Silver Screen Surroundings: Outlander S1E5 - "The Rent" plus, visiting a wattle house

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaKj1k48c5uL4kuLYNDUU392vOzwtW5DO63xYCZYqOzg2oXHtj9d4uGfGPo9mT5MK8vS9VcFxR2-AN_180G6nSJU3T093PMeEAVpiJBG02TTAOY_lvyqqgnomT_sOk8JPBF1z8YnBJDWg/s1600/outside+huts1.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaKj1k48c5uL4kuLYNDUU392vOzwtW5DO63xYCZYqOzg2oXHtj9d4uGfGPo9mT5MK8vS9VcFxR2-AN_180G6nSJU3T093PMeEAVpiJBG02TTAOY_lvyqqgnomT_sOk8JPBF1z8YnBJDWg/s1600/outside+huts1.tiff" width="640" /></a></div><br />In this week's episode, our heroine Claire is taken on the road with a pack of MacKenzie men to collect the rents from outlying tenant farmers who hadn't been able to make it to The Gathering at Castle Leoch. War Chieftan Dougal figures it would be good to have a healer along and Claire sees it as an opportunity to get out of the castle and perhaps closer to the standing stones and maybe even back to the 20th century.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq3ipu7mFPSPB7kLqf5paUhcVK3NxlvZ1MVE0k7_3gIwV87l_HJgo66HWeKAo6AK0JBaVsa8hHVNoQJ04zdLNcTGzqUsGcI7h6H1gd9FMnU3gXWsF-1PLaERmLtYlEBkquMZ5s8KJOF10/s1600/working+wool1.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq3ipu7mFPSPB7kLqf5paUhcVK3NxlvZ1MVE0k7_3gIwV87l_HJgo66HWeKAo6AK0JBaVsa8hHVNoQJ04zdLNcTGzqUsGcI7h6H1gd9FMnU3gXWsF-1PLaERmLtYlEBkquMZ5s8KJOF10/s1600/working+wool1.tiff" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT5rY20PK-I0G38XluHwbRsL7fPLT1feuBk8dAeIRxsu3HYONuN2u3UTQZyClmxDaOseHwsCdnPguJNyiGqD1Y-OP1cEyJAsL-4yfgRNn0fd4L9gTIRcSSXKle2WWWYfSkb_PDE5I2_rM/s1600/working+wool2.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT5rY20PK-I0G38XluHwbRsL7fPLT1feuBk8dAeIRxsu3HYONuN2u3UTQZyClmxDaOseHwsCdnPguJNyiGqD1Y-OP1cEyJAsL-4yfgRNn0fd4L9gTIRcSSXKle2WWWYfSkb_PDE5I2_rM/s1600/working+wool2.tiff" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />At one of the stops, Claire finds a group of women who are singing a working song which aids in the rhythm (and helps pass the time, no doubt) while they prepare a large piece of heavy wool for dyeing. Such preparation includes pounding hot urine into the fabric which helps it accept dyes, notably indigo colors, and sets the color quicker. (see more information on this process <a href="http://www.marariley.net/celtic/SentToKass/Dyes.htm" target="_blank">here</a>).<br /><br />Edited to add: I came across a blog <a href="http://www.threeifbyspace.net/" target="_blank">Three if by Space</a> who is reviewing the series. She clarifies that it's called "waulking" the wool, not working, though they are probably related words. Anyway, she has a link to a video showing more modern woman doing the same thing with the wool and singing along with the series. <a href="http://www.threeifbyspace.net/2014/09/outlander-review-of-episode-5-rent/#.VA8odUv-rwJ" target="_blank">Click here to view</a>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdK456wfSDqrqLGyZ2w4y1zN2tavKnZiaLpfGnIcwQ1Aq1UUc99fwT9zunS9upF_SksBbHDwuZf8oPwcjTh2CEiNaoRs8hWUrv2NkUD6UGH27zD763JfxB7cJ0sPZvNBDs9XRLIFPoAxc/s1600/inside+straw+hut+2.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdK456wfSDqrqLGyZ2w4y1zN2tavKnZiaLpfGnIcwQ1Aq1UUc99fwT9zunS9upF_SksBbHDwuZf8oPwcjTh2CEiNaoRs8hWUrv2NkUD6UGH27zD763JfxB7cJ0sPZvNBDs9XRLIFPoAxc/s1600/inside+straw+hut+2.tiff" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />As this is an "on the road" episode, there aren't too many interior scenes, with the singular exception of the straw wattle house where the ladies do much of their work - and relaxing.<br /><br />Wattle and daub huts have been around for millennia. This is a wonderful brief video on how they are built.