Picking Out the Wreath

There is a truly lovely place just up the hill on Route 20 from Guilderland, NY.  Noch Fiernan Farm, a field grown perennial operation in summer, is transformed into a world of Christmas greenery each year after Thanksgiving.

Rita Jane, and her sisters, create the most beautiful wreaths.  I always have the most difficult time deciding which one to bring home, so that this year I brought along my husband to assist with this most difficult of decisions. 

The barn is a very busy, and creative place.  In addition to wreaths, they also offer kissing balls, swags, centerpieces and fresh cut trees, all reasonably priced.

Rita adding sparkles to my wreath!

Wreathes are accented with pine cones and other ornaments, as well as generously sized bows.

I think husband chose well.  Being in the spirit of the season, he even picked out a centerpiece for our Christmas table.

Check out Noch Fiernan Farm, as well as their Facebook page for directions and hours.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

A Look Back

Looking back over this past year, I have been struck by its inconsistencies.  As an avid gardener, the weather has always played an important role in my day-to-day activities.  A fairly nonexistent winter, followed by monsoon-like rains in spring and early summer.  Autumn was found to be unusually warm and dry.  No complaints here. And so far, the winter has been cold, wet, warm, snowy, warm and wet with more snow in the forecast.

February, 2013. Ice on the pond but no snow.

Slushy snow in March.

Helping a friend with her new bees in April.

May saw the Open Days Tour at Margaret Roach's with more tours to follow...

The home of George Washington's mother in Fredericksburgh, Virginia

Azaleas along the path at Marjorie Merriweather Post's home in Washington, DC

An archway at the University of Virginia, Charlottesville

Annual spring plant sale at the Landis Arboretum in Esperance, NY

I have never cared for yuccas but mine put on quite a show this summer!

One of the fabulous display gardens at Shades of Green in Charlton, NY.

A beautiful mass planting of Sedum, 'Autumn Joy', at an estate garden in Greenwich, CT.

Beguiling begonias in a greenhouse at White Flower Farm in Litchfield, CT

After many a dull autumn, this year, the leaves were spectacular.

2014 will bring about the Great Garden and Landscaping Symposium in April, 
new garden plans and many a garden tour.  We will keep 
you posted and wish you all a very happy New Year! 

I'd leave all the hurry, the noise and 
the fray,
For a house full of books, and a garden 
of flowers.
- Andrew Lang -

Distracted by Springtime

Last week I spent a wonderful time catching up with old friends in the beautiful state of Virginia.  I wanted to post my pics as soon as I arrived home, but I was just so amazed to find my own gardens bursting with color, that, well, needless to say I was a tad distracted.

One of my favorite azaleas.

You see, when I left hardly anything was up, let alone blooming.  Virginia is a good two weeks ahead of us here in Upstate NY so I was in heaven touring their gardens. 

First stop was Kenmore, Home to George Washington's sister, Betty Washington Lewis.

Love the contrast between the box woods and the yuccas.

Next stop was the home of Mary Washington, George's mother.

This stunning tree peony at the Mary Washington House in Fredericksburg was in full bloom.

The week before was the annual Virginia Garden Tour.  The Mary Washington House had empty picture frames scattered about the gardens.  

 

Picture perfect!

So going to make this as a seasonal bed.

Oatlands, just outside of Leesburg,  was home to the Carter family.  The plantation house and surrounding grounds are simply breathtaking.

Great architectural feature in the vegetable garden.

The second oldest greenhouse in the United States dating to 1810.

Underneath the canopy of the Japanese maples outside the greenhouse.

 One day we ventured into Washington DC and spent the afternoon at the home of Marjorie Merriweather Post.  I wish I could share pictures of the fabulous interior, but there was a suspicious guard lurking about. 

I did manage to take this picture from M M Post's bedroom window!

One of many azalea lined walkways.  Some specimens are over fifty years old.

Japanese inspired gardens.

The greenhouse with a collection of over two thousand orchids.

This one was fascinating.

My last day was spent in the quaint, historic town of Leesburg.  Antique shops galore with  most items reasonably priced.

Of course, every great adventure must end with an equally great meal.  One of the local shop keepers recommended Tuscarora Mill and we were not disappointed.

Fried Green Tomatoes...Perfect!