An Invitation and a New Year Wish

"Tell us, Lucy... now that your Christmas party is over,
How would you like to host a New Year's Eve gala?"

To which Lucy replies, "Bleck!"

What accounts for this sassy-tongued response?
And what's up with the ski goggles?
If you're in the mood for a giggle, click on her blog,
"Dog's Eye View"
to see how Lucy-Maude spent Christmas.

And now ~

My New Year's Wish to All...

May your trees stand strong against the winds
And the snow lay lightly along their limbs.

As you enable the birds to weather each storm,
May home and hearth stay perpetually warm.

May catalog avalanches the postman brings,
Keep you dreaming of summer and verdant things.

May those glossy pages, all shiny and cold,
Give birth to new gardens ~ a sight to behold.

May your armchair gardening soon give rise
To bumper crops and a feast for the eyes.

May all that you plan and all that you do,
Ultimately earn approval by you.

Now, as you plot gardens and while you write
Planning and scribbling through cold, stormy night,

May you please your family and those you hold dear
But never neglect that voice in your ear...

The one that proclaims, "To thine own self be true."
Pleasing others will follow, if first you please you.

May your constant companions be happiness and health
May prosperity of spirit mean more than mere wealth.

May you answer the knock, when inspiration calls
And honor its presence ~ not delay it with walls.

May your path to the future be specific as mine,
May you realize your goals in 2009!

From the shores of Lily Pond, down in Bloggy Hollow,
A Happy New Year, in the months that follow!


Now, go see what Lucy-Maude did on Christmas Day...
bring a hanky for the tears of laughter.

Just click on "Dog's Eye View!"

Verse & Photos: ©Deb Lambert 2008

"Merry Christmas to All and to All a Good Night!"

Wishing all my fellow gardeners, writers, bloggers
and garden bloggers (and anyone else who drops by),
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
May your holidays be filled with friends, family
and the warmth of this holiday season.

Come along for a little holiday tour,
where here in New England, we just had
back-to-back weekend snowstorms.
This was the start of storm #1.

"Jingle bells, jingle bells..."

If you're new here, let me introduce you to Lucy-Maude ~
canine extraordinaire and #1 GardenAuthor assistant
(and part-time garden center employee at Corliss Bros) ~
who also runs her own blog, over at "Dog's Eye View."
We won't bother her now, as she seems to be checking
for fresh squirrel activity.
We'll catch up with her further down...

Inside, all warm and cozy, we find "The Boys," all lined up,
waiting for supper. Back to front: Arnold, Jake,
"Uncle" Stanley (all black - hard to photograph) and
Kipper. The 3 orange-and-white, fine, feline specimens
are brothers/triplets and have adopted Stanley
as their "uncle" figure. Actually, group photos like
this are hard to come by, so they had to
wait for supper a little longer that night.

"Welcome to our humble home!"

Two snowstorms AND icicles ~
I am one happy amateur photographer!

First glimpse of Monday, after the snows.

My favorite little Acer griseum,
during the beginning of storm #1

Night Icicles ("nightcicles"? ~Boo, sorry about that!)

Oops!
(Technical error by the nearsighted genius posting these pics!)
OR, maybe I just wanted to show off my tree again?
(No - sadly, it's the first thing.)

After storm #1, which ended Saturday AM - flurried
the balance of the day, before Sunday's storm.

The icicles showed up with the second storm
(this was Monday AM) ~ love them against the
amazing, cloudless blue skies that lasted all day!

"Boy, it's tough being short... what's up there?
These darned snowbanks! Hey, how about a boost?"
Yes, that's Lucy, still checking out the front yard.

View from the front kitchen window, early afternoon.
This second storm was wet, ending with sleet and a
little rain, followed by plunging temps and
strong winds... great combination.

After first storm.

Oooooh! Love these icicles! Hope you do, too -
'cause I'll be sharing them, you lucky viewers.

As the second storm winds down, I see that Peter Rabbit
is on his way to the garden gate, under cover of darkness.
Funny the visions you see after two days of snow removal.
Pots of Christmas greens, alongside potted Alberta spruce
and arborvitae, can form all sorts of fanciful shapes!

