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Tag Archives: P Allen Smith

August begins a time of edits

03 Monday Aug 2015

Posted by home, garden, life in August, Back Yard Birds, blessings, Bluebirds, P Allen Smith Garden Home, sustainable lifestyle

≈ 22 Comments

Tags

Albemarle County, August garden, Central Virginia, change of seasons, Charlottesville, Charlottesville City Market, feeding wild birds, garden, garden chores, home, life, P Allen Smith

The month of August is bittersweet.

This year summer evolves especially fast. Spring was long and cool, delaying daffodil bloom long enough to sell cut stems at the April farmers market.

these beauties knock me out

these beauties knock me out every April.  I have a habit of rescuing or inheriting daffodils from abandoned properties or those departed, so I never know the names of each flower, yet every spring, I look forward to their many faces and scents, as my collection now numbers over 2,500.

By mid-May temperatures were in the 90’s, heavy rains fell, then the high humidity set in. Despite this challenging conditions, the peony harvest was especially abundant in May; over 600 stems were sold at market, necessitating the purchase of an additional refrigerator for the basement. 2015 Peony city market May

I did enjoy four days of respite at P Allen Smith’s Moss Mountain Farm outside Little Rock, Arkansas. During the growing season, I tiptoe out of my gardens to catch a flight to this gardener’s dream land as a guest, only to return a few days later to a needy garden…”weed me, harvest me, plant me, mow me, feed me, dig me…”

Allen and I in the one-are garden; a special friend in a special place (pallensmith.com)

Allen and I in his one-acre veggie garden at Moss Mountain Farm in May; a special friend in a special place (pallensmith.com)

these Iris graced my gardens this year. Another rescued beauty who now enjoyes life here

back in Virginia, these Iris graced my gardens during May of this year. Another rescued beauty who now enjoys life here

and this rescued Iris blooms right along side. Both flowers have a heavenly scent

and this rescued Iris blooms right along side the deep purple variety. Both flowers have a heavenly scent and bloomed continuously for three weeks during May!

one proud stand of glory

one proud stand of glory

tiger lily

this is an old heirloom, scentless variety of tiger lily (tigrinum), native to China but long ago naturalized in America…these originals came from my mother’s gardens. Bulbs may be cooked and eaten, tasting something like an artichoke, although I have never found the need to imbibe. Prolific black bulbils produced in the axils of the leaves may be shared with friends, though they take years to mature. Blooms appear in July, are 3′-5′ tall and rarely need staking. Butterflies adore the flowers during a rainy month.

oakleaf hydrangea

prolific Oakleaf hydrangea (paniculata) thrives here at Swallowtail Cottage, and produces abundant offspring from seed, which now fill an entire lower shrub border. There are approximately forty-five species and varieties grown in America.

And now it is August. Both heirloom tiger lilies and Davidii phlox bloom cycles are finished and spent stems are removed. The lush Oakleaf hydrangea bloom is merely a memory. Why? It seems, we gardeners wait with such anticipation for bloom time, only to have it pass seemingly overnight…every season.

Naked ladies suddenly appear in my August garden and seduce the eye with every gaze...

Another native of South Africa, Lycoris squamigera or Naked Ladies suddenly appear in my August garden and seduce the eye with every gaze…they make a pretty cut flower, with elegant long stems and a pleasant scent…

Formosa lily

Another late summer bloomer is the Formosa Lily (formosanum). White, funnel-shaped and fragrant with 1-10 flowers produced per stalk that grows to 6′. Easily self sows here in zone 6. Native to Formosa. My first seed pod came from Tufton, a former property of Thomas Jefferson.

Generous rains produced stunning, abundant blooms this season on the spiraea, hellebore, and Lemon lilies.

Lemon lilies in the lower garden

Lemon lilies in the lower garden

Delayed are the two main 2015 outdoor projects: the oil stain project of the new 90′ privacy fence (both sides) and the necessary reconditioning of the terrace masonry wall.

