Remodeling House

Winter on the HomefrontJanuary 29, 2011
This is a brief break in our vacation gardening photos just to let you know that life continues in the garden even during the winter.  Last year we did not get the snowfall we needed during the winter and as expected the growing season was not as good as it could have been.  This year has been a bit different.  While we were away during most of the month of

Waterfall at Busch GardensTampa, FloridaDecember 22, 2010
Theme parks are full of ideas that can be scaled down for use in the home garden.  A waterfall is always a welcomed addition to any home garden water feature.  Pictured is a larger waterfall at Busch Gardens that could easily be scaled down for the home garden.  It's it lovely?

Happy Gardening!

Garden Gnome
©2006-2011

Gator Pond at Busch GardensDecember 16, 2010
When we first visited the resort where we ended up buying a vacation home I thought the cutesy warning signs about not feeding or antagonizing the alligators were meant to add a bit of humour.  By the end of that first trip in 2009 I realized the alligators were very much real.  We bought in March of 2010 but didn't see our new vacation home until May

Powder Puff Plant (Calliandra haematocephala)December 16, 2010

As we were wandering through Busch Gardens I couldn't help but notice the Powder Puff Plant (Calliandra haematocephala).  The leaves reminded me of Mimosa (sensitive fern) so I just had to touch them.  They don't fold up like Mimosa does but they were still quite pretty.  The Powder Puff Plant was planted to form a barrier between

Bamboo Fence at Busch GardensDecember 16, 2010
During our visit to Busch Gardens in Tampa, Florida I noticed the effective use of bamboo as a living screen and bamboo sticks as camouflage screening.  Bamboo grows quickly and rather tall making it ideal for use as a living privacy screening not only from side views but also views from taller adjacent buildings.   It can help as a sound barrier as

This time of year I dream of having a nook............a place for curling up with a favorite book. Some homes are born with them, many can be created
Under a staircase

Empty space under the stairs? Can the wall be opened up?



A living room turret turned conversation nook

An add-on

A favorite B & B in Norfolk England


Possibilities here are endless......extend it out further and add a mini banquette or set in a living room + custom settee.

A friends dining room. All of the cabinetry was an addition. Have a beautiful view and a blank wall? This could be custom fabricated to your space.

A selling feature in the SEARS home. Imagine today ordering a home through a catalogue?

This is an add on

Who would not want to dine in these nooks at a restaurant?
An attic conversion. Behind the arches will be a bedroom nook........I really could not show the "after" the decoration was too disturbing, trust me!


Have an unused closet? Remove the doors and use your imagination


Most nooks will be found in bed chambers. As you will see many are additions in some form





Devote a space, add curtains, bed........instant!  Love differentiating the space with horizontal stripes

The back half of the room was chosen for the addition of a built in bed and for additional closets
OH MY!  How did Mr. Darcy get here?!     Hmmmmmm, must be the romantic ambiance a nook instills

I believe Mr. Darcy would approve.........

Or perhaps this one?
Well, back to reality.........this is doable

Did I see this on Sissy's blog?

Easy! But here is what i would do; create much more depth in the book cases which would nestle the bed even further. Then having niches/open shelving inside the cases would eliminate the need for bedside tables if articulating sconces were added.  (ps....Sharon?)  

LOVE these articulating sconces!



Desk in center with bump-out, see it? A true nook would have some cabinetry coming forward and the desk nestled inwards but I felt this image could spur inspiration


Yes, in the garden..........who does not need a moment of calm in a secluded spot, nestled away from all else?


Would love to hear your thoughts.........send a picture if you have a nook, we can inspire each other




                                                              
At the Chicago shop, SG Grand. for details contact us here or email: bart@sggrand.com

Giraffe Topiary at Busch GardensDecember 16, 2010
I was totally amazed at the intricate topiaries at Busch Gardens.  They were massive!  This giraffe topiary was true to life size.  It must take a lot of work to keep these topiaries looking as nice as they do.  Aren't they impressive?

Happy Gardening!

Garden Gnome
©2006-2011

Cactus at Busch GardensDecember 16, 2010
The one thing I've noticed is cacti seem to be a plant of choice in home gardens where our vacation home is located.  We have an agave catus with several babies in our front garden there.  I've been looking for other cacti that will do well there.  This impressive cactus caught my attention at Busch Gardens in Tampa, Florida.  I will have to find out the

Tiger Topiary at Busch GardensDecember 16, 2010

I was amazed at the details that the arborists were able to create on the many large topiaries at Busch Gardens in Tampa, Florida.  All of the detail comes from the effective use of the placement of the plants used followed by the meticulous maintenance to keep the topiaries at their prime.  The topiaries are just so impressive, don't your think?