"Hey, Mom ~ how 'bout shoveling off my squirrel-
watching bench?" To which I reply, "Not on my snow
removal priority list... wait your turn, wiseguy!"
At which point, Lucy improvised a little jig ~
sort of "Riverdance in the Snow."

Friday night ~ the silence of first flakes.

"Yikes!"

View from the kitchen sink window,
after an earlier mini-snow.

From inside, looking out, on Monday AM.
(Hetz Upright Juniper)

Backyard - while still snowing!

Pretty hard to read the "Corliss Bros" sign, but this
was the garden center yesterday (12/23)...
plenty of snow up here, too!

Gray, bleak... the Kwanzan cherry reaching upward,
beyond the daggerlike icicles, which seem to imprison me
(hey - maybe I'll save this for "Waltzes with Words").
Anyway, I'm entitling this one, "Imprisonment."

Watering cans, filled with poinsetties?
Left out in the snow? How is this even possible?

Yes, indeedy ~ these are the uber-hardy Poinsettias.
They took a licking and kept on ticking!

We've had a gray, ugly Christmas Eve day,
with warming temps.
So, I decided to catch the melting icicles in action.
In this photo, the droplets are just starting to fall.

Ok, I got carried away ~ you have NO idea how many of these
you must snap, waiting for that perfect moment... or have you?

Well, keep the home fires burning, enjoy these holidays
and don't forget "All creatures, great and small" ~
yes, even the squirrels appreciate a festive
Christmas Eve corn feast!

But, beware small, wily, opportunistic, blonde coyotes...
especially when they're clad in turquoise! Oh no, wait...
that's Lucy, again! And what, you may ask, has this wild
dingo dog licking her chops? The thought of imminent,
impending, delicious breakfast? Scroll down...

This would be our suet feeder, which holds 4-5#
of fresh suet for our woodpeckers and clinging songbirds.
Methinks she smells it! She's been monitoring this
pretty closely, ever since it went up.

Wishing you all a joyous holiday...

...as Lucy-Maude and I head indoors,
for a quiet celebration.

And from our house to yours,
MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Photos & Text: ©Deb Lambert 2008

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas!

Here in New England, after two weekend storms, it is indeed looking like a white Christmas. While we contemplate the quiet, pristine blanket that nature has draped across the landscape, let's take a look at more gift ideas. And let's begin with items for the bird lovers on your list... and finish with some decorative elements.

Not sure what that gardener really needs?
A Corliss Bros. Gift Certificate is the solution!
(Or, maybe a certificate to your own local garden center.)

For the rest of the gift list, drop by 'Corliss Clips'
(our garden newsletter blog) for wind chimes,
books and a few other odds and ends.
Just click here!

As we prepare to wrap up Christmas 2008, I'd like to thank Corliss Bros. Garden Center and Nursery for all the photo opts. It's easy to outline all the gift possibilities you'll find at a garden center, with this selection. I've enjoyed photographing and sharing this holiday season!

©Deb Lambert 2008

Statuary for Gardens... More Gift Ideas

Now, before we start in earnest, let me make this announcement ~ with the days rapidly dwindling as we count down to Christmas, and so many categories remaining unpublished, I've made an executive decision, in my capacity as CEO of this blog group. Each day I post gift ideas here, I'll post still more possibilities over at the official garden newsletter blog "Corliss Clips." So, feel free to click on this announcement for lightning-quick transport.

What follows is a sample of the statuary, for indoors and out, that appeals to gardeners and non-gardeners (is that even possible?) alike. Many are suitable for the garden, perhaps a plant room or maybe a living room! As always, you can click on any of the photos, for a closer look.

We're still working on that rhyming Christmas shopping list... taking a peek at all the gift possibilities that abound at Corliss Bros. Garden Center & Nursery. I think we'll find more than enough statuary to fill our needs. Let's look.....

How about a little help pondering that list?
How cute he'd be, meditating on a stone wall.

Add the flavor of far-off climes. Anybody you
know have an oriental garden? There are all
types of Buddha statues, as well.

A cherubic element. Does someone on your
list have a Victorian garden?

Did he wander in from"Whoville?" How delightful for a
whimsical touch or for a child's garden.

Definitely a unique piece!

Peace reigns in this colorful kingdom of
weight-challenged, resin statuary. Will bring a
smile to anyone's face this Christmas!

Well, these are just too cute to resist!
Little Christmas cherubs?