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looming, yet very necessary, the 90′ long privacy fence needs a coat of oil based natural stain (both sides) in order to preserve the blond appearance. Frequent rain and high dew points continue to prevent moi from swinging the brush…

block wall on terrace demands attention this year. Dry Lock Extreme and new coat of paint will restore...I'm hoping...

the 30′ block/parged terrace wall demands attention this year. Dry Lok Extreme and new coats of paint will restore…I’m hoping…

Are any of you considering home ownership? This post will be a reality check for you. Since buying this place back in 2001, the projects both large and small, inside and out, are endless. Some days/years I think I am making progress, others, I think I am in a rapid backslide…

Wild birds bring much relief and beauty on a daily basis to my gardens. This year I am hosting hummingbirds, and they come in droves for their plain sugar-water fix and enjoy sips from the Crocosmia.

hummer enjoys a sip from the crocosmia in the kitchen herb garden

hummer enjoys a sip from the Crocosmia from the kitchen herb garden in 2014. Did you know that Crocosmia is an herb from South Africa belonging to the Iris family? I rescued these corms and enjoy seeing them thrive.

in 2014 the hummers enjoyed sips from the pineapple sage...

in 2013 the hummers enjoyed sips from the pineapple sage…

Hummers enjoy the convenience of a perch design on this sugar syrup feeder in 2015

hummingbirds enjoy the convenience of a perch on this sugar syrup feeder in 2015. Photo was taken through solar film and glass, so a wee bit soft…

I feed numerous other wild birds here at Swallowtail Cottage, yet the Bluebirds chose not to nest here again this year. They come in to feed, and I hear their song whilst gardening, yet only a pair of black cap chickadees occupied the BB boxes this season while either a titmouse or carolina wren raised young in the wren box.

nestling bluebirds day nine ~ Swallowtail Cottage. Would you feed them GMO food?

nestling bluebirds day nine ~ Swallowtail Cottage 2013. Would you feed them GMO food?

So begins August here in central Virginia. I expect the arborist later this month for our annual chore of topping/shearing the Leyland cypress hedges; I will be glad to see the bagworms vanish into the chipper.

sheering tops of Leylands and icky pyracanta in foreground

annual shearing of tops and sides of Leyland cypress, as 135 surround my property’s perimeter

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One glorious yellow swallowtail graces my garden and poses cooperatively on the verbena. These flutterbyes inspired the name of my property…Swallowtail Cottage. Still awaiting the Monarchs…

Queen Ann’s Lace, hyssop, cleome, hostas, and roses continue to color the landscape as summer winds down for another season. Butterflies nectar on the verbena and Joe Pye Weed. Fat cucumbers dangle from the arched cattle panels, while sweet basil, tomatoes, hot peppers, kale and herbs fill the raised beds. Soon I will harvest my first crop of Lilliput melons, as they meander across the lower butterfly garden. 2015 has been an abundant growing season. Full of edibles, friends, happy memories, and hard work.

end of summer bouquet

end of summer bouquet

And soon, yes soon I will breathe a bit easier; I will sleep a wee bit longer as garden/market chores lighten. As biting insects depart, when there is a chill in the crisp air, I will once again enjoy my lower patio and reflect on another year as a homeowner/gardener.

Did you know that we will lose one hour of daylight in August? While I am still the busy bee today, the planet continues its orbit. Our gardens respond, and indeed so do we. Best now to consider the color of this year’s flannel sheets, while continuing to mow, weed those persistent invasives, and get a handle on those unfinished outdoor projects…

If you have a moment, would love to hear from you either by the click of the “like” button or speak in the comments section. Does my blog make a difference? Cheers!

Copyright © 2015 by Diane LaSauce All Rights Reserved

Arkansas, an escape like no other

25 Monday May 2015

Posted by home, garden, life in Arkansas, Bloggers Reunion, G2B15, Garden Bloggers USA, Moss Mountain Farm, P Allen Smith, Reunion

≈ 14 Comments

Tags

American Grown, AR, Arkansas, Aromatique, bonnie plants, Crescent Garden, First Nature, Flexzilla, G2B15 Reunion, Jobes Organics, Little Rock, Moss Mountain Farm, P Allen Smith, PAllenSmith Hortus Ltd, Rowland, Sakata Home Grown, Stargazer Barn

A very special reunion occurred May 11-14.

A very special reunion occurred May 11-14.

There is a TV host and lifestyle guru named P Allen Smith. His vision led him to land on the Arkansas River, just outside Little Rock. There, five years ago, he began to invite garden bloggers from around the USA for a two-day intensive. I was lucky to go in 2013 and again last week for the five-year reunion.

