THE POWER OF THE PLANT

My extra large Allium (purple Pom Pom) has made it's way through the ground. Very excited to watch it grow into a large purple Pom Pom!

The Variegated Dogwood which was a favorite shrub of mine throughout spring and summer is now a favorite winter shrub as well. It's long bright, red branches (which are brown in the summer) give a nice contrast against the green holly. I have a nice grouping of three birches which are showy and while leafless still provide interest.

Well into December here on the east coast and shrubbery is still giving us an autumn show! It's a little late for this, no? The Azalea is one of the last of my trees/shrubs to still be in its leaf changing cycle and it's quite beautiful.

This year on Halloween pranksters decided to drop off 8 pumpkins in front of my door. Usually the neighborhood kids steal and smash pumpkins. I like this prank so much more!

The squirrels are feasting on pumpkin this year at la casa de me. I have 8 large pumpkins in total all scattered about my house. I don't want to throw them away as the wildlife seem to be enjoying them.

I cannot get enough of warm autumn colors. My favorite colors come from hardy mums and ornamental cabbage. These are new additions to the landscape this year but they will certainly return next year. After three prunings throughout the summer I will achieve this same great round shape with blooms just in time for Halloween!

The newest tree in my collection! To add height and elegance without a huge spread, the Horn Beam Tree is perfect. And because I bought it in autumn I paid $39.00! I haven't seen Horn Beams this size for less than $120. Awesome tree at great price. Win win all around. Btw...yes the tree looks a bit shabby but I'm almost certain come spring it will blossom into a full shapely tree that looks like a million bucks.

The mums I've been pruning all summer have finally flowered. Beginning in early summer I pruned them back a few inches three times total. The last pruning I did was in the middle of August. Perfect timing for autumn blooms!

The colors of autumn are warm against the crisp air. Muted, yet radiates such a glow. Isn't that the allure of fall?

This RL comforter set just replaced a blue Martha Stewart set and has warmed up the guest bedroom immensely. My cat Blaxter thinks I did it for him. He does look quite nice against the red.

Everyone feels compelled to tribute that day in their own special way. And rightfully so. We all remember exactly, exactly where we were, what we were doing, the bright blue crisp sky, on that moment of the first terrorist attack ever on American soil. I'll keep my thoughts with me. This is my tribute to remember those who perished and the families of those that live on with the horrifying yet heroic memories of their loved ones. Peace & Love always.

The sky is beautiful. The air is perfect. Cup of coffee in hand. Just took a look at my side yard tree and had to capture the moment. Glad I did. This is perfection to me!

My modern kitchen leads into an informal dining room with a large rustic table and chandelier (both from Restoration Hardware). I like the juxtaposition of clean white lines with the solidness of the wood table and iron from the lighting and wall decor. When mixing it up, do it drastic enough so that there is no confusion whether or not you were trying to match.