The Challenge What do you do when you move from a large beautifully landscaped property that is overflowing with texture and color, to a retirement community that is populated with yews and swaths of mint? Oh, and did I mention overrun with deer? That was the tall order that I as the landscape designer had …
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The Challenge I was asked to decorate the bluestone patio space for the Baltimore Symphony's Decorator Show House this spring. Normally I 'decorate' gardens, not patios, but I was up to the challenge!  The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra chooses a house every year that is usually vacant and/or for sale, and invites interior and exterior decorators to design their …
Continue reading "Transforming a Patio – An Outdoor Living Space That Looks Like Home"
Bear climbing up deck to get to beehiveBears are on the rampage in Vermont! My brother-in-law had a recent bear incident where a black bear knocked over a hive in a nearby field. He came back for more, but much closer to the house. He obviously has no fear and looks like he is on …
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I was introduced to beekeeping in Virginia while visiting my brother-in-law Bruce. He had several beehives and I wanted to try my hand at working the bees before I made the plunge on my own. Since then, Bruce has moved to Vermont with his hives - prime bear country. In Vermont, he set up a remote …
Continue reading "Beehives and Bears: An Accident Waiting to Happen!"
If you ever venture to Montreal, be sure to visit one of the most interesting botanical gardens in the world that includes unique themed gardens. One of the more unusual gardens was the poisonous plants area surrounded by a high wooden fence with a very noticeable danger sign. You have probably heard one of these sayings: Raggy rope, …
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Honey Flow With the coming of spring a couple of weeks early this spring, I am getting a little nervous about my bees. The honey flow which is the frantic bee activity of bees collecting nectar from spring flowers will be here very soon. I have a strong hive that made it through the winter and I am on …
Continue reading "Swarming of the Bees – It is That Time of Year Again!"
Finesse With Containers Updated April, 2016 I create containers for clients all the time and am always looking for inspiration to move away from the "geraniums with spike and trailer" school of thought. With a little more planning and shopping, you can come up with a showplace masterpiece with WOW impact. For pollinator containers, go to …
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Join the Trend It seems like everyone these days is thinking about a rain barrel or has already installed at least one at their home. Some are very plain and utilitarian, while others have been decorated to complement the home. If you want to join the trend, here are simple pointers on getting you started. …
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A Bo in Every Room! While working at the White House, we were very excited to see Bo, the presidential dog, run through the hallway one morning. He was leashed up to go for a walk and we were delighted to see the most famous dog acting like a normal dog, prancing and ready to run! So …
Continue reading "Christmas at the White House-Part 2"
Everyone loves to decorate for Christmas and after finishing decorating my house, I itch to do more! So I have always had a desire to decorate the White House but thought it was an impossible dream. But after watching the HGTV special last year and seeing the army of volunteers that are busily hanging garlands …
Continue reading "Decorating the White House for Christmas-Part 1"
