Ice Storm at Botanical Garden

This tip comes via my boyfriend. He knows I am on ice theme this week. Gorgeous photos that show the effects of an ice storm on a botanical garden.

Apple Juice Jar Terrariums

One of my favorites gifts ideas, terrariums. These sweet creations contain five different mosses and lichens. The glass apple juice jar would fit perfectly along a windowsill.

(via even cleveland)

How to Make a Terrarium

I've been dying to make a terrarium but I just haven't found the time. I was inspired last night to start making a few after reading a how to on domino's website. Blogger Amy Elizabeth Merrick shares a step by step guide on how to make terrariums using found objects in your home. I want to make few for me and gifts. So pretty! Check it out now: dominomag.com.

Terrariums: Smith & Hawken

I got up early and voted. I feel great! Now that I'm home, I'm obsessed with checking the nytimes.com and the huffingtonpost.com in hopes that the whole thing is over and Obama has won. I guess I have to wait a bit longer. To help me take my mind off the election I thought I would share some more terrariums from Smith & Hawken. Two styles are available; a mouth blown version made from soda lime glass and a galvanized steel topped style. Both are reasonably priced at around $39 for the small versions. Check out more: smithandhawken.com.

Terra Cotta Terrariums

I've seen a lot of terrariums lately but I really like these in particular. The terra cotta is a nice accent to the glass. They would be so pretty filled with moss or flowers. A great gift! Available in three sizes. Prices start at $98 each. Check out more: farmhousewares.com.

Narcissus Bulbs

If you live in a cold weather enviroment this is the time to order your bulbs and get them into the ground. I was thinking about planting tulips but I have decided to plant narcissus bulbs instead. I think I will buy the mix above to fill my front garden that borders the sidewalk. There are so many choices I am having a hard time making up my mind. Prices are around $32 for 50 bulbs. I think 50 will be enough for my front bed? Check out more: johnscheepers.com.

Rainy Fall Weekend

All weekend it poured rain here in Marblehead. By this morning Greg and I were feeling like we were stuck in a fog of perma-sleep. We headed out for a long morning walk to try to refresh ourselves when we spotted this impressive display of fall mums and plants at Flores Mantilla. A striking spectacle of jeweled toned reds, purples, and yellows flowers pulled us in from across the street. The impressive show lifted our spirits and reminded us how much we love fall.

Buying Tulip Bulbs

I was just thinking that I should probably look into buying some tulip bulbs for next Spring. Last year I waited to long and everything was sold out. I really love peony, parrot, double, and fringed tulips planted in a single color and variety. I thought I could border the bed with some Muscari but I have to pick varieties that all bloom around the same time. How about any of these above and below? All the bulbs pictured here are from johnscheepers.com. I think my favorite might be the peony tulip called, "Carnival de Nice" above. Any gardeners with tips?

Front Garden

Over the weekend we were up in Marblehead working a few small projects. We finally got majority of the garden dug up. We just need to patch the basement window and add more cobblestones. I can't believe how long that took. I dug down about 2 feet to remove all the roots and add new healthy top soil. The roots were seriously out of control! We put in some cobblestones my Mom brought down from Maine along the border and planted three Endless Summer Hydrangeas.

We were trying to decide if we wanted the cobblestones to be flush or a little bit raised? A neighbor walked by and said they look better vertical and raised up. I hate them that way! They look like teeth.

Eventually we will add in more flowers and bark. We tried to space the hydrangeas as far apart as possible since they get so big. The placement feels strange. I want one under each window but the space doesn't really work out that way. I guess they will grow in? Greg promised to make me window boxes for all the front windows for next Spring. We don't have a yard but we will have plenty of flowers.

Digging Up The Front Garden

I have some more photos to share of the renovation from last weekend. In these photos were are digging up the front garden. I pulled out about 6 huge garbage bags of roots from the tree. I just keep digging and digging and finding more roots! It was like a coral reef of roots.

I was digging for two reasons. The dirt came up too close to clapboards on the house. I had to dig down to expose the foundation. If the soil too high the clapboards have the possibility of rotting or could causing bug problems. The second reason was we are preparing to put Endless Summer Hydrangeas all across the front. I have to dig down far enough so that I can bring in a nice healthy layer of top soil. The bright blue color of the hydrangeas in an effect of the ph in the soil. I've heard rumors people use to put old nails in the soil to achieve super blue flowers.

The old toolbox (below) we found stuck between the old window and the basement. I'm sure the house will be filled with all kinds of treasures.

Pot-ted

"Egg Chairs", $325 each, pot-ted.com.

