VT (for all of my design-obsessed peeps)

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW presents APRIL (EYE) CANDY / Day 3 : Peeps, This Kent, Connecticut garden appears unequaled in appropriateness (at least to my now weary eyes).  Designer Robert Coutur...

Peeps, This Kent, Connecticut garden appears unequaled in appropriateness (at least to my now weary eyes).  Designer Robert Couturier sets the stage for magical evening strolls or joyous summer fetes through the use of an inviting lawn, a backdrop  filled with simple evergreen shapes and accents provided by antique statuary,   Today, while driving through parts best left unnamed, I couldn't help but notice azaleas bushes crafted into the shapes of building blocks; nandinas resembling sad pyramids, and rhododendrons somewhat reminiscent of Snooki's previous bouffant which should have photo-shopped out (or exhibited in a gallery devoted to modern horrors).  The verdict is still pending on the persons responsible for these transgressions against nature; are the landscaping crews who thrill at the approximation of monstrous machismo, while handling electric clippers and cutters in the style of Leatherface or Dexter, guilty?  Or at fault are the d...

imagecourtesyarchitecturaldigestitalia Peeps. The week continues to unfold with pleasant surprises as warmer days allow for garden plans conceived in the grey days of winter to finally actualize.  A border of lavender shrubs to define a twelve by twelve square (filled with roses rugosa/native grasses/sedum/black-eyed susan/blanket-flower and other drought-tolerant favorites) will be installed today, and fifteen climbing roses to cover a picket-pence are sitting in the bed of my pickup truck.  I haven't visited this particular garden since January, and I am very excited to see the changes that have taken place since then.  The contents of seed packets for zinnias, cosmos, butterfly weed and marigolds stand at the ready for sowing into the eager earth.   In today's visual treat, designer Charles Spada both delights and surprises with his signature take on 'casual elegance.' Light colors and subtle patterns are easy on the eye, and his contrast of ornate agai...

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW presents APRIL (EYE) CANDY / Day 2 : imagecourtesyarchitecturaldigestitalia Peeps. The week continues to unfold with pleasant surprises as warmer days allow for garden p...

imagecourtesycoloroutsidethelines Peeps, Nothing says welcome more than an open garden gate.  I n today's visual treat,  it is not attached to a garden fence, but instead completes a tightly sheered evergreen hedge, which I feel compelled to add, is one of the most innovative and charming ways to forgo a physical barrier composed of wood, brick, wire, or composite material.  I especially love the hydrangea bushes planted closely to the house, and so much more appealing than the ubiquitous evergreen foundation plantings which unless diligently pruned, frequently overpower modest structures and lend a Gothic air to otherwise genial surroundings.  Yes, I confess to a general aversion to many lawns, finding them over-sized, or unkempt without the ministrations of a small army of bronzed minions bearing power equipment of innumerable shapes, and numerous bags of questionable merit intended to render most living organisms--save the intended grass species--obsolete to...

(VISUAL TREATS) For All of My Design-Obsessed Peeps: The PEEPSHOW presents APRIL (EYE) CANDY / Day 1 : imagecourtesycoloroutsidethelines Peeps, Nothing says welcome more than an open garden gate.  I n today's visual treat,  it is not att...

photomichaelmelford courtesyathoughtfuleye Peeps, Washington, DC practically sings with joy this morning.  A light drizzle last night, and fairly cool temperatures over the weekend provided just the right touch to nudge forth azaleas, camellias, dogwoods, lilacs, irises, and creeping phlox in abundance.  Up and down suburban blocks, folks have been out raking, weeding, and setting out new plants for the season; traffic at the local garden shops has been brisk.  At one of my favorite haunts (Meadow Farms at 7 Corners), several display tables have been devoted to native(s), the evergreen selection has been greatly expanded (and the resident hotties are friendlier than ever!!). All this, combined with very decent prices makes for fun shopping and a superb garden this year. I find today's visual image simply stunning, and have kept looking at it since I received it (courtesy of one of my favorite blogs: a thoughtful eye).  It seems so lush and tranquil and al...