P Allen Smith of TV fame sharing his vision with his favorite garden bloggers

P Allen Smith of TV and garden fame sharing his home and vision with his favorite garden bloggers outside Little Rock, Arkansas (pallensmith.com)

as a group we did a lot of hugging and chatting...

as a group we did a lot of hugging and chatting…

Allen greets us all

Allen greets us all

even the girls came strolling in to see what all the activity was about

even the girls (and Amos, jr.) came strolling in to see what all the activity was about

we toured Moss Mountain Farm's main residence and admired the flowers from sponsors American Grown (americangrownflowers.org)

we toured Moss Mountain Farm’s main residence and admired the flowers from sponsors American Grown (americangrownflowers.org)

what inspiration at Moss Mountain Farm!

what inspiration at Moss Mountain Farm!

everyone enjoys the vistas from the rear porches...

everyone enjoys the vistas from the rear porches…

Mr. Duncan, the resident Scottie, was front and center and a hoot in the garden

Mr. Duncan, the resident Scottie, was front and center and a hoot in the garden

The lower level was a treat to stroll showing Allen's innate ability to create a charming home

the lower level of Allen’s residence was a treat to stroll showing his innate ability to create a charming home

while strolling the gardens, Allen shared his latest successes

while strolling the gardens, Allen shared his latest successes ~ quite an education!

views like this are everywhere

views like this are everywhere

while around the farm, critters galore. Allen's conservation of heritage breeds is laudable.

while around the farm, critters galore. Allen’s heritage conservation program of endangered breeds is laudable

while one of the Anatolian shepherds cools off in a field trough while guarding the White Dorper sheep

one of the Anatolian shepherds cools off in a field trough while guarding the White Dorper sheep

Allen's one-acre veggie garden evolves with bounty and creativity

Allen’s one-acre veggie garden evolves with bounty and creativity

a pair of swans set the stage for a funny story Allen delivered later that evening during Tales from the South live broadcast

a pair of Mute Swans set the stage for a funny story Allen delivered later that evening during Tales from the South live broadcast

heritage roosters feeling their oats and making an empressive show

heritage roosters feeling their oats and making an impressive show

a flock of White Dorpers from Africa and their soft and cuddly babes enjoy the bounty at Moss Mountain Farm

a flock of White Dorpers from Africa and their soft and cuddly babes enjoy the bounty at Moss Mountain Farm

while back in Little Rock, John from the Department of Tourism gave us an impressive walking tour of Main Street

while back in Little Rock, John from Little Rock Convention & Visitors Center gave us an impressive walking tour of Main Street

facades of Little Rock's history on Main Street impress

facades of Little Rock’s history on Main Street

the Little Rock (little rock.com)architectural details are another story

the Little Rock (little rock.com) architectural details are another story

we even met the Mayor of Little Rock who explained the impressive downtown restoration projects

we even met the Mayor of Little Rock who explained the impressive downtown restoration projects

impressive permeable pavers and water collection along Main Street, Little Rock

impressive permeable pavers and water collection program along Main Street, Little Rock

the historic Little Rock trolley ride was fun for all

the historic Little Rock trolley ride was fun for all

more beautiful flowers from American Grown

more beautiful flowers from American Grown

I had to give one of the Big Sisters at Moss Mountain Farm a hug, as she is 350 years old

I had to give one of the Big Sisters at Moss Mountain Farm a hug, as this Post Oak is 350 years old. There are three on this property. 

this presentation by Corbin and Rachel  from Flexzilla (flexzilla.com) was informative and entertaining. Legacy Manufacturing Company invented this fantastic hose...every garden should have at least one.

this presentation by Corbin and Rachel from Flexzilla (flexzilla.com) was informative and entertaining. Legacy Manufacturing Company invented this fantastic hose…every garden should have at least one.

Allen worked with Legacy to offer a colorful line of the Flexzilla hoses

Allen worked with Legacy to offer a Watercolors Collection of colorful Flexzilla hoses

Crescent Garden (crescentgarden.com) wowed us with their products of functional containers loaded with style

Crescent Garden (crescentgarden.com) wowed us with their products of functional containers loaded with style

Crescent Garden's jazzy planter...one of many

Crescent Garden’s jazzy planter…one of many

Lois Chaplin and her wonderful, knowledgeable team always make for an interesting presentation (bonnieplants.com) Make sure and download Bonnie Plants new garden ap...

Lois Chaplin and her wonderful, knowledgeable team always make for an educational presentation (bonnieplants.com) Make sure and download Bonnie Plants new garden ap…

Bonnie Plants (bonnieplants.com) since 1918 provides plant material to over 15,000 plant retailers around the USA

Bonnie Plants since 1918 provides plant material to over 15,000 plant retailers around the USA

Meals were festive and American Grown and Stargazer Barn (stargazerbarn.com) were generous sponsors

Meals were festive while American Grown and Stargazer Barn (stargazerbarn.com) were generous sponsors

two bloggers show off the fanciful garland headdresses at the final dinner

two bloggers show off the fanciful garland headdresses at the final dinner

Jobes Organics blow me away every time they present their latest line of products...(easygardener.com)

Jobes Organics blow me away every time they present their latest line of products…(easygardener.com)

Sakata Home Grown (sakatavegetables.com) breed and produce seed found in many garden centers and online

Sakata Home Grown (sakatavegetables.com) breed and produce seed found in many garden centers and online ~ I am growing their Lilliput Melon and cayenne pepper this season. Notice the tall stand of asparagus just over Allen’s left shoulder…good eating in spring! Envy!

