QdgIPisHYG4OYRwxfWzrWrg5Nr5nWVieS5oKJgNOD2pkiRdVfCktw735Ybvf-0boDLcJxLFFAgDijZ/s320/249175791852910334_MsEb4Vd6_b.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976562) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-width: initial; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976562) 1px 1px 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; position: relative;" width="212" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/stonemaple/pretty-in-pink/" style="color: black; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoCJSuaaVnOWcUb9xK1pnmbjkLNp4scG3wWUQvBOJxKs5M-nmgxvROSY7Mht-ScoDjcsNSil3VJkJglDDe27n-KfpflzHLRVHq-vW-6-24Q676AJDAawjSTGOspT7JIMEhMsw8rZyxfn1B/s320/95631192057120296_uNMkuVtA_f.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976562) 0px 0px 0px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; border-width: initial; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976562) 0px 0px 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: relative;" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 11px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ad9c9c; font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">susancohangardens.com<br />English <b style="background-color: #ff9999; color: black;">style</b>/ Cottage <b style="background-color: #ff9999; color: black;">style</b>/Romantic</span></td></tr>
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<center style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">or maybe like this.....</center><center style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></center><center style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">If you're like me, then you feel most at home in an old pair of jeans. <span style="background-color: white; color: black;">Your</span> casual <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: black;">style</span> </span>might be reflected in the use of natural materials in <span style="background-color: white; color: black;">your</span> home...distressed oak floors mixed with leather furniture mixed with wrought iron fixtures. If you tend to have a relaxed personality, find total bliss in sunsets, hiking, and just watching the butterflies float by then the Prairie <span style="background-color: white; color: black;">style</span> might appeal to you. This <span style="background-color: white; color: black;">style</span> of gardening is very much in tune with the rhythms of nature and also goes by the names "New Perennial Movement" and "sustainable". </span></center><center style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></center><center style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: black;">Your</span> <span style="color: black;">garden</span></span> would consist of the perfect blend of ornamental grasses, native species, and drought tolerant perennials. These gardens mature later in the season, looking their best from July through until early winter and careful attention has to be paid to adding some spring interest. Gardens are densely planted in large drifts...mulch is not wanted or needed here.</span></center><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy5gymMtHqr0LEQd56FBqwXBnUQSdmJWucJYIz_RNf-LaGGbKCR0l5NlKTkMp3AHeiZ9vwvsYfBDkoKzIWNbyNYDZL8mZCEX8cQxO3B9W1_NKXX6EOUFI90Y3V8oKQ5ZCwii63VAjUDimD/s1600/130322982936737224_NfcTHhYI_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: black; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy5gymMtHqr0LEQd56FBqwXBnUQSdmJWucJYIz_RNf-LaGGbKCR0l5NlKTkMp3AHeiZ9vwvsYfBDkoKzIWNbyNYDZL8mZCEX8cQxO3B9W1_NKXX6EOUFI90Y3V8oKQ5ZCwii63VAjUDimD/s320/130322982936737224_NfcTHhYI_f.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976562) 0px 0px 0px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; border-width: initial; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976562) 0px 0px 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: relative;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 11px; text-align: center;">Natural prairie<b> <span style="background-color: white; color: black;">style</span></b></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This has been fun for me...and I could go on like this all day. I know its not always easy trying to figure out what you like, but it is a journey you must take. Edit the stuff out of <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: black;">your</span> </span>life that you've put up with, or inherited, or bought on sale...all the things that drive you nuts for whatever reason when you look at them. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">To find harmony, we must have honesty and bravery.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">There are many official styles of gardening. We will not all fit into a box, and I am no exception. I also thank goodness for that, life would be pretty boring. Work through <span style="background-color: white; color: black;">your</span> collection of inspiration photos and see what is floating to the top and taking dominance...then look at what you like next and so on. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">For example, I simply adore many of the french characteristics, the peace I receive from straight lines, the shelter of perfectly spaced trees, (not to mention the little chateau in the south of France)... I also like the gentle sway and movement of ornamental grasses and the serenity offered by a more monochromatic planting scheme. Styles can be combined, and maybe we should just all call ourselves eclectic and be done with it. There are ways to unite everything you love into a cohesive whole.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">That is a lesson for another day.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Thank you so much for reading, I wish you all a very beautiful day.</span></div>
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</div>Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00554745033421773764noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8609894486985463435.post-41223908140713845122012-02-16T08:16:00.000-05:002012-02-16T08:24:13.607-05:00Scenes from my Shade Gardens<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I thought I would share a few shots of my shade gardens with you today. I prefer shaded gardens to any other having never been much of a sun worshipper and possessing a terrible aversion to heat (I'm very fussy for a Canadian).</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Under the canopy of trees and tangle of branches the shade garden provides another layer to the garden experience...the movement of shadow and sparkle of light as they play across the textures of hostas and hakone, the cool breezes that provide refuge and tranquillity, the contrast of colour and flower against a subdued backdrop.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">A tremendous variety of plants thrive in shade or partial shade - there is plenty to delight here, much more than just hostas (which I love, but they do like lovelier with interesting friends about them).</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">These photos were taken late spring 2011...I hope you enjoy!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgshXsRN-34aG0XqnYOyY28d61telXsumml1msmdibtTgHjiZrM-8GPd8ZfJjRkt60u-N4K6F-vWxcQmagm6muUPCk4v-GzYuj45qx11YWZcstiIxZf6db-6sB14RIO6O7ZP0vOoRCDfrLw/s1600/goldenoregno2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgshXsRN-34aG0XqnYOyY28d61telXsumml1msmdibtTgHjiZrM-8GPd8ZfJjRkt60u-N4K6F-vWxcQmagm6muUPCk4v-GzYuj45qx11YWZcstiIxZf6db-6sB14RIO6O7ZP0vOoRCDfrLw/s400/goldenoregno2011.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">In partial shade at the side of the house I have this sunny combination<br />of hakonechloa macra 'Aureola' (Japanese forest grass) </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">and Origanum vulgare 'Aureum' </span>(<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">golden oregano)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKABe3ztQUpo34do96OG_bhDCMoMFmklpfRWmCC0xvMQZ6nRQLKiPBiatwX6CkkYMnPfrKgH22CeS-m-1x0ZITJsgWJ19pREQI8JxFqWTi752JL6w1lAgIhsbha_ECQ33zGY8UG81WTPjU/s1600/shade1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="347" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKABe3ztQUpo34do96OG_bhDCMoMFmklpfRWmCC0xvMQZ6nRQLKiPBiatwX6CkkYMnPfrKgH22CeS-m-1x0ZITJsgWJ19pREQI8JxFqWTi752JL6w1lAgIhsbha_ECQ33zGY8UG81WTPjU/s400/shade1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">This small triangular bed beneath two young maples is home to hosta "elegans"<br />and a new planting of hosta "fragrant bouquet"... love the apple green foliage and <br />the white flowers are deliciously fragrant as the name implies</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">This is one of those plants that I look forward to with great anticipation...<br />deutzia 'Chardonnay Pearls' looks fabulous in light, dappled shade. Sprays of white buds <br />last for weeks in late spring before they finally burst into full flower for another two-three weeks. <br />Dainty and elegant, the lime green foliage adds sparkle to the spring garden, <br />slowly ripening to a deeper tone by the end of the summer.</span></td></tr>
