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Author Archives: writedesigner
Finally!
This morning, last night’s light dusting of snow melts to reveal the season’s first crocuses poking through. Finally!
I’m Dreaming of a White… Spring
Although there’s still snow on the ground here, it’s almost time to start thinking about new shoots that will soon be poking their way through the earth into the early spring sunlight. My friend, photographer Rebecca Swanson, photographed these beauties … Continue reading
The Healing Power of Art
My friend, the painter Leona Frank, of Westport, CT, writes: “I want to share some exciting news with you. I learned on Thanksgiving that five of my flower paintings will be acquired by Bridgeport Hospital (Yale New Haven Hospital) for … Continue reading
The Way to See — and Live with — Art
At The Salon: Art+Design at the Park Avenue Armory last week, more than 50 galleries from around the world—mostly from France—presented room settings with beautifully arranged furniture, sculpture, paintings and drawings, lighting, mirrors, books, jewelry. This is the way to … Continue reading
God Is In the Details
Was today the most colorful day of the year, or was it yesterday? Or maybe it will be tomorrow. It’s the season of clean-up (especially after Hurricane Sandy), and noticing the miraculous details—seed heads and the last blossoms among the … Continue reading
Tuteurs, Obelisks and Obsessions
A field trip on a drizzly day last spring to the Cloisters Museum and Gardens in Upper Manhattan has kept me busy all summer. The Cloisters, devoted to the art and architecture of Medieval Europe, is surrounded by walled gardens … Continue reading
Garden Party in The Hamptons
A beautiful Saturday evening in late summer, a lovely setting, reflections in the pool, a sunset over the water, clinking wine glasses, and good conversation. In the Hamptons, a region noted for spectacular gardens, this was a garden to remember, … Continue reading
The Berkshire Botanical Garden—a Painterly View
In West Stockbridge, MA, the Berkshire Botanical Garden—a short distance from the Norman Rockwell Museum, Chesterwood, and other attractions—beckons. The entry garden is one of the most glorious mixed borders anywhere (and where I first saw and fell in love … Continue reading
Honoring Farm Stands on the “Honor System”
The Berkshires of western Massachusetts—the region that includes Egremont, Great Barrington, Lee, Lenox, Monterey and Stockbridge—might be the prettiest area in the whole country. Only three hours from New York City, it has everything one could want in a weekend … Continue reading
Posted in Farms and Farm Markets, Travel-USA Northeast
Tagged Berkshires, farm stands, Monterey MA
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Storm King: Music of the Fields
“The smell of spray paint, grinding cold steel and the sizzle and spit of the welding torch are very cozy and comfortable to me—they are my version of the memory of the smell of chocolate chip cookies in the oven. … Continue reading
At This Exit: Gas, Food, Full-Service Garden Center
The Allen brothers have been farming since 1956, I learned Monday afternoon. I’d stopped for gas in Westminster, VT, just before heading home from Grafton down I-91. This was no ordinary Mobil station with mini-mart. Allen Bro’s Farms, just off … Continue reading
Trouble in Paradise: Bringing a Farm Back to Life
I was up at Harmony Farm in Goshen, NY, again this past weekend—with Raquy Danziger and friends, who gather several times a year for percussion retreats and performances at the Empowerment Center on the property. Although the sunflowers are in … Continue reading
Posted in Farms and Farm Markets, Travel-USA Northeast
Tagged CSAs, Goshen NY, Harmony Farm, Julie Vanderlee
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Harmony Farm: Back in Business
Last August, I sadly reported that Harmony Farm had gone to seed. This year, it’s coming back to life. This 3-acre CSA (Community-Supported Agriculture site) in Goshen, NY, about two hours from mid-Manhattan, began in 1993 as a project of … Continue reading
A ‘Chopped’ Contestant, a ‘Chopped’ Judge, and Me
I’m a “Chopped” aficionado. I adore this Food Network show, hosted by Ted Allen of “Queer Eye” fame, which pits four chefs against each other and the clock. It’s just plain fun to watch the competitors sweat, bleed (cut fingers), … Continue reading
OMG
I woke up very early yesterday and went out on the deck at about 5:30 am. I opened my eyes. The fan iris had 20 blooms. They lasted one day. But what a day.
Posted in Horticulture, In My Garden
Tagged Apostle Plant, Fan Iris, Twelve Apostles Iris, Walking Iris
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Got Shade? Get Moss.
Once upon a time there was an area where nothing would grow. Not even vinca or pachysandra or lamium. Dark, damp, nutrient-starved from competition from the bulging roots of a giant oak tree. It’s the entrance to our back garden. … Continue reading
Posted in Garden Design Projects, In My Garden
Tagged Moss, Moss Acres, Shade gardening
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I’m a Fan!
Four or five years ago my friend Jean Schon gave me small plant she called Fan Iris. This has truly been the gift that keeps on giving. It’s ten times its original size and has been transplanted and divided several … Continue reading
Posted in Horticulture, In My Garden
Tagged 12 Apostles Iris, Apostle Plant, Fan Iris, Neomarica gracelis caerulea, Walking Iris
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Flowers for a Chinese Wedding (Part 2)
It seemed like I’d spent months looking for the right place for a post-wedding bash for my son Alex and Chinese daughter-in-law Yan. The wedding took place in Beijing in September and this was the event where the U.S. relatives … Continue reading
Chinese Banquet at Home
My son, Alex Miller, and new daughter-in-law, Yan Zhang Miller, are here from Beijing. It’s Yan’s first trip to the U.S., and after two weeks in New York, they will be taking a road trip across the country, ending in … Continue reading
Posted in Dining In and Out, Food from the Garden
Tagged alex miller, Chinese food, Chinese recipes, HMart, kimchee, soft tofu
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