Allen and I in the one-are garden; a special friend in a special place (pallensmith.com)

Allen and I in the one-acre veggie garden; a special friend in a special place

Special thanks to the city of Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau, The Capital Hotel (capitalhotel.com), Kathleen Williford of American Grown; Steve, Carolyn, Will, and Netta of Aromatique (aromatique.com); Paula, Cesar and Mark of Crescent Garden; Joe from First Nature (firstnature.net); Corbin, Rachel and Andy of Flexzilla; Clemente, Jen, Martin, and Rebecca of Jobes Organics; Tracy and Alecia of Sakata Home Grown; and Bill from Stargazer Barn; and a huge shout out to P. Allen Smith Hortus Ltd, and Associates Staff for making this reunion one for the record books. You all inspire, educate and help provide for Allen’s magnificent Heritage Conservation Programs.  Anyone wishing to visit Moss Mountain Farm, simply go to the website for scheduling and special events at P. Allen Smith.com. Shop P.Allen Smith.com for Allen’s personal collection of online garden home gifts.

Copyright © 2015 by Diane LaSauce All Rights Reserved

~ this holiday it is all about the critters

29 Friday Nov 2013

Posted by home, garden, life in Back Yard Birds, birds, blessings, cat, Christmas, environment, Lifestyle, Monarch butterflies, P Allen Smith, season, sustainable lifestyle, Virginia

≈ 5 Comments

Tags

Berry Family Nurseries, cats, charity, dogs, Holiday decor, P Allen Smith, seasonal greenery

Ask anyone who knows me or who follows this blog and they will tell you that
I am all about the critters.
Since Miss Kitty’s passing in May of 2011, I turned my critter affection out-of-doors.

Miss Kitty ~ my muse for eleven years

Miss Kitty ~ my muse for eleven years

Over 1100 Monarch butterflies were raised in my Waystation since 2009.

female monarch ready for release

female monarch ready for release

I became an official Bluebird Monitor and host adults as they rear their young.

nestling bluebirds day nine ~ Swallowtail Cottage

nestling bluebirds day nine ~ Swallowtail Cottage

During winter months, I feed, admire, and attempt to photograph
wild birds up close and personal.

handsome woodpecker

handsome red bellied woodpecker

At the local shelter, I volunteer photo time so adoptees
have a better chance at a permanent home…

this pup is showing her holiday stuff at the CASPCA

this pup is showing her holiday stuff at the SPCA

happy holidays and take me home!

happy holidays and take me home!

This season is extra special, as P Allen Smith and Berry Family Nurseries
are offering to send assorted holiday greenery to the winning blogger’s charity.
This is Allen’s Holiday Cheer Challenge, and I need your vote to win!

Here’s the deal. Allen’s people will post this post (and many others) to his Pinterest Holiday page and the most number of likes or Pins will win the prize for the blogger’s charity. I am choosing Caring For Creatures, as this fabulous no-kill sanctuary could use the festive greenery for all visitors and staff to enjoy.
So if you have a Pinterest account, please click here to vote http://www.pinterest.com/pallen_smith/holiday-ideas/
Voting ends December 9.

chocolate spice wreath from P Allen Smith's Holiday Collection

chocolate spice wreath from P Allen Smith’s Holiday Collection

Styled with additional seed bells for the wild birds

styled by moi with additional seed bells for the wild birds

During December, I will be wrapping gifts at Barnes & Noble Bookstore, Barracks Road Shopping Center. Many volunteers will be there raising funds for both the CASPCA and Caring for Creatures. Stop by!

See, it is all about the critters this holiday season
here at Swallowtail Cottage! Thanks for your vote
and Happy Holidays!

Copyright © 2013 by Diane LaSauce All Rights Reserved

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the little recycling center that could…

28 Sunday Jul 2013

Posted by home, garden, life in cat, environment, recycling, solid waste, sustainable lifestyle

≈ 8 Comments

Tags

charlottesville virginia usa, community solid waste, McIntire Recycling Center, P Allen Smith, recycling, sleepy college town, the little engine that could, trash haulers, ugly duckling

In the relatively small, sleepy college town of Charlottesville, Virginia, USA, there is a modest asphalt lot hidden behind scrubby trees—an ugly duckling, to be precise.

