tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68989829790147782602024-03-14T04:20:49.169-05:00Gardener|CookExploring the world one garden, one meal, one destination at a time...Troyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16047986265743742620noreply@blogger.comBlogger133125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6898982979014778260.post-41206216084062106222016-09-10T16:12:00.000-05:002016-09-10T16:55:40.696-05:00I'm Little But I'm Loud!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It has been a tough year in the garden at Wits' End. A long, cold, late spring that kept temperatures below normal and soil saturated well into May made for a tough start for things like tomatoes, peppers and eggplant. When the heat did arrive, there was no sliding into summer, but rather a headlong dive into home plate (90+ degrees) accompanied--at my house, at least--by weeks on end of no rainfall of any kind. By mid-July, we were more than 10 inches behind on precipitation for the year and in the midst of a severe drought. And did I mention that while I was leading a tour in Ireland in late May and early June, what I can only assume must have been a herd of bison-sized rabbits moved through the garden like a locust plague and gnawed any and every plant they could reach completely to the ground? I returned from Ireland 48 hours before a group of nearly 60 people were to arrive for a garden tour to find total destruction and disarray. </span></div>
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Through it all, though, there were a few survivors. The rabbits--for whatever reason--missed two of my 'Candyland Red' cherry tomatoes, a new All-America Selections winner for 2016 that I was trialing and I have to say, it has turned out to be the "little tomato that could"! Dainty and attractive in every aspect, from foliage to flower to fruit, I love it just as much for its ornamental character as I do for its tiny, but supersweet fruits that pack a flavorful punch! Its stems are dainty, also, so it needs a bit of support (you'll see one of the cage wires in the photo below), or you can let it scramble through your flower beds (yes, you can plant vegetables and flowers together--it's 2016, after all!) and lean on its neighbors for support. I find it nice to walk the garden each morning, seeing what's new and snacking on a handful of tiny tomatoes along the way.</div>
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My All-America Selections trial package arrived a bit late this spring--too late to start the cabbage, kohlrabi and a handful of others before the heat of summer set in, but thankfully, here in the South, those are perfect autumn crops and I'll be sowing them in the coming days and making a full report as they grow and mature. I also have some pumpkins coming along and if I can keep the squash beetles at bay for just a few more weeks, might have enough for a Halloween jack-o-lantern or two. I'll keep you posted!</div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6898982979014778260.post-26011853383041883502016-03-14T15:31:00.000-05:002016-03-14T21:33:12.568-05:00Back Where It All Began<div style="text-align: center;">
Just a quick post--mostly pictures--of a recent trip that I took home to Kansas. After speaking in Kansas City, I spent a couple of days with my parents and managed to get out with the camera a time or two. I love sharing the back roads and Kansas has plenty of them to discover!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mQcQyXu3Y4s/VucdF2RS1vI/AAAAAAAAAtU/m6joaZKwOE8-nUeYWf6otl7TUmxXF_4yw/s1600/Kansas_Lasita_Elevator.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mQcQyXu3Y4s/VucdF2RS1vI/AAAAAAAAAtU/m6joaZKwOE8-nUeYWf6otl7TUmxXF_4yw/s320/Kansas_Lasita_Elevator.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A sepia tone version of the old grain elevator at Lasita, Kansas. Now a ghost town, Lasita was once an important stop on the LK&W Railroad.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking out across the prairie, trees were always an indication that fresh water--a river, creek, stream, or spring, was nearby. Cottonwoods, in particular, were indicators of fresh water.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watercress (with the round leaves) is an edible green that only grows in the freshest, cleanest water sources. You'll rarely, if ever, find it growing in a sluggish, muddy stream. It is always in the cleanest, clearest streams and springs. Here, it grows with a tiny species of Equisetum, also known as horsetail or scouring rush.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The water in this spring is so clean! Everything in the photograph is underwater, even though it looks like the upper portion of the photo may be the creek bank. I assure you it's not!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There are no trees I love more than these big, old burr oaks that have been standing on the prairie for a century or more (some of them two centuries, easily).</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D1zansxye_o/VucdF35wIQI/AAAAAAAAAtM/Yurr2KngRjI2ChdngQTsLmsHsSVXc77fQ/s1600/Kansas_Country_Road_BW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D1zansxye_o/VucdF35wIQI/AAAAAAAAAtM/Yurr2KngRjI2ChdngQTsLmsHsSVXc77fQ/s320/Kansas_Country_Road_BW.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These old back roads are the roads of my childhood, where we would go fishing, exploring, or just out for a Sunday drive. There were many Sunday afternoons spent on these old roads with my grandfather.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IG7Tu1kHJxw/VucdF3xNldI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/CIzBQM92Ga4AfGo9kLj87DbLU1R8F1mCw/s1600/Kansas_Pillsbury_Crossing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IG7Tu1kHJxw/VucdF3xNldI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/CIzBQM92Ga4AfGo9kLj87DbLU1R8F1mCw/s320/Kansas_Pillsbury_Crossing.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pillsbury Crossing, near Manhattan, KS, was a flat, shallow, stone ledge in the river where, unless it had just rained, the water ran only 3 or 4 inches deep over the rock. It was a very popular crossing for wagon trains as the settlers expanded westward across the prairie.</td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6898982979014778260.post-60754518821821726642016-01-14T00:14:00.000-06:002016-01-14T00:15:19.426-06:00The Emerald Isle and Virginia Garden Week<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> I am very happy to FINALLY announce our first two travel destinations for 2016! The end of April finds us closer to home than usual, but visiting some truly remarkable gardens during Virginia's Historic Garden Week. We'll also see some sights in Washington, DC! Beginning the last week of May and carrying over into early June, we will spend 10 days exploring the stunning gardens and countryside of the Emerald Isle. We're off to Ireland!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Please email me at <a href="mailto:troy@troybmarden.com">troy@troybmarden.com</a> and I will be happy to email you itineraries of your very own! I hope some of you will join us!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #7f6000; font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">Historic Virginia Garden Week<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #7f6000; font-size: large;">April 21-29, 2016</span><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Spend a week with us visiting some of the most exceptional historic cities, homes and gardens that Virginia has to offer, as well as the most famous monuments in Washington, DC!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">COST:
The cost of this trip is $2,200.00 including accommodations, bus travel to the
gardens, and all meals included in the itinerary</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">. If you have traveled with Garden Travelers
previously, the cost is $2,100.00 per person.
If you have traveled with Garden Travelers on four or more trips, please
ask about your special price.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">DEPOSIT
OF $5OO.OO DUE BY FEB. 15, 2016. FINAL
PAYMENT DUE MARCH 15</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">.
WE DO ACCEPT VISA AND MASTERCARD. A fee of 2.5% will be assessed for
credit card payments to cover the fees charged by the banks for processing.
Payment in full will gladly be accepted at any time. Deposit will be fully
refundable before February 15, 2016. After that date, see our return policy in
the “Terms & Conditions” below.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">AIRFARE:</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> <b>Airfare
is NOT included in the price of this trip</b>. All participants will be given
the name and location of the host hotel in Alexandria, Virginia (you will fly
into Washington, DC) and will be responsible for their own transportation to
the hotel prior to 6:00 p.m. on April 21, 2016. The tour will officially start
with a Welcome Dinner for the group that evening.</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Email me at <a href="mailto:troy@troybmarden.com">troy@troybmarden.com</a> for an email </span></b></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">copy of the fully detailed itinerary and pricing!</span></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #7f6000; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The Emerald Isle</span><br />
<span style="color: #7f6000; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Dublin and Southern Ireland</span><br />
<span style="color: #7f6000; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">May 25-June 7, 2016</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C8bw1PkLV3M/Vpcs4WYVGNI/AAAAAAAAAso/koRSB425rL0/s1600/Bantry%2BHouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C8bw1PkLV3M/Vpcs4WYVGNI/AAAAAAAAAso/koRSB425rL0/s400/Bantry%2BHouse.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Bantry House & Garden, one of the most stunning homes & gardens in Ireland!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3LjWxUTsfGU/Vpcs28gpaWI/AAAAAAAAAsU/xl8h9lSSLfE/s1600/Blarney%2BCastle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="248" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3LjWxUTsfGU/Vpcs28gpaWI/AAAAAAAAAsU/xl8h9lSSLfE/s400/Blarney%2BCastle.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Blarney Castle, where you'll have the chance to kiss the Blarney Stone!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NHoN7ctPHMY/Vpcs4OUML_I/AAAAAAAAAsk/SV4eovufA50/s1600/Corke%2BLodge%2BGarden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="243" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NHoN7ctPHMY/Vpcs4OUML_I/AAAAAAAAAsk/SV4eovufA50/s400/Corke%2BLodge%2BGarden.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Corke Lodge and its exceptional exotic garden!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iAxcS178Y6M/Vpcs4Rd_9wI/AAAAAAAAAss/PqsUHuod9AM/s1600/Dillon%2BGarden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iAxcS178Y6M/Vpcs4Rd_9wI/AAAAAAAAAss/PqsUHuod9AM/s400/Dillon%2BGarden.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Helen Dillon's world-renowned garden in Dublin!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">These are just a small sampling of the beautiful gardens we'll visit. <span style="color: red;">For a fully detailed itinerary with pricing, email me at <a href="mailto:troy@troybmarden.com">troy@troybmarden.com</a></span></span><br />
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<b>COST: The cost of this tour is $4,295.00 per person based on double occupancy and a minimum of 20 travelers. Single supplement is available upon request.</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="text-align: left;">PAYMENT SCHEDULE: A deposit of $1,000.00 per traveler is due at the time of booking. Deposits will be refundable until February 15, 2016. Payment in full is due no later than March 25, 2016. We will gladly accept payment in full at any time.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="text-align: left;">INCLUDED: Daily breakfast, some lunches and dinners as described in the itinerary, hotel accommodations, transportation by private coach, entry fees into all places visited by the group as part of the itinerary, fees/tips for the local guides hired as part of a site visit.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="text-align: left;">NOT INCLUDED: Airfare,</b><span style="text-align: left;"> travel insurance, any meals not described in the itinerary, bus driver gratuity, any personal travel (taxis, trains, buses, etc.) that participant chooses to use during free time. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: left;"><b>AIRFARE: Garden Travelers does not book group or individual airfares for the majority of our trips. </b>This allows our travelers to use airline miles or credit card points to pay for their airfares through direct association with the airlines, which they are unable to do through our company. We are, however, happy to assist <i>anyone</i> who has questions and will monitor and happily recommend flight itineraries that seem reasonable and will get you to our designated meeting point on time.</span></span><br />
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<b>FOR FULL ITINERARIES FOR EITHER TRIP, PLEASE EMAIL ME DIRECTLY AT <a href="mailto:troy@troybmarden.com" target="_blank">troy@troybmarden.com </a></b></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6898982979014778260.post-31139014465117878452015-12-28T09:21:00.000-06:002015-12-28T09:53:13.396-06:00What Happened To Winter?!?<div style="text-align: center;">
What happened to winter?</div>
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I've had so many messages either by email or on Facebook that I thought addressing everyone's concerns here would be a great way to officially re-launch the blog just before the first of the year. So, here we go.</div>
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El Nino. El Nino is what happened to winter. Hanging out over the northern Pacific, El Nino has rearranged our "normal" (whatever that is these days) winter weather pattern and brought the warmest, mildest late autumn and early winter (remember, winter did just officially start one week ago today) in recent memory. Considering that the past two winters have been two of the coldest and snowiest on record in at least the past 25 years--and in some places much longer--this one is feeling quite tropical! I did work in the garden most of the day yesterday in a short-sleeved t-shirt, after all!</div>