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/VIJlFBAAjvE" width="480"></iframe><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP_LTE_TSaZKfc2dun8tlkohXkBwmY6b-7OJ5SO_u48g3jlcCH1G9qY0OXE8VVdvHbQmXEJ13mBLcEGUwjadt9wE7h4CZaeONkFDJ1EArXvzlRbrZzPaGb23LJM9bMaRprrbOm0rWnkSE/s1600/inside+straw+hut+1.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP_LTE_TSaZKfc2dun8tlkohXkBwmY6b-7OJ5SO_u48g3jlcCH1G9qY0OXE8VVdvHbQmXEJ13mBLcEGUwjadt9wE7h4CZaeONkFDJ1EArXvzlRbrZzPaGb23LJM9bMaRprrbOm0rWnkSE/s1600/inside+straw+hut+1.tiff" width="640" /></a></div><br />I thought it surprising that the hut used in the show still had open walls that have not been filled in with daub. The photo below shows the thatched roofs over more traditional wattle and daub structures on the right and middle, with the more open structure on the left.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaKj1k48c5uL4kuLYNDUU392vOzwtW5DO63xYCZYqOzg2oXHtj9d4uGfGPo9mT5MK8vS9VcFxR2-AN_180G6nSJU3T093PMeEAVpiJBG02TTAOY_lvyqqgnomT_sOk8JPBF1z8YnBJDWg/s1600/outside+huts1.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaKj1k48c5uL4kuLYNDUU392vOzwtW5DO63xYCZYqOzg2oXHtj9d4uGfGPo9mT5MK8vS9VcFxR2-AN_180G6nSJU3T093PMeEAVpiJBG02TTAOY_lvyqqgnomT_sOk8JPBF1z8YnBJDWg/s1600/outside+huts1.tiff" width="640" /></a></div><br />I'm not sure if this is typical as my initial thought was that there would be no protection from the cold wind and rains in the Scottish Highlands, not to mention the wood would deteriorate very quickly. Plus, one errant spark from the fireplace or a candle and whoosh - there goes your romantic looking structure.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDb_-kkTytVzR6KaZVJHlJgLzReAgUh3w1l4GnOfcynh1lWIqWNlcrzMYKHgdtMcHXZEBtkRr7re1T_rvug3hjQwgnMERbMZWMudsxzqYwEJS4bFucUHJ3xa9rzcpRw_F25y3c2hCgElA/s1600/wattle+fence.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDb_-kkTytVzR6KaZVJHlJgLzReAgUh3w1l4GnOfcynh1lWIqWNlcrzMYKHgdtMcHXZEBtkRr7re1T_rvug3hjQwgnMERbMZWMudsxzqYwEJS4bFucUHJ3xa9rzcpRw_F25y3c2hCgElA/s1600/wattle+fence.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />To this day, wattle fences are still very popular and are certainly very pretty.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ak1.pinimg.com/originals/7f/92/59/7f9259dfde45ddd50147abafadcf7db7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ak1.pinimg.com/originals/7f/92/59/7f9259dfde45ddd50147abafadcf7db7.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Source unknown<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4U572E56njlGKDd5ZhgAgcAQnQGBp4N4iKAhCC866Y1rwitzg-Tq2tr-Syc54IVg1SrKomulhWiD3GwrmtZeyandPK4e12DSj7P09cE34BkU3_Nucg1JvS4SvZpXVqXZPQTQMPOsKCek/s1600/wattle+hurdle+Vogue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4U572E56njlGKDd5ZhgAgcAQnQGBp4N4iKAhCC866Y1rwitzg-Tq2tr-Syc54IVg1SrKomulhWiD3GwrmtZeyandPK4e12DSj7P09cE34BkU3_Nucg1JvS4SvZpXVqXZPQTQMPOsKCek/s1600/wattle+hurdle+Vogue.jpg" width="566" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">image via Vogue</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One of the first times I remember seeing a wattle fence was in the movie "A Room With A View" in front of the house rented by the Mr. Emerson's. (view below from inside the house).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.tumblr.com/photo/1280/fuckyeaharoomwithaview/30596152244/1/tumblr_ld5tf4PqmV1qanwe4" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.tumblr.com/photo/1280/fuckyeaharoomwithaview/30596152244/1/tumblr_ld5tf4PqmV1qanwe4" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Back to the Outlander set - I can't help but wonder if they chose to leave the ends of the house walls open structure to let in more natural light for filming, or perhaps just for atmospherics?