This humble place has existed for decades. It continues to be a weekly destination for hundreds of county and city residents—why? We recycle.

After coming here weekly for over a decade, I decided it is high time to honor this tiny worker-bee of a place. For here the phoenix rises…

Welcome to our little recycling center

Welcome to our little recycling center

Although most area trash haulers now offer single stream recycling, there are still hundreds of folks, like myself, who prefer to trek our recyclables to the bins found at the McIntire Recycling Center. We do not need to pay high monthly prices for single stream disposal, as we compost AND recycle. Many businesses also use this service, and because we lovingly separate, McIntire has less contamination than the single stream process.

The man on the left is a retired solid waste employee and the wonderful man on the right, Our Man Emanuel, is the daily manager of the site.

The man on the left is a retired county solid waste employee and the wonderful man on the right, Our Man Emanuel, is the daily attendant of the site. The container behind these men holds the free library selection.

One of the many powerful mechanicals in use

One of the many powerful mechanics in use–the CRUSHER!

Our man "E" creates amazing displays to educate visitors and avoid contamination

Our man “E” creates amazing displays to educate visitors and avoid contamination

Separate please

Separate please, no corrugated here. Notice the convenient location of hand sanitizer and towels…”E” thinks of everything!

there is even whimsy here made from cast offs

there is even whimsy here made from cast offs, artfully placed by our man “E”. These displays flank his “office” cooling/warming station.

P Allen Smith would like this

My friend P Allen Smith would like this

pay attention to your metals!

pay attention to your metals!

Even the resident kitty mascot Gravy watches every move here

Even the resident kitty mascot Gravy watches every move here

Co-mingled plastic bin at last!

Co-mingled plastic bin at last! This was downgraded to only #1 and #2 clear plastics in 2020.

newsprint and magazines here please

newsprint and magazines here please

one diligent UVA professor contributes his personal glass

one diligent UVA professor contributes his personal glass collection

those dead phone books have a bin all to themselves

Those dead phone books have a bin all to themselves. By 2020, most phone books are no longer distributed…a good thing. 

even family pets get into recycling!

even family pets get into recycling!

there is team spirit here!

there is team spirit here!

in this college town, plenty of signage continues to educate

in this college town, plenty of signage continues to educate

Often the subject of heated funding debates between County and City, this modest recycling center that could—does.

2020 Update:

As of 2020, this center stopped collecting any plastic above #2 and NO colored plastic. This means that all the other plastic goes to a landfill somewhere in Virginia. This is NOT good. According to the local waste authority, all curbside pick-up, both county and city (150K population), goes to a landfill, where little if any recyclables is recovered. Sigh.

Do you know this? https://www.thebalancesmb.com/how-long-does-it-take-garbage-to-decompose-2878033

On the brighter side, this facility now accepts spent cooking oil, oyster shells (that are returned to the Chesapeake) https://www.rivanna.org/2019/09/19/oyster-shell-recycling-at-mcintire-recycling-center/, pizza boxes and kitchen waste that both become compost.

Do you know where your garbage really goes?

Copyright © 2013 by Diane LaSauce All Rights Reserved

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a water feature added to the cottage landscape at moss mountain

19 Sunday May 2013

Posted by home, garden, life in Arkansas, environment, landscape design, Lifestyle, P Allen Smith, P Allen Smith Garden Home

≈ 6 Comments

Tags

Arkansas, bonnie plants, Cottage Home Challenge, HGTVGardens, Laguna Ponds, landscape design, Moss Mountain, P Allen Smith, pond installation, rain barrel, water features

How many of you watched P Allen Smith’s Garden Home Challenge on YouTube last summer? High goals were set in order to build a 1600SF cottage at Moss Mountain in 150 days for 150 thousand dollars. Yes, you read right. I was there, glued to every episode, taking notes, asking questions, as I too planned to build a small home with similar requisites. When the series came to an end, woeful me yearned to know the final details. Then came Allen’s invitation to join other garden bloggers at G2B13 May 6-9. My ultimate wish granted, I traveled to Little Rock, and soon was at the cottage threshold with Allen as host!

