If you live along the east coast of the United States and especially in New England, you are probably ready for spring. As I type, it is a balmy 12 degrees outside. Thankfully, we have had a few weeks without snow and with enough sunlight to begin melting the snow. We even began mulching and … Read more
We’ve made Easter eggs with onion skins, cabbage and turmeric and I’ve always found the warm muted earthy tones more appealing than the results achieved with your average Paws color kit. But until I saw this recent story on NPR, I had never considered using those techniques with any other project. Derived from plants, natural colors (many … Read more
This past Sunday, I had the honor to attend Maine’s TED conference, TEDxDirigo. The Treehouse Institute organized this TED event in our state. Dirigo is the state motto for Maine, which simply means – “I lead.” Maine is regarded by some as having one of the oldest populations in the nation. It is a major … Read more
My apple repertoire was limited before I moved to New England. I grew up in Colorado, so I think I’m excused for not knowing there was more than Red Delicious. (which I never liked). But New Englanders (and I suspect those who live in other heirloom and heritage apple growing regions as well), all know … Read more
In GardenRant’s 18-year history we’ve tackled more than a few controversial topics, including Marianne’s recent post about advocates of pure nativism, to which Ranter emeritus Thomas Christopher then responded. Lively discussions ensued! I love seeing disagreements aired and explored honestly and based in facts. And with an open mind! In that vein, a recent episode … Read more
I want to share a book with you that is currently enjoying prize real estate on my coffee table. The book, Close Landscape Design and Land Art in Scotland, was photographed by Allan Pollok-Morris who recently closed up an exhibition of his work at the Chicago Botanic Gardens, but will be on exhibit again … Read more
Have you ever seen the movie City Slickers? One of my favorite movie lines is at the end, when they come back from their big adventure, and Billy Crystal points to the smile on his face (when greeting his wife at the airport) and says, “Hey, look what I found!” and his wife asks where he found … Read more
Learn my 7-step system to design and build a stunning garden anywhere in the world. Understand the 5 mistakes everyone makes when creating a garden. (Save yourself time, money, & headaches and get much better results!) See how to work directly with me (but at a DIY price!) todesign and create your own gorgeous garden. … Read more
Last weekend, the Garden Conservancy held an open garden day in the Boston Area. There were two gardens on the tour, and after visiting them both, I have so much to share about each of them with you. The Clock Barn Farm and Garden in Carlisle, MA, was one of the best gardens I have ever … Read more
I called the last of my Romantic Plant inspired inspiration boards “Exotic Romance”Based on the Trycirtis (or Toad Lily) which are mostly native to Asian countries like Nepal, Taiwan, China, Japan and the Philippines, they epitomize the exotic beauty of Asian style. They are similar in look to orchids but bloom in the fall and … Read more