“HOW On Earth” – Published in Pink Magazine – February 2011
One of my New Year’s intentions this year is to bring some glorious green life into my home. Low maintenance is key for me. Join me this month on my quest to “Green” up my living space.
Author: admin
“HOW On Earth” – Published in Pink Magazine – January 2011
The New Year for me is a time of reflection and looking forward both at the same time.I like to take credit for my accomplishments, accept my struggles, and create my next path. I’m excited about this year trips, indoor plants, citrus and other fruits, composting, bulbs, and more. I am even more anxious to share with everyone my adventures and discoveries. Please join me this year and feel free to share your own gardening bucket list for the year to come.
“HOW On Earth” – Published in Pink Magazine – December 2010
Decorating with Christmas Wreaths for the Holiday Season
Perhaps the best Yuletide decoration is being wreathed in smiles. ~Author Unknown
The holiday season can be a hectic time of year. I can easily get swept away with all of the traditions of shopping, cooking, parties, events, traveling, friends, and family. Interspersed with periods of potential stress are those precious moments spent with my children during their absolutely favorite time of year. I find the contrast in our perspectives to be one of life’s ironies yet subtle inspiring lessons. Taking the time to join them in their beloved customs is my most cherished gift of the season, both as a giver and a receiver. Decorating, crafting, and cooking are what they look forward to with exuberance and contagious enthusiasm. Anything they can get their hands on, and have instant gratification bestowed to them is the ultimate in their eyes. Trimming the tree with ornaments brought out from my past along with playing albums…yes albums, (original Nat King Cole, Bing Cosby, and Judy Garland), still makes me cry, year after year.
My children and I share a love of making things. This year I thought I would introduce them to wreath making. Visions of us romping through the woods, beach and marsh, searching and collecting for various natural ornaments, warms my heart. Of course, I could be tempting fate,(insanity) by merely adding yet another “to do” on the already overachiever list. Creating artwork from our found treasures could truly delight them. Sharing our prized possessions with others will then be deeply gratifying and priceless.
This month, together, lets make wreaths. Let’s take the time from our overextended schedules to take a walk and gather some of natures gifts and create both a gift for ourselves and others.
Wreath Basics
There are endless possibilities to explore in wreath making, from simple elegance to quite elaborate. Fresh cut greenery is the most classic. A simple idea is to purchase a ready made wreath from your local nursery, tree farm or mail order, and then embellish with an assortment of cuttings to add depth and texture. If starting from scratch, a wire base is needed to attach the greens.
Ideas for Local Greenery
Boxwood: Love this in a wreath. I think more suitable for outside, can smell a little like cat urine.
Camellia: Not just the flowers are beautiful on this evergreen plant
Holly: There are many kinds of Holly and all would make fine additions
Juniper: Great for varied texture and you may get lucky and find some berries
Cedar: Excellent find at our marshes and the scent is wonderful
Magnolia: The quintessential Southern evergreen. Love this also in garlands. Spray paint gold or silver for pizazz.
Pittosporum: The variegated type is gorgeous!
Eucalyptus: I have seen a few of these in peoples yards.
Cypress: Another great texture plant
Ferns: Autumn fern, Holly fern, and Foxtail fern would be stunning.
Podocarpus: Good for that dark green color.
Palms: Yes, try these. They are very long lasting.
Rosemary: The first time I saw a wreath made out of rosemary I was in love. Made in small sizes, they make wonderful tree or package ornaments.
Citrus: Kumquats would be stellar especially if used as a centerpiece.
Embellishments:
Wreaths are so classically pretty left alone to stand on their own merit, yet also quite fun and stylish to adorn. Pinecones, twigs, grass plumes, acorns, shells, and of course berries are all easily found locally. Ribbons and bows, treasured ornaments, bird nests and houses, picks and sprays, all make great personalized additions. Dried flowers and fruit add warmth to the greenery.