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A Miss Kim lilac getting reading to bloom last spring. She is in the sun, the </div>
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black chokeberries in partial shade have just started to bloom.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM42LFMCwRrBz5Vcp9IdOwxUkhi966MlMALswtA1TzpUYbpUs89X1LSB5pHK6MxuEC1WL28UiL8x4v4WgrPY05jtnAxCyiuzyAMM7neuOzdyI6ScJU9A2dWh250Ci7ZnqpInjPuZ4f1AJQ/s1600/shade-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM42LFMCwRrBz5Vcp9IdOwxUkhi966MlMALswtA1TzpUYbpUs89X1LSB5pHK6MxuEC1WL28UiL8x4v4WgrPY05jtnAxCyiuzyAMM7neuOzdyI6ScJU9A2dWh250Ci7ZnqpInjPuZ4f1AJQ/s400/shade-9.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Hosta 'Sum and Substance' backed by a mixed planting of<br />Polygonatum odoratum 'Variegatum'</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px; white-space: nowrap;">(</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">variegated solomons seal), <br />geranium phaem 'mourning widow' and geranium macrorrhizum 'bevan's variety'...<br />one of the best behaved ground covers for dry shaded areas.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 15px;"></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc5CYtkxeWP_SNXcJxIHaAoetYsM5zeZ-67dSYfboF9jxQXsSW9G5vBezo9OOTUgpDME1SKcIAubuHR1YqjhbFs59sTZ3KbElHggtNQCXgymI_igyFATbD3M9z9C9dtGMir-T-hdDJxKDz/s1600/shade-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc5CYtkxeWP_SNXcJxIHaAoetYsM5zeZ-67dSYfboF9jxQXsSW9G5vBezo9OOTUgpDME1SKcIAubuHR1YqjhbFs59sTZ3KbElHggtNQCXgymI_igyFATbD3M9z9C9dtGMir-T-hdDJxKDz/s400/shade-4.jpg" width="305" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I love ferns...this is ostrich fern with a pretty maidenhair fern, <br />hosta and a touch of heuchera for a bit of contrast.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Another shot of the chardonnay pearls with spiderwort<br />and more of that lovely heuchera 'Plum Pudding'. A foxglove left some seedlings for <br />me and they are just starting to show themselves.</span></td></tr>
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Geranium 'Espresso' (cranesbill)</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH6sgfHgpEqmA4RvAffIixmJYI1XGA7IW6TSuy7Xkhk5Xh-mBIu1h2-sjfkodhiageZVsSYpq8QWrdEPG3amFAh3GYustpyZTHRZkjF7FzQRmipoMKEhLdJ9SRW1IO85ETD_MVxOT_GvSI/s1600/193865958929129783_bK0UMoKt_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH6sgfHgpEqmA4RvAffIixmJYI1XGA7IW6TSuy7Xkhk5Xh-mBIu1h2-sjfkodhiageZVsSYpq8QWrdEPG3amFAh3GYustpyZTHRZkjF7FzQRmipoMKEhLdJ9SRW1IO85ETD_MVxOT_GvSI/s320/193865958929129783_bK0UMoKt_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">A cheerful little perennial (makes a nice ground cover too):<br />Anemone sylvetris in the spring</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_EYXnfdY30__GvPX5BskiGltwiZx_zi0GP4FI7VdpGaHELUWMRThN4sUyt72aoExAnnQZTY4xrIgPJL4u3PnwnJYwQeHB5BLyoHxVGiK2I3ISo0M4qZ00s4FLkm0xf6_CLG4NWKdKyaqs/s1600/75153887501249784_2sRnHMrj_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_EYXnfdY30__GvPX5BskiGltwiZx_zi0GP4FI7VdpGaHELUWMRThN4sUyt72aoExAnnQZTY4xrIgPJL4u3PnwnJYwQeHB5BLyoHxVGiK2I3ISo0M4qZ00s4FLkm0xf6_CLG4NWKdKyaqs/s320/75153887501249784_2sRnHMrj_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I would have to add lady's mantle to my top ten list of plants...</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">adore the crinkled leaves, chartreuse flowers, and that once established is fairly </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">drought tolerant and easy to divide...</span><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">I borrowed this photo from Pinterest, having no idea where mine are at the moment.</span></i></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>I wish you all a beautiful day!</i></span></div>
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<br />Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00554745033421773764noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8609894486985463435.post-72354851795352369482012-02-10T11:07:00.007-05:002012-02-16T08:23:08.151-05:00A touch of light<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I've found some lovely ideas to bring a little lightness and a touch of sparkle into our lives. Our gardens deserve just a little bit more than those perfect plantings and rhythmic walkways...we need more layers. Adding lighting is one of those layers than can turn a beautiful space into a unique and stunning space. Extravagant, modern, simple, homemade...you choose the style that makes you feel like a diva, a romeo, or a child at heart with attention captured by the dreamy glow of candlelight and memories of fireflies, bon fires, and the man in the moon.</span></div>
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What could be more glamourous than hanging a chandelier from the rough and twisted limbs of a grand old tree. The photos below really speak to my inner princess, this contrast of old and new is divine.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_232861767"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/237424211575186756_16d0bT0q_f.jpg" width="468" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><i>We deserve a little decadence</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><i>bring a touch of the indoors outside to create</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><i>this perfectly inspiring space</i></span><br />
<a href="http://pinterest.com/stonemaple/the-fine-art-of-sitting" target="_blank">PINTEREST</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/54465476713047665_C9R93Pn6_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/54465476713047665_C9R93Pn6_f.jpg" width="508" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>A rustic candelabra & fairy lights dancing in the trees</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>create a magical effect. I love the log stools but I do believe</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>I would leave those for the kids.</i></span><br />
<a href="http://pinterest.com/stonemaple/the-fine-art-of-sitting" target="_blank">PINTEREST</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/154600199678160426_PSVSKy7u_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/154600199678160426_PSVSKy7u_f.jpg" width="444" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>An overhead chandelier sparkles over this perfectly laid table. </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>I can't think of a nicer way to spend a summer afternoon. </i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAyLizBACO1omkhohuHCaNVaL9pfDbTw1fKpKZX3W4ZXzbiEzjtiHpxegVP5fWf-tnVwSiZRoN8rya0U105uNQQPPqzqpTbAaFkAM3TG6eLBwa5cLwmXySDm4Onw3A_Yx3CgA_hiNC9ADm/s1600/193865958929324523_sTlVVA9X_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAyLizBACO1omkhohuHCaNVaL9pfDbTw1fKpKZX3W4ZXzbiEzjtiHpxegVP5fWf-tnVwSiZRoN8rya0U105uNQQPPqzqpTbAaFkAM3TG6eLBwa5cLwmXySDm4Onw3A_Yx3CgA_hiNC9ADm/s400/193865958929324523_sTlVVA9X_c.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>How fun is this!</i></span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">Now for a little DIY</span>. With a very small investment and some time devoted to creative play you can construct your own wonderful lighting fixtures. Here are some suitably charming ideas below, a few with links that will lead you to the diy instructions. Have fun coming up with your own project , then let us know how they turned out!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://blog.freepeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/tumblr_logbjkuYqV1qefrmxo1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://blog.freepeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/tumblr_logbjkuYqV1qefrmxo1_500.jpg" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">recycled light bulbs make charming hanging vases</span></i><br />