O.K. one last outdoor store for the day. I couldn't resist sharing these awesome egg chairs, bright pots, and funky fountains! You can check out all of this stuff at a store called Pot-ted an outdoor store based in L.A.. I would love to visit this shop I bet they have loads more of cool colorful things. My picks above and below. Check out more at: pot-ted.com.

"The Julius", $89-$149 pot-ted.com.

"Adam" planters, $15.95-$29 pot-ted.com.

"Platia", $489 pot-ted.com.

"Sonoma" fountain, $515 pot-ted.com.

Ikea-Garden

Ikea is my favorite place to pick-up garden pots, vases, and accessories for perfect party tables. With Spring right around the corner it's time to think about prepping your garden and see what you need for the upcoming growing season. I love the mini greenhouse ($14.99) above. I gave it to my nieces last year as an easter present. Perfect because it keeps little hands out while they watch their seeds grow.

Check out these great square and rectangular ($9.99) galvanized steel flower holders (above). Insert a terracotta pot for contrast and you will get instant curb appeal. I totally dig the square version. I would probably mimic the shape with a square pot so that it look more modern less country.

And finally how could I make a Ikea visit without buying a new centerpiece solution? I really need to stop because I have no more room! The trays are available in 6 and 12 pot trays they meant to be used for seed starting. Why not trying making amazing table setting with filled with grass or a number of potted plants. You could totally get creative with these trays! A steal for $9.99 each. Check out more at: ikea.com.

Forcing Bulbs

This afternoon I planted some paperwhites and pink hyacinths bulbs around the apartment. The smell is so refreshing and enticing in the dead of winter. It's fun to see the bulbs grow each day and eventually bloom. Last year, I woke in the middle of the night to literally hearing the paperwhites bursting from their blossoms.

FYI wear gloves when planting hyacinths. Every year I forget and wonder why I am itching all over my hands, face, and neck. The hyacinth evokes itching in practically everyone: an irritant reaction caused by calcium oxalate crystals. Wear gloves and you'll avoid this fate.

Planting Bulbs

There are two actions in planting bulbs.

Step 1:Remembering to buy the bulbs.

Step 2:Plant the bulbs before the ground is frozen.

I usually get Step 1 done but rarely follow through with Step 2.

This year I was successful! I even managed to get three types of flowers that will flower from Early Spring – Late Spring. How fantastic am I?

Planting bulbs is really easy. You can pick up bulbs at any local nursery. Pick bulbs that bloom at different times. You can find this information on the package. This way you will be able to enjoy beautiful flowers all Spring. More bang for your effort!

Make sure you pick- up a trowel or a bulb digger thing. The instructions on the bulbs package will tell you how far to space them and how deep they should be placed in the ground.

BIG TIP: Plant bulbs facing up! The hairy end roots should be on the bottom pointy parts should be facing up.

I planted pink and brown Tulips! I can’t wait for Spring.

Notable Bulb Related Websites:

White Flower Farm

University of Minnesota’s Planting Guide

Floral Frogs

A Floral Frog is a great trick of the trade! I found the best prices for frogs at Jamali Garden Supplies. Jamali’s is located in New York’s Flower Market on 28th Street between 6th and 7th Avenues.

A Floral Frog is a clever way to make floral arrangements look rounder and fuller. There are many types of frogs. The one I used looks like a flat, metal, round, pincushion. Flowers easily affix into the metal and allow for a sturdy upward shape.

I used a 4 ½ inch Frog ($11.99) in my container to create a low, dense, rounded-shape. Use foliage you collect from your garden to create contrast in your arrangment. Using foliage as a filler will also help to fill in gaps or holes.

Roses create a romantic feel when arranged in a large tight bunch. This beautiful terracotta pot at Jamali’s was just $5.00. The naturally-aged stone looks organic and weathered.

Jamali’s has a great site. Beautiful planters and vases at unbelievably cheap prices!

Garden Leaf Sculptures

I found these gorgeous beauties at a local Art Festival. The handmade leaf sculptures are made using large common leaves found in backyards and fields native to Massachusetts.

Each sculpture is outstanding! A leaf is used only once before it’s discarded. Using a leaf just one time allows the sculpture to have the greatest amount of texture and relief.

The sculptures are large and just heavy enough not to blow away in the wind. Rest the large leaves in a garden, next to a brick pathway, or on a porch. I am imagining mine on a large glass coffee table. How brilliant!

The sculptures range in price from $45.00 to $95.00. They can be shipped for an additional cost. Contact Gerda Maaskant by phone, 978-443-0319 or by e-mail, gemaaskant@yahoo.com for more information.