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No need to belabor the fact that it is warm, though. We all know that by looking around at the garden. Things are happening that just shouldn't be happening at this time of year and we're concerned, right? Right. Well, mostly right. Some things are happening just the way they're intended to, while others are cause for some concern, so let's try to sort that out.</div>
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What am I worried about? None of it, really. Plants are resilient characters. Do I have some plants that are blooming far earlier due to the incredibly mild temperatures we've experienced so far this season? Yes. Is there anything I can do about it? No. Will my plants die because of it? In all but the rarest cases, they will not. Yes, I'll lose some blooms. Yes, the buds on the quince that are expanded FAR too much for this early in the season will probably freeze and I'll have little to no show in a couple of months when it should be the star of the garden, but those are the breaks. That's life in the garden.</div>
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Will the Lenten roses survive? Yes. Will their flowers get frozen? Some of them, yes, but it really depends on the plant. <i>Helleborus niger</i>, for instance (aka the Christmas rose), is flowering absolutely normally and at just the right time of year. You can't fool it, and the temperatures can get well down into the twenties and even the upper teens (Fahrenheit, for those of you who read the blog in other parts of the world--we still use it here) and the blooms will be just fine. If a few of the wide open blooms get frozen, more buds will appear from below ground and new flowers will appear. This is especially true of the newer hybrids like 'Jacob' and 'Josef Lemper'.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Helleborus orientalis</i> 'Sally'. These fully open blooms will hold up well, even down into the 20's, but if we get into the teens, the blooms will probably be lost. The plant, however, will re-grow normally in the spring.</td></tr>
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I'm a little more concerned about some of <i>Helleborus </i>x <i>hybridus</i> types that are flowering WELL ahead of their normal season, which usually doesn't begin until late February. They are fully two months early and some have flowers completely open. These will probably get frozen, as we'll most assuredly have some temperatures cold enough to kill the open flowers. Those that are tightly budded and whose buds are still hovering at ground level will be just fine. They're built to withstand the cold, so don't despair! And even for those with flowers fully open, the plants themselves are not at risk. You may lose this year's blooms, but the plant will grow normally in spring and will get right back to its normal cycle next year.</div>
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What about the cherries and the forsythia and the winter jasmine that I see blooming around town? What will happen to those? What about my saucer magnolia? It already has blooms, you know!</div>
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The answers to these questions vary, but here's the gist of it. The cherries you're seeing in "full" bloom now are almost certainly one of two varieties--<i>Prunus subhirtella</i> var. <i>autumnalis</i> or a hybrid called 'Hally Jolivette'. It is PERFECTLY NORMAL<i> </i>for either or both of them to flower during the mild days of autumn and into winter when we have one as mild as we've had this year. If you have 'Yoshino' or 'Kwanzan' cherries (far more common in the landscape), you'll notice that they are still tightly budded. They'll flower in spring at their normal time because they have to have a certain amount of cold weather to break their dormancy. We haven't had that cold weather, yet, so they're hanging out, cooling their heels until we do. Plants are so smart! The same applies to your apple trees, pear trees, fruiting cherries and plums, etc. etc. They have built in mechanisms that keep them from flowering too early and getting frozen (late spring frosts can get them, but they'll rarely--if ever--bloom in winter). As for forsythia, a few blooms may open now, but most will be saved for later. No worries there. And the winter jasmine (<i>Jasminum nudiflorum</i>) is a risk-taker, anyway. Some years we get a full show and some years we don't. Enjoy it now! The same goes for the saucer magnolias. You can't cover a big tree with a sheet and its blooms are so cold sensitive that it wouldn't do you any good, even if you could. Choose your battles!</div>
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I am sad about my quince. Its spring show is one that I look forward to every year, but its buds--while still tightly closed--are expanded so far that they are showing color. If winter continues to be mild and we don't experience temperatures too far down into the teens, I may be lucky enough to still get a show. Quince is very tough! But-- when the buds are expanded far enough to show color, they are much more susceptible to cold damage, so I'll just hope for the best.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The quince is really budded up and even showing some color. I figure it has a 50/50 chance of flowering. If temperatures cool down, the buds can stay like this indefinitely and bloom normally in late February or early March. However, they're showing quite a bit of color and if we have temperatures down into the single digits (or even low teens) the show is probably over for this year. These things do happen!</td></tr>
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Some plants that I am truly concerned about in the garden are some of the ephemeral spring wildflowers. While doing some cleanup yesterday, I found <i>Trillium luteum</i>, our native yellow trillium, pushing well through the surface of the mulch. This is at <i>least</i> two-and-a-half months ahead of schedule. I'd be concerned seeing it before mid-March in my climate. The same for the bloodroot. Already up! Just breaking the soil surface, but up, nonetheless. And of course, it isn't just the old run-of-the-mill bloodroot. No. That's too smart and is still below ground. It's the somewhat rare, incredibly slow and sickeningly expensive double-flowering form that has decided to stick its nose out of the ground 3 months before it normally makes an appearance. These will get a little extra mulch over the top of them today and they'll be fine, as long as I'm diligent and make sure that winter rain and wind doesn't expose the tender growing points before we have a little warmer weather again in March.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This <i>Trillium luteum, </i>the yellow trillium, I am truly concerned about and will cover with mulch. It is usually not at this point of emergence until sometime in March!</td></tr>
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I'm also a little concerned about <i>Asarum maximum </i>'Ling Ling'. It can be somewhat tender and has not gone dormant. In fact, it's in full bloom! Usually, this is a very early spring bloomer here, but the mild winter has prompted it into flower now. I'm not worried about losing the blooms. That happens. But I do worry that the plants are not fully dormant and that a sudden temperature plunge may do significant damage. They'll get some evergreen branches (leftover from Christmas) laid over them before the weather gets too cold.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm also a little concerned about <i>Asarum maximum </i>'Ling Ling'. It can be tender here and is obviously not dormant. I don't care so much about losing the blooms--even though they are incredibly cool!--but I don't want to lose the plants. They'll get a light covering of evergreen boughs (leftover Christmas greens) to protect them.</td></tr>
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One mid-winter bloomer that is right on schedule and that I am always happy to see is <i>Mahonia bealei</i>, the leatherleaf mahonia. I'll get some flack for saying that I love it, I'm sure, since it is on the invasive exotic plant list in many areas, but here's the flip side to that story. Leatherleaf mahonia (and all of its hybrids and related species) are laden with nectar and pollen. On these warm winter days, they are one of the few things flowering in the garden that the honeybees can collect from. My plants were so full of honeybees yesterday that from 10 feet away, you could hear them buzzing all over the plants. If you're concerned about them being invasive or don't want the hassle of pulling seedlings from the garden, take 15 minutes one day and go out--after all of the flowers have fallen off--and clip the heads off where the berries are developing. No berries, no seed, no seedlings. It doesn't take long and you still get the beauty of the mid-winter flowers and--more importantly--you help our bees!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Mahonia bealei</i>, the Leatherleaf mahonia, is in full bloom now (perfectly normal for this plant!) and is abuzz with honeybees. The native plant purists abhor this plant and it can be--admittedly--invasive in some locations. But if you'll take a few minutes to go out--after flowering is completely finished!--and cut off the clusters of berries, you'll effectively eliminate the seedling problem and still feed the bees!</td></tr>
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So, really. What am I going to do about all of these things that are out too early? For the most part, nothing. I'll cover a few noses that are easily covered, but beyond that, Mother Nature must take its course. You'll run yourself ragged trying to protect everything in the garden and as I said earlier, while you may lose some blooms (you can pretty much scratch the hydrangeas this year), the plants aren't going to die. If they do, it's a gardening opportunity. I never have enough room for new plants, anyway!</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6898982979014778260.post-32915603024551962602015-11-06T22:04:00.000-06:002015-11-06T22:04:13.611-06:00Gardener|Cook ReduxAfter many months and numerous delays, Gardener|Cook returns with an all-new look, an all-new attitude and a re-energized approach to bringing you the most beautiful gardens, the finest food and the best-of-the-best in travel destinations from around the world. 2016 is shaping up to be a banner year with numerous speaking engagements already on the calendar and the hopes of a new book to be photographed and written in the coming months, for publication in early 2017!<br />
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When it comes to travel, I am hitting the road and the skies more than ever before and I want to invite you along! Soon-to-be-announced destinations for 2016 include:<br />
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<b><i>Ancient Sicily and the Amalfi Coast</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Virginia Garden Week and Historic American Gardens</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Under the Tuscan Sun (with Volunteer Gardener/Nashville Public Television)</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Gardens of the Emerald Isle</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Gardens and Natural Wonders of New Zealand (with an optional extension to Sydney)</i></b><br />
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All of you, no matter where you reside, are invited to join us on any or all of these exciting excursions to beautiful destinations. I will be posting complete information here, at Gardener|Cook, as well as on my website at <a href="http://www.troybmarden.com/">www.troybm</a><a href="http://www.troybmarden.com/">arden.com</a> as it becomes available in the very near future. If you have interest in a specific destination, please email me at <a href="mailto:troy@troybmarden.com">troy@troybmarden.com</a> and I will make certain your receive the information by email as soon as it becomes available.<br />
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In other travel news, we are now offering customized, private tours for garden clubs, Master Gardeners groups, plant societies, plein air painters groups, or any other professional organizations who would like to explore travel for their members. These can also be turned into fundraisers! Email me at <a href="mailto:troy@troybmarden.com">troy@troybmarden.com</a> for more details.<br />
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In the new format, posts will appear at least weekly and sometimes more, alternating between garden posts (some from my own garden and some from gardens I visit), food posts (some I cook and some I just eat--and yes, I'll post recipes when I can!), and travel posts (including upcoming destinations for tours that I will be leading or co-leading, as well as those about places we have visited previously). There will be lots and lots of photos (though I'm going to have to start watermarking them--sorry about that, but people are "borrowing" them without permission and then republishing them as their own) to go along with the plentiful information.<br />
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If you haven't signed up to receive blog updates via email, you can do so immediately to the right of the articles, in the sidebar where you see the "Subscribe" link. It's good to be back and I'll see you in the garden (or in the kitchen, or on a plane)!<br />
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TroyUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6898982979014778260.post-77550221670640849562015-03-18T18:04:00.001-05:002015-12-28T18:48:42.980-06:00Lenten Roses<div style="text-align: center;">
I have posted several times in the past about the "roses" of winter--Lenten rose, Christmas rose and their kin--none of which are roses at all, or even closely related. That said, they are, perhaps, the most anticipated flowers of the year for me if for no other reason than the time of year they bloom. Well, that's not the only reason. They're also incredibly beautiful, but the timing of their flowers has much to do with it since their blossoms can appear anytime between Thanksgiving and Easter depending on which species and cultivars you grow. <i>Helleborus</i> is the Latin name you should call them by if you want to be most accurate. Mine took a beating this winter when the temperatures dropped into the single digits out here on my bitterly cold and windswept ridge with no snowcover. With snow, they wouldn't have suffered at all. Unfortunately, their buds were already pushing through the soil during the last cold snap and many were severely damaged. The show will not be as spectacular this year, but this is the way of things. Next year will be better!</div>
