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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New England Design Hall of Fame 2009

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.nehomemag.com/New-England-Home/Industry-Insider/Hall-of-Fame/hof-icon.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.nehomemag.com/New-England-Home/Industry-Insider/Hall-of-Fame/hof-icon.gif" /></a><br /></div><br /><br /><br />The 2009 inductees into the <a href="http://www.nehomemag.com/New-England-Home/Industry-Insider/Hall-of-Fame/Tickets/index.php">New England Design Hall of Fame</a> were announced last evening at beautiful unveiling ceremony held in the courtyard of the Boston Design Center.<br /><br />The New England Design Hall of Fame honors the region's finest architects, interior designers and, new for this year, landscape designers whose work is of the highest caliber and who have made a significant contribution to the design field in New England. Also new for this year is a Specialty Design Award, which will be given periodically to outstanding practitioners in more focused fields such as kitchen or lighting design. The Hall of Fame will have a permanent "Living Legacy" in the form of a birch grove in front of the Boston Design Center.<br /><br />This year's inductees are: <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Architecture</b><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Peter Forbes, Peter Forbes, F.A.I.A., Architects, Seal Harbor, Maine<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Maryann Thompson, <a href="http://www.maryannthompson.com/">Maryann Thompson Architects</a>, Cambridge, Massachusetts<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Interior Design</b><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Gary McBournie, <a href="http://gmcbinc.com/">Gary McBournie, Inc</a>., Boston, Massachusetts<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Cheryl & Jeffrey Katz, <a href="http://www.candjkatz.com/">C&J Katz Studio</a>, Boston, Massachusetts<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Landscape Design</b><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Stephen Stimson, Richard Johnson & Edward Marshall, <a href="http://www.stephenstimson.com/flash/flash.html">Stephen Stimson Associates Landscape Architects</a>, Falmouth, Massachusetts<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Douglas Reed & Gary Hilderbrand, <a href="http://www.reedhilderbrand.com/">Reed Hilderbrand Associates</a>, Watertown, Massachusetts<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Specialty Design Award</b><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Dalia Tamari, <a href="http://www.daliakitchendesign.com/">Dalia Kitchen Design</a>, Boston, Massachusetts<br /></div><br /><br />Kyle Hoepner, editor-in-chief of <a href="http://www.nehomemag.com/">New England Home</a>, praised this year's inductees as "representing an enormous fund of sheer talent and hard work. Each of them has been a tireless exponent of fine design in New England, and each one is a fitting addition to the prestigious roster of individuals already in the Hall of Fame."<br /><br />The slate of inductees for 2009 was selected by a diverse committee of individuals representing different facets of the New England design community, including: Richard Bertman, principal, CBT Architects, Boston, MA (2007 NEDHOF inductee); Nancy Taylor, principal, Nancy Taylor Interior Design, Providence, RI(2008 NEDHOF inductee); Theodore Landsmark, president, Boston Architectural College, Boston, MA; Katherine Field, Katherine Field and Associates, Newport, RI; Alexis Contant, vice president and general manager, Boston Design Center, Boston, MA and Kyle Hoepner, editor-in-chief, New England Home magazine, Boston, MA.<br /><br />The inductees will be formally honored at a <a href="http://www.nehomemag.com/New-England-Home/Industry-Insider/Hall-of-Fame/index.php">gala dinner</a> on November 4, 2009, at the State Room in downtown Boston.<br /><br />Congratulations to all!<br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/40/61AD69B5456EE9E48D48218DA34439B1.png" style="-moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; -moz-background-origin: padding; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a><br /><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><br /><br /><br /><script type="text/javascript">tweetmeme_url = 'http://yoururl.com'; tweetmeme_service = 'bit.ly'; </script><br /><br /><script src="http://tweetmeme.com/i/scripts/button.js" type="text/javascript"></script>

New England Design Hall of Fame 2009

The 2009 inductees into the New England Design Hall of Fame were announced last evening at beautiful unveiling ceremony held in the courtya...

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