Allen welcomes G2B13 attendees to the Garden Home Cottage

Allen welcomes G2B13 attendees to the Garden Home Cottage

Front door of the cottage

Front door of the cottage

side pergola leading to lower garden

side pergola leading to lower garden

rain barrel at porch corner

rain barrel at porch corner

rear deck from lower yard

rear deck from lower yard

Laguna constructing cottage water feature

Laguna constructing cottage water feature

overnight 1500 gallons of water added

overnight 1500 gallons of water flowed into the pond

Laguna Ponds make installation appear simple

Laguna makes installation appear simple

Byron having fun during pond installation

Byron Ford from Bonnie Plants is having fun during the pond installation while Janet Carson looks on

Allen applauds as water flows for the first time

Allen applauds as water flows for the first time

Mallory holds aqua plant floatation ring

Mallory Colliflower from HGTVGardens holds an aqua plant floatation ring

rear porch view of completed water feature. Allen will landscape around and below site

rear porch view of completed water feature. Allen will design a landscape around and below this site

one year later ~ fully landscaped Laguna pond at the Moss Mountain  Farm Cottage. Photo by Teresa Byington

one year later ~ fully landscaped Laguna pond at the Moss Mountain Farm Cottage. Photo by Teresa Byington

another Laguana pond at Moss Mountain

another fully landscaped Laguna pond at Moss Mountain

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BpC_x5gqtnw&list=SP156AE490198B14C8 is the link to Allen’s brilliant Cottage Home Challenge. Check it out and see if you too can create an affordable, cozy, green abode. And if you are lucky, a Laguna pond may find its way to your home.

Copyright © 2013 by Diane LaSauce All Rights Reserved

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p allen smith’s petit masterpiece

19 Sunday May 2013

Posted by home, garden, life in Arkansas, environment, garden meditation, landscape design, Lifestyle, P Allen Smith, renewal

≈ 10 Comments

Tags

Arkansas, Arkansas Govenor's Mansion, Arkansas Govenor's Mansion gardens, city space, community, first lady of Arkansas, intimate spaces, landscape design, P Allen Smith, P Allen Smith genius, quiet elegance, silk purse, The Original City Garden Home

Ever heard the expression, make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear?
During P Allen Smith’s G2B13 event this month, attendees were invited to stroll Allen’s original garden home gardens—his city home—a former derelict structure.
Allen purchased this “fixer-upper” for one dollar then relocated to its current location.
There are photos on Allen’s Facebook page showing this sad structure when it was slated for demolition. Indeed, only a person with broad vision could see its potential.
The following images convey the simple, yet quiet elegance created within this city space. Please enjoy.

Enter the original city home of P Allen Smith

Enter the original city home gardens of P Allen Smith

Allen explains the history of this renovation

Allen explains the history of this renovation

Allen simplifies the complex nature of this home's phoenix

Allen simplifies the complex nature of this home’s phoenix

here begins the lush presentation

here begins the lush presentation

intimate spaces or garden rooms

intimate spaces or garden rooms

oh the boxwood

oh the boxwood

raised bed area complex planning within such a small space

raised bed area ~ complex planning within such a small space

quiet vista

quiet vista in this early spring garden

potting shed

potting shed

it's all in the details

it’s all in the details

Allen manages a small greenhouse on this property

Allen manages a small greenhouse on this property

garden paths guide the visitor

garden path guides the visitor

details and finishing touches

finishing touches

a place to ponder

a place to ponder

Enjoy Allen’s design concept in his own words at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1surUk0qRWg

Not far away, another of Allen’s masterpieces awaited on a slightly larger scale—the Arkansas governor’s mansion gardens

State Seal of Arkansas

State Seal of Arkansas

The first lady of Arkansas welcomes G2B13 garden bloggers and sings praises of Allen's contribution to the mansion

The first lady of Arkansas welcomes G2B13 garden bloggers and sings praises of Allen’s contribution to the mansion’s grounds

classic tuteur

classic pyramidal structures like this obelisk add architectural interest

stately pergola detail

stately pergola detail

detail of mansion's addition

detail of mansion’s rear addition

transition into the gardens

transition into the gardens

waves of roses

waves of roses and boxwood ~ a classic combination

Allen and his pal greet again

Allen and the resident German Shepard greet again

large vegetable gardens at the mansion

impressive vegetable gardens at the mansion

Allen's signature garden details

Allen’s signature garden details

impressive composting going on behind the scenes at the Arkansas governor's mansion

impressive composting going on behind the scenes at the Arkansas governor’s mansion

Throughout this city tour, I was continuously reminded how Allen is a problem solver and an artist. Often these two abilities escape the same individual.
Whether the challenge is a modest residential city lot or a grand swath of landscape, Allen’s ability to perceive the entire project’s scope, deal with endless details, while transporting human scale and unending beauty, is inspiring if not downright genius.