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In the meantime, I thought I'd share a few pictures from years past of some of my favorite varieties and those that have performed well here. Keep them happy by planting them in bright, dappled shade in well amended "woodsy" soil. If you're successful with hostas, Solomon's seals and other denizens of the shade garden, hellebores will pose little problem. Once established, many are quite drought tolerant, particularly the "bear's foot" or "stinking" hellebore (though there is nothing stinking about it!), <i>Helleborus foetidus.</i> Enough rambling! On to some personal favorites:</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eW_IcvVQ_NE/VQn2uXgnvAI/AAAAAAAAAmw/cGEftxTYx7Y/s1600/Helleborus_Golden_Sunrise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eW_IcvVQ_NE/VQn2uXgnvAI/AAAAAAAAAmw/cGEftxTYx7Y/s1600/Helleborus_Golden_Sunrise.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<i>Helleborus</i> x <i>hybridus </i>'Golden Sunrise'--I love the color of this one. Hybridizers have been working on a good, clean yellow for decades and this is one of the best. It also is one of the more vigorous plants in the Winter Jewels series from Ernie and Marietta O'Byrne, near Portland, Oregon.</div>
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<i>Helleborus </i>x <i>hybridus</i> 'Sparkling Diamond', also from the O'Byrnes and part of their Winter Gems series of double-flowering hellebores, has performed admirably here. Give it a couple of seasons to settle in before you expect a real show, but once it gets its feet under it, it is nothing short of spectacular!</div>
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This flower and the following both belong to the same varietal group, again from the O'Byrnes Winter Gems series and perhaps one of the more coveted (at least by me) of the bunch. 'Golden Lotus' bears semi to fully double blooms in the most luscious shades of buttery yellow, often with a reddish or purplish picotee edge. </div>
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A clear, unmarked form of 'Golden Lotus'. Exquisite beauty! The variation in these strains come from the fact that they are grown from seed, but in a very select way that ensures the colors remain true to form. This slight variation in forms and colors, for me, is part of the fun!</div>
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A more complex hybrid, 'Winter Moonbeam' has performed exceptionally well in the garden here for several years. The extreme cold of this winter did freeze most of the blooms as they were beginning to emerge, but the plant will rebound and next year, the show will go on. The first flowers often open here in January and continue opening and changing color for 6 weeks or more.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dYh1NayYNFM/VQn3dbSRlJI/AAAAAAAAAnY/am9YIvKAnhE/s1600/Helleborus%2BElly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dYh1NayYNFM/VQn3dbSRlJI/AAAAAAAAAnY/am9YIvKAnhE/s1600/Helleborus%2BElly.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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'Elly' is another double flowering variety that is a little looser and almost frilly in form. Unfortunately, the plant has been weak here and I may remove it to plant something that will be a better performer.</div>
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'Tutu' was a gift from a friend and I love it! The plant is vigorous and the blooms plentiful. Each is highlighted by a central boss of enlarged nectaries that do, indeed, look like a tutu.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VUN-DZz9zXI/VQn39aAYGXI/AAAAAAAAAno/j7y17bPBFOE/s1600/Helleborus%2BRed%2BLady%2BCW-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VUN-DZz9zXI/VQn39aAYGXI/AAAAAAAAAno/j7y17bPBFOE/s1600/Helleborus%2BRed%2BLady%2BCW-001.jpg" width="273" /></a></div>
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'Red Lady' is part of an old seed-grown strain which, if you can buy them when the plants are in bloom to get the richest and purest colors, are well worth adding to the garden. This one has flowered reliably every year, even when we've had crazy swings in the temperature.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AltMbssG2Wo/VQn4TpCgWpI/AAAAAAAAAnw/78h0O5GPVf8/s1600/Helleborus%2BGold%2BBullion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AltMbssG2Wo/VQn4TpCgWpI/AAAAAAAAAnw/78h0O5GPVf8/s1600/Helleborus%2BGold%2BBullion.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I love this form of <i>Helleborus foetidus</i> named 'Gold Bullion', with bright, golden yellow leaves and chartreuse flowers. Being evergreen, this adds a great splash of color to the garden throughout the year. <i>Helleborus foetidus</i> reseeds prolifically where it is happy and 'Gold Bullion' comes largely true from seed. Solid green or weakly variegated seedlings should be pulled out to keep the brightest gold forms thriving.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UO19EtMceHc/VQn5yG8Pz3I/AAAAAAAAAoE/Q_gAoYXweak/s1600/Helleborus%2Bmultifidus%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="264" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UO19EtMceHc/VQn5yG8Pz3I/AAAAAAAAAoE/Q_gAoYXweak/s1600/Helleborus%2Bmultifidus%2B3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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One of the more unusual species I have in the garden is <i>Helleborus multifidus</i>, its pale green flowers appearing in early spring followed by the most finely dissected leaves of any of the hellebores. It is worth growing for its foliage, alone, and the flowers, in my opinion, are just a little extra beauty in the early spring.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yQ5N-VHVOlU/VQoBH7Yb-EI/AAAAAAAAAoU/kKm2fXYH4ms/s1600/Helleborus_niger_Double_Fantasy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yQ5N-VHVOlU/VQoBH7Yb-EI/AAAAAAAAAoU/kKm2fXYH4ms/s1600/Helleborus_niger_Double_Fantasy.jpg" width="244" /></a></div>
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A personal favorite in the garden that I have, unfortunately, lost and need to replace is <i>Helleborus niger</i> 'Double Fantasy', one of several double-flowering forms of the so-called Christmas rose. While it is usually just a little later than Christmas, it does flower quite early in the year, opening its pristine white blooms by mid- to late January here.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W3F0RxXDIGo/VQoBU9zX25I/AAAAAAAAAoc/N8ifqxkKQjA/s1600/Helleborus%2Bniger%2BDouble%2BFantasy%2BAging%2B21812.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W3F0RxXDIGo/VQoBU9zX25I/AAAAAAAAAoc/N8ifqxkKQjA/s1600/Helleborus%2Bniger%2BDouble%2BFantasy%2BAging%2B21812.jpg" width="302" /></a></div>
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As it ages, the sepals (petals) of 'Double Fantasy' often turn green while the petals in the center remain white, giving a beautiful two-tone effect to the flower.</div>
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And finally, one of the top performers here, <i>Helleborus niger</i> 'Josef Lemper', from the Heuger breeding program in Germany. This is the "little engine that could" in my garden, with its blooms appearing as early as mid-November and continuing without stopping for more than two months. As it finishes flowering in mid- to late January, the other species are beginning to emerge so the show never stops!</div>
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This doesn't even begin to cover the many species and cultivars that are in the trade today (it doesn't even scratch the surface of all that I grow), but showcases a few that have grown well here over the past several years as I've developed the garden. Enjoy!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6898982979014778260.post-44529030706866470872015-03-01T23:28:00.000-06:002015-03-01T23:28:03.672-06:00Two Amazing Travel Opportunities, Autumn 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As most of you know, 2012 found me partnering with Ron & Linda Williams, of Garden Travelers, to further expand my business and see yet another part of my dream come true--to be able to travel the world seeing some of its most beautiful natural and historic sites while also visiting some of its truly exceptional gardens. Autumn 2015 finds us traveling to two truly stunning destinations, the basics of which are below and the fine details availalbe by emailing me at troy@troybmarden.com </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The first of the two trips finds us traveling to <b>Belgium & Normandy</b> where we will visit the cities and towns of Brussels, Bruges, Canon, Rouen and others, as well as sites like the Castle & Garden at Freyr, the Castle & Garden at Annevoie, le Jardin Plume, Monet's Garden at Giverny and, of course, the beaches of Normandy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Date: August 24-September 5, 2015</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Cost: $4450.00 per person, double occupancy, ground package</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Please inquire for more details and information regarding airfare at troy@troybmarden.com</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W-Xxc8n-maM/VPPx0qC4EZI/AAAAAAAAAl4/Y-NPC-yIlZI/s1600/Belgium%2BAnnevoie%2BCastle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W-Xxc8n-maM/VPPx0qC4EZI/AAAAAAAAAl4/Y-NPC-yIlZI/s1600/Belgium%2BAnnevoie%2BCastle.jpg" height="312" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The garden at Annevoie</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KIszrDkjnVU/VPPx3Qs-wZI/AAAAAAAAAmA/jqsV4j1VLl0/s1600/Belgium%2BBruges.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KIszrDkjnVU/VPPx3Qs-wZI/AAAAAAAAAmA/jqsV4j1VLl0/s1600/Belgium%2BBruges.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Bruges, Belgium</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Monet's Garden at Giverny</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VCiZk3FPJ7w/VPPx4rzA5wI/AAAAAAAAAmI/rFaPFoiEVRY/s1600/Belgium%2BRouen%2BFrance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VCiZk3FPJ7w/VPPx4rzA5wI/AAAAAAAAAmI/rFaPFoiEVRY/s1600/Belgium%2BRouen%2BFrance.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The Rouen Cathedral</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dmplloTUSks/VPPyTrOlmOI/AAAAAAAAAmY/z1WJif8mu1M/s1600/Belgium%2Ble%2BJardin%2BPlume%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dmplloTUSks/VPPyTrOlmOI/AAAAAAAAAmY/z1WJif8mu1M/s1600/Belgium%2Ble%2BJardin%2BPlume%2B2.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Le Jardin Plume</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KD0xO00uWN0/VPPyTwC_DJI/AAAAAAAAAmc/Kd-BS6Dao3g/s1600/Belgium%2Ble%2BJardin%2BPlume.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KD0xO00uWN0/VPPyTwC_DJI/AAAAAAAAAmc/Kd-BS6Dao3g/s1600/Belgium%2Ble%2BJardin%2BPlume.jpg" height="248" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Le Jardin Plume</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">These are but a few of the destinations we will see on this stunning trip with the gardens in their late summer glory and the prestigious chateaux and castles always at their finest.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Our final trip of 2015 finds us exploring wild and wonderful <b>New Zealand & Australia</b>, discovering some of the world's most pristine landscapes and amazing gardens, as well as wineries, wildlife and so much more! We will spend 9 days touring both the North and South islands of New Zealand before making our way to Australia's mainland, where we will spend time in both Melbourne and Sydney.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Date: November 19-December 8, 2015</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Cost: $7500.00 per person, double occupancy, ground package</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Please inquire for more details and information regarding airfare at troy@troybmarden.com</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Scenic New Zealand</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LpnbYnKBWU4/VPPrXsl7OkI/AAAAAAAAAlI/PSRG5416XS4/s1600/Australia%2BNew%2BZealand%2BRotorua.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LpnbYnKBWU4/VPPrXsl7OkI/AAAAAAAAAlI/PSRG5416XS4/s1600/Australia%2BNew%2BZealand%2BRotorua.jpg" height="242" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Thermal Spring in Rotorua, New Zealand</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Glow Worm Caves, New Zealand</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XL09xfz2Rp4/VPPrX1uzikI/AAAAAAAAAlE/ysv-LHVh0mo/s1600/Australia%2BNew%2BZealand%2BPhilip%2BIsland%2BMelbourne.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XL09xfz2Rp4/VPPrX1uzikI/AAAAAAAAAlE/ysv-LHVh0mo/s1600/Australia%2BNew%2BZealand%2BPhilip%2BIsland%2BMelbourne.jpg" height="263" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Penguins returning to Philip Island from a day of fishing. Melbourne, Australia</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0PJkW26lTM4/VPPrZT2h4jI/AAAAAAAAAlc/Mk-qMqYzdHQ/s1600/Australia%2BNew%2BZealnd%2BRBG%2BSydney.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0PJkW26lTM4/VPPrZT2h4jI/AAAAAAAAAlc/Mk-qMqYzdHQ/s1600/Australia%2BNew%2BZealnd%2BRBG%2BSydney.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney, Australia</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KNl4khlBKhk/VPPrXjByk0I/AAAAAAAAAlA/OfuvBY5Mpqg/s1600/Australia%2BNew%2BZealand%2BSydney%2BOpera.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KNl4khlBKhk/VPPrXjByk0I/AAAAAAAAAlA/OfuvBY5Mpqg/s1600/Australia%2BNew%2BZealand%2BSydney%2BOpera.jpg" height="240" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sydney Opera House, Sydney, Australia</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> We take travelers from all over the U.S. to some of the world's most beautiful and exciting destinations. We hope you'll join us on one of these or on a future trip! If you would like to be added to my permanent mailing list and receive information about our travel for the upcoming year (we publish itineraries 9 to 12 months in advance), please email me at troy@troybmarden.com</span></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6898982979014778260.post-1034108616459523832015-01-15T22:45:00.001-06:002015-01-15T22:45:27.436-06:00Come Out and See Me Sometime!<div style="text-align: center;">
It's a new year, and along with a new year come new opportunities! As most of you know, I spent much of last year (and part of the previous one) writing two books, both of which are now on the shelves! <u>Plant This Instead!</u> arrived almost a year ago (can't believe it!), in February, and <u>Southern Gardener's Handbook</u> followed on November 1! While writing two books in a year's time is not a schedule I recommend, I am so proud of both of them and am happy they are selling well. It also meant that I really neglected the blog. Well, it's 2015 and I'm back! Be ready! I'm going to start filling your In-boxes with all kinds of fabulous things from floral design to gardening to food and lots and lots and LOTS of TRAVEL!!! Here we go!</div>