<a href="http://blog.freepeople.com/2011/07/wednes-diy-home-decor-the-light-bulb-vase/" target="_blank">instructions here</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.shelterness.com/pictures/diy-chicken-wire-outdoor-chandelier-1-500x711.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://www.shelterness.com/pictures/diy-chicken-wire-outdoor-chandelier-1-500x711.jpg" width="449" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">chicken wire and crystals - </span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">how pretty would several of these be hanging </span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">from the trees or the overhead beams of a pergola</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://Fun.kyti.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/DSC_8299s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://Fun.kyti.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/DSC_8299s.jpg" width="427" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">pulleys & mason jars - charmingly industrial</span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">instructions here @ </span></i><a href="http://www.instructables.com/id/Vintage-Pulley-Chandelier/" target="_blank">http://www.instructables.com/id/Vintage-Pulley-Chandelier/</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1EpdZOmHoSGTkbKA9tXmjeoiboU-o22w6Cc-KCFvy782PavGt4xYUE1Evu4Pdhhuh5pFCjLIF5Es3zsbEFWXh24jmpvUaYdxniCdMdj4ZXIKkAQ39ZHbj1U1ZPArpUF5Y3zW07EguVaw/s1600/_Y3D1656.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1EpdZOmHoSGTkbKA9tXmjeoiboU-o22w6Cc-KCFvy782PavGt4xYUE1Evu4Pdhhuh5pFCjLIF5Es3zsbEFWXh24jmpvUaYdxniCdMdj4ZXIKkAQ39ZHbj1U1ZPArpUF5Y3zW07EguVaw/s640/_Y3D1656.jpg" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>a simple wire basket (a clam basket in this case)</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>serves as a very simple candle holder</i></span><br />
<a href="http://yourcozyhome.blogspot.com/2009/07/garden-light.html" target="_blank">http://yourcozyhome</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.shelterness.com/pictures/diy-outdoor-chandelier-of-wire-basket-and-mason-jars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.shelterness.com/pictures/diy-outdoor-chandelier-of-wire-basket-and-mason-jars.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">and here's another cute little wire basket </span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">with jam jars and crystals</span></i><br />
<a href="http://www.shelterness.com/pictures/diy-outdoor-chandelier-of-wire-basket-and-mason-jars.jpg" target="_blank">http://www.shelterness.com/</a></td></tr>
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</div>Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00554745033421773764noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8609894486985463435.post-41092981374649879772012-02-07T08:51:00.000-05:002012-02-16T08:24:55.167-05:00Go forth and measure<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's a lovely, milder day today with temperatures just above zero. I have promised my chiropractor that I would not over-exert my shoulder so I am temporarily sidelined from working on the front porch. What a perfect opportunity to prepare a lesson plan for my students, which I am happy to share with all of you.<br />
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This is really all about the initial planning. When we're designing gardens and outdoor spaces there is a long list of questions that we need to ask in order to get things right. You'll need a measuring tape, a level, a notebook, and a camera for taking pictures. Before and after photos are not only a fun keepsake to leave for the grandchildren, but they are incredibly handy when you are working inside away from the project.</div>
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Here is a list of features that you should take note of...<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">The practical:</span><br />
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<li style="text-align: justify;">Size of your property - enlist the help of a husband, friend or small child to help you hold the tape measure</li>
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<li style="text-align: justify;">Property lines -VERY IMPORTANT...always plan on staying inside your property line by at least 4-6". If you have a fence or hedge directly on the line your neighbour now shares ownership and could tell you to take it all down. Very sad, but it has happened.</li>
<table cellpadding="5" cellspacing="10" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_C0YCbpactUn9ZXbwmqiIWHq2D7alhsYkfNoEryCKLXyRhme4ntb7oUtcrc30CITPorQUWGJV3NLj6cY1BTvawyCZ8aI2QVclLaQ0K8uhvlg9u_E4MlAh9zHh5Mo15uSNMWfi_bBZt9dL/s1600/87186942755660666_e8kbgg6z_f-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_C0YCbpactUn9ZXbwmqiIWHq2D7alhsYkfNoEryCKLXyRhme4ntb7oUtcrc30CITPorQUWGJV3NLj6cY1BTvawyCZ8aI2QVclLaQ0K8uhvlg9u_E4MlAh9zHh5Mo15uSNMWfi_bBZt9dL/s400/87186942755660666_e8kbgg6z_f-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #211922; font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17px;">Designer Susan Welti, Foras Studio </span></td></tr>
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<li>Style of your house</li>
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<li>Sun/shade exposure</li>
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<li>Exposure to winds</li>
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<li>Water restrictions: well or city water, rain and weather patterns</li>
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<li>Drainage...are you flooded every spring, does water run toward the house</li>
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<li>Depth and quality of existing soil</li>
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<li>Grade: are you level, sloped, bumpy (sudden grade changes)</li>
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<li>Existing features that cannot be changed: trees to keep, utility poles, fire hydrants etc.</li>
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<li>Borrowed views - a beautiful forest, rolling hills, a water view, or perhaps a tree in your neighbour's yard</li>
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<li>Views to be hidden - this is usually the next door neighbour</li>
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<li style="text-align: justify;">Utilities ( below ground or above): hydro, gas, phone, water, septic, well...these need to clearly marked, always call before you dig so you don't accidentally blow up your neighbourhood</li>
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<li>Accessibility - wider pathways and raised beds can be incorporated for anyone in a wheelchair or with mobility issues</li>
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<li>Dogs - do you own very big dogs that like to dig, or tiny dogs that could get caught up in the barberry</li>
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<li>Allergies to pollen or bees (this will affect plant choices)</li>
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<li>And perhaps one of the hardest questions of all - how much is your budget</li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7MU7_Djiu73i0PRp_UM_eTprCs9sLqI2uH8-Qveb4CfuK6slvfNnv5JZ7bbGfJdRFacQUi0lJNRVt-ba6XbEEdgyH1Jg_WNz7eZL3p3lOsvsnb-zemG4EgPX1Dl5ZbcnimDBS7UUbzGT-/s1600/262616221990597237_CcRVNHMk_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7MU7_Djiu73i0PRp_UM_eTprCs9sLqI2uH8-Qveb4CfuK6slvfNnv5JZ7bbGfJdRFacQUi0lJNRVt-ba6XbEEdgyH1Jg_WNz7eZL3p3lOsvsnb-zemG4EgPX1Dl5ZbcnimDBS7UUbzGT-/s320/262616221990597237_CcRVNHMk_f.jpg" width="286" /></a></div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;">Use of space...an area to entertain, a play area for children, a dog run, a secret garden, a vegetable garden, a cutting garden, a pond, a pool, a fire pit, a clothesline, an area for storage, garbage bins, recycling bins, the composter...you may need just one or all of those things</li>
