That's the weather report for today. Just back from the big Gift Show in New York where Sue and I examined hundreds of booths lining miles of aisles under a bright florescent sky (promising ourselves to accessorize with pedometers next year).
It's a crowded, somewhat chaotic, place—vendors from all over the world selling everything from glittery swan sculptures encrusted in quartzite and semi-precious minerals to alma mater-themed wreaths.
The show put green on its agenda, showcasing products made or re-made with the health of the planet in mind. While nearly everyone attempted to jump on the recycling bin and promote their product's environmentally sensitive bona fides, I was delighted to find that labeling has improved, and that "green" products are becoming more affordable and better looking.
Since I have to get out and shovel the ice off the sidewalk, I'll save the news of our new purchases for a future post. A tickler—we found a lovely new body care line made with olives organically grown on a California farm. Can't wait for them to arrive!
1.28.2009
1.17.2009
Plants Raves & Faves
Hydrangea arborescens ‘Annabelle’
Okay, I'm thinking about spring. I admit it. And about plants, and flowers, and temps above 5 degrees. Hydrangeas, in my mind, are quintessential garden plants, so they are the natural choice for my first plant raves & faves post!
Romantic and evocative of traditional gardens, hydrangeas are too often dismissed as old-fashioned plants out of place in contemporary gardens. For sure, the big blue orbs of Nikko Blue Hydrangeas can be found in all the wrong places, but usually hydrangeas are in perfect garden harmony.
‘Annabelle’ is one of my favorite old-fashioned hydrangeas—it is big, beautiful and exceptionally easy to grow. The flowers start off greenish and tight, expanding into fluffy six to ten inch white balls which make great cut flowers, and are easy to dry.
Basics: Annabelles thrive with morning sun, afternoon shade and moist soil. They should be cut back early March to about 18” in order to control growth and strengthen stems so they can support the heavy flower heads.
Look at http://www.hydrangeashydrangeas.com/annabelle.html for information about growing Annabelle hydrangeas.
Photo credit:
Missouri Botanical Garden
Okay, I'm thinking about spring. I admit it. And about plants, and flowers, and temps above 5 degrees. Hydrangeas, in my mind, are quintessential garden plants, so they are the natural choice for my first plant raves & faves post!
Romantic and evocative of traditional gardens, hydrangeas are too often dismissed as old-fashioned plants out of place in contemporary gardens. For sure, the big blue orbs of Nikko Blue Hydrangeas can be found in all the wrong places, but usually hydrangeas are in perfect garden harmony.
‘Annabelle’ is one of my favorite old-fashioned hydrangeas—it is big, beautiful and exceptionally easy to grow. The flowers start off greenish and tight, expanding into fluffy six to ten inch white balls which make great cut flowers, and are easy to dry.
Basics: Annabelles thrive with morning sun, afternoon shade and moist soil. They should be cut back early March to about 18” in order to control growth and strengthen stems so they can support the heavy flower heads.
Look at http://www.hydrangeashydrangeas.com/annabelle.html for information about growing Annabelle hydrangeas.
Photo credit:
Missouri Botanical Garden
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