Honor your inner master gardener, or recognize
the skills of your favorite Master Gardener,
with this colorful little helper.

A very peaceful feeling accompanies this one,
complete with roses and spade.

Who doesn't like a cute little wood gnome?
Here, we see an impromptu jam session, as the
horn section is critiqued by the conductor.

Meditative little sprite,
waiting for a spot in your friend's garden.

Ricky Raccoon ~ begging for a new home.

Just practicing! An enterprising frog taking a
"dry run" in an empty water garden bowl. Both
would add a wonderful cool touch to a summer garden.

Does someone on your list garden by the seashore?
These are just a few of the ocean-themed
decorative elements.

Ceramic & elegant, for the refined garden.
Or, maybe someone's plant room?

Oooh ~ puppies! Give away a whole litter
to the dog lover on that list.

"Chug-a-rum!"
Singly, or in a chorus line, these chubby amphibians
will bring a smile to any gardener's face.

Maybe they'd prefer an avian chorus line?

"Of cabbages and kings"...
of artichokes and asparagus, too!

Did you realize that slugs and snails eat mushrooms?
As these are all concrete, probably not an issue.
Nice garden accents!

Remember "Four and twenty blackbirds baked
in a pie?" This is called "Blackbird's Revenge."
How great would this look on a patio?

Cute, fluffy owls.

Stylized, sophisticated owls. Remember
"The owl and the pussycat?" These are
well-represented, as well!

Aloof, but a creature of beauty to the cat lover on that list!

Maybe cute and cuddly is more appropriate?

Does your mom's cat have a special spot for napping?

Like a primitive art piece, this chunky cat is
overflowing with character.

Slim, elegant lines...
perfect for indoor or outdoor display.

Smooth! Guardian of garden.

Obese birds and beasties... sure to elicit smiles!

"Let's see... kitty grass, catnip, mice or...

... fish?" Anyway, this is perfect for the resident
fisherman, at the camp or in a seaside garden.

A resin bird bathing in a ceramic birdbath.
Give you any ideas?

Who doesn't want a puppy?
All the cuteness and none of the work.

Angelic visions ~ perfect for the summer garden
or winter window.

Yet another chorus line, along with tiny terrapins.

Doves ~ perfect, nestled among the poinsettias,
or lending a peaceful feeling to a secluded summer nook.

"Squirrel Nutkin" is a natural for that
certain someone's informal garden.

"Yay! We've come to the end of another list.
Did you get any good ideas for all those
gardening friends and relatives?"

Now, don't forget to take a quick trip over to "Corliss Clips"for just a few more ideas... click here, and off you go!

Text & Most Photos: ©Deb Lambert 2008
Balance of Photos: ©CBI 2008

Heads, Hands, Knees and Feet... Practical Gardener Gifts!

Is it a gift list or a poem? Both! Anyway, I thought it might be fun to see how many wishes we could meet, just by shopping at a garden center. Over the next several days, I'll post various categories and we'll see how far we can get.

Oh ~ the title? Sort of reminiscent of that child's song...
now, let's go shopping!

Let's start with the head...
All gardeners need protection from the hot summer
sun (you remember summer, right?) and there's
something here for every man and woman!

Go ahead ~ try one on for size ~ as long
as you're here, anyway.

You'll never find him out in the garden, with this hat.
He'll be hiding right in plain sight!

How cute would that favorite gardener look in a
pink cowboy hat or an extra-wide-brimmed cap,
complete with neck protection flap?

Caps for him or her... a garden book
especially for him... and maybe a T-shirt.

Crocheted? Or straw with an up-turned brim
and black ribbon?

Smoooth! So finely woven.

More fantastic straw in a rainbow of colors.

How about that black one?
Something Audrey Hepburn might have worn!

Country Chic!

Maybe a Panama, or a canvas bush hat (on right).

More striking straw hats... the natural-colored hat
reminds me of something
a gentleman farmer would have worn.

More soft, sturdy caps ~ perfect for garden wear!

Go ahead, check out the rest!

Seems like something a well-coordinated mom
might like... matching hat, apron and tool tote.

And now for the hands...

How about a wall o' gloves? Surely there's something
here for every gardener in need of new gloves.

Soft, supple, yet rugged ~ goat skin gloves for him.