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I'm going to be out doing a lot of speaking and promoting of these books over the next few weeks and months, so I thought I'd share my schedule with you in case I'm going to be in your area. I'd love for you to come out and see me where I'm going to be!</div>
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First up is Callaway Gardens (where I did my first college internship 24 years ago!), followed by an appearance at the Wilson County Master Gardeners meeting in Lebanon, TN and then I'm off for 5 days in Seattle as a Garden Judge and Speaker for the Northwest Flower and Garden Show, the 2nd largest show of its kind in the country. Only the Philadelphia Flower Show is bigger! I am honored. My full schedule for the spring and early summer is listed below. We are getting ready to publish this to my website, where it will be updated as new events are added:</div>
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<b>January 23, 24, 25--Callaway Gardens Southern Gardening Symposium </b>http://www.callawaygardens.com/SGS</div>
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<b>January 30, 31 and February 1--Antiques & Garden Show of Nashville</b></div>
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I am not speaking, but will have a hand in Cheekwood's garden, which will be located at the show's entrance. We are going to take STYLE to a whole new level!</div>
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<b>February 3--Wilson County Master Gardeners, Lebanon, TN</b></div>
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http://wilsoncountymg.org/2015/01/13/wcmg-welcomes-troy-b-marden-tuesday-3-february-2015/</div>
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<b>February 10, 11, 12--Northwest Flower and Garden Show, Seattle, WA</b></div>
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http://www.gardenshow.com/seminars/</div>
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<b>March 5, 6, 7 & 8--Nashville Lawn & Garden Show, Nashville, TN</b></div>
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I will be speaking at least once and signing books on at least two occasions, I will update this information on my website with exact times and dates once they are confirmed. More information will also be posted on the Nashville Lawn & Garden Show website at http://www.nashvillelawnandgardenshow.com/</div>
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<b>March 21--Book Signing, Barnes & Noble, Cool Springs, Franklin, TN</b></div>
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More information to come.</div>
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<b>March 23--Hosta Society of North Alabama, Huntsville, AL</b></div>
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Speaking and signing books at the monthly meeting, which begins at 6:30 at the Huntsville Botanic Garden.</div>
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<b>March 25--Centennial Club of Nashville, Private Speaking Event</b></div>
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<b>March 27--Soleil Garden Center, Union City, Tennessee</b></div>
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Speaking and signing books at Soleil Garden Center in the afternoon and evening. Times and further details will be added once confirmed. In the meantime, here is a link to their website http://soleilgardencenter.com/</div>
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<b>March 28--West Tennessee Home & Garden Show, in association with WLJT TV.</b></div>
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Details to be announced.</div>
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<b>April 16-28, Ancient Sicily and the Amalfi Coast with Garden Travelers</b></div>
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<b>http://www.troybmarden.com/travel.html</b></div>
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<b>WE ARE STILL LOOKING FOR PEOPLE TO JOIN US ON THIS TRIP!!!</b></div>
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<b>June 7--University of Tennessee Hosta Garden Dedication, Knoxville, TN</b></div>
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Details to be announced.</div>
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<b>June 8--Marietta Gardener's Garden Club, Marietta, GA</b></div>
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Speaking and Book Signing at the Marietta Education Garden Center, 7:30 p.m.</div>
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That get us through the first half of the year and I hope that if I'm in your area, you'll come out and say hello! I love meeting fellow gardeners and plant enthusiasts and am having a blast doing these talks and book signings! We have two more trip announcements coming soon, too!</div>
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Enjoy this beautiful arrangement from a prior Northwest Flower and Garden Show. I can't wait!</div>
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<img height="560" src="http://www.gardenshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Devine-Nature-Art.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6898982979014778260.post-81886705157651633592014-11-20T17:34:00.000-06:002014-11-20T17:34:22.132-06:00Garden Travelers On The Go In 2015!<div align="center">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">Ancient Sicily and the Amalfi Coast</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: x-large;">April 15-28, 2015</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">(with an optional Amsterdam extension, April 28-30)</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sIVKwCQWywg/VG5zmKm6rUI/AAAAAAAAAio/QjztntaLnbY/s1600/images%2B(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sIVKwCQWywg/VG5zmKm6rUI/AAAAAAAAAio/QjztntaLnbY/s1600/images%2B(2).jpg" /></a></div>
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While winter weather sets in across much of the country, my mind is on traveling! 2014 found me leading groups to England, Scotland and Tuscany and 2015 is setting up to be even more exciting! We will be doing a total of three trips next year, the first in April to Sicily and Southern Italy with an optional extension to Amsterdam. You will find the full itinerary and pricing below.</div>
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September 9-21, 2015 will find us leading a trip to Normand and Belgium. That itinerary will be available soon and will also be posted on the blog, as well as on my website <a href="http://www.troybmarden.com/">www.troybmarden.com</a> when complete.</div>
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November 19-December 4, 2015 will find us leading one of our biggest tours yet, exploring Australia for 17 days. We are currently working on this itinerary, hoping to have it complete by mid-December. It will also be available both on my blog and my website.</div>
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I hope you will consider joining us for one of these amazing tours to some of the world's most spectacular destinations. For questions, please email me at <a href="mailto:troy@troybmarden.com">troy@troybmarden.com</a></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;">Ancient Sicily and The Amalfi Coast</span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><strong>April 15</strong><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Depart
the U.S. for Palermo, Sicily</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><strong>April 16</strong><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Arrival in Palermo, Sicily--</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Dinner
at our hotel in Erice</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><strong>April 17<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></strong>Today we will visit <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">the ancient Greek temple at Segesta</b>,
which can make a valid claim to being the best preserved in the world. This archeological
site, about seventy kilometers southwest of Palermo and reflecting the presence
of several ancient civilizations, will certainly amaze you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Its amphitheater boasts a hilltop position on
Mount Barbaro that is second to none.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">We will return to Erice in time for you to
enjoy free time in this wonderful town.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><strong>April 18</strong><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Our
second day of sightseeing finds us at <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The
Cathedral of Montreal</b>, one of the greatest extant examples of Norman
architecture in the world. It was begun in 1174 by William II and in 1182 the
church, dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, was elevated to the
rank of a metropolitan cathedral. The church is a national monument of Italy
and one of the most important attractions of Sicily.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will continue to the <b>Villa Romana del
Casale</b>, a Roman villa built in the first quarter of the 4th century and
located about 3 km outside the town of Piazza Armerina, Sicily. Containing
the richest, largest and most complex collection of Roman mosaics in the world,
it is one of 49 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Italy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will spend the night in Taormina.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><strong>April 19</strong><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This morning we will visit the
private garden of Rossella Pezzino, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Giardini
Le Stanze</b> in Fiore. Rosella began the villa restoration in 1996 and the
garden followed shortly thereafter in 2000.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After visiting this garden masterpiece, we will be treated to a
wonderful garden lunch. This afternoon we are in for another treat as we visit <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Villa Cuseni</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Often considered to be the finest house in
Taormina, Villa Cuseni has enviable views of both the sea and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Mount Etna. </b>The terraced gardens were
carefully designed to hold the rainfall from winter until needed during long,
hot summer months. The gardens each display a stunning, eye-catching feature,
as well as being adorned with some of the original citrus, other fruit trees,
roses, vines and wisteria. As a relatively modern 20th century garden, you will
see bold Rococo and Art Deco design. Dinner on your own tonight in Taormina.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><strong>April 20</strong><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We will begin our day with a trip to
the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Benanti Winery</b> where we will not
only enjoy a tour of the winery, but also lunch and a wine tasting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This winery, one of the most important in
Sicily, has won several awards over the last twenty years and is located
directly on the slopes of Mount Etna.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After lunch, we will return to Taormina where
you will have an opportunity to visit this charming town at your leisure.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><strong>April 21</strong><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Today
we will visit the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Garden of Biviere and
Villa Borghese</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The garden’s owner,
Maria Carla Borghese, will be our guide.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We will have a wonderful lunch after our guided tour and we promise that
this will be one of the highlights of the trip!</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">After
lunch, we continue to the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">garden of the</b>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Grand Marquess of</b> </span><a href="http://www.grandigiardini.it/EN/scheda.php?id=138" target="_blank"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">San Giuliano at Villasmundo</span></b><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">, near Siracusa</span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">. The
property has been in the Marchesi Paternò Castello di San Giuliano family for
more than 800 years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After our visit we
will check into our hotel in Siracusa.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><strong>April 22</strong><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Today
we will see ruins!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An early visit to </span><a href="http://tracks.vagabondo.net/Sicily/Siracusa-Sicilia-mare-barocco-archeologia/Siracusa-Parco-Archeologico/" target="_blank"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">The Archeological Park of Siracusa</span></b></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> will
start our day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Until the Arab conquest
of 878, Siracusa was the capital of Sicily and was by far the most important
city on the island. We will visit the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ear
of Dyonisus, the Greek Theatre, and the Ara (altar) di Ierone</b>. Afterwards,
we will walk through the historical centre of <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ortigia</b> to admire the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Cathedral,
constructed over the ancient Temple of Athena, the Aretusa fountain</b> and the
ancient and baroque streets. Lunch will be at your leisure in Ortigia. We will
then depart for Catania where we will spend the night.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><strong>April 23<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></strong>This
morning, we will <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">depart Sicily for our
short flight to Naples</b>. Once we have landed and collected our luggage, we
will meet our private coach for a visit to <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Pompeii</b>.
