gardenrooms

Step Inside My Tree

Looking ahead to 2009 and wondering what my family can do to give back to the ' grid '. First thing that comes to mind is a rain barrel. Very clever old fashioned way of recycling water for the garden. I found this image and illustration (by Alex Robbins) in Dwell mag. 11/07. It's taken me a while to make this a priority, but it's never too late to implement a good idea. This holiday season I've been making lavender pillows for gifts and am still amazed at the benefits of it's  "calming effect" . This image from California Home Design & mention by Lydia Lee, is of the 4,500 shrubs planted by landscape designer Gary Ratway on five terraces for the winery matanzascreek.com. Lavandula intermedia 'grosso' for it's scent & lavandula intermedia 'provence' for a tea also made at the winery. Wishing everyone a wonderful holiday, thanks for reading gardenrooms. tree image macy's ad 4/08.

Les Silversterklause

This post from last year is one of my favorites, as far as traditions go, enjoy! In the region of Appenzell Switzerland, there is a tradition still played out by the inhabitants of this jewel of a landscape. Formally a pagan custom to celebrate the winter soltice, the sunlight at it's lowest point. This custom was integrated and reformed by Pope Gregory in 1582, the inhabitant's celebrate Saint Sylvestre on the thirteenth day of January. In the valley Klause groups of all ages meet, wearing their traditional costumes made from the woods and nature of their surroundings. They arrive ringing their bells and singing, intended to drive out the evil spirit of winter. images from cote est.

Holiday Cheer

Thought I'd post some Holiday Cheer today. I love making things out of nature for the holidays. Look at the fruit in these images, I haven't tried apples yet but every year I use lemon and cloves to decorate our kitchen. Last December I posted about this sweet tradition from Appenzell, check it out! Images Cote Est. Enjoy.

Gardens and Food

All of these photos have a common theme, a place outside to sit and dine. Gardens and food go hand in hand. Over the months I've posted many images like these. I love good food... growing my own herbs and vegetables is so fulfilling. Here's a link to a site that writes about gardening & food that I think you'll like and for flowers on your table check out this lovely site images from cote ouest. digginfood funderagront