A Table Full of Spring Bulbs

Again this year we are having a very mild winter here in the Mid-Atlantic.  We have been in the mid-50's during the days most of this week.  Temperatures could be as high as 68 degrees on Saturday.  So I have taken advantage of the mild weather and have been working in the yard (see my post yesterday about ivy removal.)

As I do every year, I planted a multitude of spring flowering bulbs.  This year I decided to use all of the various sizes and colors of pots that have accumulated over the years.

In these pots there is an array of different flowers.  Mostly tulips, since tulips are my favorite flower.  There are pink and white tulips, flaming red parrot tulips and I believe an assortment of yellow tulips.  In addition there are some hyacinth and crocus.  I got all of these pots out of the garden shed and cleaned them with a mild soap and water solution and then set about planting.  This year I mixed into the soil an additive called  "Bulb Booster." 

I have not used this product in years past and have had some disappointment with bulbs not producing as I thought they should.  Hopefully, we will not have that trouble this year.

I decided to leave them all on this round, glass-topped table to over-winter.  I think this will be a beautiful display in the spring.  This table sits on the deck just outside of the sliding glass door in the kitchen.  So I won't have to cut any of them and bring them inside.  It will be like having a huge vase on the deck of these extraordinary flowers that I can enjoy every time I enter the kitchen.

While I was tending to my bulbs I decided that it was time for the deck rug to go.  It is well beyond being cleaned at this point.

So, I rolled it up, scrubbed the deck and moved the glassed-topped table (also known as a huge vase) back in place.

While I was out there, I thought I might as well run the leaf blower and clean up the patio as well.  You see Baxter's ramp to the left.  That is so he can have free and easy access to the back yard without having to handle going up and down the stairs.  Poor little guy and his fragile back. 

With our weather being so mild, I hope these bulbs get enough cold during the evening and nights so that they set and are ready to bloom in spring.  I hope to have magnificent photos to share with you then.

Ivy, Ivy Everywhere!

As we have discussed here in the past, I have large, mature Sweet Gum trees throughout the property at Crest Avenue.  These trees are easily 80 to 100 feet in height.  I am certain that they were part of the landscape of this plot of ground before it was cleared in 1947 to build on.



I also have lots of English Ivy growing throughout the property.  I like ivy, but it must be controlled.  In some areas of the landscape I remove it entirely, which is fairly easy to do since it is shallow-rooted.  If you intend on having it, you must commit to controlling it.  As you can see in the picture above, I have not done a good job of controlling it on this tree in the front yard.

I decided it was time to gain some control of the ivy problem on this tree.  So I removed an area between two and three feet wide and about three feet up the trunk of the tree.  You can actually see the bird feeder again.

The idea is that once this swath of ivy is removed, thus cutting off access to the life supporting vines at the base of the tree, it will eventually die and fall off.  This will work.  When I first moved into Crest Avenue in 2001 this same tree was covered in ivy and I used this method and the ivy eventually turned brown and fell off the trunk.

A closer shot of the tree trunk freed of heavy ivy.  There was little damage to the bark.  I was very careful to try and not damage the bark any more than absolutely necessary.  Most of the vines came off easily.  Some of the large ones needed heavier equipment to remove.  A pair of hand pruners made the job of removing the large vines a bit easier. 

I left a section about three feet high on the base of the tree trunk.  I am uncertain at this point what I will do with this.  I am certain that a horticulturist would tell me, without hesitation, to remove it.  But I think it looks nice  on the trunk of the tree.  If I maintain it at this height, hopefully that would not be a problem.  We will have to revisit this in the spring.  You will see in the picture above, and indeed, in all of these pictures, a tree in the background that is covered in ivy.  That tree is just over the property line and belongs to my neighbor.  So hands off on that tree.

This cute little birdhouse was also a victim of the heavy ivy growth of the tree.  The vines made their way under the side planks and damaged the copper flashing on the roof ridge.  So this has been put away in the garden shed until nice weather returns when we can do some repairs and hang it back on the tree for a family to move into in the spring when they return from Fort Lauderdale or West Palm Beach or wherever their winter residence is located.
Here is a little more information I found online that deals with removing ivy from a tree.

