Mongtomery County Agricultural Fair

it's county fair time, through Aug. 17th and the weather couldn't be any better! i've been volunteering at the demo gardens run by the master gardeners in our county and i was there on Sunday during the parade. there were some darling kids (one fell asleep below in the window of the truck), a pink tractor and lots of 4H floats. in a time when kids seemingly grow up too quickly it was encouraging and fun to see so many kids participating in 4H events.


the demo gardens includes several different types of beds such as a "Bay Wise" garden bed, a Xeriscape bed, vegetables and a rain garden. we also bring in this "Salad table" designed by University of MD. it's quite a simple design and i plan to make one for use this fall. they are perfect for greens, peppers, radish, herbs and other shallow root plants.

i took a walk through the rabbit barn and almost brought this rex home with me! so sweet, so soft, someday!

enjoy the rest of these images which to me are the quintessential summer fair.





happy summer, enjoy what is left of it!

Project Spectrum ~Water

the beginning of august signaled the final element for project spectrum; water. water is an element that obviously we can not live without. i have this theory that since i was born in the tropics near water it has become a vital, essential element for me to feel healthy, whole and fulfilled in my life. perhaps it has something to do with the sign i was born under as well but never the less i am always more relaxed and happy when i spend time around or in water.

i keep various things around the house to remind me of water including my model ship, (built by my grandfather), shells and blue accents which especially lend themselves to summertime.

during the summer i always get to spend more time around water with visits to the beach, pools, some boating if i am lucky and an annual river tubing trip in August etc.

i am also incorporating the colors of water (blue, teal, purple, etc) into my art projects and reading a couple books (Fountainhead by Ayn Rand & Unnatural History of the Sea by Callum M. Roberts that relate to water in one way or another. spend the rest of the summer soaking up the cool, refreshing and vital life that water has to offer you.

Final Round Collaborative Block LayersProject

this project which began in early '08 is finally coming to a close. below are the blocks i've completed (minus 2 photo's) of which i am keeping 4 and shipping the remaining. each round has been inspiring, thought provoking & creatively insistent that i keep going with it. it has not always been easy knowing what to contribute but that's both the challenge and joy of a collaborative project. i have yet to receive the remaining blocks from the other artists but i'm waiting with high anticipation. for now i have my blocks hanging from a mobile but will eventually find another home for them, perhaps a few will be framed. as i shipped my final blocks out there were a few that i just knew were intended to go to certain people. i'll cherish this project and all the blocks i receive.

Herbalist, story teller Doug Elliott

Herbalist & story teller Doug Elliott spent the day at Red Wiggler farm this past Saturday leading nature walks, identifying useful herbs and telling stories. i've seen and heard him twice now and he is truly an energetic, positive & joyful person to be around. he is full of interesting antidotes, stories, wisdom and useful information. one thing i am trying to do as a master gardener is identify more native and other useful plants.

Doug talking about the many uses of stinging nettle

a boutonniere made of burdock burrs and a small flower will naturally stick to clothing. he also mentioned that the man who invented velcro was inspired by the burdock burrs.

chicory Flower

plantain- roots and leaves (can be used as a poultice)

POISONOUS~ Hemlock or Cowbane

Oxcalis~leaves can be eaten in salads to lend a tangy, sour taste.
*please see further information regarding plant use since many plants may have parts that are edible and other parts poisonous (or certain preparation must be followed for safe use).

Bridgman Pottery

Bridgman Pottery
Originally uploaded by WeBees

i've been appreciating Bridgman Pottery's work since finding her on flickr and had my eye on a few pieces including her berry bowls. i just loved the glaze on this one and these three pieces make a nice addition to my expaning collection of pottery in teals and golds.

Brookgreen Gardens

sorry for the long absence but i have been vacationing and enjoying the summer so much i just don't have much patience for sitting at a computer these days. i wanted to share some of the beautiful flora and garden beds from our visit to Brookgreen gardens in SC on our 4th of July vacation. below are just a few of my favorite plants and planting combinations from Brookgreen. the color combinations were spectacular, with one garden room being predominately cool purples and the next hot reds and oranges. there were many mixed borders that were a riot of colors. below are some of the spectacular sculptures that were in garden beds, ponds and the sculpture rooms at Brookgreen. the garden beds that contained sculptures had plantings that were color coordinated to enhance the sculptures such as grey marble and purple agapanthus or black bronze with deep purple canna leaves. i had been anticipating my visit to this garden ever since i first heard about it while in college in Savannah and then again when i visited Huntington Beach State Park (which was also bequeathed to the state by the late Huntington family). we split the visit up over two days and visited the historic plantation area and zoo the first day, the sculpture rooms and gardens the second. this place has something for everyone and if you are ever in the Myrtle Beach area i highly recommend a visit!

Mosaic Monday

Mosaic Monday
Originally uploaded by WeBees

i'm back from a wonderfully relaxing and much needed vacation. hope you all had a great 4th with happy celebrations including friends, family, fireworks and food (the 4 f's)