The Live Wreath:
This idea is so cool. It is on my bucket list of plant creations. First of all I am crazy over sedums which is the top plant choice for this idea. You will need either a special wire form made for live plants, or create one, with two forms wired together back to back. The idea is to make a cavity that soil, moss, and plants can grow and thrive. I have also seen small ornamental cabbages, dwarf mondo grass, creeping herbs such as thyme and more used in this fashion. This is the “greenest” of all wreaths.
Fresh flowers make especially appealing wreaths. The form needed here is an oasis form that you soak first before inserting the cut flowers. These make unique hostess gifts. Seasonal blooms can also be added to the greenery wreath. Insert flowers into a floral water tube and wire into the wreath. This would be lovely on your front door for a party.
Other Wreath Ideas:
I have loved moss since I was a child. Sheet moss or Reindeer moss I think would be sensational by themselves with just a simple bow. Grapevine wreaths are rustic and are very easy to weave sprays of foliage through their branches. Hey, let’s think out of the box and create one. I find squares and triangles very refreshing. Creativity and imagination can really soar here whatever you choose.
Enjoy Creating, Imagining, and Believing… Happy Holidays!
How on Earth
Perhaps the best Yuletide decoration is being wreathed in smiles. ~Author Unknown
The holiday season can be a hectic time of year. I can easily get swept away with all of the traditions of shopping, cooking, parties, events, traveling, friends, and family. Interspersed with periods of potential stress are those precious moments spent with my children during their absolutely favorite time of year. I find the contrast in our perspectives to be one of life’s ironies yet subtle inspiring lessons. Taking the time to join them in their beloved customs is my most cherished gift of the season, both as a giver and a receiver. Decorating, crafting, and cooking are what they look forward to with exuberance and contagious enthusiasm. Anything they can get their hands on, and have instant gratification bestowed to them is the ultimate in their eyes. Trimming the tree with ornaments brought out from my past along with playing albums…yes albums, (original Nat King Cole, Bing Cosby, and Judy Garland), still makes me cry, year after year.
My children and I share a love of making things. This year I thought I would introduce them to wreath making. Visions of us romping through the woods, beach and marsh, searching and collecting for various natural ornaments, warms my heart. Of course, I could be tempting fate,(insanity) by merely adding yet another “to do” on the already overachiever list. Creating artwork from our found treasures could truly delight them. Sharing our prized possessions with others will then be deeply gratifying and priceless.
This month, together, lets make wreaths. Let’s take the time from our overextended schedules to take a walk and gather some of natures gifts and create both a gift for ourselves and others.
Wreath Basics
There are endless possibilities to explore in wreath making, from simple elegance to quite elaborate. Fresh cut greenery is the most classic. A simple idea is to purchase a ready made wreath from your local nursery, tree farm or mail order, and then embellish with an assortment of cuttings to add depth and texture. If starting from scratch, a wire base is needed to attach the greens.
Ideas for Local Greenery
Boxwood: Love this in a wreath. I think more suitable for outside, can smell a little like cat urine.
Camellia: Not just the flowers are beautiful on this evergreen plant
Holly: There are many kinds of Holly and all would make fine additions
Juniper: Great for varied texture and you may get lucky and find some berries
Cedar: Excellent find at our marshes and the scent is wonderful
Magnolia: The quintessential Southern evergreen. Love this also in garlands. Spray paint gold or silver for pizazz.
Pittosporum: The variegated type is gorgeous!
Eucalyptus: I have seen a few of these in peoples yards.
Cypress: Another great texture plant
Ferns: Autumn fern, Holly fern, and Foxtail fern would be stunning.
Podocarpus: Good for that dark green color.
Palms: Yes, try these. They are very long lasting.
Rosemary: The first time I saw a wreath made out of rosemary I was in love. Made in small sizes, they make wonderful tree or package ornaments.
Citrus: Kumquats would be stellar especially if used as a centerpiece.