HOW TO CLEAR IVY FROM A TREE

1. Cut a circle of English ivy around the tree trunk. Free a 12-inch tall section completely around the trunk. Ivy dangling on the tree will eventually dry up and fall down. Cut with pruners and/or lopers. Large vines may require a saw.
2. Pull ivy from a 3-6 foot circle around the tree root, pulling as many roots as you can. Freeing this area of ivy will stop it from climbing back up the trunk.
3. Cautiously dispose of the ivy. It resprouts easily!

So, if you like ivy and want it in your landscape, or if you already have it, just realize that you will need to take extra time to maintain it.

Ivy, Ivy Everywhere!

As we have discussed here in the past, I have large, mature Sweet Gum trees throughout the property at Crest Avenue.  These trees are easily 80 to 100 feet in height.  I am certain that they were part of the landscape of this plot of ground before it was cleared in 1947 to build on.



I also have lots of English Ivy growing throughout the property.  I like ivy, but it must be controlled.  In some areas of the landscape I remove it entirely, which is fairly easy to do since it is shallow-rooted.  If you intend on having it, you must commit to controlling it.  As you can see in the picture above, I have not done a good job of controlling it on this tree in the front yard.

I decided it was time to gain some control of the ivy problem on this tree.  So I removed an area between two and three feet wide and about three feet up the trunk of the tree.  You can actually see the bird feeder again.

The idea is that once this swath of ivy is removed, thus cutting off access to the life supporting vines at the base of the tree, it will eventually die and fall off.  This will work.  When I first moved into Crest Avenue in 2001 this same tree was covered in ivy and I used this method and the ivy eventually turned brown and fell off the trunk.

A closer shot of the tree trunk freed of heavy ivy.  There was little damage to the bark.  I was very careful to try and not damage the bark any more than absolutely necessary.  Most of the vines came off easily.  Some of the large ones needed heavier equipment to remove.  A pair of hand pruners made the job of removing the large vines a bit easier. 

I left a section about three feet high on the base of the tree trunk.  I am uncertain at this point what I will do with this.  I am certain that a horticulturist would tell me, without hesitation, to remove it.  But I think it looks nice  on the trunk of the tree.  If I maintain it at this height, hopefully that would not be a problem.  We will have to revisit this in the spring.  You will see in the picture above, and indeed, in all of these pictures, a tree in the background that is covered in ivy.  That tree is just over the property line and belongs to my neighbor.  So hands off on that tree.

This cute little birdhouse was also a victim of the heavy ivy growth of the tree.  The vines made their way under the side planks and damaged the copper flashing on the roof ridge.  So this has been put away in the garden shed until nice weather returns when we can do some repairs and hang it back on the tree for a family to move into in the spring when they return from Fort Lauderdale or West Palm Beach or wherever their winter residence is located.
Here is a little more information I found online that deals with removing ivy from a tree.

HOW TO CLEAR IVY FROM A TREE

1. Cut a circle of English ivy around the tree trunk. Free a 12-inch tall section completely around the trunk. Ivy dangling on the tree will eventually dry up and fall down. Cut with pruners and/or lopers. Large vines may require a saw.
2. Pull ivy from a 3-6 foot circle around the tree root, pulling as many roots as you can. Freeing this area of ivy will stop it from climbing back up the trunk.
3. Cautiously dispose of the ivy. It resprouts easily!

So, if you like ivy and want it in your landscape, or if you already have it, just realize that you will need to take extra time to maintain it.

Some Changes for the New Year

I was going through the attic this weekend and found a mirror that I forgot I had put away.  I believe this mirror was an IKEA purchase.  Since I have gone with a rather neutral color on the walls, I decided I needed to add some color.  The tiles around the frame of this mirror are varying shades of blue and green.  Where it is hanging is where I had originally placed the county plat drawing of Crest Avenue.  I decided that would look better elsewhere.

This brings some nice color to the hallway.  These colors also pick up the colors in the stemware on the side table in the dining room.  (Click on this picture for an expanded view.)  A very nice look and the corresponding colors help bring the two areas together. 

Some Changes for the New Year

I was going through the attic this weekend and found a mirror that I forgot I had put away.  I believe this mirror was an IKEA purchase.  Since I have gone with a rather neutral color on the walls, I decided I needed to add some color.  The tiles around the frame of this mirror are varying shades of blue and green.  Where it is hanging is where I had originally placed the county plat drawing of Crest Avenue.  I decided that would look better elsewhere.

