Shifting Focus
February 2, 2022
From biting bitter cold to major snowstorms, we are sure to be glad that January is behind us. Now’s a good time to shift our focus to other beautiful forms of Winter White that aren’t as challenging. From a simple vase of forced spring branches to dreaming about a a coveted new addition to your home, a little distraction isn’t out of order as we try to keep warm until the thaw.
Top to bottom:
For me, a fresh dump of snow is pretty for about 10 minutes. That’s it.
A bunch of white fringed tulips generally take the edge off all of that cold white stuff.
Planning ahead certainly guarantees some additional garden interest. This Blonde Ambition grass is certainly holding it’s own.
What do you mean you haven’t potted up that Amaryllis you received as a Christmas Gift? Get on it.
I know. Put it on your want list now. One large Saarinen dining table…six Saarinen Executive Chairs. You can’t go wrong with white on white, tone on tone. Photo: Knoll
Check that pantry and you might find the few ingredients needed to whip up a batch of this no-churn Bourbon Ice Cream.
Poke around the yard (or neighborhood)with a pair of pruners in your pocket. You could come home with a few flowering branches to force into bloom.
Too afraid to add that dining table to your want list? How ’bout a more do-able side table? photo: Knoll
I can never have enough white tulips to pull me through Winter. This white Parrot variety is a particular favorite.
If you’re going to be stuck inside bingeing movies, how great would it be to do it stretched out on this classic Florence Knoll sofa dressed in creamy upholstery?
Shoveling is horrible. Period. But, a hot soak or scrub down afterword with some Birch scented bath salts? Lovely.
Winter White Cashmere. Now, that’ll keep you cozy till spring. Photo: Naadam
Take a deep breath,
September 13, 2021
pull the trigger and make a statement. If we love a black fence, what’s not to love about a black house? Complete the study with some egg rock, a simple mass planting and boom! You’re done. Large or small, city residence or an upstate cottage, it’s a simplequietmodern look that’s hard to beat.
top to bottom:
My candidate for new paint. Nearly there now in it’s current coat of deep charcoal. Hopefully this Fall. photo: gp
Behr SC-102 Slate photo: Behr.com
Black…the perfect backdrop for mass plantings of a perennial grass like the Blue Gamma ” Blonde Ambition” Photo: High Country Gardens
Or, Blue Dune Grass Photo:gp
No other foundation plantings needed…just a deep border of egg rock. photo:gp
Now that that’s done, have a seat, kick back and relax. Loll Designs reissue of the classic Westport Adirondack chair. Photo: Loll designs
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.
Top to bottom:
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
simplequietmodern 