Daily Inspiration

We had so much fun with all of you at our Garland & Wreath Making Seminar this past Saturday! It inspired me to make some garland of my own to go around my front door! 

...and mom made 6 (yes, 6!) wreaths for various french doors around her house!

As a sidenote: If you weren't able to join us at the seminar, the garland and wreath making room is still set up and ready for you to come make your own creation until our green supply runs out! We have some beautiful greens, holly, branches, and bows left! We are standing by, ready to help you!

Daily Inspiration

Taxus baccata

'Amersfoort'

(picture courtesy of www.atouchofgreen-gardenwebshop.nl)

We just recently began to carry this unusual specimen yew. Unlike other yews, 'Amersfoort' produces short, flat, oval needles on stiff, dark-green, outward-spreading branches. It's also a fairly slow growing shrub at 6-12" per year. The wonderful part about slow-growing specimens is that you can easily mold and shape them to maintain specific shapes, but this yew is equally stunning grown in its natural form. If you are a collector of unusual specimens, consider adding this one to your space!

Don't miss this!

Daily Inspiration

Yesterday was the first day of our open house. The most interesting and fun part of the day for me was hearing about what everyone collects to decorate with for Christmas. I wish I could step inside everyone's homes to see the collections in action! One customer said she was in a 'naturals' phase- meaning anything burlap, paper, wood, etc. Another said she collected Christmas trees, teeny-tiny to huge, made of all sorts of elements. And another said she loved reindeer.

Personally, I have an affinity for tartan plaid. It reminds me of England, and it seems cozy and warm. I also love anything ornate and gold: angels, ornaments, ribbons,etc. It is fun to always be 'on the hunt' for specific items-- it gives me a complete thrill when I find something that will fit in perfectly.

What do you collect?

Daily Inspiration

I know it's not even Thanksgiving yet, but we wanted to make sure you were planning ahead if you are thinking about going with a living Christmas tree this year! We have many wonderful varieties available- many that would look beautiful in your home as well as in your landscape! I have heard reservations from some about caring for a living tree, but don't worry, it's very easy! Check out our 'Caring for Living Christmas Trees' guide HERE.

Pictured here is a 'Mission Blue' Spruce (picea pungens). 

Daily Inspiration

Barberry

'Crimson Ruby'

Barberry shrubs are a favorite for their bright red foliage and low maintenance nature. I also appreciate them for their berries! These are from 'Crimson Ruby' which only grows to 24" tall and wide, making it a perfect accent in any sunny location! 

Daily Inspiration

Japanese Maple

'Tsuma gaki'

Acer palmatum

This small broad tree catches your eye with soft yellow green leaves tipped crimson red; not unlike painted fingernails (and turns brilliant red and yellow in fall). It's a great specimen for small gardens- only growing 4-6 ' tall. 

Hardy to -20 degrees!

Daily Inspiration

Larix decidua

'Horstmann's Recurva'

We love the structure of this beautiful larch tree (and it's a zone 2)!

Medusa comes to mind when viewing this unusual, deciduous conifer with seriously curly "hair". The small tree develops wispy branches that twist and curl to fantastic effect, especially in winter, after needle drop. In late winter, rosy buds swell along the gray curlicues and herald longer days earlier than other conifers. Shaving-brush clusters of bright green needles erupt in spring, soften during summer and fire up to golden-yellow for fall.  A seasonal stunner, for full sun and moist soil in summer (description from Iseli Nursery- who we acquire this specimen from)!

Daily Inspiration

We spent the morning gathering greens, branches, and cones for the store. What a beautiful way to start the day!

Daily Inspiration

Sorry, everyone- we know we have been a bit distracted from our blog the past couple of days, but we are right in the thick of Christmas decorating for our upcoming Holiday Open House! We are so excited! 

But don't think that we aren't noticing the beauty of fall surrounding us. Check this out!

'Red November' Maple

Acer ginnala 'JFS-UGA'

This is such a neat tree. It grows 18' tall and 24' wide, giving it the look of the trees you see in the African plains.

(Okay, it's not EXACTLY like this...but you get the idea! It grows low and wide compared to other maples.)

'Red November' was developed to endure stress from heat- staying fresh and green all summer long- then it morphs into brilliant red in the fall. It's a zone 5, so very tough for our area. I planted one in my back yard this spring, and it is now putting on a beautiful autumn show!

Daily Inspiration

Autumn in Paris

(pictures taken by mom!)

The ease of the french country garden , and it's complete opposite, the formal french gardens of Versailles.

I love them both. I can never choose what style I like, so my garden reflects a little of each!

Daily Inspiration

There is always something to look forward to...even in winter! 

I can't wait to see snow-dusted versions of the plants I put in specifically for winter interest!

Daily Inspiration

This is the picture that inspired part of my garden! I love the formality of symmetry and balance, just as much as I love the wild beauty of cottage-style flower beds.

We are coming into a great time of year for searching and pouring through gardening magazines to get ideas and inspiration for the next gardening season!

So, on the next chilly evening, curl up with some good gardening magazines and start dreaming! That's what we plan to do!