As you know, Pompeii is one of the world’s most famous archaeological sites,
having been buried in the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 A.D. when it was a
thriving city of 11,000 people, complete with a complex water system, an
amphitheater, a gymnasium and a port. When we finish at Pompeii, we <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">depart for the Amalfi Coast</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tonight will find us staying in Ravello, one
of the most beautiful and picturesque towns in all of Italy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You will <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">not</i>
be disappointed in Ravello!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><strong>April 24<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></strong>We
have been on the go since we landed in Sicily more than a week ago, so we hope
you find this day a real gift—<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">a day of
leisure to explore Ravello</b>! Ravello is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The
town’s Duomo (Cathedral), the villas Rufolo and Cimbrone and their gardens, the
church of San Giovanni del Toro, and more await you in this most beautiful
place. Or maybe you’ll make your way down to the water for a relaxing and
leisurely afternoon.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><strong>April 25</strong><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Today we will travel to the Island of
Ischia</b> where we will visit the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">private
home and garden of the late Lady Susana Walton</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a truly magical place and you will be
awed by its beauty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will tour the
garden and be treated to a garden lunch, followed by some free time in Ischia
before returning on the ferry to Ravello for the evening.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><strong>April 26<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></strong>This
morning, we will depart Ravello and make our way north to Rome via the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Palace of Caserta</b>, known as the
Versailles of the south. This extraordinary palace and garden is difficult to
describe. Its sheer size and beauty will take your breath away. You really have
to see it to believe it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will also
make another special stop before arriving in Rome.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><strong>April 27</strong> <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Today,
we will spend the day in <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Rome</b>. You
will have the opportunity to see some of Rome’s most famous sites, including
the Roman Forum, the Colosseum, the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain and more.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><strong>April 28</strong><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Depart Rome for the U.S</b>. or take the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">optional extension to Amsterdam</b>, listed
below.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The cost
of this trip is $4,250.00 per person</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">. This package includes all ground
transportation by private coach in both Sicily and Italy, your flight from
Sicily to Naples on April 23, all entrance fees into the public and private
sites visited as a group as noted in the itinerary, a minimum of one meal
(breakfast) each day with some lunches or dinners also provided. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Not included are the tips for our coach
drivers in Sicily and Italy, usually $5.00 per traveler, per day.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Should you
wish to travel singly, a single supplement is available on request. Single
spaces are always limited due to limited availability of single hotel
accommodations, so please inquire early.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Dec. 15,
2014—Deposits of $450 are due no later than December 15 and preferably sooner
to secure your space on the trip. ***If you are traveling singly, your single
supplement will be due at the same time as your deposit to secure your space.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Jan. 10,
2015—The first installment of $1,000.00 is due to Garden Travelers.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Feb. 10,
2015—The second installment of $1,400.00 is due to Garden Travelers.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Mar. 10,
2015—The final installment of $1,400.00 is due to Garden Travelers.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Optional
Extension:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Due to the
timing of this trip, we have a unique opportunity to add an optional, 3-day
extension to <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Amsterdam</b> to visit the
world famous bulb display at<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> Keukenhof,
Het Loo palace</b> and leisure time to explore Amsterdam. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The cost of this extension is $450 per person, which will include a
3-night hotel stay (April 28, 29 and 30), ground transportation for group
visits, cost of admission to the sites we visit as a group and breakfast each
morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>***PLEASE NOTE*** </b>If you
choose to join us on this optional extension, you will be booking a
“multi-city” international flight. You will be flying from the U.S. to Palermo,
Sicily and then from Rome, Italy to Amsterdam, returning to the U.S. from
Amsterdam at the end of the extension.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">not</i> difficult to book
and we will be happy to answer any questions you may have. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">If you choose to join us on this extension, you will be returning to
the U.S. on May 1, 2015 (staying in Amsterdam the nights of April 28, 29, 30
and flying out the morning of May 1 to land in the U.S. that
afternoon/evening).<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">AIRFARE:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">International airfares are NOT included in
the price of the trip</b>. This allows travelers to use a variety of means,
including airline and credit card points, to purchase their airfare. Garden
Travelers will be happy to answer questions and can offer some assistance to
travelers in booking airfare and will suggest flights for all travelers to ensure
that the group arrives at the appointed destination in a timely manner and we
stay on our first day’s schedule.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>***<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">PLEASE NOTE*** (repeating from above) You
will be booking a multi-city flight if you choose to do the Amsterdam
extension—U.S. to Palermo, Sicily, then departing Rome for Amsterdam and then
Amsterdam to the U.S. at the end of the extension. Please consult with us
regarding flights and times to ensure that the group arrives in a timely manner
at each destination where the group will meet.<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">TRAVEL INSURANCE:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Garden
Travelers does not offer travel insurance, but it may be obtained reasonably by
individual travelers.</b> We strongly suggest that you consider insuring your
trip, as none of us knows when an unforeseen issue may arise. If you have
questions about purchasing travel insurance, please do not hesitate to contact
us, as we are happy to help.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">PASSPORTS:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> Current passports are required for
travel to nearly all destinations outside of the U.S.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please be sure that your passport is current
or that you apply for your passport (if you don’t have one) at least 90 days
prior to departure, and even further ahead of time is preferable and highly
encouraged.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Better to be safe than
sorry!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">G<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>R<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>D<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>E<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>N<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>T<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>R<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>V<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>E<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>L<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>E<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>R<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>S<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">T E R M S &
C O N D I T I
O N S <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">RESERVATIONS & PAYMENT</span></span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="paratext1"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To guarantee your
reservation, a deposit, noted above, is required at the time of booking.
Payments must be made in accordance with the payment schedule.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Final payment is due no later than 60 days
prior to departure, or as noted in the itinerary, after which time a late fee
of $100 per person may apply. </span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS</span></span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="paratext1"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A full refund minus
$500/person administrative charge will be made where written notice of
cancellation is received more than 90 days prior to departure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If the airline ticket has been purchased, the
client will own the ticket and will pay for it in addition to the $500.00
administrative charge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cancellations
received 45-90 days prior to departure will incur a cancellation fee of 50% of
the total tour price.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It the airline ticket
has been purchased, the client will own the airline ticket and must pay for the
ticket in addition to 50% of the total tour cost.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A cancellation fee of 100% of the total tour
price will apply where notice of cancellation is received less than 30 days
prior to departure. Garden Travelers will try to recover from its vendors part
of the cost of the trip, but cannot guarantee what will be recovered for the
client.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once a tour has commenced there
can be no refunds on unused portions.</span></span><span class="paratext1"><i><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">We strongly recommend that
you take out trip cancellation insurance, which we are happy to make
recommendations for.</b><o:p></o:p></span></i></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">PRICE CHANGE</span></span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="paratext1"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tour price is based on a
minimum of 20 passengers. Should the number of passengers fall below 20, Garden
Travelers reserves the right to alter the tour price, in order to reflect that
change. Price is also based on hotels as given, motor coach costs as
negotiated, and an exchange rate of 1.5. Should hotels change for reasons
beyond our control, or coach companies impose a fuel surcharge, or should the
value of the dollar drop significantly against other currencies, the tour price
may increase. Increase in tour price, for whatever reason, will not exceed 15%
of list price. </span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">TOUR PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE</span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><span class="paratext1"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Airfare
(unless otherwise noted), excess baggage charges, items of personal nature,
telephone calls, room service and alcoholic beverages or other special
beverages ordered at group meals, optional extensions, meals not listed in
itinerary, or tips to the tour guide and driver. (At some special meals the
cost of beverages will be included, and the customer will be made aware of
these occasions.)<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">PRICES</span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><span class="paratext1"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Arial;">All prices are based on double occupancy and are
in US dollars. Single supplements are charged to cover additional costs imposed
by hotels on Garden Travelers for single occupancy rooms.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">RESPONSIBLILTY</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tour itineraries are planned in advance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Garden Travelers reserves the right to make
necessary alterations, should local conditions dictate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When weather or unforeseen conditions beyond
our control affect our routes or itinerary the best alternative will be
provided. In exceptional circumstances outside the control of Garden Travelers,
its agents or suppliers, such as, but not limited to the threat of war,
political unrest, riots, civil disturbances, terrorist threat or action, legal
or illegal labor disputes, adverse weather conditions and Act of God, Garden
Travelers, its suppliers, or agents cannot be held responsible for such
limitations or withdrawal of facilities. The use by Garden Travelers of
transport and accommodations in connection with the tour is subject to the
conditions of the operator/owners of such transport or accommodations, for whom
Garden Travelers act as an agent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If air
travel is not booked with Garden Travelers, the client is responsible for meeting
the group at the destination airport upon arrival.<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Passengers agree
that Garden Travelers or any associates thereof, will not be held liable in the
event of any circumstance that may cause personal distress or injury to any