Embellishments:
Wreaths are so classically pretty left alone to stand on their own merit, yet also quite fun and stylish to adorn. Pinecones, twigs, grass plumes, acorns, shells, and of course berries are all easily found locally. Ribbons and bows, treasured ornaments, bird nests and houses, picks and sprays, all make great personalized additions. Dried flowers and fruit add warmth to the greenery.
The Live Wreath:
This idea is so cool. It is on my bucket list of plant creations. First of all I am crazy over sedums which is the top plant choice for this idea. You will need either a special wire form made for live plants, or create one, with two forms wired together back to back. The idea is to make a cavity that soil, moss, and plants can grow and thrive. I have also seen small ornamental cabbages, dwarf mondo grass, creeping herbs such as thyme and more used in this fashion. This is the “greenest” of all wreaths.
Fresh flowers make especially appealing wreaths. The form needed here is an oasis form that you soak first before inserting the cut flowers. These make unique hostess gifts. Seasonal blooms can also be added to the greenery wreath. Insert flowers into a floral water tube and wire into the wreath. This would be lovely on your front door for a party.
Other Wreath Ideas:
I have loved moss since I was
How on Earth
Perhaps the best Yuletide decoration is being wreathed in smiles. ~Author Unknown
The holiday season can be a hectic time of year. I can easily get swept away with all of the traditions of shopping, cooking, parties, events, traveling, friends, and family. Interspersed with periods of potential stress are those precious moments spent with my children during their absolutely favorite time of year. I find the contrast in our perspectives to be one of life’s ironies yet subtle inspiring lessons. Taking the time to join them in their beloved customs is my most cherished gift of the season, both as a giver and a receiver. Decorating, crafting, and cooking are what they look forward to with exuberance and contagious enthusiasm. Anything they can get their hands on, and have instant gratification bestowed to them is the ultimate in their eyes. Trimming the tree with ornaments brought out from my past along with playing albums…yes albums, (original Nat King Cole, Bing Cosby, and Judy Garland), still makes me cry, year after year.
My children and I share a love of making things. This year I thought I would introduce them to wreath making. Visions of us romping through the woods, beach and marsh, searching and collecting for various natural ornaments, warms my heart. Of course, I could be tempting fate,(insanity) by merely adding yet another “to do” on the already overachiever list. Creating artwork from our found treasures could truly delight them. Sharing our prized possessions with others will then be deeply gratifying and priceless.
This month, together, lets make wreaths. Let’s take the time from our overextended schedules to take a walk and gather some of natures gifts and create both a gift for ourselves and others.
Wreath Basics
There are endless possibilities to explore in wreath making, from simple elegance to quite elaborate. Fresh cut greenery is the most classic. A simple idea is to purchase a ready made wreath from your local nursery, tree farm or mail order, and then embellish with an assortment of cuttings to add depth and texture. If starting from scratch, a wire base is needed to attach the greens.
Ideas for Local Greenery
Boxwood: Love this in a wreath. I think more suitable for outside, can smell a little like cat urine.
Camellia: Not just the flowers are beautiful on this evergreen plant
Holly: There are many kinds of Holly and all would make fine additions
Juniper: Great for varied texture and you may get lucky and find some berries
Cedar: Excellent find at our marshes and the scent is wonderful
Magnolia: The quintessential Southern evergreen. Love this also in garlands. Spray paint gold or silver for pizazz.
Pittosporum: The variegated type is gorgeous!
Eucalyptus: I have seen a few of these in peoples yards.
Cypress: Another great texture plant
Ferns: Autumn fern, Holly fern, and Foxtail fern would be stunning.
Podocarpus: Good for that dark green color.
Palms: Yes, try these. They are very long lasting.
Rosemary: The first time I saw a wreath made out of rosemary I was in love. Made in small sizes, they make wonderful tree or package ornaments.
Citrus: Kumquats would be stellar especially if used as a centerpiece.
