On my work table this morning are my little snowman creations! They coordinate with Verde Cosi star pillow "Mrs. Claus Believer". Available now in my shop! I used foraged fabric pieces to sew these little cuties. Fascinate and convert that special child the night before presents with this beautiful linen pillow with a tiny note from Mrs. Claus. Visit Verde Cosi online shop for purchasing details. Happy Holidays...
This fall has been especially warm, which has made it easy to get outside and enjoy the yard. There are many interesting plants and bulbs for fall if you seek them out. This year I discovered millet, ornamental peppers, a beautiful dark red/purple sedum, a dusty pink sedum, a gorgeous decorative grass, and aloha lilies. Aloha lilies are a bulb and if you make sure to cover them in some hay over the winter here in New England they should come back next fall. For bulbs, I planted alliums (which I love), scented white tulips, peony tulips in pink, lily flowering tulips, white hyacinths, and species tulips. I am hoping this redo of my corner garden will bring beautiful shows of flowers this spring as well. I dug the whole garden up except for the peonies....
This time of year brings such a variety of flowers at our fingertips. Just had to walk out my back door to appreciate these beauties. Some I have been selling to my wonderful customers this summer at all of the outdoor juried art and craft shows. These up close photos of the individual flowers really allow you to see the texture and bright colors. The hibiscus is at its later stages, but still interesting and pretty. Many of these are tropical flowers that I bring in during the winter. The lantana smells like a mixture of mango and citrus. The calamondin oranges are almost ready to mix into a nice ice water. Enjoy this beautiful weather! Verde Cosi will be selling our hand made wares and fine art at the 46th annual Chatham Festival of the Arts. Visit us! ...
I've had my Calamondin miniature orange for many years now. The plant has grown rather large - the fruit is a little smaller than a golf ball. It loves a nice hot, dry, direct sun. Calamondin orange plants grow great from spring until early fall outdoors. The blossoms are amazingly fragrant with a sweet smell. Bring your plant indoors in the winter months and keep it near a sunny location - water but not over water. Like most tropicals it will go somewhat dormant in the winter but does not lose all of its leaves. Bees love the blossoms as well. You will find it fascinating to watch the blossoms turn to small oranges. The oranges are very tart but edible. I use them in cooking and baking. Slice the fruit and add to sparkling water as well. I will be selling...
This time of year is full of changes. My garden changes daily - while one type of flower is in bud form another is in full blossom. I have captured my poppies, lavender, English blue bells, lilacs, lily of the valley, and the beginnings of my mock oranges. The rain has been quite frequent here in New England and I have savored the few opportunities without it to get outside in my gardens. I have added new soil with organic fertilizer to the garden outside my kitchen windows. The hellebores did so well starting in January - we had blooms! I have two new tree peonies outside these windows - one is slight light pink and the other a deep pink. I look forward to their blooms in the years to come. I have a variegated leaf iris that will start to develop...
When we bought our house years ago we were younger, but had no choice but to leave the old landscape. I gradually, with my husband's help, or by myself dug new gardens. We started slowly by the backdoor, discovering existing plants, and have extended beyond to the corners of our property. Sometimes people look beyond what is obvious and really enjoy looking at what we've planted - they see the love we have for our home. A home loaded with what the quick onlooker may perceive as imperfections. I had a realization this morning that as time has gone by my attitude toward the well worn has changed to more of an openess toward the imperfect and charming. I surprised myself - the front stairs made of cement along the roadside approaching the front of our house...
How to Plant Ciao Bella Basil from Seed: Without a doubt I love to cook, it just goes hand in hand with being a gardener. It’s March and I am ready to get my hands dirty – so I’ve put together this little project to get the ball rolling on spring. One small step at a time is a good thing. Basil, oregano, parsley, mint – fresh herbs can be used all year long but basil is especially hard to keep. It seems to get shocked when I bring it home from the garden center. It can be sown indoors any time of year and it is the perfect little project to get started right now. I have chosen Ciao Bella Basil, a micro green variety of basil. Here are a few guidelines for success with seed planting. 1. Basil seeds need a consistent temperature of 70-75...
How to make a Verde Cosi “Pink Prosecco” art paper wrap Decorative Heart This heart uses left over(from wrapping gifts) strips of Verde Cosi “Pink Prosecco” art paper wrap. Materials: •19 x 24 inch pad of tracing paper, I used Canson brand •30inch long barbecue roasting sticks or thin wooden dowels from craft store •scrap strips of Verde Cosi art paper wrap, at least 19 inches long at widest part of heart shape •sewing machine with jeans/denim needle, I used Schmetz brand 110/18 size •multi purpose good quality white or gold thread for your sewing machine •pencil, clear tape •long 24 inch ruler •garden clippers to cut dowels •decorative ribbon for hanging •x-acto knife •mat cutting board Directions: 1.Lay out...