Copyright © 2013 by Diane LaSauce All Rights Reserved

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moss mountain ~ a place for the soul

12 Sunday May 2013

Posted by home, garden, life in Arkansas, environment, landscape design, Lifestyle, P Allen Smith, P Allen Smith Garden Home, sustainable lifestyle

≈ 20 Comments

Tags

Arkansas, community, creativity, Garden2Blog2013, Heritage Poultry Conservancy, Moss Mountain, P Allen Smith, sustainable living

This post is dedicated to P Allen Smith for sharing his caring heart, exceptional vision, horticultural brilliance, and unparalleled hospitality.
Thank you Allen for a visit of a lifetime.

Please view this post on your large format viewer for full effect…

P1000659

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the farmhouse at Moss Mountain

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P Allen Smith sharing his wisdom

P1000848

take a stroll and see for yourself

Wisteria alley

wisteria allee

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view from Allen's studio

view from Allen’s studio

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koi pond

tuteurs lining pathway

structural obelisks line a pathway

layers of texture

layers of texture

path to Arkansas River

path to Arkansas River

endless rose hedges

endless rose hedges

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color in profusion

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below the mighty Arkansas

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octagon building inspired by Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello

garden ornament creating a sense of whimsy

garden ornament creates a sense of whimsy

gateway to the formal rose garden

gateway to the formal rose garden

kitchen dependency

kitchen dependency

outside view of rear porches

exterior view of rear porches

300 year old oak at Moss Mountain

a 350 year old post oak at Moss Mountain. One of  three “big sisters” at the farm.

P1000998

front porch detail and love the color of the benches and chairs…pimento from Benjamin Moore

entrance hall

entrance hall

kitchen detail

kitchen detail

mud room detail

mud room detail

view from second floor porch

view from second floor porch

second floor porch detail

main floor porch detail

porch bathing luxury

bathing luxury on second floor porch

landing second floor

second floor landing

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MBR detail

guest bedroom

guest bedroom

guest room detail

guest room detail

intimate spaces

intimate, charming spaces

Allen loves his poultry

Allen loves his poultry

One handsome rooster

one handsome rooster at Moss Mountain ~ Amos

Sunbathing beauty

sunbathing beauty

what flexibility

what flexibility!

Allen educates

Allen educates and inspires

Can you feel the love?

can you feel the love?

Oreo feeling the love at Moss Mountain

Oreo feeling the love at Moss Mountain

someone's lovin' life!

someone’s lovin’ life!

detail of Allen's one-acre veggie garden

detail of Allen’s one-acre veggie garden

Allen strolls his garden

Allen strolls his garden

details, details

details, details

white dorper sheep from africa

white dorper sheep from Africa

Trudy ~ a rescue from a lab in Canada

Trudy ~ a rescue from a lab in Canada

Moose the mooch

Moose the mooch

one of the handsome Heritage breeds

a few of the handsome Heritage breeds

French geese in Allen's care

Giant Dewlap Toulouse geese ~ an old French breed, enjoy life at Moss Mountain Farm

Allen conveys the importance of preserving endangered heritage breeds of poultry

Allen conveys the importance of preserving endangered heritage poultry breeds

Dinner bell

dinner bell

one blogger's repose

one blogger’s repose at Moss Mountain ~ Barbara Wise

Following many fine meals and lively conversation, we bid Moss Mountain adieu

following many fine meals and lively conversation, we bid Moss Mountain adieu

day's end at Moss Mountain

day’s end at Moss Mountain

In addition to the activities listed above, Garden2Blog13 was chocked full of fun including a tour of the Governor’s Mansion gardens designed by Allen, a tour of Allen’s city home gardens https://dianelasauce.wordpress.com/2013/05/19/p-allen-smiths-small-masterpiece/, and Laguna’s construction of a water feature at Moss Mountain’s Cottage Home https://dianelasauce.wordpress.com/2013/05/19/a-water-feature-added-to-the-cottage-landscape-at-moss-mountain/. Additionally, Troy-Bilt, Bonnie Plants, Jobe’s Organics, The Seed Keeper Company, Star Roses and Plants, Berry Family of Nurseries and LeCreuset added valuable lessons and fine dining for all the G2B13 attendees.

Allen’s highly professional support staff guided us throughout our stay, filling us with radiance and awe that will continue to inspire us and our gardens to come.
My final thought is you have not lived until you visit Moss Mountain.