Embellishments:
Wreaths are so classically pretty left alone to stand on their own merit, yet also quite fun and stylish to adorn. Pinecones, twigs, grass plumes, acorns, shells, and of course berries are all easily found locally. Ribbons and bows, treasured ornaments, bird nests and houses, picks and sprays, all make great personalized additions. Dried flowers and fruit add warmth to the greenery.
The Live Wreath:
This idea is so cool. It is on my bucket list of plant creations. First of all I am crazy over sedums which is the top plant choice for this idea. You will need either a special wire form made for live plants, or create one, with two forms wired together back to back. The idea is to make a cavity that soil, moss, and plants can grow and thrive. I have also seen small ornamental cabbages, dwarf mondo grass, creeping herbs such as thyme and more used in this fashion. This is the “greenest” of all wreaths.
Fresh flowers make especially appealing wreaths. The form needed here is an oasis form that you soak first before inserting the cut flowers. These make unique hostess gifts. Seasonal blooms can also be added to the greenery wreath. Insert flowers into a floral water tube and wire into the wreath. This would be lovely on your front door for a party.
Other Wreath Ideas:
I have loved moss since I was a child. Sheet moss or Reindeer moss I think would be sensational by themselves with just a simple bow. Grapevine wreaths are rustic and are very easy to weave sprays of foliage through their branches. Hey, let’s think out of the box and create one. I find squares and triangles very refreshing. Creativity and imagination can really soar here whatever you choose.
Enjoy Creating, Imagining, and Believing… Happy Holidays!
a child. Sheet moss or Reindeer moss I think would be sensational by themselves with just a simple bow. Grapevine wreaths are rustic and are very easy to weave sprays of foliage through their branches. Hey, let’s think out of the box and create one. I find squares and triangles very refreshing. Creativity and imagination can really soar here whatever you choose.
Enjoy Creating, Imagining, and Believing… Happy Holidays!
“HOW On Earth” – Published in Pink Magazine – November 2010
SHOWING OFF CAMELLIA’S One of the first flowers I fell in love with when moving to Hilton Head Island were Camellias. I thought they were incredibly enchanting and exquisitely beautiful. The season of bloom for these charmers is between fall and spring which I find […]
“HOW On Earth” – Published in Pink Magazine – October 2010
ORANGE IN THE GARDEN
“There is no blue without yellow and without orange.” –Vincent Van Gogh
This month my children suggested I write about orange flowers in honor of Halloween. My first thought of this intense, vibrant and very hot color was my initial feelings of dislike. I never used it in my designs, preferring the soft pastels and more subtle colors. Orange I felt was garish, too strong and harsh. A soft shade of pink was my favored hue, one that orange clearly did not blend with well. I went years without using this hue or any of its other flashy friends. I remember when I was first asked to design the borders and pots at Arthur Blanks residence. The guidelines were simple. I could choose whatever flowers I wanted as long as they were bright, showy and vivid. Orange was the favorite shade and pink was out. The more reds and yellows incorporated into this seaside garden estate, the better. My once in a lifetime opportunity had just presented an interesting challenge and one that would forever change my opinion of the color orange. I decided to bring in my cool friends, blues and purples. I massed sweeps of these electrifying colors throughout the property separating and interspersing them with their rich complementary counterparts. The result truly transformed me. I loved the vibrancy and aliveness these colors brought to the garden. Orange was clearly the star of the show the way it stands out among the rest of the colors. It is now my favorite color, of course, next to pink.
“Orange is the happiest color.” — Frank Sinatra
The color choice of October is clearly orange. I love to fill pots in the fall with mums, pansies, violas, snapdragons, and calendulas. These plants are readily available now and combine wonderfully with assorted greens such as sedums, vinca vine, liriope and lysimachia. Place pots at your front or on your deck and surround with pumkins, gourds and perhaps a scarecrow for a truly festive display.