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<li>Desired building materials: natural stone, gravel, cedar... </li>
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<li>Favourite plant materials</li>
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<li>Do you want it all done now, or can you work with a five year plan</li>
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<li style="text-align: justify;">How much time do you want to spend in the garden - do you look forward to planting, pruning and weeding a la Martha Stewart or do you dream of low maintenance </li>
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<li>Is this your dream home or are you planning to move in a few years</li>
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I know it all seems a little dry, but answering the above is so incredibly important to creating a successful final product and a very happy you that is thrilled to wander around outside, glass of wine in hand, patting yourself on the back for a job well done!</div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;">By the way</span></b> - always check into your local building codes which can dictate how high a fence can be for example, or regulate the construction techniques for retaining walls.<br />
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I hope the sun is shining where you are...have a beautiful day!<br />
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<br /></div>Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00554745033421773764noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8609894486985463435.post-57000226363009775042012-02-02T07:46:00.002-05:002012-02-16T08:25:54.792-05:00Who cares what the neighbours think!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV9r4mwP2cSeNYHA-nagNwglljBydpF523Ju3z5LFnDztcb3bQAfZz1HplY-i3T8Iy6_y588guISW8CD7OLBBfeiYrfRNbskh0V6mFl7vH78QxYJQhcgwo2Pls4cgnnJkmq0Y3ivG2UTdn/s1600/143833781818792623_hGKMRSti_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV9r4mwP2cSeNYHA-nagNwglljBydpF523Ju3z5LFnDztcb3bQAfZz1HplY-i3T8Iy6_y588guISW8CD7OLBBfeiYrfRNbskh0V6mFl7vH78QxYJQhcgwo2Pls4cgnnJkmq0Y3ivG2UTdn/s400/143833781818792623_hGKMRSti_f.jpg" width="291" /></a></div>
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I have been thinking about fear for a few days now. Nothing dramatic has happened in my life to make me become suddenly afraid...nothing like that. I am talking about those everyday fears that keep us from being who we are really meant to be, and expressing ourselves as we would really like too. It's that little voice that whispers away "what would they (the neighbours, my boss, my kids, my parents, my best friend) think if I did <i>that." </i>We are afraid of messing up and standing out from the status quo.</div>
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How boring is that, how unserving to the beautiful soul that is you.</div>
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(Note: I am saying you, but I am also talking to myself here, who knows better and is need of a realty check.)</div>
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When I had my fortieth birthday four years ago, I sat out on my back step and made a few resolutions which I believe to be of the upmost importance. Turning 40 was a bit of a revelation. I could be half way through my life....was I proud of what I had accomplished, how I had lived...what would I do differently, what could I change in the next new chapter. What had I wasted my time on.</div>
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I decided that I would be happy, peaceful, accepting, loving, and authentic ALL THE TIME. No more sadness, no more regrets. What was, simply was...time to get on with life. Sounds easy enough, and in many ways it has been. The letting go of things that hold you back, thought patterns, grief, negative people etc. etc. etc. is a very freeing experience. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5zRdKBRZQ4y40I7Iy4mZD7eP2TJEMqONPJTNARB4fVmVyZw0BtYlfBF6di88pwVey0c5As9VHO7xJR2GDBoPDAVnx6t9gBdUwYK5LHY4YnNQV8Wr15wdqi3_6rapdw-mQTKs0NBpx7TQA/s1600/120682464984176612_bpTVkydB_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5zRdKBRZQ4y40I7Iy4mZD7eP2TJEMqONPJTNARB4fVmVyZw0BtYlfBF6di88pwVey0c5As9VHO7xJR2GDBoPDAVnx6t9gBdUwYK5LHY4YnNQV8Wr15wdqi3_6rapdw-mQTKs0NBpx7TQA/s320/120682464984176612_bpTVkydB_b.jpg" width="257" /></a></div>
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You have to make the decision that you are worthy of all things peaceful, gracious, blissful, gorgeous, exhilarating and butterflies-in-the-stomach wonderful. </div>
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I know that I have been able to find a much happier balance in my life by deciding that I would accept nothing less than sheer joy in my life... and I am cherishing simpler rules. </div>
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But I am human, and a girl, and the sun has not been around for a week (which is my excuse at the moment for letting things get to me.)</div>
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It all started with the front porch. This is my gardening blog, and you may be wondering how fear ties into all this. Here it is:</div>
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I have mentioned my home before. By some standards it would be considered rather unremarkable and a little on the small side. But we love it. It had and has a good feeling to it, so despite all the flaws and the work which needed to be done to it, we snapped it up. We've been working slowly away at the insides for the past five years, and I have spent a great deal of time in the back, but I have been avoiding the front yard like the plague. It scares me. Which is silly. And I have had enough.</div>
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I know I am not alone. On my many excursions through the suburbs I see a lot of the same thing out front. A lawn, a tree or two, which are usually maple (especially crimson king) or birch. A small front garden which more often than not consists of some of these ingredients - burning bush, spirea, lilac, emerald cedar (because they always go on sale for $19.99 in the spring)...tulips in the spring and garden mums in the fall. I'm not being critical here, I am happy to see that a yard has some garden instead of just lawn...but it is all rather safe. If I could see into the backyards of all those boring front yards I would expect to see something quite different. </div>
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I confess that I have been playing it safe too, by not changing what was already there - which I do not like, and which does not reflect who I am. And while I am confessing, I admit to you all that I do put more pressure on myself because by profession I should be able to get this right. </div>
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Go take a peek at a your front right now, even in the cold and snow. Does it make you happy? Are you filled with joy every time you pull in the driveway and walk to the front door. You should be, we should settle for nothing less.</div>
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I am ready to make a change this year and have started to make plans. My husband is happy that everything is being carefully drawn out this time, I don't always bother to treat myself like I would my clients. They are not done yet, but I will reveal when they are ready. Which brings us back to the front porch.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6hMwh_O70obFMkimkn4xXb4J54Y8BbO-eb0Fxt-s7mjqSlk1_CWQnuY_mxxn7v6tSl-M-csAWVKcWb8o0glRcP6lvP-FwnNtnOvzijKOCEq_21BiZHImx7MYK35kiaQm4X03KYN9EuEjr/s1600/porch+project.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6hMwh_O70obFMkimkn4xXb4J54Y8BbO-eb0Fxt-s7mjqSlk1_CWQnuY_mxxn7v6tSl-M-csAWVKcWb8o0glRcP6lvP-FwnNtnOvzijKOCEq_21BiZHImx7MYK35kiaQm4X03KYN9EuEjr/s320/porch+project.jpg" width="211" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My winter porch project in progress.</td></tr>