Lighter-weight canvas or cotton... some flowered
for the fashion-conscious ladies on your list.

Heavyweight and rugged... canvas and suede!

Flexible and supple... allowing more control than
thicker gloves, yet still affording adequate protection.

Gauntlets are the glove of choice when working with
roses or around equally prickly garden subjects.

And the younger set will be properly clad
for garden duty, with these colorful gloves!
Combine these with kids' garden tools for the perfect gift.

They'll lug their garden gear around in style with
these colorful totes ~ or maybe use them
to carry home the groceries!

Rugged little garden totes, made of canvas,
complete with outside tool pockets. That little pink
striped bag would look great with the pink cowboy hat!

Next, we come to knees...

Here, we look for impromptu garden seating, tool
storage and kneeler benches.

Big tool storage capacity, comfy canvas seat
and quickly folds away at quitting time.

Your gardening friend will save wear and tear
on their legs, on this rolling garden seat.
Great for weeding, with handy tool storage.

Rugged, lightweight, with ample tool capacity.

"Garden Rocker" allows that gardener to easily
swivel around, as they weed and deadhead.

Steel construction and padded foam make this
kneeler/seat an outstanding favorite. Lightweight and
easy to lug! Here, it's displayed as a seat.
Flip it over, and you've got a comfy kneeling bench...
Perfect gift for gardeners of any age!

Here, it's depicted as a kneeler.

Finally, we come to the feet...

Crocs® for the garden... reinforced toe guards...
cool and well-ventilated for warm weather work ~
sizes and colors for all!

Then, we come to the sturdier foot coverings... ideal
protection from all that Mother Nature dishes out...

Here we see three of the most popular brands represented:
MUCK BOOT®, LAWNGRIPS®, HUNTER®

"Chore Boot" (Muck Boot Company)
Soil, mud, rain and slush are no match for these
tough boots. Flexible tops and rugged treads!

"Lawngrips Pro Boot"
As comfortable as a light hiking boot, but tough
enough to withstand mud and water ~ sure-grip treads.

"Scrub Boot" (Muck Boot Company)
Lighter than that first heavyweight boot ~ very
flexible, offering protection against water and soil.

"The Daily" (Muck Boot Company)
Low-cut garden shoe, with protection from the elements.

"Hunter Classic"
Like the typical "Wellies" worn by our British gardening
compatriots. Totally mud and waterproof! No rainy
days will slow down the recipient of this gift!

Whether you call it a low boot or high shoe, it's flexible,
rugged, moisture-resistant and provides sure footing on
wet, unstable ground... velcro strap offers easy entry and exit!
(Another Lawngrips product.)

Well, how did we do? Met a few of those wishes
on our list... we'll keep looking next time!

Now, if you want to read the follow-up to Lucy's last
post, head over to "Dog's Eye View" for
"Rolling ~ Part the Second."

Text & Photos: Deb Lambert 2008

Trimming the Tree

Grab a hook, select your favorite ornament and let's trim our virtual tree. There's something of interest for almost everyone... many themed ornaments are included. I apologize, in advance, for any fuzzy images, as these photos were snapped on a busy Saturday at Corliss Bros. Garden Center & Nursery ~ not much time to properly compose every shot. Let's get started...

Nautical theme...

Little lighthouses that actually light up! Makes me
think of Sam Haddock, Jr, up in Maine...
The Shutterbug on Knights Pond

A troller ~ after all, here in Ipswich,
we're pretty close to Gloucester, MA

Perfect ornament for New England!
Think those are Maine lobstas?

Continuing with the nautical theme,
we turn to the seashore for inspiration.

Diamond-studded starfish vie for your
attention, along with

Shell-encrusted snowflakes.

Appropriately, this ornament heads our look
at work-themed decorations. Now, this reminds me
of Shady Gardener, over at
"Does Everything Grow Better in My Neighbor's Yard?"

For all the carpenters and construction workers...
this one's for my neighbor Mike, ace carpenter and
proud owner of a neat little Acer palmatum 'Bloodgood' -
one of my favorite subjects to photograph!

Perfect for an industrious home handyman!