traveler.<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-03XcQyBQdUo/VG5zmHP2B2I/AAAAAAAAAis/AbiOM62lq-s/s1600/imagesR24YBMK4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-03XcQyBQdUo/VG5zmHP2B2I/AAAAAAAAAis/AbiOM62lq-s/s1600/imagesR24YBMK4.jpg" /></a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6898982979014778260.post-72949412104084695992014-07-26T17:12:00.000-05:002014-07-26T17:15:46.968-05:00Chicago--Where Garden Communities Matter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I know, I know. I'm behind--again. Bad blogger. I'm having a moment of inspiration, though, because out of all of my travels so far this summer (more on those in upcoming blog posts), the past 3 days in Chicagoland hanging out with buddy and fellow partner in horticultural crime, Shawna Coronado (<a href="http://www.shawnacoronado.com/">www.shawnacoronado.com</a>), have been some of the most fun! Not just fun, but really garden-centric--real gardening, vegetable and flower gardening, dirt gardening. Real people, real gardeners and the kinds of gardens that are born of a love and need and desire to do better for ourselves and to do better by and for those around us.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Chicago is the first leg of a two-week-long driving trip that started in Nashville and will take me from here to Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Raleigh, Asheville and back to Nashville before it's over. The purpose of the grand tour? I'm doing the photography for an upcoming book by Charlie Nardozzi (<a href="http://gardeningwithcharlie.com/">gardeningwithcharlie.com</a>) called "Foodscaping" and needed a wide variety of gardens and places to visit and photograph to get the needed material for the book. So, here I am and as luck had it, I'm here on the weekend of an "edible garden tour" that is happening in the Oak Park area of Chicago this weekend. This was not just a tour vegetable gardens, though--or at least not in the traditional sense. This was a tour of gardens belonging to passionate gardeners who were blending flowers, vegetables and herbs together on their urban lots to make the most of their space, both aesthetically and productively.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I can't share the photos that will eventually be a part of the book, but I can definitely share a few snapshots of some inspirational community-based gardens that are really delivering for the folks in their neighborhoods.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s3gPxqgrpCk/U9QfXfsRJLI/AAAAAAAAAho/LAF8ZD9OklI/s1600/Chicago_Edible_Garden_Tour_1_Forest_Park_Community_Garden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s3gPxqgrpCk/U9QfXfsRJLI/AAAAAAAAAho/LAF8ZD9OklI/s1600/Chicago_Edible_Garden_Tour_1_Forest_Park_Community_Garden.jpg" height="320" width="238" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The first stop of the day was the Forest Park Community Garden, where people from all around the neighborhood garden in about 30 plots.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-80MpivixP0Y/U9QfXsTImHI/AAAAAAAAAhs/oIfLWQSguA8/s1600/Chicago_Edible_Garden_Tour_2_Forest_Park_Community_Garden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-80MpivixP0Y/U9QfXsTImHI/AAAAAAAAAhs/oIfLWQSguA8/s1600/Chicago_Edible_Garden_Tour_2_Forest_Park_Community_Garden.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">These decorative raised beds were in a nice sized green space that butted right up to the interstate, traffic whizzing by on the street above, as well as on the freeway just to the right and slightly out of view in this photo.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2SY6kJZFORc/U9QfXl-AbMI/AAAAAAAAAhw/h31A6iXII5k/s1600/Chicago_Edible_Garden_Tour_3_Forest_Park_Community_Garden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2SY6kJZFORc/U9QfXl-AbMI/AAAAAAAAAhw/h31A6iXII5k/s1600/Chicago_Edible_Garden_Tour_3_Forest_Park_Community_Garden.jpg" height="225" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Inside of the fenced area (rabbits, you know) the individual garden plots were immaculately kept and held everything from traditional peppers, tomatoes and eggplants to cosmos, salvia and other flowers for cutting and bringing indoors. One gardener was even growing their own hops! I wonder how many hops it takes to make a batch of home brew?</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fEx_OkPbIYc/U9QfYuoy-kI/AAAAAAAAAiA/3X9C4c8bEpM/s1600/Chicago_Edible_Garden_Tour_4_Wonder_Works.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fEx_OkPbIYc/U9QfYuoy-kI/AAAAAAAAAiA/3X9C4c8bEpM/s1600/Chicago_Edible_Garden_Tour_4_Wonder_Works.jpg" height="320" width="245" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Perhaps my favorite of all was this small garden--maybe 20' x 30', at most--just outside of the Wonder Works Children's Museum. Magnificently done, it had everything from fresh greens to tomatoes, peppers, sunflowers and even watermelons growing vertically on a sturdy trellis. Every child who comes to the facility--a creative and imaginative education center for young children up to age 8--gets to experience this garden and all it has to offer.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QreS81dcNgs/U9QfZPqB3EI/AAAAAAAAAiI/DL26wsDbs6w/s1600/Chicago_Edible_Garden_Tour_5_Wonder_Works.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QreS81dcNgs/U9QfZPqB3EI/AAAAAAAAAiI/DL26wsDbs6w/s1600/Chicago_Edible_Garden_Tour_5_Wonder_Works.jpg" height="320" width="227" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The watermelons at Wonder Works were growing so well they had to be supported in mesh bags on their trellis!</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jLTggcjwvl4/U9QfZE1rcDI/AAAAAAAAAiE/kkvZxF8sRpY/s1600/Chicago_Edible_Garden_Tour_6_Apartment.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jLTggcjwvl4/U9QfZE1rcDI/AAAAAAAAAiE/kkvZxF8sRpY/s1600/Chicago_Edible_Garden_Tour_6_Apartment.jpg" height="320" width="227" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This innovative vegetable garden was seen at an apartment building where space was extremely limited. Gardening vertically allowed them to grow an impressive number of plants in a small space. In this simple space--about the size of a 55-gallon barrel--there were collard greens, mustard, eggplant, kale and beans all growing together and successfully producing a bountiful harvest.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FO24L0wmnTM/U9QfZl0QgZI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/Rjy6nAzWjHA/s1600/Chicago_Edible_Garden_Tour_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FO24L0wmnTM/U9QfZl0QgZI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/Rjy6nAzWjHA/s1600/Chicago_Edible_Garden_Tour_7.jpg" height="320" width="273" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Our final stop of the day was at this small community garden. The lady who tended this bed of corn and beans, as well as the two beds you can see toward the right of the photo, was so proud of what she had accomplished and ready to tell the story of her success! At the end of the day, that's what it is really all about. Inspiration. And a little elbow grease that turns into successes that turn into more inspiration. I'm already wondering what I can take out of the garden when I get home to make room for more edibles!</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6898982979014778260.post-5079278226431881312014-03-25T22:14:00.000-05:002014-03-25T22:14:30.661-05:00Bring On Spring!<div style="text-align: center;">
Well, as is typical here in Tennessee, spring officially arrived last Thursday and today it snowed! It snowed so hard, in fact, that when I was driving home around lunch time you couldn't see from one telephone pole to the next. Near white-out conditions! 20 minutes later, the sun came out and as quickly as the snow came down, it was gone. Unfortunately, it cleared off late this afternoon and as I write this at almost 10 p.m., the temperature threatens to drop into the low 20's and do some real damage to tender buds and foliage that are just beginning to break.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6KV4INlndl4/UzJDgfLzjiI/AAAAAAAAAhY/sREZK2vxCUM/s1600/Chaenomeles+TBM+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6KV4INlndl4/UzJDgfLzjiI/AAAAAAAAAhY/sREZK2vxCUM/s1600/Chaenomeles+TBM+2.jpg" height="309" width="320" /></a></div>
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Today, I went out and covered a few things--something I normally don't do. But I need to get some good photos of a few early risers like the trilliums, epimediums, quince, and a few spring wildflowers this year, as well as a couple of plants that are quite rare and have decided to emerge a little earlier than normal (of course!). So...I gave in and took the blankets out to try and save a few plants from tonight's low of 22 degrees. I hope it doesn't get colder than that or my covering may not do a bit of good. We'll see.</div>
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Plants that are still tightly budded will be just fine and the temperatures are supposed to moderate quickly and be back to more spring-like conditions in a day or two. In the meantime, I'm taking a few precautions and hoping for the best! I'll post an update in a few days and let you know how it goes. See you in the garden!</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6898982979014778260.post-5438462496571085512014-02-12T22:14:00.001-06:002014-02-12T22:16:57.304-06:00England & Scotland's Greatest Hits!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I have another exciting opportunity for those of you who love to travel and see beautiful gardens and historic sites, but maybe couldn't work our earlier trip to England into your schedules. We still have several spaces left on a spectacular trip that starts in London, makes its way through northern England and ends up touring the castles and gardens of Scotland. The dates are June 27 - July 8, 2014. The itinerary follows.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yk99Xq8sxL0/UvxAHrJPLdI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/7ZOJqUwr0UU/s1600/Alnwick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yk99Xq8sxL0/UvxAHrJPLdI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/7ZOJqUwr0UU/s1600/Alnwick.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The cascade at Alnwick</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>June 26 </b> Depart for Heathrow Airport London,
England<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>June 27</b> Morning arrival at Heathrow. </span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">Meet
our motor coach for the transfer to West Green House for lunch and a visit to
the garden.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">West Green House was built
in 1720 and is now the home of Marilyn Abbott who has restored and designed the
gardens.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">We visited several years ago
and look forward to a return visit.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">We will
then continue to Cheltenham where we will spend the first two nights at The
George Hotel. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">This hotel is in a
Georgian building and in the heart of Cheltenham.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">Although the rooms have been recently redone,
the building retains many of the original features.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">You will have time to unpack and relax before
we have dinner at the hotel. Lunch at West Green House, & dinner included.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>June 28 </b> We are
trying to arrange a trip to Highgrove, the garden belonging to Prince Charles, this morning. We will not know if we
will be able to visit or when until after Feb. 1 when ticket requests are granted, but we are hopeful that we will be
able to visit either in the morning or afternoon. We will also visit the small English village
of Tetbury. We will be back in Cheltenham
in time to visit the town and pick a place for dinner. Breakfast, Lunch
included.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>June 29 </b> We head north today to York where you
will have the afternoon and evening to explore the city of York and its
treasures. We are also trying to arrange a visit to Castle Howard and the Yorkshire Arboretum.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>June 30</b> This
morning we travel from York to Alnwick Castle for a visit of the house as well
as the garden. Alnwick is a young and modern garden, created by the young and modern Duchess of Northumberland, Jane Percy. This remarkable place even has a "Poison Garden" full of deadly plants, which we will have the chance to see! We will have a group
lunch here. After our visit, we will
head for Edinburgh, Scotland which is about a 2 hour drive. We will be spending
3 nights in the Apex City Hotel. Not
only is this a very nice hotel, but the location is fantastic. Breakfast, lunch
included.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j7P08JmK1Ig/UvxAHmbWSvI/AAAAAAAAAgc/V_P5HAAvsr8/s1600/Alnwick+Poison+Garden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j7P08JmK1Ig/UvxAHmbWSvI/AAAAAAAAAgc/V_P5HAAvsr8/s1600/Alnwick+Poison+Garden.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The "Poison Garden" at Alnwick</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>July 1 </b> After
two days with relatively long bus rides, you will have a free day to enjoy the
City of Edinburgh. There is much to
see. We are sure you will want to visit
the Edinburgh Botanic Garden and may plan an impromptu tour on our own, with Troy pointing out some highlights and talking about some of the plants, before dispersing to explore at your own pace. Attendance will be optional if you want the day to explore Edinburgh at your leisure. Breakfast included.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ji6_ZmYFiGY/UvxAL0JQG4I/AAAAAAAAAhE/oolE2TwmvLU/s1600/RBGE+Rock+Garden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ji6_ZmYFiGY/UvxAL0JQG4I/AAAAAAAAAhE/oolE2TwmvLU/s1600/RBGE+Rock+Garden.jpg" height="207" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The rock garden at The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><b>July 2 </b> After
breakfast we will depart for Abbotsford, the home Sir Walter Scott. The house was completed in 1831 and was
designed by Sir Walter Scott himself. It
sits on the banks of the River Tweed.
The house embodies the Romantic Movement that Scott helped to
create. We will visit both the house and
garden, as well as have a group lunch at Abbotsford. After our visit we will take the very short
drive to Bowhill House where if </span><span style="line-height: 115%;">you were going to pick a spot
to create a garden with grand views, you couldn’t do much better than Bowhill. A
stroll on the formal southern terraces opens up stunning vistas across the
Ettrick Valley and the upper loch, which was deliberately designed to
complement the landscape. Here you can also explore a rose garden, formal
flower borders and a rock garden Unusually, the gardens to the front of the
House are less formal. rhododendrons and azaleas fill the area. Walk to the
east end of the House and you’ll come upon the Sunken Garden. We will visit
both the house and garden. After our
visit at Bowhill, we will return to our hotel in Edinburgh. Breakfast, lunch,
and coffee and biscuit included.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i-2V0IhqIDc/UvxAI2KnlNI/AAAAAAAAAgk/53B2prJ0NzY/s1600/Bowhill+House.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i-2V0IhqIDc/UvxAI2KnlNI/AAAAAAAAAgk/53B2prJ0NzY/s1600/Bowhill+House.jpg" height="235" width="320" /></a></div>
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Bowhill House</div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>July 3</b> We will visit Edinburgh Castle as we leave this city for
Dundee. After a visit to the castle our
first stop will be Kellie Castle and garden.
This is considered to be one of the most romantic gardens in Scotland
with many wall plantings. Our next stop will be Drummond which will be a
treat. We are hoping to arrange an after
hours tour with wine and no other tourists.
Our hotel tonight will be the Apex Hotel in Dundee. Breakfast included.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R8WH6HuOYXs/UvxALcslWGI/AAAAAAAAAg0/EuCz9UXwNto/s1600/Kellie+Castle+Garden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R8WH6HuOYXs/UvxALcslWGI/AAAAAAAAAg0/EuCz9UXwNto/s1600/Kellie+Castle+Garden.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The Garden at Castle Kellie</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>July 4</b> Today we will visit Glamis Castle which will be a highlight of this
trip. We will visit the house and the
garden and have a very special lunch in the castle. The castle which is located in the foothills
of the Angus Glens was the childhood home of Elizabeth the Queen Mother. We will have a guided tour. We will head back to Dundee where you will
have some free time. Breakfast and lunch included.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>July 5</b> Today we head for Glasgow where we will spend the last three nights
of our trip. On the way we will stop at
Greenbank to visit this National Trust garden. Our hotel for the remainder of
the trip will be the Indigo Glasgow Hotel which is housed in an old power
station from the 1880’s. The mix of old
building and modern interior is quite nice and will help to make our stay very
nice. Breakfast and lunch included.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>July 6</b> Today we will visit Culzean which is a Romantic 18<sup>th</sup> century
castle which is situated with wonderful views of the Firth of Clyde and three
miles of coastline. The cliff top
setting is dramatic and the Robert Adams architecture is wonderful. Again we
will visit both the house and garden which is extensive. Our other stop for today will be Lagg which
has the national collection of hydrangeas.
