Innholdsfortegnelse for Gardens 2014 i The Cottage Journal

A touch of playful whimsy is a signature element for the cottage garden. Repurposed ironwork and festive bottle trees can bring character and a sense of humor to any garden retreat. Of course, every garden can use a generous sprinkling of pixie dust. Whether children frequent your yard or you’re a child at heart, accent the space with sweet surprises like these to lend a youthful sense of wonder to your garden. It’s not hard to imagine tiny feet dancing along the paths and passages of these mini fairy gardens. Delicate foliage and dollhouse-size furniture compose garden vignettes fit for a fairy princess. As in a full-size garden, hardscape elements including arbors and pebble boulders set the framework that ties together the landscape plan, and petite cottages offer more stylish…

For the perfect way to celebrate a sunny day, look no further than the nearest you-pick blueberry farm. Armed with your own buckets or those supplied by the farm, make your way slowly down the rows of bushes, gently rolling the firm, deep-blue fruits off the stems and into your container. Early in the season you may have to work carefully to leave the white and green ones attached to their stems so they can continue ripening. The sweetest berries will be firm and deep blue, with no hint of red on the skin Because they’re so good for you (rich in antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin C), pick lots of them. Whatever you can’t eat fresh freezes well, and there’s nothing like the flavor of a sun-ripened berry plucked right…

Located on a lot about a block from his house, Mitchell’s vegetable plot has become a magnet for passersby, who invariably stop to chat. He welcomes visitors, especially the young ones. “I love to have children come and see things growing, see where food comes from,” he says. Mitchell’s also generous with the fruits of his labor. Every summer, he hosts a potluck in the garden. Nearly 200 neighbors help set up tables, harvest the vegetables, and make a big salad Niçoise. “That’s what gardens are for,” he says, “to commune with nature and your neighbors.” prolific produce Raised beds accommodate crops such as trellised green beans, Brussels sprouts, and root vegetables. Squash and tomatoes are planted directly in the ground.…

For a garden gathering, set a casual table with linens and lace. Pull out the cloths you have folded and stashed away in the linen closet. If you find one tablecloth is too small to cover the table, simply use two—and feel free to mix and match fabrics of varying textures and colors. The same goes for the rest of the setting. Combine different patterns of dishes and assorted flatware collected over the years to create a one-of-a-kind table. a lovely centerpiece If you’re lucky enough to have spring flowers blooming in your garden, make the most of them. Clip blooms and greenery, and loosely gather them into bouquets for tiny vases or large containers. If flowers are scarce at your house, fill a basket or bowl with fruit for…

First called watering pots, this garden tool has changed in design only slightly over the years, with a single handle moved toward the back of the can. This “modern” version was designed in 1885. Today you can find metal, ceramic, and even plastic watering cans in all sizes. Our collector started with one simple watering can. And as her garden grew, so did the need to nourish it. She began to search for different cans to keep throughout the blossoming spaces, and little by little, her collection began to sprout. On a trip to England, home of the watering can, she scoured antiques shops until she found a black metal can with a long spout. She carried it home wrapped in a plastic bag while fellow airline passengers looked on…

Style Idea In the garden, a gate, an arbor, or a trellis provides an excellent anchor for plants such as ivy, roses, or clematis that like to climb and cover. Decorating your landscape with garden art, sculptures, or water features is a great way to enhance your space and showcase your personal style. While garden gnomes and statues of angels, children, and animals may be popular finds in many gardens today, the trend of putting statues outdoors in a place of refuge and solace is centuries old. During the Renaissance, gardens often served as outdoor museums, filled with music, poetry reading, and of course, classical sculptures. As the taste for garden sculptures grew, it spread throughout Europe, and collecting became a competitive hobby. The trend slowed briefly as the Puritan…

life lesson The life and care of plants offers a parallel to human nature, says Michael. “As long as we harvest the fruit or vegetables, the plant continues to produce until the first frost. In the same way, as long as people continue using their mind and skills, they feel productive and needed, and they flourish.” Style Idea A window box adds instant character and color to a home. Choose plants that complement your home’s exterior, but don’t restrict yourself to flowers and greenery. Try adding herbs as well. Michael Blum and his wife, Suzanne, enjoy cooking with the fresh vegetables and fruits they grow in their half-acre garden. And Michael appreciates the workout he gets from planting, hoeing, and harvesting. But he especially relishes the parallels he finds between…