This brings some nice color to the hallway.  These colors also pick up the colors in the stemware on the side table in the dining room.  (Click on this picture for an expanded view.)  A very nice look and the corresponding colors help bring the two areas together. 

Somebody Got a Haircut

There was a miniature wire-haired dachshund who was in dire need of a haicut.  And that miniature wire-haired dachshund was Baxter.  I was hoping Cassandra could take him last Monday, but she was not open.  Fortunately, she called during the week and said she would be available on Sunday, so off we went early yesterday morning for Baxter's spa day.

I don't know what the attraction was, but he was definitely watching something.  A very shaggy boy in need of a trim.

Uh Oh!  Is that Cassandra?

The name of the place where he goes for grooming is called "Paws of Enchantment" located in Mt. Rainer, MD.  The owner is Cassandra Kraham.  She is wonderful.  We visited a couple other places before we finally found Paws of Enchantment.  Once there, no other place would do.

This picture was a failed attempt to try and capture him as he made his way from the grooming area to the waiting area where I was sitting.  All I succeeded in doing was getting a picture of Cassandra's feet.

And finally, a picture of the handsome boy, back at home, all groomed and looking like a million bucks.  If you are interested in having your pet groomed and you live in the Greater DC area, you can find out more about Cassandra at www.pawsofenchantment.com. 

Somebody Got a Haircut

There was a miniature wire-haired dachshund who was in dire need of a haicut.  And that miniature wire-haired dachshund was Baxter.  I was hoping Cassandra could take him last Monday, but she was not open.  Fortunately, she called during the week and said she would be available on Sunday, so off we went early yesterday morning for Baxter's spa day.

I don't know what the attraction was, but he was definitely watching something.  A very shaggy boy in need of a trim.

Uh Oh!  Is that Cassandra?

The name of the place where he goes for grooming is called "Paws of Enchantment" located in Mt. Rainer, MD.  The owner is Cassandra Kraham.  She is wonderful.  We visited a couple other places before we finally found Paws of Enchantment.  Once there, no other place would do.

This picture was a failed attempt to try and capture him as he made his way from the grooming area to the waiting area where I was sitting.  All I succeeded in doing was getting a picture of Cassandra's feet.

And finally, a picture of the handsome boy, back at home, all groomed and looking like a million bucks.  If you are interested in having your pet groomed and you live in the Greater DC area, you can find out more about Cassandra at www.pawsofenchantment.com. 

Happy Friday!

"It's Friday; It's Friday," as the song goes.  And another brisk winter morning it is.  A chilly 28 degrees at Crest Avenue today.  But no complaints.  It's January.  It should be cold.  I am looking forward to maybe receiving some snow this year.  Last winter was very warm.  Almost springlike.  I'm ready to wake up to some snow.

On Wednesday you all got a picture of Lee and Walter Annenberg.  Yesterday you got a picture of Shirley MacLaine.  I thought today it was only fitting that you get a picture of your favorite blogger - me!

On my way to the office this morning all bundled up.  Lots going on this weekend so I'll have lots to post about as we progress through the weekend and into next week.

Happy Friday!

"It's Friday; It's Friday," as the song goes.  And another brisk winter morning it is.  A chilly 28 degrees at Crest Avenue today.  But no complaints.  It's January.  It should be cold.  I am looking forward to maybe receiving some snow this year.  Last winter was very warm.  Almost springlike.  I'm ready to wake up to some snow.

On Wednesday you all got a picture of Lee and Walter Annenberg.  Yesterday you got a picture of Shirley MacLaine.  I thought today it was only fitting that you get a picture of your favorite blogger - me!

On my way to the office this morning all bundled up.  Lots going on this weekend so I'll have lots to post about as we progress through the weekend and into next week.

Downtown Abbey

Who knew.  I am not aware of this show on PBS.  I just got an update this morning from Traditional Home and in that update was the following:


Shirley MacLaine as Martha Levinson

Written and produced by Cathy Whitlock

"The English phenomenon known as Downton Abbey has gripped viewers worldwide and developed quite the cult following. Echoing the styles and storylines of period costume dramas Gosford Park and Upstairs/Downstairs, the popular Masterpiece series on PBS centers on the aristocratic Crawley family and their dutiful servants in the early decades of the 20th century.