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Shortly after we moved in, it became apparent that the front porch had been painted in the wrong sort of paint. By the first spring, paint was flaking off everywhere, it was a mess. We've done a few bandaid, temporary touch ups, a little scraping here and there, but not the total overhaul. Paul and I have talked about ripping it out and replacing it with cedar, with natural stone, with interlock, with trexx, making it bigger, extending it to wrap around the house...we got lost in indecision. The fear factor took hold - everyone will see this, what should we do...</div>
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I have decided to keep most of it. The wood is sound and so I began scraping it down last weekend. I'm sure the neighbours were amused to see that "gardening girl" working on her front porch in January, but the temperatures have really not been that cold. The rails will be replaced because they aren't worth saving. I am using dry methods of paint removal here - a good, sharp scraper and a belt sander with the handy shop vac at my side to keep the mess in check. It was a first step and a commitment to finally creating a front garden that I love. which brought up some of those fears. What will the neighbours think by the time I am all done??</div>
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In writing this I will tell you (and me) that you must create what you love. Doing what you love is no excuse for bad design though...seek inspiration through the internet, through Pinterest, through books, magazine, garden shows. Start a scrapbook. Take a gardening class at your local college. Ask for help when you need it. If you love to garden, but have no idea how to go about creating that glorious front yard you can enlist the help of a designer to draw some plans for you. Many offer that service which allows you do the all the hard work putting it together with confidence. Many of us will also take you shopping and help you pick out the shrubs, trees, and perennials that will paint your lovely new canvas.</div>
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Doesn't this sound like fun?!</div>
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Be joyful in your life and let everything be a reflection of the real you...gardens, especially, included.</div>
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In doing this, the neighbours will notice...for a garden that is inspiring by being true to the soul of the caretaker is a hard thing to resist.<br />
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Have a beautiful day...here's a little inspiration to see you through:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1899877075"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj78QqXKCk3I1BbjZq93yNvjtoByrbcNqJCjU3PYgfVGr9vG5UFPhzZx-dwfEaJHIWn33tFVUVo3-gChJXq0igd44ZewtT2Vkun7Ig5lWl22vIM0QOu32XK0VpBalMppzmLyyUfMr3yPiC5/s400/193865958929279759_KzjNvxKM_f.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #211922; font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17px;">Can you be this bold in they front - of course you can!!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #211922; font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17px;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/stonemaple/garden-inspirations/" target="_blank">"Blue Salvia forsskaolii fringes a pathway to a bench. </a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #211922; font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17px;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/stonemaple/garden-inspirations/" target="_blank"> Digging Dog garden and nursery, Mendocino coast, California."</a></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8DgcTeUIvCgp5FmVcHfnW7kK5pmNT72xpfdiMkKpjbnALZ6j2ZX02UGYikadiphJut-5D54Yf0IBSN_qPoFXwXqaGUXQP1MMFAsMAZ96Wl6032VMTjhGVi2r99RC2J0cIvrHbNhdzvakj/s1600/235946467947258847_vppe6FNe_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8DgcTeUIvCgp5FmVcHfnW7kK5pmNT72xpfdiMkKpjbnALZ6j2ZX02UGYikadiphJut-5D54Yf0IBSN_qPoFXwXqaGUXQP1MMFAsMAZ96Wl6032VMTjhGVi2r99RC2J0cIvrHbNhdzvakj/s320/235946467947258847_vppe6FNe_b.jpg" width="316" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption">Lavender - I do believe I should be living in a charming stone estate somewhere in France...until that day<br />
I can still love the lavender...this is also a lesson on the impact a mass planting can bring.<br />
<a href="http://anthonypaullandscapedesign.com/">anthonypaullandscapedesign.com</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRb2eo0drssqbNr4-JZwse87C5Y54Br03xdKu04rtpa5EgoS9racVa1rkt4T0TIaElnrz_LR8_w1l2Uy0rVJO72FA01Z4T99KvtQMA-2Bf8Hx1P6rzj8miV9OjLUkXSw7KRz8Cn4M619Z8/s1600/15551561183096524_wXxetlRm_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRb2eo0drssqbNr4-JZwse87C5Y54Br03xdKu04rtpa5EgoS9racVa1rkt4T0TIaElnrz_LR8_w1l2Uy0rVJO72FA01Z4T99KvtQMA-2Bf8Hx1P6rzj8miV9OjLUkXSw7KRz8Cn4M619Z8/s400/15551561183096524_wXxetlRm_f.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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Graceful curves accent a thoughtfully planted green entrance - notice the hues and texture that make this interesting<br />
<a href="http://www.andysturgeon.com/portfolio/" target="_blank">Andy Sturgeon Landscape and Garden Design </a></td></tr>
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<br />Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00554745033421773764noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8609894486985463435.post-58847520852437075202012-01-29T06:32:00.000-05:002012-02-22T06:33:09.016-05:00Waiting for Spring<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Winter has finally decided to put in an appearance. The last few weeks have brought us freezing rain, snow squalls, rain, and wet snow....gracefully bent branches, icicles, and trees crashing in the woods. Still not much of an accumulation, we're not building snowmen yet... but I do believe I could strap on my skates and do figure 8's in the back yard.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I am happy that we are finally on the receiving end of all sorts of precipitation, but with that comes grey, dreary days and wistful longings for spring. Patience is a virtue but I am not feeling so virtuous this time of year, as my husband would most certainly attest to. To pass the time in a constructive manner I am dreaming of fragrance and foliage and planning the extensive changes I will be making to the gardens this year. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Last summer came and went so quickly that I simply ran out of time to add summer flowering bulbs to the garden. Planted in spring, countless varieties are waiting to offer a unique and beautiful display to the summer garden. Many are hardy enough to leave alone once planted, a few will have to be lifted and stored for the following season.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I have been preparing my list of summer bulbs I would like to try this year. My first stop has been at online at Botanus.com. Online shopping can offer interesting choices and varieties that are not readily available in the traditional garden center.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">For the white garden, here are the lovely ladies who have made the list so far:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i><a href="http://www.botanus.com/products/Anne-Marie%27s-Dream-Double-Asiatic-Lily.html" target="_blank">Anne Marie's Dream Double Asiatic Lily: www.botanus.com </a></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #211922; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><i><a href="http://www.botanus.com/products/Polar-Star-Oriental-Lily.html" target="_blank">Polar Star Oriental Lily: www.botanus.com</a></i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #211922; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 19px;">Love the touch of green</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption"><a href="http://www.botanus.com/products/Acidanthera-bicolor-murielae.html" style="line-height: 21px;" target="_blank"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"></span></i></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.botanus.com/products/Acidanthera-bicolor-murielae.html"><i>Acidanthera bicolor murielae: www.botanus.com</i></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> To be planted with dwarf miscanthus...a nice bit of movement, will lift in the fall</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 21px;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">Isn't she fun!</span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><i><a href="http://www.botanus.com/products/Greenleaf-Canna-%27Tropical-White%27.html" target="_blank">Greenleaf Canna ' Tropical white'</a></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">It took me a while to appreciate the tropical beauty of cannas - I love the delicate touch of lime in this one and she is shorter than most coming in at 30"</span></td></tr>