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKjXtOAxLtbEQtjhBCjoQuhLapnzsILFuDwnZ3h_9DaSUiPAL4cj9mKDcLJTG6kxMxjn0Pu8K_bgE1oUsYEJlEJVWie4SEx4UTBXKzjZRpBRNrJNRxc2GTIi3GA1o-RybI5VrTikXhlVU/s1600/inside+straw+hut+3.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="359" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKjXtOAxLtbEQtjhBCjoQuhLapnzsILFuDwnZ3h_9DaSUiPAL4cj9mKDcLJTG6kxMxjn0Pu8K_bgE1oUsYEJlEJVWie4SEx4UTBXKzjZRpBRNrJNRxc2GTIi3GA1o-RybI5VrTikXhlVU/s1600/inside+straw+hut+3.tiff" width="640" /></a></div><br />Well, it's pretty, nonetheless. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.restorationhardware.com/is/image/rhis/prod1596003_av3?$l-pd1$" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="http://media.restorationhardware.com/is/image/rhis/prod1596003_av3?$l-pd1$" width="320" /></a></div>Meanwhile, that table looks like it's straight out of the Restoration Hardware catalogue.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia9vo45P6k6HohVOYlNyO5MEd6KFLQuHnDZA_87ngpfuba_KApijU9-5Zkh_6a3tbwWc_-pxLQyqQLqhAjiHI0ROPC9rWtysirfoURg-yl_oRqb8VB6ha7JAUoXP1CGJtXS5iyNF9MFoM/s1600/Claire+&+Dougal.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia9vo45P6k6HohVOYlNyO5MEd6KFLQuHnDZA_87ngpfuba_KApijU9-5Zkh_6a3tbwWc_-pxLQyqQLqhAjiHI0ROPC9rWtysirfoURg-yl_oRqb8VB6ha7JAUoXP1CGJtXS5iyNF9MFoM/s1600/Claire+&+Dougal.tiff" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Claire and Dougal MacKenzie square off</div><br />One of the most brilliant (though sometimes also the most tedious) aspects of the books is the level of detail author Diana Gabaldon gets into, particularly the nastier parts of traveling "rough", sleeping on the ground, wearing the same clothes day in and day out and little bathing.  Unfortunately, so far in the series, the producers aren't ready for the star Caitroina Balfe to look quite so unkempt as all that and in this episode, she looks a little too clean and pressed through out  to be plausible. Recalling this part of the book, Claire basically had one dress which she wore day in and day out. Her wardrobe, supposedly cobbled together at the castle from discarded clothing,  looks brand new and perfectly fitted to her. More importantly, it never looks dirty, even after she's pitched in  working the wool, which had to be a dirty, sweaty and messy task. Yet, her white scarf is as starched looking as it ever was. I would argue nothing kept in a traveling bag would be particularly pressed looking. Dougal, in the photo above payed by Graham MacTavis, is the second most important member of the Clan MacKenzie after his brother the Laird. On this trip, he was the man in charge, the boss and owner to whom all the crofters were paying their rents and asking for advice. His clothing would naturally be the best and most impressive among the men and yet he looks travel weary and his white neck cloth more appropriately grimy looking as compared to Claire's. The harshness of the setting is all a part of what Claire faces and we're not at all seeing that natural degradation brought on by lack of soap, hot water and a change of clothes.<br /><br />Still loving the series though!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid1T3XCULzhSBAmJoz1cjKnSbC6ieQYn8Xo3GxP7pwQe5TSfy5jJWghk4uYC18lg-3DYEcq0r84Uc0MR6FGy0j1D9xjslNuhkPD2OFHrYtnow_RFwtgxfMR-bLUOWbM6eEBoxn0kp-wQ4/s1600/Linda+sig2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid1T3XCULzhSBAmJoz1cjKnSbC6ieQYn8Xo3GxP7pwQe5TSfy5jJWghk4uYC18lg-3DYEcq0r84Uc0MR6FGy0j1D9xjslNuhkPD2OFHrYtnow_RFwtgxfMR-bLUOWbM6eEBoxn0kp-wQ4/s1600/Linda+sig2.png" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />

Silver Screen Surroundings: Outlander S1E5 - "The Rent" plus, visiting a wattle house

In this week's episode, our heroine Claire is taken on the road with a pack of MacKenzie men to collect the rents from outlying tenant f...

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::Surroundings:: Guide to Decorative Living, Spring 2013, is Live!!

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIJp4UPeYEA0IwTZT3351vB4GhOqGFAI4ETLUQ6r5FIp9R_zZjJKphpLwMTAM14-BkhxrkqBhdW7UC2IV8ukDBqtCuClJaGtQT-Idt21MjPpSi9SpGXyucm6kju2fs2zkRK9Qp56XJ_1A/s1600/Spring+2013+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIJp4UPeYEA0IwTZT3351vB4GhOqGFAI4ETLUQ6r5FIp9R_zZjJKphpLwMTAM14-BkhxrkqBhdW7UC2IV8ukDBqtCuClJaGtQT-Idt21MjPpSi9SpGXyucm6kju2fs2zkRK9Qp56XJ_1A/s640/Spring+2013+Cover.jpg" width="496" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I feel like I've fallen off the face of the planet, but I've really just been very busy putting the final touches on my latest edition of<a href="http://issuu.com/surroundings" target="_blank"> ::Surroundings:: Guide to Decorative Surroundings</a> (among other things like client work and holding my flute student's annual recital!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiucbOCBuZ__Oj91AY7GPzAy5YWNVVxY1F7e2qW7smaVzglzhFrfKNBn3tE_y64cWgtNm24tPwnW4hmlPydQIth8AGq-KUVj6xwGsWTpw9tuSrCAeHLZ7CR7PXar90QVHy0XvfZqFiF8-g/s1600/Photoshoot+collage2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiucbOCBuZ__Oj91AY7GPzAy5YWNVVxY1F7e2qW7smaVzglzhFrfKNBn3tE_y64cWgtNm24tPwnW4hmlPydQIth8AGq-KUVj6xwGsWTpw9tuSrCAeHLZ7CR7PXar90QVHy0XvfZqFiF8-g/s1600/Photoshoot+collage2.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br />Last month, cover photographer <a href="http://michaeljleephotography.com/www.michaeljleephotography.com/HOME.html" target="_blank">Michael J. Lee</a> and I descended on the fabulous <a href="http://artefacthome.com/" target="_blank">Artefact Home|Garden</a> in Belmont, MA and after a bit of brainstorming, came up with our plan to create the perfect look for a Spring/Summer issue that is focused around the theme of "vacation style" living. We don't need to go out of town to be on vacation, it's more a state of mind. As you can see from images taken during our photoshoot - a beautiful space was created on what is basically a sidewalk on a busy road. Magic!<br /><br />I hope you enjoy - and don't forget to send a postcard from where ever your vacation takes you! <br /><br /><code><div class="issuuembed" data-configid="1985255/2717422" style="height: 421px; width: 650px;"></div><script async="true" src="http://e.issuu.com/embed.js" type="text/javascript"></script></code> <br /><br />If you would like my help on your design project, I would love to chat with you! Please <a href="mailto:linda.m.merrill@gmail.com">email me</a>. Thanks!<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a>

