Hedged In

April 25, 2016

Or, so I thought. The last several winter’s extremes have taken their toll on all of my boxwood hedges. Gone. Time of death? Officially April 11, 2016. Where they once served as sharply clipped extensions of the house itself sits blank space in need of attention. So now what? Replace them as they were or start fresh with a new direction…and new plant materials that will be able to take on the bitter winters and always hungry deer. Now’s the time to jot new ideas, review old inspiration and perhaps even move into uncharted territory plant-wise. While I loved things the way they were, I can’t help thinking change might be good.

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You’ve got to love the modern use of clipped layered hedges of boxwood and yew in the masterful garden designs of Luciano Giubbilei. More of his genius can be found here: http://www.lucianogiubbilei.com/

Maybe my solution is not more boxwood at all, but horizontal fencing and drifts of native grass Bouteloua Gracilis, Blonde Ambition. Napa Landscape by Scott Lewis Photo: via Gardenista

After a black and white Winter perhaps yellow Magnolia tucked into the woods would be a welcome sight come Spring, like this Magnolia Yellow Bird. Photo: gp

 

 

 

 

Good enough…

April 17, 2016

for company yet simple and quick enough for any week night dinner… Orchietti with pancetta and peas. It’s a Springtime comfort food, with each “little ear” cradling a bit of crisp pancetta, a pea or bit of fresh herb. With a few basic ingredients you can have this on the table in under 30 minutes. A glass of Prosecco and maybe some spring strawberries for dessert ? Done.

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Photos:gp

 

Spring Break

April 11, 2016

Now we’re talkin. Give me a little respite in the Spanish countryside over Florida or Mexico for Spring Break any day. In a small simplequietmodern retreat like this…even better.

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More photos and specifics here: http://www.chqs.net/project-tipo-19.htm#

 

On Your Mark…

April 5, 2016

Get set…Bang! While Spring takes a little “back pedal” it’s the perfect time to pull the trigger on this project.

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Photos:gp