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And now for a sweet touch of blue...</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.botanus.com/products/Agapanthus-%27Blue-Triumphator%27.html" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-style: italic;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 21px;">Agapanthus 'Blue Triumphator' (</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 21px;">Lily of the Nile)</span></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The epitome of grace</span></span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><i><a href="http://www.botanus.com/products/Anemone-De-Caen-%27Blue-Poppy%27.html" target="_blank">Anemone De Caen 'Blue Poppy'</a></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">These delightful blue blooms can often be found grown out in containers come early spring...</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">hardy to zone 8, they need to be lifted in fall. </span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><a href="http://www.botanus.com/products/Blue-Suede-Shoes-Novelty-Bearded-Iris.html" target="_blank">Bearded Iris 'Blue Suede Shoes'</a></i></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Gorgeous, rich jewel tone!</span></span></td></tr>
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It may seem strange to some of you to think about ordering plants now. It has been my (frustrating) experience that the more unusual varieties can be sold out very quickly. Online garden suppliers will indicate ordering & shipping times in your area, so I encourage you to start compiling a list of your favourites now and plan accordingly. Some bulbs and seeds especially, can be started indoors 4-8 weeks before official gardening starts...another little something to keep us happy until spring gets here.</div>
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Thank you for reading - love to hear your feedback!</div>
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<br /></div>Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00554745033421773764noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8609894486985463435.post-86587101617942474792012-01-24T19:49:00.002-05:002012-01-25T07:29:01.056-05:00A Gentleman from Denmark<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The gardens of Claus Dalby</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">A few years ago we had a wonderful customer who we were always happy to see. She was a vibrant, feisty 80 year old gardener with the most perfect name of Faith. She was sheer radiance and I always felt uplifted after being in her presence. She was an angel... a beautiful, loving spirit all decked out in black rubber boots and a plaid jacket. Her aura simply filled any room she entered.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Truly happy people like Faith are not that easy to find. Today, though, through the almighty grace of the internet, I came across a most inspiring gentleman from Denmark who seems to fit this bill nicely. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">He is a gardener by the name of Claus Dalby, who has designed and created a truly beautiful garden in Denmark. He is also a gifted writer. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Dalby's gardening blog <a href="http://www.clausdalby.dk/">http://www.clausdalby.dk</a> is written in his native tongue, and though the Google translation to english is at times charming, and others a little weird, the sweetness of the man who writes it and the gentleness of his soul comes shining through.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I love the tender simplicity of white gardens and was completely drawn to the composition that Dalby has created in his. His use of texture, contrast, repetition, and rythm is masterful and enchanting. The transition from season to season and from one flush of colour to another is a great demonstration of planning (and planning, and planning). </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The blog itself is a treasure trove of gardening advice, plant combinations, and encouraging words. I won't spoil it for you, you really need to grab a cup of tea and browse through it yourself. I am gushing, I know, (and using an abundance of adjectives)...but I'm having a hard time stopping myself.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Here are just a few of the photos waiting for you...</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><em><i><span class="" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Leveillei anemone</span></i></em></span></td></tr>
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<i>"Everything breathes peace and tranquility in the garden.</i></div>
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<i>The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and my white doves </i></div>
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<i>circling around their pigeonholes."</i></div>
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<i>~ Claus Dalby</i></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #211922; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Iris pseudacorus with spring green tulips </i></span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Lunneria dancing through the tulips</i></span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Its a happy day for me when I find something new and different...new plants, new designers, new insights. Gardening is a school that will forever offer new lessons. I hope you enjoyed this post and appreciate your comments and I thank those who have sent me encouraging emails, they really do mean a lot. Now please go make that tea and spend some time with this <a href="http://www.clausdalby.dk/p/om-mig.html" target="_blank">lovely gentleman from Denmark.</a></span></div>Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00554745033421773764noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8609894486985463435.post-30459601082362131772012-01-20T07:40:00.004-05:002012-01-25T07:35:36.438-05:00Crazy Love: Marble and Roses<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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This week I have been tackling the finishing stages of a long overdue kitchen reno. We started a year ago, ridding ourselves, FINALLY, of the horrible 70"s cupboards and hunter green laminate countertop. The wonderful deal making details will be presented in another post.</div>
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In my garage, sitting woefully in a corner since last December has been 30 sq. ft. of the most beautiful Carrera tumbled marble. If you are at all familiar with my <a href="http://pinterest.com/stonemaple/rooms/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> boards, you would have noticed that I have a penchant for the all things white...not a practical choice for a family of nine, living in 1600 sf, that contains at least three rather messy cooks - but there you have it. Life is short, and that means we should all throw caution to the wind sometimes and choose the impractical option just because it makes us gleefully happy.</div>
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And so I have chosen white marble for my backsplash....because it makes me gleefully happy. </div>
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My love for natural stone in landscapes seems to have logically transferred into similar choices for interior designs...marble, slate, travertine all speak to me in ways that ceramics do not. They have a voice, a depth, a vibration if you will... an organic something that whispers of history and earthly wonders.</div>
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But I digress.</div>