Name |
Description |
| Annuals: (spring/summer) | |
| Geranium | Orange geraiums with blue lobelia and variegated vinca vine makes a great pot. |
| Zinnia | The profusion series is my favorite |
| Gazania | These guys are definelty happy and love it hot. |
| Nasturtium | A spring beauty |
| Mexican sunflower (tithonia) | Everyone always asks me the name of this six foot beauty in my garden. Looks stunning paired with blue salvia. |
| Marigolds | Don’t overlook these traditional orange dazzlers. They are dependable and deer resistant. |
| Begonia | ‘Orange Rubra’ is an angel wing type great for hanging baskets. |
| Impatiens | Both impatiens and the New guinea series have orange flowers that are great for the shade. |
| Purslane & Portulaca | These succulents bloom only during the day and are very low growing. |
| Annuals:(fall/winter) | |
| Primula | These little treasures generally become available during the winter. They can handle our cold temperatures but not frost. Plant in pots or in the border. They benefit with some light shade. |
| Poppy | The California poppy has beautiful feathery foliage that lasts all winter. In early spring, multitudes of bright orange flowers set this plant ablaze. |
| Pansy & viola | Everyone’s favorite including the deer. Violas can handle a little shade. These guys bloom all winter. |
| Snapdragons | There are dwarf varieties up to 3’ tall. Will bloom in the fall and then again in spring. Deer resistance. |
| Calendula | If they don’t rot, these plants are very showy, often blooming continuosly fall through spring. |
| Perennials: | |
| Lion’s Head (Leonotis | Very dependable, easy perennial. 4-5’ tall. |
| Roses | ‘Cary grant’ and Brandy are two hybrid teas with equisite orange blossoms, both are AARS winners |
| Jessamine (cestrum aurantiacum) | Very dependable, blooms spring-fall, likes sun |
| Lantana | ‘Tangerine’ is a low growing solid orange lantana. It looks great in pots mixed with Blue Daze (Evolvulus). |
| Rudbeckia | Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii is an orange form of this carefree perennial. |
| Hibiscus | Orange just speaks tropical and this is the best shade for this plant. |
| Butterfly Weed (Asclepias) | As the name suggests, this is host plant for the monarch. |
| Gaillardia | Excellent native plant to the dunes. Full sun, profuse bloomer. |
| Canna | ‘Bengal Tiger’ is a real show stopper with yellow and green striped foliage, vivid orange flowers |
| Gerbera | Great plants for spring and fall with several shades of orange available. |
| Yarrow (achillea) | ‘Paprika’ is a cultivar with orangy red flowers with lacy, fern-like foliage. |
| Bulbine | ‘Hallmark’ is a succulent that does great in full sun. Blooms continuously. |
“HOW On Earth” – Published in Pink Magazine – September 2010
PLANTS FOR CHILDREN’S GARDEN DESIGN There is a garden in every childhood, an enchanted place where colors are brighter, the air softer, and the morning more fragrant than ever again. – Elizabeth Lawrence Gardening with children is just plain fun. I started working with children […]
"HOW on Earth" – Published Pink Magazine Article- August 2010
WATER GARDENS “If there is magic on the planet, it is contained in the water” -Loren Eisley Summer is my favorite time of year and I especially love the sultry days of August. The heat and humidity are dependable friends that linger through the night. […]
"HOW on Earth" – Published Pink Magazine Article – July 2010
DEER DO’S AND DON’TS
One year, a week before the All Saints Garden tour, the deer came through several properties and ate most of what I had just installed. We had sprayed everything as it came off the trucks but one of deer’s favorite foods is anything young, tender and new. I have had years of frustration, heartbreak and intrigue discovering what deer will or will not eat in my garden. I attended a lecture on deer management and was told the following story. Picture yourself locked in your kitchen. At first, we would eat our favorite foods. Our consumption would continue from favorite to least favorite until one day, even cardboard would be tempting. The same is true with deer. They have their favorites, such as Hibiscus. And they have their least favorites, like Podocarpus. But if you have a small herd living in your yard, even poisonous plants such as Oleander are tasted. That said, I have learned some strategy’s that have been working to create a landscape that is mostly deer resistant.
