Red Sprite & Jim Dandy Winterberry Shrubs?
Posted on | September 28, 2009 | 8 Comments
My mom picked me some “Red Sprite” and “Jim Dandy” winterberry shrubs for my front garden to replace my hydrangeas. “Jim Dandy” is the male plant. Males are needed to pollinate the females. One male can pollinate at least 6 females but the male plant produces no fruit. When I saw the picture of the plant online it looked more like a holly plant—leaves and berries. But I guess the leaves fall off in early October and your left with just berries. I’m rethinking this whole winterberry idea. Maybe I should get a miniature style holly? Do they even exist? I want something that stays green throughout the winter and sturdy enough for holiday lights. I don’t want just shrubs. Maybe something with a little ornamentation…Any ideas?
Blanket Stitched Linen Curtains
Posted on | September 28, 2009 | 9 Comments
The last few weeks we have had some pretty cool nights. I need to get serious about drapes for our windows. Last fall, I wanted gorgeous sumptuous $400+/yard fabric. Reality has struck and I’ve come to realization I can’t buy $2,000 curtains when I don’t have insulation in my walls. My sister gave me the heads up on some linen/cotton blend curtains on sale at Pottery Barn. Linen curtains are pretty timeless. I’m sure I can find another home for them once I can afford my fancy floral favorites.
I found this link from gaboushka.com this morning with blanket stitched linen curtains from France. I could blanket stitch the Pottery Barn version myself. Or maybe add a decorative trim?
Fall Garden Projects: Transplanting Shrubs
Posted on | September 25, 2009 | 15 Comments
It’s Fall and we’re getting back to work on the house renovation. We needed a little break. Honestly, it’s really hard after a long day/week of work to spend all your free time hammering and scraping. We spent the summer enjoying the ocean and taking a few trips to Maine. We’re feeling rejuvenated and ready to tackle some projects that need to get finished before the cold weather comes.
This morning, I transplanted my hydrangeas to the back side of the house. Fall and Spring are a great time to transplant shrubs and plants. My hydrangeas just haven’t seemed happy in the front garden for months. They had it rough this Spring/Summer with all rain and the slugs going to town on their leaves. I’m going to replace the hydrangeas with Boxwoods. What about Red Sprite Winterberry Shrubs instead? I love that the red berries appear in the fall and last through the winter. Check out more ideas from readers in the comment section above.
Once I finish removing the hydrangeas I want to raise the cobblestones. When Greg and I first put in the cobblestones I thought they would be better flush to the sidewalk. Turns out, I don’t. Leaves and dirt blow into the garden constantly. Having the cobblestones raised a little bit let’s me sweep a cleaner line and keep the garden from getting too gunky.
p.s. this weekend is Marblehead’s Fall Festival. I can’t wait for hot cider and pumpkin sconces from Foodie’s Feast. Find out more: marbleheadchamber.org.
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A journal about new england life, decorating inspiration, and renovating a 262-year-old house in Marblehead, Massachusetts. read more...
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