::Surroundings:: Guide to Decorative Living, Spring 2013, is Live!!

  I feel like I've fallen off the face of the planet, but I've really just been very busy putting the final touches on my latest edi...

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Garden Dreaming

The landscaping crew was here all day yesterday cleaning up the lawn from the seemingly non-stop winter storms here in New England. While we luckily didn't loose any trees, the lawn was strewn with downed limbs and large branches. It's nice to see it all cleaned up and a few little crocuses pushing up out of the soil. But, I am dying for a little color! It will be May before we see a lot of color outdoors here in New England and on this dreary and raw Thursday, I'm personally feeling a little bit of the winter blahs.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/736x/30/3e/c3/303ec3b2472dc5637c5feea7f80f50b2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/736x/30/3e/c3/303ec3b2472dc5637c5feea7f80f50b2.jpg" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I love garden walkways and dense flower beds. I am not any kind of a gardener - as a matter of fact, I hate the feeling of dirt under my nails - but I love the results of all the hard work.And who wouldn't want the puppy in the pic above!! (via <a href="http://trouvais.com/2009/09/page/3/" target="_blank">Trouvais</a>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/736x/5b/49/9e/5b499ef2a0c12999bd9223594da7b984.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/736x/5b/49/9e/5b499ef2a0c12999bd9223594da7b984.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I love this sunny space with lots of greenery. You can just taste the iced tea and smell the sea breezes. (via <a href="http://www.bhg.com/gardening/landscaping-projects/landscape-basics/backyard-landscaping-secrets/?socsrc=bhgpin062712backyardsecrets" target="_blank">BHG</a>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec5.pinterest.com/736x/e1/0f/c8/e10fc87903b2cc6da2f82fcd194dc1a0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec5.pinterest.com/736x/e1/0f/c8/e10fc87903b2cc6da2f82fcd194dc1a0.jpg" /></a></div>This image is just so happy, and again, I am loving the garden pathway. (via <a href="http://www.midwestliving.com/garden/ideas/20-secrets-to-landscape-success/#page=5" target="_blank">Medwest Living</a>)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/736x/90/96/e3/9096e3f5297a8d0dcf5918f3147aea1f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/736x/90/96/e3/9096e3f5297a8d0dcf5918f3147aea1f.jpg" /></a></div>The saturation of colors in this image really gets to me. I want! (via <a href="http://www.bhg.com/gardening/" target="_blank">BHG</a>)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/736x/a8/01/49/a80149cfe207c87af4e1229370195638.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/736x/a8/01/49/a80149cfe207c87af4e1229370195638.jpg" /></a></div>This just looks really magical. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/736x/3f/a1/b9/3fa1b916e19fbd4eeb60558d73490b99.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/736x/3f/a1/b9/3fa1b916e19fbd4eeb60558d73490b99.jpg" /></a></div>I can never decide whether I prefer a naturalistic garden, or something more manicured and organized. This one really appeals to my love of classic design and symmetry. (<a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/385430/A-Classic-Country-White-Garden-traditional-landscape-new-york" target="_blank">Debra Carbone Associates</a>)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/736x/68/8e/c1/688ec184401b7d0fccdf9b1eb92bb0d1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/736x/68/8e/c1/688ec184401b7d0fccdf9b1eb92bb0d1.jpg" /></a></div>And I love a boxwood hedge.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/736x/6f/77/11/6f7711dc2adf318cb16c70f0c892d857.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/736x/6f/77/11/6f7711dc2adf318cb16c70f0c892d857.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>And I really love a secret garden!(<a href="http://www.grantandpower.com/media/35956/07%20-%20Suburban%20Garden%20Retreat%20low.jpg" target="_blank"> Grant & Power Landscaping</a>)<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/736x/4e/21/9d/4e219de8d4c08d808818626aeda72302.