Copyright © 2013 by Diane LaSauce All Rights Reserved

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just had to share…

05 Sunday May 2013

Posted by home, garden, life in Back Yard Birds, Bluebirds, environment, Lifestyle, P Allen Smith, season, sustainable lifestyle

≈ 9 Comments

Tags

bluebird nestlings, nature, nesting bluebirds, overcast skies, P Allen Smith, platform feeder, precious ones, virginia countryside

These are two quick photos of the bluebird nestlings here at Swallowtail Cottage—they are only a few days old. Still cold here with overcast skies, yet mealworms are keeping both adults and chicks healthy. Yay!
Just had to share…

P1000599

Bluebird nestlings all snug in their box–five in all

P1000601

Just bits of fuzz on their bodies. Adult female must keep them warm until nestlings are older and have feathers

Off to Arkansas in the morning while my neighbor becomes guardian of these precious ones until I return on Thursday. Some critter was in the garden overnight and attempted to turn over the platform feeder just across the lawn from this box. I suspect a cat, possum or skunk…I may lose sleep over this one.
Simply click on the images to view larger for a closer peep…

Copyright © 2013 by Diane LaSauce All Rights Reserved

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FYI ~ going to arkansas

08 Friday Mar 2013

Posted by home, garden, life in a note to my readers, Blogging Awards, Lifestyle, P Allen Smith, sustainable lifestyle

≈ 13 Comments

Tags

Arkansas, blog award, Garden Home Challenge, Garden2Blog2013, Moss Mountain Farm, P Allen Smith

winter in Albemarle

winter in Albemarle

It is official. I would like to share some lovely news with my followers. P Allen Smith, TV host, author, brilliant garden designer, and lifestyle expert selected my blog home, garden, life as one of his Garden2Blog 2013 guests. I am invited by his wonderful staff for an all expense paid trip to Arkansas where I will have the marvelous opportunity to see both his city and farm residences the early part of May. There, during a two-day intensive, I will meet former selects of this honor and newbies like myself. This will be garden blogger heaven!

Invited this year to join P Allen Smith and his talented group of garden bloggers!

Invited this year to join P Allen Smith and his talented group of garden bloggers!

We will lunch at the Governor’s Mansion then tour Allen’s fabulous two homes—his city dwelling reclaimed and moved to its current site, Moss Mountain Farm, a sustainable Greek Revival home built by Allen on a six-hundred acre parcel above the Arkansas River, as well as the newly completed Moss Mountain cottage project featured in one-hundred fifty segments on YouTube this past summer.

Over the years Allen has inspired me in numerous ways. I so look forward to the intensive workshops scheduled for day two and I am confidant I will learn so much from the blogger forum. In advance I send thanks to all his people who are making this happen. Allen is a true steward in a multitude of ways, and it will be a pleasure to meet him in person.

Stay tuned as I will take a gazillion photographs to share when I return. In the meantime, check out P Allen Smith on the web at http://pallensmith.com or on Facebook.

Happy weekend to you all! And remember I told you first! 😉

Diane

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the impulse

18 Monday Feb 2013

Posted by home, garden, life in birds, garden, home ownership, landscape design, renewal, sustainable lifestyle

≈ 7 Comments

Tags

bird cage, fresh coat of paint, garden ornaments, impulse purchase, P Allen Smith, whimsy

the bird cage

the bird cage

detail during clean up

detail during clean up

door detail

door detail

three nice doors that function!

three nice doors that function!

While minding my own business Friday, running errands, I rounded the corner near a”junk-tique” shop. On an endless quest for a footstool, I decided to stop and browse. There it sat on the sidewalk. NOT a footstool—a giant bird cage—and the price was right—the perfect sense of whimsy for the garden. The universe was in alignment for the impulse—buy!
A bit extravagant for a garden ornament, yet this piece spoke to me loudly. Impulse purchases for me are rare, yet this time I did not hesitate—not knowing how I would transport this bulk home, I claimed it anyway.
Upon returning home, I made a few phone calls and found one neighbor who was willing to take his truck to work the following day and bring my treasure home.
It now temporarily resides at the rear of the garden shed, awaiting a facial scrub and fresh coat of paint.
Today was the perfect day to begin. Sunny, dry, and mild I began the restoration with various tools and freed the cage of numerous dangling chains. Overall it is in great shape, having been clearly ignored for decades. Only one solder failed over time, leaving a slight gap between two lower bars. Since I envision placing small pots of wandering sedum in the former feed/water rings and perhaps planting a romantic, fragrant vine to climb throughout its structure, this charm is on her way to making a new statement. Wonder where P Allen Smith would use this?

tools for the task

tools for the task

free the bird ceremony

free the bird ceremony

Sage ceremonies are highly important for spaces and acquisitions. I began by blessing the cage, freeing the bird spirit, then proceeded around the entire yard and finished up inside the house. As I completed my turn, I noticed a sparrow hopping about the cage, investigating the new arrival. This time the bird was free to fly. A good omen, indeed.
Have you ever made an impulse buy of this nature? Do tell.

Copyright © 2013 by Diane LaSauce All Rights Reserved

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