It is also located on cliffs with dramatic views, Breakfast, lunch
included.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CpPtHa7DJvA/UvxAJeJC7vI/AAAAAAAAAgs/UHrFS6kUjDw/s1600/Culzean.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CpPtHa7DJvA/UvxAJeJC7vI/AAAAAAAAAgs/UHrFS6kUjDw/s1600/Culzean.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The amazing garden at Culzean, where you will find palm trees growing in Scotland!</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>July 7</b> We will have free time in Glasgow and a special visit to
Carnell. Carnell is well known for the
water features, Japanese stonework, walled garden, and pagodas. This will be our last garden and definitely a
treat. Breakfast and tea included.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>July 8</b> Return to US<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">The cost of this trip is $3895.00 which includes all hotels,
breakfast each day, all entry fees where we enter as a group, lunches and
dinner per itinerary, guided tours at many locations, travel by deluxe motor
coach in England and Scotland. If you have
questions, please contact me at troy@troybmarden.com</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7JtgVPnNdrM/UvxALwvkjiI/AAAAAAAAAhA/6YiARwGBphw/s1600/RBGE+Glasshouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7JtgVPnNdrM/UvxALwvkjiI/AAAAAAAAAhA/6YiARwGBphw/s1600/RBGE+Glasshouse.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6898982979014778260.post-10375731109046577592014-01-24T08:09:00.000-06:002014-01-24T08:09:37.399-06:00Final Call for "Classic Gardens and Country Estates of England"<div style="text-align: center;">
Good Morning, All! It is frigid here in Nashville again and my mind is on beautiful spring flowers and warm summer temperatures as we take the polar plunge once again. I'm not sure how the garden is going to fare. I have some plants that are looking pretty poorly after reaching 0 degrees here a couple of weeks ago and now we're down in the single digits again. A lot of the broadleaf evergreens (including all of my beautiful hellebores) are looking pretty freeze dried. Epimediums are all frozen to the ground. Several broadleaf evergreen shrubs like aucuba and Florida anisebush are looking pretty rough. We'll see what happens come spring...</div>
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In the meantime, I'm looking toward summer and the fabulous trip we have planned to England to raise funds for Volunteer Gardener, the TV show I co-host on Nashville Public Television. Unfortunately, while we have had a LOT of positive response, that response has not turned into actual commitment and we are still short of where we need to be to make the trip a success with only a week to go before the February 1 deadline for reservations. I wanted to reach out to my blog followers one more time with the link to the itinerary and my contact information, should anyone have any questions. I hope that some of you might consider joining us and if the trip doesn't fit into your own plans this year, I would encourage you to share with friends, family, clients, garden club friends or whoever else you can think of.</div>
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This is a really wonderful trip and we hope that we'll have some more interest in this next week before the deadline. You can download the itinerary at my website, here: <a href="http://www.troybmarden.com/travel.html">http://www.troybmarden.com/travel.html</a> or email me at <a href="mailto:troy@troybmarden.com">troy@troybmarden.com</a> I hope you'll join us and help support Volunteer Gardener!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HJ7s0wNgrgM/UuJzbjk3G4I/AAAAAAAAAgA/JJtHDa0CCAw/s1600/Chatsworth+Garden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HJ7s0wNgrgM/UuJzbjk3G4I/AAAAAAAAAgA/JJtHDa0CCAw/s1600/Chatsworth+Garden.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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The garden at Chatsworth is just one of many fabulous estates we'll see on this one-in-a-lifetime trip! Hope you'll join us, and in the meantime, stay warm!</div>
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Troy</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6898982979014778260.post-43317241847043119132014-01-02T21:43:00.000-06:002014-01-02T22:14:56.054-06:00Baby, It's Cold Outside!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As I write this, we are facing some of the coldest weather we have had in nearly 20 years at the beginning of next week. Now, I know that all over the world there are places where it gets and stays much colder than it will be here, but a high temperature of 13 degrees Fahrenheit with the low near zero is almost unheard of in this part of the world and that's what the forecast is for the early part of next week. This will put a lot of plants to the test in the gardens of those of us who like to push the zones and grow plants which, generally speaking, prefer to live a hundred miles or so further south. Inevitably, there will be some losses, but that is the nature of gardening. One plant's demise is another's opportunity! That said, here are a few favorites that will certainly withstand winter's onslaught without batting an eyelash (if plants did, indeed, have eyelashes)!</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hcXNLfItWHY/UsYoyCyabNI/AAAAAAAAAfA/uSfFm1kAheI/s1600/Hamamelis+Primavera.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hcXNLfItWHY/UsYoyCyabNI/AAAAAAAAAfA/uSfFm1kAheI/s400/Hamamelis+Primavera.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> <i>Hamamelis</i> x <i>intermedia</i> 'Primavera'</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">'Primavera' is one of the earliest witchhazels to flower, often beginning here in February and continuing, completely unfazed by inclement weather, until early March. Witchhazels have the uncanny ability to recoil their flower petals if the temperatures get too cold, winding them back up close to (or even inside of) the buds to protect them until the temperature moderates and the plant resumes flowering.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JFutMIZH5Fs/UsYo7HQsttI/AAAAAAAAAfI/QkuIasTlvDo/s1600/Helleborus_Golden_Sunrise_Snow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JFutMIZH5Fs/UsYo7HQsttI/AAAAAAAAAfI/QkuIasTlvDo/s400/Helleborus_Golden_Sunrise_Snow.jpg" width="313" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> <i>Helleborus</i> x <i>hybridus</i> 'Golden Sunrise'</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">'Golden Sunrise' has proven itself beyond a shadow of a doubt in my garden. A member of the Winter Jewels series from Ernie and Marietta O'Byrne at Northwest Garden Nursery, widely distributed now by Monrovia Nursery and a large number of mail-order outlets. In general, the plants in this series have been a little slow to establish in the garden here, but if you're patient, they will wow you with their clear and vibrant colors and exceptional form. The O'Byrnes double-flowered forms (Golden Lotus, Sparkling Diamond and others) are some of the best on the market!</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8PheZ6t4b5c/UsYpOKCeTPI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/fqbkUDkjQwU/s1600/Helleborus+niger+'Josef+Lemper'-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8PheZ6t4b5c/UsYpOKCeTPI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/fqbkUDkjQwU/s400/Helleborus+niger+'Josef+Lemper'-001.jpg" width="325" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> <i>Helleborus niger</i> 'Josef Lemper'</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">'Josef Lemper' belongs to the group of hellebores commonly called the "Christmas rose" because of its early bloom time. This variety takes that to the extreme, often beginning to flower as early as October and continuing right up through Christmas and well beyond. In a good year, I have had fresh, white flowers emerging nonstop from mid-October until mid-March! Few other perennials have this kind of flower power and almost none will flower this reliably throughout the winter.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eM3EW50F2lw/UsYpdP3dE9I/AAAAAAAAAfY/f7zRl37Cmqs/s1600/Helleborus+foetidus+'Green+Giant'+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eM3EW50F2lw/UsYpdP3dE9I/AAAAAAAAAfY/f7zRl37Cmqs/s400/Helleborus+foetidus+'Green+Giant'+2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> <i>Helleborus foetidus</i> 'Green Giant'</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">'Green Giant' is an older seed strain of the bear's foot or "stinking" hellebore (a terrible name, as there is nothing about it that stinks!). The foliage of <i>Helleborus foetidus</i> is most commonly a dark, almost blackish, green and the pea green flower buds begin to emerge from the top of the plant in November, hanging there as if frozen in time until the weather warms just enough in February to coax them open. The display continues on through March and often well into April.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RZB4AXgK4_c/UsYpsb2O_MI/AAAAAAAAAfg/VnTsJz6fJHs/s1600/Iris+reticulata+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RZB4AXgK4_c/UsYpsb2O_MI/AAAAAAAAAfg/VnTsJz6fJHs/s400/Iris+reticulata+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> Iris reticulata</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We are just far enough north in the Nashville area that the true winter-blooming species of iris, like <i>Iris unguicularis</i>, won't thrive here. Enter this sweet little bulb whose leaves will emerge through the frozen soil as early as January and whose flowers may have already come and gone by February's end; certainly by the first week of March (later the further north you go). <i>Iris reticulata</i>, no matter the climate, is one of earliest bulbs to bloom and always gives us hope, as gardeners, that spring truly is on the way.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vti-wb8tHKU/UsYpxBWlBeI/AAAAAAAAAfo/tgo48TLCJTw/s1600/Narcissus+pseudonarcissus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vti-wb8tHKU/UsYpxBWlBeI/AAAAAAAAAfo/tgo48TLCJTw/s400/Narcissus+pseudonarcissus.jpg" width="311" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> Narcissus pseudonarcissus</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If you live in the South, you know <i>Narcissus pseudonarcissus</i> as the spring daffodil (jonquil) that covers old farm and homesteads and lines the fencerows for what seems like miles in late February and early March. Sometimes, entire fields will turn yellow with a hundred years or more worth of these spritely daffodils who have reseeded themselves into every available corner of the rural countryside.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IxiY2bJXwR8/UsYp79FIfJI/AAAAAAAAAfw/e9Upru0Hoec/s1600/Crocus_tomasinianus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IxiY2bJXwR8/UsYp79FIfJI/AAAAAAAAAfw/e9Upru0Hoec/s400/Crocus_tomasinianus.jpg" width="295" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Crocus tommasinianus</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I don't grow many crocus here because the chipmunks and squirrels can (and usually will) devour the entire lot overnight. Once, we planted nearly 5,000 at a client's home--naturalized throughout the lawn--and in spring we had exactly THREE blooms. THREE! That was both the beginning and the end of my crocus planting days until I discovered the "tommies", <i>Crocus tommasinianus, </i>which the chipmunks find less palatable. These will not only grow and bloom here, but will thrive and reseed, spreading over time into vast carpets that thrill passersby in the last days of winter.</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6898982979014778260.post-64403812212622524292013-12-17T19:43:00.000-06:002013-12-17T19:43:40.311-06:00New Beginnings<div style="text-align: center;">
I have been a bad blogger this year. I admit it. But writing two books in a year's time and getting the travel business off the ground has taken a considerable amount of my time and has turned my attention, for most of the year, elsewhere. And so, I'm making at least one New Year's resolution before New Year's even arrives and that is to get the blog back up and fully running again. In fact, I have a couple of new things to share and hope you'll continue following along as I gear up and jump headlong into 2014.</div>
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To start, my new book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Plant-This-Instead-Prettier-Drought-Tolerant/dp/159186576X" style="text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Plant This Instead!</a> (Click the link) will hit the shelves sometime in February.</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Plant-This-Instead-Prettier-Drought-Tolerant/dp/159186576X" target="_blank">Plant This Instead!</a> focuses on making wiser plant choices, offering new, improved and more desirable varieties for today's landscapes and gardens. No more Bradford pears! It also compares some of the "new and improved" varieties (Are they, really?) with some of their older, tried-and-true predecessors. I hope you'll take a look at the book on pre-sale now at <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Plant-This-Instead-Prettier-Drought-Tolerant/dp/159186576X" target="_blank">Amazon</a> or in your local bookstores once it does hit the shelves in February.</div>
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I will also be writing again this year for <u>Tennessee Gardener</u> magazine. I will be doing fewer regional features (the ones that appear in multiple states), but will begin writing a regular monthly article about the happenings here in my home garden, Wits' End, each month in <u>Tennessee Gardener</u>. In fact, the title of the new column will be "The View From Wits' End" and each month I'll relate stories from the garden, feature plants blooming during that month, talk about my successes and failures and much more. To accompany the new column, I will also be creating and writing a second blog (in addition to this one and with the same name, "The View From Wits' End", as the magazine column) for Tennessee Gardener that will be featured on their website <a href="http://www.statebystategardening.com/tn" target="_blank">www.tennesseegardener.com </a> This will give me the opportunity to communicate with everyone on a more personal and detailed level in between monthly magazine articles and feature things from the garden that there just aren't room for in the magazine.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-stlP_rqLdvI/UrD8JZzIDnI/AAAAAAAAAew/EsUGst2VJaM/s1600/GardenerTroyTrip+WebGraphic_shdw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-stlP_rqLdvI/UrD8JZzIDnI/AAAAAAAAAew/EsUGst2VJaM/s320/GardenerTroyTrip+WebGraphic_shdw.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Finally, we are really gearing up for a year of travel. In October, we announced a trip that will benefit the television show, <u>Volunteer Gardener</u>, that I co-host and that runs weekly on Nashville Public Television. We are actively looking for travelers to fill those seats and I would be most grateful if you would help spread the word! The itinerary, with pricing and all of the details, can be downloaded from my website <a href="http://www.troybmarden.com/travel.html" target="_blank">www.troybmarden.com</a> (Click the link) or you can email me at tbmgardens@gmail.com and I can send an itinerary via email. You may also call the number in the image, above, but honestly, it just takes you to a voice mailbox and you will reach me faster via the email address I just gave you. We have until February 1 to sell this trip out and really need to do that in order to raise as much money as possible for <u>Volunteer Gardener</u>!</div>
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We'll have new travel announcements for later in the year coming very soon, too, so stay tuned!</div>
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I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season with family and friends and I'll look forward to seeing you here regularly from now on! Merry Christmas!</div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6898982979014778260.post-75739688485245862682013-07-04T11:12:00.002-05:002013-07-04T11:12:57.025-05:00Join Us In Provence and The Cote d'Azur!<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Join us in Provence and Cote D’Azur!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">September 20-October 1, 2013</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style', serif; line-height: 115%;">www.troybmarden.com</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style', serif; line-height: 115%;">For more information, email tbmgardens@gmail.com</span></b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kaF6hyUFQnU/UdWaMohCIbI/AAAAAAAAAeA/fjX6FlKwHqM/s1600/Villa_Ephrussi_de_Rothschild_BW_2011-06-10_11-42-29a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kaF6hyUFQnU/UdWaMohCIbI/AAAAAAAAAeA/fjX6FlKwHqM/s400/Villa_Ephrussi_de_Rothschild_BW_2011-06-10_11-42-29a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Sept.