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/736x/4e/21/9d/4e219de8d4c08d808818626aeda72302.jpg" /></a></div>Another little secret space - and more rustic than the really mancured gardens above (via <a href="http://www.bhg.com/gardening/landscaping-projects/landscape-basics/sunny-landscape-ideas/?sssdmh=dm17.603519&esrc=nwgn062112f&email=4725729855" target="_blank">BHG</a>) See, I can never decide which I prefer!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-is0.pinimg.com/736x/ee/59/5c/ee595c259978a5d6e1910bc17c299140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-is0.pinimg.com/736x/ee/59/5c/ee595c259978a5d6e1910bc17c299140.jpg" /></a></div>More pathways to heaven.(via <a href="http://www.bhg.com/gardening/" target="_blank">BHG</a>)<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-is0.pinimg.com/736x/a1/c6/4c/a1c64c972b9aa0347a866a24f2057503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-is0.pinimg.com/736x/a1/c6/4c/a1c64c972b9aa0347a866a24f2057503.jpg" /></a></div>Truly, a riot of color. Love.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec5.pinterest.com/736x/29/5e/e9/295ee9fa639cda94f6616d31b07a4cf1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec5.pinterest.com/736x/29/5e/e9/295ee9fa639cda94f6616d31b07a4cf1.jpg" /></a></div>A different kind of pathway ( <a href="http://www.botanicaatlanta.com/photogallery.htm" target="_blank">Botanica Atlanta</a>)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-is0.pinimg.com/736x/12/bd/b8/12bdb839c7c1ec40520b196e233591bc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://media-cache-is0.pinimg.com/736x/12/bd/b8/12bdb839c7c1ec40520b196e233591bc.jpg" width="425" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm not really a pool person, but this lap pool is lovely and so beautifully integrated into the landscaping. Have been pondering if my "Dream House" would have a small pool such as this. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/736x/3c/24/3e/3c243e9c8c9f7f42472c7a314ea39ccd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/736x/3c/24/3e/3c243e9c8c9f7f42472c7a314ea39ccd.jpg" /></a></div><br />Just a pretty idea. (via <a href="http://www.bhg.com/gardening/landscaping-projects/landscape-basics/whimsical-landscaping-design-ideas/?socsrc=bhgpin032113wheelbarrowplanter&crlt.pid=camp.sLpgzge8I7NG" target="_blank">BHG</a>)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec3.pinterest.com/736x/6e/c5/f6/6ec5f6177acadb2f609f747c659f6ea3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec3.pinterest.com/736x/6e/c5/f6/6ec5f6177acadb2f609f747c659f6ea3.jpg" /></a></div>This is making me impatiens for Spring! (sorry, had to do it...)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/736x/5a/93/42/5a934211fc1299fafd5c859e5b7132ef.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/736x/5a/93/42/5a934211fc1299fafd5c859e5b7132ef.jpg" /></a></div>I visited Edith Wharton's Berkshires home "The Mount" a few years ago and of course, loved the gardens. Her views on gardening were rooted in the traditional concept that formal gardens should be laid out like rooms in a house with connecting pathways (hallways). The image above was the beautiful flower garden around a central pool. I think this was still a work in progress at the time, though it wasn't as sparse in person as this photo makes it feel. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/736x/0e/9b/d5/0e9bd5b550a9ceb087872199619a5dc6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/736x/0e/9b/d5/0e9bd5b550a9ceb087872199619a5dc6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>The Italian inspired white and green garden is really quite spectacular in its monochromatic lushness. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec4.pinterest.com/736x/ad/af/08/adaf08b12cd93c36da8ae08cd4f656ca.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec4.pinterest.com/736x/ad/af/08/adaf08b12cd93c36da8ae08cd4f656ca.jpg" /></a></div>Talk about spectacular lawns and gardens!