garden Archives - Page 6 of 8 - Linda Nelson

LATE SUMMER SCAVENGING AND MORE…

September 13, 2014

Done any late summer garden scavenging? I have, and this is what I did with some of my findings. If you’d like to make something similar, then read on.

©Linda Nelson 2014

I grabbed a ten foot length of scrap chicken wire, gently scrunched and twisted it, wrapped it around itself to double it up, then flattened it out and shaped it to my liking. I then simply shoved my findings into the twisted and kinked wire form.

©Linda Nelson 2014

A scrap piece of triple-ply jute as an added embellishment, and I was done. Now, it’s your turn to scavenge around and give it a try.

These little garden jewel stalks are actually the fertile fronds of the sensitive fern (Onoclea sensibilis). Aren’t they pretty? They look like dark emerald beads on a stick, hence their other nickname, the ‘bead fern’.

©Linda Nelson 2014

I also scavenged my basement for some stored fall decor. I grew the Oaxacan blue corn last year, the bottleneck gourds, about seven years ago. These dried props will be used indoors, most likely displayed in a shallow platter or bowl. I prefer an ‘au naturel’ look when it comes to fall decorating. No cute, store bought embellishments for me, thank you.

©Linda Nelson 2014

I thought it somewhat amusing that throughout the summer I had been clipping off the spent Colocasia leaves as they declined in looks and performance; however, it is these very colors that are appreciated this time of year. I took the photo just because of that mere observation.

©Linda Nelson 2014

And finally…. who says chum pots are just for chum. Whoever says that is just talking chum.

©Linda Nelson 2014

Happy late summer!

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STROLL THE PARK WITH ME

August 24, 2014

We haven’t strolled ‘the park’ together lately. Perhaps you’re not familiar with it. Read my post from the past to find out its history, then jump back here so we can continue our stroll. I redesigned it the summer before last; the plantings have settled in nicely.

©Linda Nelson 2014

In addition to this particular area of my client’s property there’s a sweeping garden bed, too. I revamped it last summer, and this is the result.

©Linda Nelson 2014

The loss of plant material due to hurricanes Irene and Sandy was not as great on this portion of the property, but the planting bed had not had a facelift in quite some time prior my coming on board.

The garden tasks for next year will consist of basic, seasonal maintenance, as this garden makeover project is complete. And, I hope you enjoyed the stroll.

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VEGETABLE GARDEN BUD VASES

July 26, 2014

Who says tomato plants aren’t decorative?

©Linda Nelson 2014

Incorporating fruit and vegetables into floral design arrangements is nothing new, be it artichokes, lemons, cabbages, etc…. This post is not about that. It’s about something more humble, rustic and more close to home… as right in your own back yard. Snip from your vegetable garden what you would otherwise not think to use for filling little bud vases. You’ll be delightfully surprised and amused by the smorgasbord of plant material there is to choose from.

©Linda Nelson 2014

One of my carrot plants, pictured above, went to flower. I love the delicate, lacy umbel shaped inflorescence it produces. And, hey, if your bottom half is cute, you might as well show that off, too, right?

©Linda Nelson 2014

Nasturtium leaves remind me of Thumbelina size flat-topped parasols.

Leeks, belonging to the allium (onion and garlic) genus, produce globular blooms that look beautiful long after its petite white florets drop off.

I think sage leaves and dill blooms(another umbel) look lovely together.

The apricot-orange flowers of the zucchini plant, though only lasting for a couple of hours in water, is worth the short lived show.

There you have it, some vegetative inspiration. Now, go snip.

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JUST RELAX…..

July 11, 2014

…….chew your cud

…….and watch out for giant garden roosters.

It’s quite evident that these clients of mine are very much in touch with the playful side of life. The rooster, the newest addition, along with the plantings I installed, took the place of an old willow tree who lost the battle to hurricane Sandy. Destruction has its way of opening doors for great big opportunities, don’t you think?

What does your garden say about you?

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