Learning what deer do not like is important, but I have found that knowing what their favorites are is even more important. Let’s face it, between carrot sticks and chocolate, which one has you tempted to keep going back for more? My first defense for deer proofing gardens is to simply avoid planting any of their irresistible delicacies.
Deer’s Top Ten Favorites
Hibiscus Pittosporum
Impatiens Roses
Hydrangeas Pansies
Hawthorns Daylilies
Hosta Rudbeckia
I am sure there are other plants that deer find irresistible, but these are the plants I see consistently ravaged in many gardens. I also have had little success using various repellents on these plants. They are like Godiva and will actually attract the deer into your yard.
The other favorite of deer is anything new. New plants just purchased, new growth, and new flowers are all enticing. Frequently pruned shrubs will encourage new growth making them more attractive to deer. This is why they seem to leave your neighbors old established overgrown Camellias alone, but eat your newly planted one down to sticks. They also prefer irrigated and fertilized plants probably because they are healthier. It is ironic that the more we maintain and care for our landscape, the more appealing it becomes to deer.
So what do deer not like? This brings me to my next step. The majority of the plants I use are considered deer resistant. This doesn’t mean they will not try them but generally they tend to leave them alone.
Deer’s Least Favorite
Yaupon Holly Anise Juniper
Podocarpus Oleander Viburnum
Boxwood Gardenia Mahonia
Cephalotaxus Palms Bottlebrush
Eleagnus Wax Myrtle Nandina
These plants not only are deer resistant but they are just plain tough. They are all evergreen with varying textures and really thrive in our area. Their habits range from foundation plantings, specimen, screening and ground covers depending on your needs. Properly irrigated and sited, these plants will create a very successful deer resistant garden.
My next list is what I call the middle ground. Deer do not really like these plants and there are some that I have never seen them eat. However, this is where the number of deer and how frequent they browse your yard makes a difference.
Abelia Kerria Osmanthus
Mondo Grass Florida Leucothoe Crape Myrtle
Philodendron Vinca Vine Calycanthus
Ligustrum Spirea Ajuga
Cypress Simpson’s Stopper Vitex
Asiatic Jasmine Pyracantha Ilex
Ferns
What about flowers? Many people find this to be the number one area where they are most frustrated. Flowers generally grow at a faster rate than shrubs thus producing that all attractive new growth deer like so much. To make matters worse, there are many plants that deer really only eat the flowers leaving the rest of the plant alone. Surprisingly, there are flowers we can plant that deer for the most part avoid. Salvias, Lantana, and Plumbago are some of my favorites.
Flowers Deer Generally Avoid
Achillea Datura Lobelia Leonitis
Agastache Dianthus Turk’s Cap Coleus
Allium Echinacea Monarda Solidago
Artemisia Gaillardia Phlox Tecoma
Baptista Gaura Plumbago Society Garlic
Brugsmansia Helianthus Salvia Verbena
Buddleia lindleyana Heuchera Scabiosa Flowering Vinca
Cestrum Lantana Stokesia Zinnias
Leucanthemum Coreopsis Plectranthus
Crinum Liatris Cassia
Sprays, Repellents, and Barriers
There are many products on the market that are used to deter deer from eating our plants. Some have worked for me, others have not. Once again, it depends on how many deer you have and how much they like the particular plant you are spraying. Rain, irrigation, and growth habit will also play a key role in determining how often the spray needs to be reapplied. The two products I use often are Deer Away and Milorganite. Deer Away is an egg-based product, smells pretty bad, and has been an effective control. I generally apply every 3-4 weeks. Milorganite is actually a fertilizer that seems to also repel deer. I give flowers a light feeding monthly. www.deerrepellents.com is a great website for information on various sprays for different needs including edibles.
If you are thinking about fencing, deer can and will jump a six foot fence. Courtyards are wonderful and one of my favorite deer proof areas to design. Dogs also seem to deter deer. It is a good idea to spray your yard before you leave on vacation. Deer are more tempted to visit when no one is home.