Downton Abbey is set in England’s real-life Highclere Castle, the Victorian estate that forms the backdrop for tales of love, ambition, rivalry, and adventure. The highly anticipated third season premieres in the U.S. on Sunday, January 6, as the inhabitants of Highclere—both upstairs and down—face new challenges and “welcome” a new character (Cora’s American mother Martha Levinson, played by Academy Award-winning actress Shirley MacLaine). Look for fireworks to ensue between Levinson and Dowager Countess Violet Crawley (played brilliantly by another Academy Award-winning actress, Maggie Smith).

Check your local PBS stations for times or watch online at PBS.org. If you missed the first two seasons, the Downton Abbey Collection is available at Shop PBS."

All photographs: Copyright Carnival Film & Television Limited 2012 for MASTERPIECE unless otherwise noted

I think I just found a new show to watch.

Downtown Abbey

Who knew.  I am not aware of this show on PBS.  I just got an update this morning from Traditional Home and in that update was the following:


Shirley MacLaine as Martha Levinson

Written and produced by Cathy Whitlock

"The English phenomenon known as Downton Abbey has gripped viewers worldwide and developed quite the cult following. Echoing the styles and storylines of period costume dramas Gosford Park and Upstairs/Downstairs, the popular Masterpiece series on PBS centers on the aristocratic Crawley family and their dutiful servants in the early decades of the 20th century.

Downton Abbey is set in England’s real-life Highclere Castle, the Victorian estate that forms the backdrop for tales of love, ambition, rivalry, and adventure. The highly anticipated third season premieres in the U.S. on Sunday, January 6, as the inhabitants of Highclere—both upstairs and down—face new challenges and “welcome” a new character (Cora’s American mother Martha Levinson, played by Academy Award-winning actress Shirley MacLaine). Look for fireworks to ensue between Levinson and Dowager Countess Violet Crawley (played brilliantly by another Academy Award-winning actress, Maggie Smith).

Check your local PBS stations for times or watch online at PBS.org. If you missed the first two seasons, the Downton Abbey Collection is available at Shop PBS."

All photographs: Copyright Carnival Film & Television Limited 2012 for MASTERPIECE unless otherwise noted

I think I just found a new show to watch.

Winter Has Set In

A cold and bleak morning here in the Mid-Atlantic.  It was a brisk 27 degrees this morning at Crest Avenue.  This picture taken looking west toward Rosslyn, VA.  That is the the Key Bridge spanning the Potomac River in the background; Washington Harbour complex to the right.

I like the Christmas tree adornments on the lamp-posts.  They did a good job with the decorations this year.

Here is a close-up shot.

Christmas deocorations are still up in some areas.  On my drive through Cheverly last night I noticed many homes with their fanciful outdoor decorations aglow.  I like seeing all the different ways people decorate for the holiday. 

Winter Has Set In

A cold and bleak morning here in the Mid-Atlantic.  It was a brisk 27 degrees this morning at Crest Avenue.  This picture taken looking west toward Rosslyn, VA.  That is the the Key Bridge spanning the Potomac River in the background; Washington Harbour complex to the right.

I like the Christmas tree adornments on the lamp-posts.  They did a good job with the decorations this year.

Here is a close-up shot.

Christmas deocorations are still up in some areas.  On my drive through Cheverly last night I noticed many homes with their fanciful outdoor decorations aglow.  I like seeing all the different ways people decorate for the holiday. 

From Our West Coast Correspondent . . . Sunnylands!

Sunnylands, located in Rancho Mirage, California, is the estate of the late Walter Annenberg and his wife Leonore, pictured below.


Leonore and Walter, photographed by Jonathan Becker for Vanity Fair, 1999.


It was owned by the couple until 2009 and used as a winter retreat since 1966, the year in which the house was completed.

I received these photos from a friend in the Los Angeles area who visited the house and grounds over the Christmas holiday.



The front entrance to the estate.



The pool area.

The estate is run by the Annenberg Foundation Trust.  Photography is not allowed inside the home, so we were very happy to receive these photos of the exterior.  This is a magnificent, modernist estate designed by architect Quincy Jones (1913-1979) and beautifully decorated by William (Billy) Haines.  Mr. Haines also decorated the homes of Betsy Bloomingdale and Nancy Reagan.

We are forever grateful for these lovely pictures.  You can read more about Sunnylands at www.sunnylands.org.  I think we need to plan a trip to California to see Sunnylands for ourselves.