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec3.pinterest.com/736x/0f/7c/35/0f7c3535fc0b401f997a7e9f6235b69c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec3.pinterest.com/736x/0f/7c/35/0f7c3535fc0b401f997a7e9f6235b69c.jpg" /></a></div>So, for the exterior of my <a href="http://chameleon-interiors.blogspot.com/search/label/Linda%27s%20Dream%20House" target="_blank">Dream House</a>, I have been working on the concept of whether to have an attached or detached garage. Most of the antique houses in my dream location of Newburyport, MA were built before garages and either have nothing at all, or detached converted carriage houses. So, I do envision a detached garage. But in New England, it's kind of a pain to have to schlepp bags and groceries in the rain and through the snow. So, I started toying with the notion of doing a covered walkway connecting the two structures. And if I'm really having a fantasy, I could have a walkway that had glass walls in the winter so I didn't even have to shovel it. As long as it's a fantasy project...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/736x/33/05/4e/33054e6c7c885572c3183d6d01ca07f4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/736x/33/05/4e/33054e6c7c885572c3183d6d01ca07f4.jpg" /></a></div>This beautiful house is the work of the Massachusett's firm <a href="http://www.svdesign.com/" target="_blank">Siemasko + Verbridge</a>.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbbRtHIRd2crhhY1BUgpFFwrQmoOHsWCO3LGHv8HrbVSKhjutvifJC0frUvoss9sg3EABecXBYSmz8kXN_29s8Bmpcwe2VYcoShGQeDa7XG8UthtowWUJuuVzPBNaFTyE6Q83_PkUaq1QB/s1600/Linda's+house+ext+patio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="473" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbbRtHIRd2crhhY1BUgpFFwrQmoOHsWCO3LGHv8HrbVSKhjutvifJC0frUvoss9sg3EABecXBYSmz8kXN_29s8Bmpcwe2VYcoShGQeDa7XG8UthtowWUJuuVzPBNaFTyE6Q83_PkUaq1QB/s640/Linda's+house+ext+patio.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />And so, updating the back of my "house" (well, it's virtually mine!), I've added a covered walkway to connect the garage and house. It necessitated that I move the kitchen door from the side of the house to the rear, but that's okay, it gives me more of a useful wall in the kitchen (which is still a work in progress).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtOvXuvFnkJ6TLfSJFg6Zf7yNSKvv9tNVBt7UkbFx4NGoy-6Ml149MGrCPa1VL6E12YRbhMePw6f4p3BITST0YdflQ7P7cXK_3AAUnS4oI7QxqT6EALqfwNfMgqN03OHRfsCqIVjIvfK0f/s1600/Linda's+house+ext+patio+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtOvXuvFnkJ6TLfSJFg6Zf7yNSKvv9tNVBt7UkbFx4NGoy-6Ml149MGrCPa1VL6E12YRbhMePw6f4p3BITST0YdflQ7P7cXK_3AAUnS4oI7QxqT6EALqfwNfMgqN03OHRfsCqIVjIvfK0f/s640/Linda's+house+ext+patio+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is the virtual view from the garage door into the kitchen. Obviously, there would be a lot more architectural interest, this is a more of a placeholder until I really design the walkway. I've also changed from having a deck off the sun porch to a more traditional brick patio. I still need to work on this whole area, but all the pics above have my mind churning away. Given that the property would not have a lot of frontage or actually side room, the space between the garage and house would really be very important. I love a secret garden and the notion of a beautiful space that is hidden from the street. And moving the patio around back gives me much more privacy, which I like. </div><br /><br /><a href="http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/736x/30/3e/c3/303ec3b2472dc5637c5feea7f80f50b2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/736x/30/3e/c3/303ec3b2472dc5637c5feea7f80f50b2.jpg" /></a><br />I think this is truly my inspiration shot. Imagine looking out the kitchen windows to this... <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec4.pinterest.com/736x/80/e7/4a/80e74a0e5f3f0648a974b67e1d7d167e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec4.pinterest.com/736x/80/e7/4a/80e74a0e5f3f0648a974b67e1d7d167e.jpg" /></a></div>Oh, and just one more totally crazy one. Is this a photo of a real space, or something made up?<br /><br />All available credits, images and links can be found <a href="http://pinterest.com/linda_merrill/gardens-landscaping/" target="_blank">here</a>. <br /><br />If you would like my help on your dream home project, I would love to chat with you! Please <a href="mailto:linda.m.merrill@gmail.com">email me</a>. Thanks!<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a>

