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!