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I started on Monday getting the backsplash ready to tile in my kitchen. In between, when forced to let things set, or dry, or when I was just plain tired, I filled in my minutes by playing on Pinterest. An addictive hobby this, especially in the cold months of winter when there is little to look at outside. I came across the glorious photo above of the David Austin rose...isn't she just lucsiously beautiful. </div>
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Like Carrera marble, roses, especially the old english varieties and the David Austins, make me giddy inside. I am drawn to them like a moth to a flame. I could analyse and say it is the wonderful crinkled textures of the petals, the feminine unfolding like the petticoats of a ballerina, the divine fragrance that floats up from the garden on warm summer days. It is all of that and more.</div>
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Roses, though, are the little prima donnas of the gardening world. If, like me, you enjoy sustainability and work to improve drought tolerance and disease resistance naturally, then these gals are not for you, no matter how pretty they are. It is not a logical choice to have roses in my garden due to the lack of soil, and the aforementioned limestone substrate.</div>
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I just can't help myself.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;">http://www.davidaustinroses.com<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-size: small;"><span class="text1" style="color: #00695d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">One of the most widely grown and best loved English Roses.<br />
‘Graham Thomas’ has been voted the World’s Favourite Rose by the World Federation of Rose Societies (WFRS) which represents over 100,000 rose lovers in 41 member countries. The award was announced at the 2009 World Rose Convention in Vancouver, when the rose was inducted into the society’s ‘Rose Hall of Fame’.<br />
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It has cupped flowers of medium size; their colour being an unusually rich and pure yellow that would be hard to match even among modern Hybrid Teas. The growth is upright but bushy and very vigorous, with shiny, pale green, disease-resistant leaves. It is an excellent rose, both in beauty and performance.<br />
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There is a fresh Tea Rose fragrance, with a cool violet character typical of its colour group.<br />
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Named for the late Graham Stuart Thomas, who was one of the most influential rosarians of our time.</span></span></div>
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I have three <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/193865958929220161/" target="_blank">Graham Thomas</a> rose bushes at the moment that have managed to survive with fairly little attention. They are mulched with rich compost and I amend the soil with seaweed, manure and coir. I am also experimenting with companion plants like yarrow, garlic, white geranium, nasturtium...all used for their bug repelling properties and ability to influence the surrounding soil. </div>
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Interesting is that I have noticed that the rose bush with <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/193865958929100014/" target="_blank">Nepeta "Walkers Low"</a> planted nearby seems to have less insect problems than the others. The minty scented foliage must be helping, though this is certainly not a scientific observation.</div>
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I would love to hear about your rose success stories and about any "magic bullets" you might have discovered.</div>
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Until then, I must go grout my tile...and go back to longing over Pinterest photos while it dries. I hope you too will take a risk, and choose to do something today that is outrageously impractical - just because it makes you gleefully happy!</div>
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<br /></div>Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00554745033421773764noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8609894486985463435.post-38069995687493005012012-01-17T05:47:00.003-05:002012-01-25T07:30:57.668-05:00SpindleTree Gardens<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #e06666;"><a href="http://www.spindletree.ca/" target="_blank">SpindleTree Gardens</a></span> are located near Tamworth, Ontario...the inspiring garden project of retired architect Tom Brown and his wife Susan Meisner. You would be hard pressed to meet two people who are more passionate, dedicated and downright delightful to be with. I have met both Tom and Susan and toured the gardens. A garden tour with Tom consists of 90 minutes of sheer entertainment....stories, garden facts, mythology. </span><br />
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Photo credit: Mike de la Haye</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">His enthusiasm is contagious and he has every right to be proud. Refreshing is Tom and Susan's sense of humility. Too often gardens can become about the gardener and not the plants themselves. This is not the case here...Tom speaks of his many perennials with pride and reverence...they are the true stars of his show.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Currently, the gardens spread out over 20 acres of an 80 acre property. The highlights include extensive ponds, raised gardens, a meticulously maintained rose garden, a walled kitchen garden to die for, and a charming croquet court with hoops architecturally rendered after famous buildings. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"> </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The walls, pathways, pergolas, and columns have all been touched by the hands of Tom Brown. In fact, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">Tom </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">has designed every bit of the architecture...walls, water features, bridge, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">garden layouts and so on, himself. His creative stamp is everywhere. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I don't know his exact age, not that it matters, but I do know that Tom is retired and performs labour intensive feats that would put men 30 years his junior to shame. He rarely hires help, preferring to do the majority of the work himself.</span><br />
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A STUNNING KITCHEN GARDEN THAT TAKES LETTUCE TO ARTISTIC LEVELS</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Susan informs me that further expansion is in the works and they are </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">halfway finished building a new curved conservatory/greenhouse which will </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">be the focus of the allée at one end of the big field with the Victorian </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">well cover as the focus looking the other way. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">I can hardly wait until the spring to see the new changes!</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">THE BRIDGE OVER THE LONG POND...<br />
