VT (for all of my design-obsessed peeps)

photocourtesycoloroutsidethelines Peeps, All around the world the faithful gather in places traditionally regarded as holy spaces, to hear their respective leaders celebrate the rebirth of Christ, believed by many to represent the Almighty's promise of salvation through His Son (Our Lord).  While I respect the beliefs of these gentle souls, as well as admire the depth of their devotion to matters profane, I must confess to not a small amount of discontent at the state of affairs in no other than the Holy City. I find it very hard to accept the proclamations of the leader of the Roman Catholic Church on matters of the spirit (or the flesh), when I consider the less than admirable behavior on his part, as well as other senior officials regarding the issue of marriage equality, and the continued silence or denial vis-a-vis charges of sexual abuse by young boys at the hands of men (of the cloth).  Recent allegations about forced castration on Dutch youth in the 1950's by Ca...

imagecourtesycoloroutsidethelines Peeps, Easter is here again, and the selection of marshmallow bunnies and chocolate eggs, bonnets and baskets, culinary delights and vases brimming with star-gazer lilies/early hydrangea/bells-of-Ireland have never been so appealing.  The promise of redemption, and resurrection, keeps church-goers suitably engaged while the travel and hospitality industry pleasantly scrambles to meet the demands of school groups, destination tours, and lost baggage claimants.  Dewy-eyed brides-to-be everywhere resolve that right after Easter Sunday lunch, they plan to loose every extra inch in order to fit into  that Vera Wang bridal   gown; and her equally plump hand-maids smile knowingly, and proceed to have just another little sliver of the wedding-cake sample (sent over by the solicitous wedding-planner who is pressed to confirm the church and rental hall quickly less the celebrations instead have to be held at some hotel's banquet-room. S...

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...

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...