Seasons Blog

Welcoming Spring - Dutch Style

Have you ever seen more than 7 million tulips, daffodils and hyacinths, all in bloom? Keukenhof, also known as the Garden of Europe, is the world's largest flower garden. It is situated near Lisse, Netherlands. In addition to over 80 acres of flowers, the spring garden offers 30 inspiring flower shows, 7 amazing inspirational gardens and 100 wonderful works of art. Keukenhof is world-famous and truly unique. I'm putting this trip on my bucket list!

 

Window Boxes of Nantucket

This summer, while visiting a dear friend in Cape Cod, we decided to take a day trip to the island of Nantucket. The ferry ride to the island was so refreshing, the weather was perfect, and we enjoyed an afternoon of shopping, lunch and sightseeing.

We walked along the cobblestone streets that surround the port, and were in awe of the beautiful window boxes that decorated the facades of many of the historic homes. The unique combinations of flowers and plants were truly inspiring.

Here are some of the photos I took while on our walking tour.

 

If You Love Gardening and Flowers...

You will love this beautiful book by award-winning gardener and photographer Ken Druse. Throughout Natural Companions, you will find amazing, unique botanical images that were created in collaboration with artist Ellen Hoverkamp using modern digital technology that will leave you speachless.

Druse presents recipes for perfect plant pairings using diverse species that will thrive together; organized by theme within topics, including season, color, fragrance, foliage, grasses, wetlands and ponds, edible flowers and many more!

Artist Ellen Hoverkamp takes cuttings of plants and flowers and arranges them on an oversized flatbed scanner. The results reveal the vivid characteristics of favorite plants with amazing color, depth and clarity.

Here is just a small sampling of the gorgeous images.

Natural Companions is the perfect gift for any gardener or flower lover.

 

'Forcing' Spring

As we sit here in the northeast experiencing yet another snowstorm, be assured that Spring is not that far away! I love walking through the snow on a February day, cutting some Forsythia branches, bringing them indoors and 'forcing' them to bloom. All you need is a pair of pruning shears or a sharp knife - once you do this, it will become your annual rite of Spring.

 

1. Cut the forsythia stems at an angle in lengths of less than 3 feet, and bring them indoors.
2. Strip enough of the side stems from the bottom of the branch so they will not be underwater when placed in a vase (generally about a foot).
3. Fill you kitchen sink with warm water. Submerge the stems in the water, and with your pruning shears or sharp knife, make a cross-cut in the bottom of the stem. This second cut, performed underwater where air cannot act as a drying agent, will promote water intake.
4. Allow the forsythia stems to soak up the warm water for a few hours.
5. Arrange them in a large container with warm water and display them in a cool, bright area of your home - not in direct sunlight.
6. Occasionally check the water level and add water as needed.

In a few short weeks the bright yellow flowers will blossom and fill your home with the feeling of Spring!