Garden Dreaming

The landscaping crew was here all day yesterday cleaning up the lawn from the seemingly non-stop winter storms here in New England. While we...

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A breath of Spring: The Boston Flower Show

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaHb8AuX62EgxQMRuuDA1JRMa4Fh2Ox42CixcaWMCnd0qhUPz2mEplbuLhnzigl78TstRqgA5yo6zRWcq-yFXeh8RPbHxQyRaoedMl0McVUo2uxDV0gPxHFChGYQRmTCszCV5ODCZpi3gp/s1600/flower+girl.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaHb8AuX62EgxQMRuuDA1JRMa4Fh2Ox42CixcaWMCnd0qhUPz2mEplbuLhnzigl78TstRqgA5yo6zRWcq-yFXeh8RPbHxQyRaoedMl0McVUo2uxDV0gPxHFChGYQRmTCszCV5ODCZpi3gp/s400/flower+girl.jpg" width="380" /></a></div><br />The other day, I had the luck to be able to attend the press preview of <a href="http://www.paragonexpo.com/index.php/BFS-General/">The Boston Flower Show</a>. The preview was held before the big opening cocktail party and before the show was open to the public. Fresh flowers, beautiful installations, the smell of mulch and no crowds. Perfection.<br /><br /><br />Here's a sneak peak of the show. I'll have more photos up later on as well. Enjoy!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Design by Paul Miskovsky and Allen C. Haskell Horticulturalists</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5094/5536604644_f91c2a6eb6_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5094/5536604644_f91c2a6eb6_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5131/5536025803_46fdf44373_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5131/5536025803_46fdf44373_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">(see the dove?)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Design by New England Land Artisan and Potted Up</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5054/5536600956_90c6441a33_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5054/5536600956_90c6441a33_z.jpg" width="564" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The 2011 Newport Flower Show with Shreve, Crump & Low table scape</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5012/5536020025_4080e063ec_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5012/5536020025_4080e063ec_z.jpg" width="640" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5099/5536019051_340706793b_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5099/5536019051_340706793b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://www.paragonexpo.com/index.php/BFS-General/">The Boston Flower Show</a> is running through Sunday the 20th at the Seaport World Trade Center. Throughout the show there will be gardening and floral arranging demos, lectures, cooking demos, competitions and vendors and book stores. A great way to kick off Spring!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaHb8AuX62EgxQMRuuDA1JRMa4Fh2Ox42CixcaWMCnd0qhUPz2mEplbuLhnzigl78TstRqgA5yo6zRWcq-yFXeh8RPbHxQyRaoedMl0McVUo2uxDV0gPxHFChGYQRmTCszCV5ODCZpi3gp/s1600/flower+girl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="background-color: #d5a6bd;">If you would like my help on your design project, I would love to chat with you! Please <a href="mailto:linda.m.merrill@gmail.com">email me</a>. Thanks!</div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/40/61AD69B5456EE9E48D48218DA34439B1.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a> <br /><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0pt none; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a>

A breath of Spring: The Boston Flower Show

The other day, I had the luck to be able to attend the press preview of The Boston Flower Show . The preview was held before the big opening...

Read more »