Just the thing for the dedicated gardener, who also
appreciates floral art and decorative elements. I'm
thinking this might look good on Anna's tree, at
"FlowerGardenGirl"

Miniature Topiary

Is there a Master Gardener in your life?
This goes out to Joe in Chelsea, MA ~ Master Gardener,
loyal "Backyard Gardener" radio listener for years.
Thank you, Joe ~ Happy Holidays!

Something for every pet lover! Come to think of it, that
camel brings to mind another favorite blog about life on
a small farm... llamas and a camel... lots of creatures, plants,
simple pleasures, great photos and writing. Drop by
"The Inadvertent Farmer" when you have a chance.

Yes, Angie... this one's for you!
"Good Dog & Bad Cat" - pretty appropriate
after recent discussions at your place, don't you think?
(All this and feather boas!)
You'll find Angie blogging at "Gumbo Writer."

The heart tag reads, "Best Friend."

Hmmm ~ now who do you suppose is getting
one of these? Why, Lucy-Maude, of course!
And although she is the best dog I know,
I selected "Big Dog" to boost her self-esteem.

These little fireflies actually light up. Now, if I were a child,
that's one ornament that would stay out all year long!

Always a popular category... birds,
like this little cardinal.

Maybe a quail?

Poorly regarded as a garden visitor,
but highly regarded as an ornament.

Mistletoe, anyone?

Sports-themed ornaments ~ well,
this is New England, after all!

Is it me, or does the man in the moon resemble Santa?

Let's wrap this up with a few jeweled fruits,

a few indoor greens and...

Jill Silva, one of Corliss' talented designers,
has transformed a boxwood kissing ball into
a Santa head, complete with white ribbon "beard."
Pretty creative! It sold shortly after this photo was snapped.

The halls are totally decked, the outdoor decorating
is complete and now the tree is trimmed. Come back soon,
and often, right up until Christmas...
we've got to discuss those last-minute gift ideas
for your favorite gardener. See you next time!

Now, if you want to read the follow-up to Lucy's last
post, head over to "Dog's Eye View" for
"Rolling ~ Part the Second."

Text & Photos: ©Deb Lambert 2008

A Garden Center Christmas

Got a few minutes? Enjoy my Christmas tunes, as we go on a round trip tour... up to Corliss Bros. Garden Center & Nursery in Ipswich, MA. It all started with predawn shots of an absolutely gigantic moon... at least my little camera does better with this size!

Through the linden tree

Through the Blue Atlas Cedar

Still visible, suspended above the hill as we head to work.

BRRR! Low twenties as we seek a couple of
nature shots, before heading in. Winterberry!

Lucy looks for mushrooms (all frozen and gone, now),
while I look for something frosty.

OK - this will do! It's that thin, splintery ice and
encased in the center are a few still-green hardy weeds.

Nice to arrive early, so there's time for extra photo opts
and a little browsing. Let's see what Lucy's tracking.

Under the lath roof, premium cut trees are still suspended,
awaiting the first customers.

Row after row of stately trees recline, awaiting inspection.

Living Christmas trees are still in good supply.
Here, we some of the larger specimens... a nice
tradition and a great addition to any landscape.

Well how about that? Just when I thought I'd posted every conceivable type of wreath, earlier ~ seems the designing women of Corliss have taken their creativity to new heights! So, without comment, let's check out their latest handiwork...

Last one - at least for now! Let's see if Lucy's still around...

Here she is, obviously in her capacity as Dwarf Alberta Spruce Inspector ~ small scale potted evergreens... perfect as living Christmas trees. "Come on, Lucy... time for work!"

Someone turned in a very frozen pair of work gloves, that didn't fare too well with yesterday's heavy rains and plummeting overnight temps. It struck me as a study in contrasts, as we now turn our attentions to the warm, inviting store interior...

For instance, the warmth and joyous color
that only a Poinsettia could provide.

And who can resist the upswept beauty
of a Cyclamen bloom?

Bows, handmade by the staff, are an increasingly popular element... they create bows to order all day, as well as a constant supply made up for folks in more of a hurry... the display was constantly being depleted, as some customers were buying 5, 10 or more at a time. (Those that look orange, are actually red - it's the strong morning sun distorting the colors.)

Now, we go from the decorative to the practical,
taking a sneak peek at the items that would delight
that gardener on your gift list. A new set of hand tools
might be just the thing!

Maybe a new pair of pruners or rose shears?