From Our West Coast Correspondent . . . Sunnylands!

Sunnylands, located in Rancho Mirage, California, is the estate of the late Walter Annenberg and his wife Leonore, pictured below.


Leonore and Walter, photographed by Jonathan Becker for Vanity Fair, 1999.


It was owned by the couple until 2009 and used as a winter retreat since 1966, the year in which the house was completed.

I received these photos from a friend in the Los Angeles area who visited the house and grounds over the Christmas holiday.



The front entrance to the estate.



The pool area.

The estate is run by the Annenberg Foundation Trust.  Photography is not allowed inside the home, so we were very happy to receive these photos of the exterior.  This is a magnificent, modernist estate designed by architect Quincy Jones (1913-1979) and beautifully decorated by William (Billy) Haines.  Mr. Haines also decorated the homes of Betsy Bloomingdale and Nancy Reagan.

We are forever grateful for these lovely pictures.  You can read more about Sunnylands at www.sunnylands.org.  I think we need to plan a trip to California to see Sunnylands for ourselves.

And Happy New Year from Baxter

Is that the saddest looking little face you've ever seen?

He got this bed for Christmas.  It has a "pouch" that he can crawl in and lay down.  But he hasn't figure that out yet.  Or, knowing Baxter, he has figured it out and just doesn't want to do that.  So he folds the pouch part back and uses it as a pillow.  Whatever makes him happy.

And Happy New Year from Baxter

Is that the saddest looking little face you've ever seen?

He got this bed for Christmas.  It has a "pouch" that he can crawl in and lay down.  But he hasn't figure that out yet.  Or, knowing Baxter, he has figured it out and just doesn't want to do that.  So he folds the pouch part back and uses it as a pillow.  Whatever makes him happy.

A New Year and New Ideas

Today was the day to go shopping.  I was up early this morning.  I continued working on management of the overflow of "paper."  After a couple of hours of that, I ventured out to Target.  I had some returns and needed to pick up a few things.  As usual, I ended up "picking up" a little more than I expected.  But the prices were good.  Lots of mark-downs.  And the store was basically mine.  I think I saw three other people shopping.  I guess many were still asleep from New Years celebrations, which I did not participate in this year.

I decided the large silver leaf tray that was holding these champagne flutes was too large for the table.  So I replaced it with this cute, rustic box from Smith & Hawkin.

I like this look much better.  The rustic box against the elegant stemware is a nice contrast.  When serving for a party, I will place them back on the silver leaf tray.

I took down all of the Christmas decoration today.  I wanted to replace the Christmas swag on the front door with something that would be welcoming but not too spring-like.  This boxwood wreath fit the bill perfectly.  Another Smith & Hawkin find.

Some essentials.  I like to keep containers of Wet Ones next to the kitchen sink and in the cabinet.  They are nice to have nearby to clean your hands whether you are working inside or out.  They are especially handy if you have been working in the garden.  Every time we conserve water is a good thing.  The cocktail straws will be useful once the spring and summer cocktail party circuit starts.

A New Year and New Ideas

Today was the day to go shopping.  I was up early this morning.  I continued working on management of the overflow of "paper."  After a couple of hours of that, I ventured out to Target.  I had some returns and needed to pick up a few things.  As usual, I ended up "picking up" a little more than I expected.  But the prices were good.  Lots of mark-downs.  And the store was basically mine.  I think I saw three other people shopping.  I guess many were still asleep from New Years celebrations, which I did not participate in this year.

I decided the large silver leaf tray that was holding these champagne flutes was too large for the table.  So I replaced it with this cute, rustic box from Smith & Hawkin.

I like this look much better.  The rustic box against the elegant stemware is a nice contrast.  When serving for a party, I will place them back on the silver leaf tray.

I took down all of the Christmas decoration today.  I wanted to replace the Christmas swag on the front door with something that would be welcoming but not too spring-like.  This boxwood wreath fit the bill perfectly.  Another Smith & Hawkin find.

Some essentials.  I like to keep containers of Wet Ones next to the kitchen sink and in the cabinet.  They are nice to have nearby to clean your hands whether you are working inside or out.  They are especially handy if you have been working in the garden.  Every time we conserve water is a good thing.  The cocktail straws will be useful once the spring and summer cocktail party circuit starts.