Inspired by country villas in Italy and France’s Provence region, the garden rooms of this lovely stucco home start with the architectural elements—a terrace off the dining room, a covered walk along the front of the house, a wall enclosing the backyard. Vines and shrubs soften these features and ease the transition into the outdoor living areas. Style Idea As it does indoors, the arrangement of furniture can encourage or discourage conversation. Consider placing tables and chairs in smaller groups, and always keep a table close by for food and drinks to land. Style Idea Define outdoor rooms with “walls” of shrubbery or ivy-clad fences or walls; then add depth with containers and lush borders of annuals and low-growing perennials like lamb’s ears. The garden rooms expand the home’s entertaining…

Situated just 30 feet from the back door of Dr. Michael Blum’s home, a 16-squarefoot shed houses a work table, deep sinks, a sun-drenched platform for growing plants, and two utility closets. It’s practical and functional, but it’s also rich with character. Michael built the shed entirely of heart pine from a century-old barn on his grandfather’s farm and furnished it with items from his mother’s childhood home. A painted desk and cabinet, a rocking chair, an old well-bucket, and a horse-and-buggy seat find new uses in the potting shed, and each one has a story attached. “Old things are more meaningful when you know your ancestors used them,” says Michael. Even when his ancestors didn’t use them, Michael opted for reclaimed and recycled materials to build the shed.…

While a rose by any other name may smell as sweet, it definitely won’t look as interesting rooted in anything other than Jon Culver’s one-of-a-kind planters. Owner-operator of Sweat Peas Garden Shop in Homewood, Alabama, Jon loves to find used, unwanted items—essentially junk—and turn them into unconventional works of art. When the full-service garden center opened in 2002, Jon began to look for creative ways to display items throughout the nursery. What he found was a way to turn ordinary items into garden treasures. “Sometimes it takes a little bit of engineering,” he says, but admitted he enjoys the challenge. His works come from anything he can find—including the kitchen sink. “If I see something in a trash pile that I like, or if something looks unique, I pick it…

White picket fences call to mind lazy summer days, a yard full of pets and children, and the ideals of family and home. Before it was associated with the American Dream, the picket fence simply served a purpose—to mark property lines while still allowing for a beautiful view. Popular since colonial days, white picket fences now offer so much more than security to our yards, both in the front and back. No matter the size of your lawn, garden, or home, white picket fences exude charm and cottage style. Style Idea Keep your porch clutter-free with just a few chairs for relaxing. The 􀁹 owers and greenery of your front yard often are the only colorful accessories you need. The simple whitewash of the fence provides a wonderful backdrop for…

If you find that anticipation is half the fun of gardening, then you are probably enjoying the bulbs you planted last fall. Tulips, daffodils, crocus, and hyacinths are all spring stunners that need the chill of winter soil to make them burst forth when the weather warms. If you got a late start or just want to enjoy your blooms indoors, simulate winter by “forcing” bulbs. Plant your bulbs in containers, then let them rest in a cool spot, such as an unheated basement, for at least three months before bringing them out to bloom. good soil for great bulbs The best potting mix for forcing bulbs is one that retains moisture while promoting drainage. A mixture of potting soil, sphagnum, or peat moss, and perlite or sand is ideal.…

It is thought that the first cherry trees in North America were brought by Europeans settling the St. Lawrence River Valley and near the Great Lakes. In fact, today, almost 75 percent of our cherries come from Michigan’s orchards. Always popular as a sweet snack, the cherry is now getting press lauding its positive health attributes, which include reducing inflammation, helping arthritis, and even contributing to a good night’s sleep. So get some zing from your Bing (cherry) at orchards and produce stands this coming season. cherry delight When it comes to delicious desserts, homemade cherry pie is sure to rank near the top of the list. So pull out your favorite recipe and pie plate and get ready to celebrate National Pie Day on January 23.…