Just for fun... little stuffed birds that sing forth the appropriate, authentic song (per The Audubon Society), for each species, when lightly squeezed. A favorite of our younger shoppers!

Garden boots and shoes of every type...
every gardener could use these!

Crocs® (preferred summer garden shoe of many a North Shore gardener) and a big assortment of garden gloves for men, women and children. More thoughtful gifts!

Glass wind chimes, the color of sunshine, to make
music in the garden of your favorite gardener.

Bulbs ~ for indoor culture ~ Amaryllis, paperwhite narcissi and hyacinths (pre-cooled, for suspension in a hyacinth glass). Great hostess gift... pick up extras for your own indoor flower show, as well!

All sorts of windchimes (like this Japanese Maple chime)
and statuary, for indoors and out.

Now, here is a practical gift ~
maybe to add to your own wish list?
Or, maybe for that backyard recycler?
This is just one of the available models.

And, of course there's the Christmas Shop, filled with decorating supplies and all those Great Pretenders we looked at, earlier. And there are also some very special, unique ornaments... which we'll take a closer look at, next time.

And so, our working day concludes. Lucy's coworker, Phoenix, whispers sweet nothings in her ear, as we prepare to leave. Lucy seems impatient, so off we go... say "Goodnight," Phoenix!

OOOH! ~ the sun... can't resist a quick shot.

Cute little barn, surrounded by recently baled hay.
Sunset glow lingers on the western horizon.
Pretty start to our 50 minute ride home, eh?

Join me next time for a little tree trimming?

And, in the days to come, for some interesting
and unique gift ideas!

Hope you enjoyed our Garden center christmas!

One more note: For a chuckle, go see Lucy 's latest post,
from Friday, on her Dog's Eye View blog... it's called,
"This is Not How I Roll!"

Text and Photos: ©Deb Lambert 2008

The Great Pretenders

(But first, this program note ~ while you're here, take a quick trip over to Grouse & Chortle for my "Photographic Introspective"... about 30 pics, with wry comments and a questionnaire at the end (if you're so inclined).

Now, back to our regular programming...

The staff held a meeting and it was decided,

after much deliberation,
that it was time to concentrate on decking the halls.

It was furthermore decided, that this was a good day
to introduce visitors to "The Great Pretenders"...
trees, wreaths, roping, swags and greens that look
like the "real thing!"

For your browsing and decorating pleasure,
let's scroll through some of the available options...

A bold statement in any room!

"Fresh" greens ~ design your own arrangements!

Talk about cheery!

Why, even perennial kissing balls!

If you think the Poinsettias in this photo look real,
you should see them in person - you must touch
them just to make certain that they're not the "real thing."

What looks, for all the world, like pine tips, is an
excellent rendition of our native white pine.

What arrangement or wreath, real or silk, wouldn't
benefit from the addition of lush berry sprays, such as these?

With just a few pine cones as decoration, these wreaths
certainly come across as totally natural. A few sprigs
of faux berries and a bow would only enhance this natural look.
But, sometimes, "less is more."

These handsome faux berries are just perfect, perhaps
mixed with silk greens, in a carefree, country arrangement.

The samples from this fruit and flower stand will survive
in your own creative arrangements, from year to year.

How about a rich, crimson berry wreath,
hung above the fireplace?

From the tree to garlands, wreaths, swags and topiaries,
silk "pretenders" are often the sensible solution.
Without the potential fire hazard or shedding needles
of the real thing, silks are the viable alternative, providing
more peace of mind. Many are even resilient enough for
some exterior decorating projects... just ask which are suitable.

Red, burgundy, gold, silver, white, blue or green?
Velvet, satin, weather-resistant or wired edges?
Plaid, striped, dotted or patterned? Soft and subtle,
or vibrant and shiny? Chances are that a garden center
has more choices than you could imagine... and for those
of us who remain perpetually bow-challenged,
an expert staff to tie it all up for you!

Oh, and don't forget the beaded garland... to lend that elegant, or perhaps playful look, to the Christmas tree. Draped from from branch tip to branch tip, nothing adds that graceful element quite like strands of beaded garland - whether your tree is fresh or silk.