this steel bridge was designed by Tom Brown and constructed off site. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">A VIEW OF THE LONG POND FROM THE BRIDGE..the ponds were constructed<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">If you are fortunate to find yourself anywhere near here, I urge you to come for an inspiring visit.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.spindletree.ca/" target="_blank">Spindletree Gardens</a> are located at <span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-weight: bold;">6248 County Road 4, Tamworth, ON K0K 3G0. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;">The gardens </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;">open in 2012 on Mother's Day (Sunday, May 13) and close Thanksgiving Day (Monday, October 8th). Until gardening season starts again, you can visit their <a href="http://www.spindletree.ca/" target="_blank">website</a>, and talk to Susan on<a href="http://www.facebook.com/SpindleTreeGardens?sk=wall" target="_blank"> Facebook</a>.</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00554745033421773764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8609894486985463435.post-13634868952548365272012-01-15T06:45:00.001-05:002012-01-25T07:31:50.326-05:00Twisted Sisters<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">You may think that the "maples" portion of my blog titles refers to those stately maples that grace elegant gardens and properties everywhere...those that turn shades of glorious reds and golds in the fall...Sugar maple, or the graceful Japanese, variegated Harlequins, the handsome Crimson King, or the lovely Deborah.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I am sorry to say it is not so...it is something much humbler than that.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I have nine mature maples on my property that came with the our little house when we bought it six years ago. I find them imperfectly charming, though I would I have to admit if pressed, that three of them are just downright unattractive (sorry trees) but I have not figured out the right sort of plan to deal with them yet. So they been given a temporary reprieve.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I have had several groups of my husband's gardening students over for garden tours, and these poor maples, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><i>Acer negundo</i></span> illicit the most heated comments. I think the criticism is a little unwarranted. I had one memorable student, arms waving, teeth clenched (honestly, she did that) decry their very existence, proclaiming that if it was her garden they would have all been cut down before the china was put away in the cupboard. Weeds, she called them. Ugly old weeds. I have to admit I was hurt, as hurt as if she had insulted my children.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Given a choice I would not plant manitoba maples. But I do feel a kinship to them and a sense of loyalty fed by nostalgia. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">My Grandma B's garden in Stonewall, Manitoba was contained by a perfectly clipped beech hedge on one side and a row of four manitoba maples on the other. I loved climbing those trees as a child ( I would be sure to break something if I tried that now), loved raking the leaves, loved sitting under their shade. When we first looked at this house in its unmaintained glory, it was the twisted branches of the maples that spoke to me the loudest. They reminded me of home.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">They do have their shortcomings...they are messy, always dropping branches and thousands, if not millions of keys that root far too easily in the gardens. The send up suckers relentlessly and require constant pruning several times during the year. They are not what you would call "picture perfect" either with their large gnarly, multi stemmed trunks, branches that shoot out at weird angles, and a fungus that infects the leaves with horrible little bumps otherwise causing no real harm.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">But I do love them. They provide the required shade for my shade gardens and lovely spots to sit under. They keep the house cool in warmer months. Their twisted, dancing branches have proven to be very useful for hanging things from... a hammock, a garden swing, bird feeders, and the occasional child who gets their underwear hung up on the branches. Most importantly, their roots have been instrumental in breaking up the solid limestone that I garden on, creating the "deep zones" that I hunger for.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">They will not be around forever... <span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><i>Acer negundo </i>is relatively short lived as far as trees are concerned, and some of my trees must be approaching the end of their expected lifespan. We have prepared for this day and have added littleleaf lindens <i>(</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 16px;"><i>Tilia cordite)</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;">, a darling paperbark maple <i>(</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 16px;"><i>Acer griseum)</i> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;">and two blue spruce <i>(</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 16px;"><i>Picea pungens)</i> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"> that are taking forever to grow through the limestone, but will hopefully reach a respectable height by the time the maples come down.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">But for now I defend my right to enjoy my twisted sisters and proclaim that they too have the right to live out their lives in the protected shelter of my gardens. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">They remind me, humbly, that we all have flaws and true beauty is in the soul of things, and in the eye of the beholder.</span></div>
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</span></span></div>Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00554745033421773764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8609894486985463435.post-65029737503176868112012-01-09T19:56:00.000-05:002012-01-25T07:32:15.525-05:00Hands in soil<div style="text-align: justify;">
I truly believe that each of us has the power to connect to the energies of the universe that pulse all around us. Look deeply and we are all but an orchestra of vibration, intrinsically designed to sustain life without us knowing how or having to think about it...just as the trees are, the spring trilliums and summer daisy, the red leaf of Japanese maple in the fall. </div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIhpaEovivPRuYTq_ZmOqG-IErLUWDeSMMZbsNuBtHucIJpM2fbOEzyNUvd-pGt0NNIZ_egZ8VTP_fM_cmhCYUfMDj2lcs2kQo3oEk7Kt7AQiwfk6GHSRPd0Mmw21m01tW7BHjQmXlbMau/s1600/n653741098_748942_5482.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIhpaEovivPRuYTq_ZmOqG-IErLUWDeSMMZbsNuBtHucIJpM2fbOEzyNUvd-pGt0NNIZ_egZ8VTP_fM_cmhCYUfMDj2lcs2kQo3oEk7Kt7AQiwfk6GHSRPd0Mmw21m01tW7BHjQmXlbMau/s320/n653741098_748942_5482.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>My Garden June 2008</i></td></tr>
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Everything is connected. </div>
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It is for this reason that I never wear gloves when I garden - I prefer to feel the warmth of the soil between my fingers and the gentle tangle of roots when I am working. Peace flows through my soul when I am lucky enough to find a few hours alone in the garden. I can't bear to wear gloves and feel cut off from all that goodness.</div>
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My students like to comment on my gloveless state as it is in contradiction to the safety lessons we teach them. </div>
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I was working with a group of inmates in October, replanting some divisions of blue fescue we had made. Mr. C (who's name I am not allowed to use here) often preferred to work alone with me. He was a giant of a man with a gentle heart. Mr. C had never worked in a garden before, nor had he been particularly enthusiastic about manual labour at all, and was clad head to toe in all the protective equipment he could possibly wear. "Miss B" he asked "why aren't you wearing gloves? And I told him all the reasons I mentioned above. He knelt down beside me and sat in silence for a few minutes. Then he took off his gloves and slowly began digging in the garden with his hands, preparing a planting hole for the fescue. I watched his face change and lighten from initial fear to something resembling bliss. "That's nice" he said. His smile said it all. He made his connection. </div>
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After that day, Mr. C opened up and became more active in our project. He began talking about favourite plants and plans for his own garden and is thinking about staring his own lawn maintenance company. He found hope in the soil and a glimpse of a future that could contain all things good. </div>
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<br /></div>Brendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00554745033421773764noreply@blogger.com2