For some, enjoying the great outdoors includes hours of digging, fertilizing, planting, and pruning. Others find pleasure in an easy, breezy backyard haven that offers a perfect place for alfresco dining and relaxing. These homeowners designed three such living spaces in their charming yard. One tucked-away area features a fountain (shown left) overlooked by a table and chairs. In the evening, the setting is enhanced by the soft glow of outdoor lighting and candles. The gazebo (shown left) is another favorite hideaway, with cushy chairs, a gentle fan, and lush jasmine ensuring a great spot for enjoying an afternoon in the shade. For larger crowds, an eight-top table on the deck offers supreme seating for cocktails and conversation. ode to spring Any green thumb is likely to have a…

Style Idea A basic worktable can be used for potting plants, cutting 􀁹 owers, and even sorting fresh veggies. Use old cabinets and lots of baskets to provide storage for gloves, spades, and other tools of the trade. This quaint stone building provides the necessities for a gardener’s potting shed. A worktable and chair make the task of planning and potting a little easier. Several old wooden cabinets have been collected and repurposed to provide needed storage. Behind the glass doors of one cabinet you can see the vases and pots awaiting cut flowers. To minimize clutter, tools that are not required on a daily basis are stored in lower cabinets. And with the addition of a few nails, the lattice shelf near the door is a handy place to…

An uneven cobblestone path beneath your feet and the sound of trickling water amid the beauty of so many fresh and fragrant blooms make this private family garden a sight to behold. Tucked behind an old English Tudor–style home, it’s a glorious reminder that you don’t have to leave home to own a piece of paradise. quiet moments When putting together your outdoor space, don’t forget to create at least one special place to sit, take deep breaths, and revel in the beauty around you. Choose comfortable chairs or benches and perhaps a small tabletop to enjoy your morning coffee.…

A dozen years ago, Cecel enjoyed working in the banking industry. But when her vocal cords were damaged during a surgery, she was unable to talk for almost two years. Difficult for anyone, but as a wife and mother of a 2-year-old, life for Cecel was a challenge. In search of something to replace her job, she picked up a paintbrush, and as the saying goes, the rest was history. “To save money when I began painting, I was building boxes from lightweight wood rather than buying canvases,” Cecel explains. “And my paints were actually house paints that I mixed to create my own color palette.” Ten years later, she’s still building boxes and creating unique colors, and her paintings are mostly large format and bursting with color. For the…

For the French, flowers are as essential as fresh baguettes. Open-air flower markets like this one, the Marché aux Fleurs, which is just a short stroll from the palace of Versailles, offer mixed bouquets and bundles of gorgeous cut blooms as well as potted herbs and flowering plants. Canopies held aloft by metal poles create temporary shelters for flowers and shoppers. From the plank tiers of buckets holding cut stems in clear plastic sleeves, bunches of Fuji mums, peonies, lilies, ageratum, and lisianthus beckon passersby with vivid colors and intoxicating fragrances. At another stall, potted herbs are ready for planting in kitchen gardens, which may be as simple as a container garden on a windowsill. The presence of plants is so fundamental to everyday life in the region that even…

To find out more about product sources or to contact the design professionals, see credits and addresses listed below. Growing a Collection Pages 13–16—Wooden planter from Peacock Park Design; antique French garden metal chair from Anthropologie. Tiny Garden Treasures Pages 21–22—Miniature houses by Charlene S. Reynolds; fairy gardens from Oak Street Garden Shop. Outdoor Oasis Pages 63–66—Chicken-wire birdcage, bird art, and small lantern from Four Seasons Gallery; terra cotta planters from The Briarcliff Shop. Reclaimed, Recycled, Rejuvenated Pages 69–74—Terra cotta pots from Sweet Peas Garden Shop; vintage glass jar and wire carrier from Oak Street Garden Shop; metal basket from Lamb’s Ears, Ltd. Blooms with a View Pages 81–90—Pillows, napkins, table settings, and glass vases from Lamb’s Ears, Ltd.; Gerber daisy pillows from The Barn Nursery. A Garden Gathering Pages…