Some of our great pretenders are either weather tolerant (for sheltered doorways or porches) or weather resistant (stand up quite well to the elements). Always ask, before you head outside to enhance your exterior displays... berries, especially, are tricky. Some are merely lacquered and once the coating is cracked by moisture and frigid temperatures, they literally explode, as the stuffing expands. Be sure you ask for the weather resistant type and avoid those exploding berries. I'm on my fifth season of hanging the same berry wreath around my flagpole base and it still looks festive!

Yes, our silk pretenders have certainly earned a place
in at least some of our holiday decorating schemes.
One more point in their favor - buy them once and
recycle them every Christmas for years to come...
add cost-effective to the merits of the great pretenders.

©Deb Lambert 2008

Photos: ©Deb Lambert 2008/©CBI 2008 (Filmed in Ipswich, MA @ Corliss Bros. Garden Center & Nursery)

A Weekend of Holiday Cheer!

From the frosty to the tropical, a presentation of Christmas
color and cheer... filmed at Lily Pond and Corliss Bros.
Garden Center & Nursery... enjoy the juxtaposition!

Frosty mornings that produce
unexpected Christmas color.

Sunrises that make you glad to arise.

Intricate, frozen "stars" adorn the windshield.

Poinsettias soaking up the morning sun.

Seasonal frosting!

Landscape your living room...
how about a striking white Poinsettia?

Just an ornamental dusting on my garden gate.

Red is traditional, but...

why not something a little more exotic?

So many hybrids, so little space...

A thoughtful gift to add color and warmth,
long beyond the holidays!

More of those Wentworth Viburnum berries!

Cyclamen ... perfect for cool windows,
with early or late sun.

Unique blossoms float above patterned,
heart-shaped foliage. Nice for giving or receiving!

More "snowflakes."

If standard varieties are too large, how about a miniature Cyclamen? Now these little cuties are easily accommodated and make a most thoughtful hostess gift, during the holiday season.

It was a weekend of contrasts, all fitting in perfectly with the Christmas season. And, as you can see, Lily Pond received both heavy frost and decorative snow flurries... which makes the warm Christmas Shop at Corliss all the more inviting, with its decorations, gifts and lush floral displays. I hope you're already enjoying this wonderful season!


Text & Photos: ©Deb Lambert 2008

The Cut Christmas Tree

Here they are, ready to unload... "all hands on deck!"

"Back it right up... just a few feet more!"

Suspended from the lathe house, where broadleaved evergreens are displayed throughout the growing season, these freshly-cut Christmas trees are easily viewed. Because they're hanging, choosing just the right tree is an almost hands-free experience.

Each has its charm, from the lightly sheared cut balsam to the exceptional quality of the premium cut balsams or Fraser firs.

Wandering through this pendulous "forest," savoring the pungency of balsam on the chilly breeze, one is immediately put in that holiday mood.

Look to local garden centers for the care and convenience at Christmas, that they provide the rest of the year. Make shopping for trees, greens, wreaths, ornaments and gifts a thoroughly enjoyable experience and eliminate some of the stops on your busy schedule.

A special thanks to the staff of Corliss Bros. Nursery & Garden Center (Ipswich, MA) for the fine photos, ©2007

Kissing Balls, Wreaths and Swags

Such natural beauty! With a little intervention by a clever gardener or designer, fall's bounty is transformed into winter's lavish displays. Lasting well beyond the holidays, these glorious creations will brighten the dullest winter days. Get creative, or indulge yourself in a ready-to-hang kissing ball, wreath or swag. Go natural!

Special thanks to the staff of Corliss Bros. Nursery & Garden Center (Ipswich, MA) for the delightful photos, ©2007

©Deb Lambert 2008

Wreaths and Birdhouses?

Here, as promised earlier, are a few glimpses of the wreaths decorated by the talented designers at Corliss Bros. Garden Center & Nursery. While birdhouses feature prominently in many of them, you'll also find kissing balls, a gigantic wreath and plain wreaths, ready for the efforts of artistic customers.













This last wreath supports a delicate nest, complete with bird. It seems that wreaths and small birdhouses are a winning combination, especially attractive to the bird lovers and backyard naturalists among us. Thanks, again, to the staff of Corliss Bros. Nursery and Garden Center, Ipswich, MA, for the outstanding photography!

©Deb Lambert 2008
Photos: ©Deb Lambert 2008/©CBI 2007