Blog - Page 47 of 52 - Linda Nelson

LITTLE TREASURES IN DUTCHESS COUNTY, NY

April 28, 2014

©Linda Nelson 2014

Put the Hudson Valley region of Dutchess County, NY, on your wish list of places to see. I will certainly plan for a second visit, if not more, to Clinton Corners and its neighboring town, Rhinebeck. It’s a laid back, Sunday drive in a vintage vehicle kind of place. Each and every Sunday, that is.

Your first destination might begin with brunch at Clinton Cheese and Provisions. Select a mug off the structure’s support post, pour yourself some coffee, then enjoy the hospitality of a waitress who knows what she’s doing. It’s that good! After your belly is satisfied from some good home cookin’, it’s all about what ever tickles your fancy. For my friend Anne Dee and me, that’s poking around and treasure hunting in old antique garages; the gardener’s hand fork was the perfect find for me. After all, a garden gal can never have enough tools. Make a reservation for Rhinebeck’s fabulous dining hot spot, Market Street, then stroll this village’s curious side streets. Do you like books and music? Oblong Books and Music is the place for you. The book pictured, a gift from Anne Dee, is a visual collective of all that we both love, breathtaking gardens and landscapes.

My overnight stay at my friend’s Wing Cottage was a gift within a gift, within another gift. Do visit, explore and enjoy this region; and be sure to wave to the neighborly ponies, llamas, goats and sheep.

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WAKING UP IN A DREAM COTTAGE

April 28, 2014

©Linda Nelson 2014

I woke up this morning, not from, but in a dream, a dream cottage set about scenic rolling hills and clad with unpretentious perfection.

©Linda Nelson 2014

I sipped my morning coffee within this screened-in porch overlooking the scenic rolling hills, and sat upon a wicker settee, sharing one of many wonderful moments with a very special friend. How did this happen? Two blue ferns. Yes, that’s right…… two blue ferns.

©Linda Nelson 2014

These are not just any blue ferns. Not too long ago they lived at Plum Cottage in Bridgehampton, NY. Shortly after, I fostered them while this yellow jewel box of a home was lovingly furnished; Hammertown has the inside scoop on that. Now, they live at Wing Cottage in Clinton Corners, NY, and adorn that screened-in sweet spot.

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BUNNY TAILS AND BIRD SEED

April 15, 2014

©Linda Nelson 2014

Here’s a bird friendly alternative to the children’s classic Easter egg hunt. In lieu of candy, fill the eggs with bird seed, pure cotton balls (bunny tails) and excelsior or natural raffia. Have the children create little nests, fill them up, then place them about the yard as an offering to our feathered friends. The birds will eat the seeds and use the rest to build nests. Kids will enjoy constructing the nests and strategically tucking them about in trees and shrubs.

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HYDRANGEA PANICULATA: IT’S ALL ABOUT GREAT BONE STRUCTURE

April 11, 2014

Do your Hydrangea paniculata shrubs look like this, or will they within the next few weeks? If not, it’s about time that you get your pruners out, or you have a little talk with your so-called ‘landscaper'(shame on them). I’ve seen many hydrangea pruning ‘masterpieces’, and just as many left altogether untouched. It’s too bad, as those shrubs aren’t given the chance to perform to their greatest potential.

Yes, correctly pruning these shrubs takes time, and yes, it must be done by hand; no hedge trimmers allowed. But the reward is a healthy, well shaped shrub with large, beautiful, cone shaped flowers.

Here’s a closer look at where the pruning cuts should happen; notice that each cut stub has no more than three sets of nodes forming below the cut. Creating a good framework requires the removal of crossing and congestion forming branches, and aiming for a balanced and open structure.

A severely disfigured and unhealthy shrub may be better off removed and discarded; you can also cut the entire shrub within one foot of the ground, and just let it regrow again. You won’t have any flowers for that season, and possibly, not even for the next; but, the shrub will redevelop a framework that you can be in control of for future seasons to come. Happy pruning!

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