Walkway Arbor at Busch Gardens, Tampa, FloridaDecember 16, 2010
Arbors are a traditional way of providing support for climbing plants while providing a shady spot to sit or walk.  In urban settings they are often used as part of the entrance to the garden complete with a small gate.  Home gardeners use them grow grapes or other vining plants while landscapers and homeowners often use arbors to

Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae)December 16, 2010
During the first trip we made to Busch Gardens in December, I took a picture of this gorgeous yellow flower.  Hurrying to catch up to the others I neglected to take a picture of the tag but I was sure I knew what the flower was so wasn't too worried.  Going through the pictures to edit some of them for my blogs I was sure I knew the flower

Butterfly TopiaryDecember 16, 2010

Bush Gardens has many fine examples of large topiaries.  All of them are quite impressive to say the least.  It is amazing how the arborist uses a combination of various plants to create the desired effect in the finished topiary.  This huge butterfly topiary was near the pond with all of the California flamingoes and tucked back far enough to prevent getting

Gardenia(Gardenia augusta)December 16, 2010

Continuing on with sharing a few pictures of our visiting Busch Gardens in Tampa, Florida here is a picture of a gorgeous Gardenia with the information tag.  I mentioned that many of the plant species within the park had information tags.  Each tag gives the common and scientific name as well as a few details about the plant.    The Gardenia (Gardenia

Naturalized Stream in Kangaroo ExhibitDecember 16, 2010
It is rather slow on the garden front here in the blistery north so I thought I would share a few gardening related pictures with you from our recent vacation in the sunny south.  As mentioned yesterday we enjoyed visiting Busch Gardens in Tampa, Florida twice.  The grounds in this amusement part are amazing!  While there are rides there are

Lion TopiaryDecember 16, 2010

We left the chilly north on December 8 to stay mainly at our vacation home in the sunny south, returning north January 9.  During that time we made two visits to Busch Gardens.  While this is an amusement park it very much has a garden setting.   Many of the plantings have name tags that I found quite useful.  It's nice to be able to see the actual plant for future

One of the best activity on dull winter days is to catch up on reading. Cozy living room with a comfortable reading spot is just the perfect idea !! A cozy room, good lightning and a comfortable seating, all of them are integral for a perfect corner to enjoy some time with a good book.

All of us have a favorite spot in the home, this could be your chance to make the most of it and get a special treat for yourself. A nook that is personal, comfortable, warm, relaxing and a perfect place to relax. Here are some beautiful designs to inspire you to create a perfect reading corner.

These designs are simple and easy ways to redecorate your favorite spot. It may be the view, the comfortable seating or the lovely lighting, that draws you to it. Make it comfortable and inviting,a great stress buster and a beautiful place to spend some time with yourself.

Coastal Community Comparisons
Residential sales on Washington’s coast were pretty flat. Below is a comparison of the four major coastal areas:

Ocean Shores / Ocean City
181 Homes sold in 2010 for an average sales price of $169,776. Total volume was $30,726,526.
184 Homes sold in 2009 for an average sales price of $172,641. Total volume was $31,765,961.

Westport / Grayland
42 Homes sold in 2010 for an average sales price of $133,945. Total volume was $5,625,700.
29 Homes sold in 2009 for an average sales price of $173,594. Total volume was $5,034,237.

Seabrook / Copalis Beach / Moclips / Pacific Beach
23 Homes sold in 2010 for an average sales price of $273,591. Total volume was $6,292,590.
27 Homes sold in 2009 for an average sales price of $253,987. Total volume was $6,857,650.

Long Beach / Ocean Park
150 Homes sold in 2010 for an average sales price of $161,531. Total volume was $24,229,648.
145 Homes sold in 2009 for an average sales price of $171,855. Total volume was $24,919,005.

A new year           a fresh start          
        chasing dreams           taking risks

New years resolutions? not for me.......New years dreams?........all over it!

My life quote is    "Leap and the Net will appear" 
In essence,  a belief in yourself with a willingness to take risks


Do you have a life quote?  One that sums up your being and your outlook?    


As many of you know 2010 had spectacular ups and downs, all shared here.


What to do? Realize that life indeed is short and seize the day. I am ready to stand back up and do so.




2011 will be the year of chasing dreams, of magical thinking


I am still away at school learning perspective drawing. Utter failure the first go-around, eight years ago. But the ability to draw remains a dream..............so I am in Las Vegas taking it again, for two grueling weeks. Wish I could say this go-around is successful, still waiting for that "AH HA" moment


Then home for a bit before I take off to England for my grand dream, to write a book. A major commitment of time and resources with no guarantee of success. A dear friend Sylvia, in Sherbourne England said "Come, come and get away, write your book here!"  
Ask yourself............how do you know if you do not try?




What are your dreams? Are you currently in pursuit? 
If not, what is holding you back?