20 Fly to France (Nice)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sept. 21 After landing in Nice, we will meet our
private coach for the trip to Villa Ephrussi Rothschild for lunch, and a tour
of the garden and Villa. </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.villa-ephrussi.com/en/home">http://www.villa-ephrussi.com/en/home</a>
Beatrice Rothschild had practically unlimited money when she built this
villa and garden in the early 1900’s, and it shows. We will have lunch in the tea room and tour
the upper level of the villa. After lunch, we will visit the garden. <u>Lunch
included</u>, dinner on your own. </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Hotel Victoria.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sept. 22 Breakfast will be at our hotel, as it will
each morning of the trip. After
breakfast, we will visit the garden at Val Rahmeh </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jardin_botanique_exotique_de_Menton">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jardin_botanique_exotique_de_Menton</a> followed by our first chance to visit a
real French market as we stop in Menton for the Saturday morning market there. After
the market, we will have lunch at the Mirazur <a href="http://www.mirazur.fr/">http://www.mirazur.fr/</a> which has been listed as one of the world’s 50 best restaurants. After our lunch we will continue to Villa
Hanbury to visit the garden. This is a
vertical garden with some of the most magnificent views you have ever seen!</span>
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giardini_Botanici_Hanbury">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giardini_Botanici_Hanbury</a> <u>Breakfast
& Lunch included</u>, Dinner on your own.</span><span style="text-indent: -1in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Hotel Victoria</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sept. 23 The world renowned Monaco Botanical Garden
will be our first stop today. </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.jardin-exotique.mc/en/">http://www.jardin-exotique.mc/en/</a> After this we will visit Monaco where you
will have lunch on your own and have an opportunity to visit the palace and
other sites in Monaco. <u>Breakfast included.</u> </span><span style="text-indent: -1in;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Hotel Victoria</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sept. 24 We will head for the heart of Provence today. Our first stop will be at the Abbey Thoronet which
is a Cistercian Abbey built between 1160 and 1230 without mortar. </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Le_Thoronet_Abbey">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Le_Thoronet_Abbey</a>
Our next stop will be the Chateau Barben,
which we will tour. Barben is one of the oldest chateaus in Provence, dating
back to 1054. <a href="http://www.chateaudelabarben.fr/index2.php?lang=en">http://www.chateaudelabarben.fr/index2.php?lang=en</a> Avignon will be our next stop and
hopefully we will be there in time to visit the Palace of the Popes. This is one of the greatest Gothic palaces in
the world built in the 14<sup>th</sup> century.
Pope Clement V moved the papacy to Avignon to flee from political
unrest. The palace housed 7 popes
between 1309 and 1378.</span> <span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.palais-des-papes.com/anglais/">http://www.palais-des-papes.com/anglais/</a> Our
hotel for the night will be the Mecure which is located in the center of
Avignon. <u>Lunch included.</u> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sept. 25 A visit to the garden of the Abbey of Saint
Andre in Villeneuve les Avignon will be our first stop today </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.fantasticprovence.com/section/nature_r7/the-discreet-charm-of-the-saint-andre-abbey_a733/1">http://www.fantasticprovence.com/section/nature_r7/the-discreet-charm-of-the-saint-andre-abbey_a733/1</a> followed Pont du Gard, the magnificent Roman
aqueduct. It is a magical site! The aqueduct was built in 1 century BC and
carried 44 million gallons of water each day from Uzes to Nimes. It was used until the 6<sup>th</sup> century
AD when it is believed that minerals clogged the passage of the water. <a href="http://www.pontdugard.fr/en">http://www.pontdugard.fr/en</a> Our
final sightseeing stop for today will be Nimes.
Nimes is a lovely town with several interesting sites. We will visit the Maison Carree which is a
Vitruvian Roman Temple built in the 1<sup>st</sup> century AD. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maison_Carr%C3%A9e">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maison_Carr%C3%A9e</a> The temple survived because it became a
church in the 4<sup>th</sup> century AD.
This temple was the inspiration for the Virginia state capitol. Jefferson had a model made of it when he was
Ambassador to France. Nimes also has a
Roman arena, an interesting shade garden, a nice museum, and good
shopping. When we depart Nimes we will
go to Isle sur la Sorgue and Hotel Nevons, our home for the next several days. <u>Lunch included.</u><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sept. 26 France would not be France if we did not
visit a winery. Today we visit Chateau
Val Jonais for a tour of the winery, garden, and lunch. </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.val-joanis.com/">http://www.val-joanis.com/</a> We
will also visit a French hill town. <u>Lunch included</u>. Hotel Nevons.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sept. 27 Today will be spent in Arles which is a
short distance from Isle sur la Sorgue. We
will stop at Abbaye de Montmajour on the way to Arles. Built on an island, it was founded in 948 by
the Benedictines. </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://montmajour.monuments-nationaux.fr/en/">http://montmajour.monuments-nationaux.fr/en/</a>
Arles has more in a short walking distance than any other place we have
been. We will see the Church of Saint
Trophime with its wonderful 2 story cloister.
The church is Romanesque and classified as a world heritage site. We will also see the Roman arena, the Roman
baths, and the Cryptoportiques. We will
also visit one of Ron’s favorite sites in the world, the les Alyscamps. Greek, Roman, and Christian tombs line the
Aurelian way as it passes through Arles.
The sarcophages are magnificent.
You will have free time to visit other sites or shop. Hotel Nevons.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sept. 28 This Saturday takes us to St. Remy and
nearby sites. </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint-R%C3%A9my-de-Provence">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint-R%C3%A9my-de-Provence</a> We
will stop for a visit to the St. Remy Sat. market. Our stops will take us to Glanum, a ruined
Roman/Greek town, as well as Les Antiques and St-Paul-de-Mausolee where Van
Gogh was hospitalized. We will also visit
Les Baux before returning to Isle sur la Sorgue. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Les_Baux-de-Provence">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Les_Baux-de-Provence</a> <u>Dinner
included<a href="" name="_GoBack"></a>.</u> Hotel
Nevons.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sept. 29 The best market in France, the land of
markets, is in Isle sur la Sorgue. </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue</a> Today, you will have the whole day to spend
in Isle sur la Sorgue at the market.
Believe us when we say, this market has everything and even if you are
not a shopper you will enjoy this day. Hotel Nevons.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sept. 30 Today we will visit Cassis </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.beyond.fr/villages/cassis.html">http://www.beyond.fr/villages/cassis.html</a> and take a boat ride to see the Calanques <a href="http://www.marseille-provence.info/places/sights-and-attractions/237-the-calanques.html">http://www.marseille-provence.info/places/sights-and-attractions/237-the-calanques.html</a> which are wonderful geological
features. We will stay close to the
airport tonight.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Oct. 1 Fly home from Marseilles.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">COST: The cost of this trip is $3250.00 per
person based on <i>Double Occupancy</i>.
Airfare is NOT included in this price. We will assist in booking plane tickets
so that everyone gets the best possible price and that we are all traveling
over and back together, unless other arrangements are being made. A single
supplement is available. Please inquire
at <a href="mailto:tbmgardens@gmail.com">tbmgardens@gmail.com</a> if you will
be traveling singly or have any further questions.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><i><u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The price of this
trip is based on 1.30 exchange rate. If
the exchange rate changes the trip is <o:p></o:p></span></u></i></b></div>
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<b><i><u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">subject to an
additional charge. The price is based on
double occupancy. There is a single <o:p></o:p></span></u></i></b></div>
<br />
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<b><i><u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">supplement. The itinerary can be changed if
required. </span></u></i></b></div>
<br />
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<b><i><u><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x0viOKcwbzw/UdWaRq4rnlI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/-QYsommIM5s/s500/Cafe+Van+Gogh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x0viOKcwbzw/UdWaRq4rnlI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/-QYsommIM5s/s400/Cafe+Van+Gogh.jpg" width="400" /></a></u></i></b></div>
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<b><i><u> <o:p></o:p></u></i></b>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6898982979014778260.post-43050010428611743522013-03-02T10:30:00.000-06:002017-12-11T10:03:56.791-06:00new announcement<br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Greetings, everyone! It has been very quiet here for a very long time. I've been working feverishly at finishing my book and writing magazine articles for the upcoming year and it has really cut into my time for posting to the blog. The good news is, the book is very nearly finished and will be out this fall! I have also had my website completely redesigned and updated, so if you haven't visited in a while, please be sure to have a look at <a href="http://www.troybmarden.com/">www.troybmarden.com</a> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">I have an exciting new announcement to make today! Our trip to Italy in May has officially sold out and we have been successful enough that we have decided to schedule a trip for autumn. I hope you'll think about joining me in Provence, Monaco and the Cote d'Azur from September 20 - October 1, 2013! You will find the itinerary below, with pricing details near the end. Here's a photo from the <i>Jardin Exotique de Monaco</i>, one of many amazing stops on this trip. I'll see you in the garden soon!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">For more information about the trip, email me at <a href="mailto:tbmgardens@gmail.com">tbmgardens@gmail.com</a></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dCjjg6ukJDg/UTImCcdUaQI/AAAAAAAAAdc/zifoQNcbpqI/s1600/Monaco_Jardin_Exotique_de_Monaco_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dCjjg6ukJDg/UTImCcdUaQI/AAAAAAAAAdc/zifoQNcbpqI/s400/Monaco_Jardin_Exotique_de_Monaco_1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Gardens
and Chateaus of<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Provence
and the Cote D’Azur<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">September 20 – October
1, 2013<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">tbmgardens@gmail.com<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sept. 20 Fly to France (Nice)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sept. 21 After
landing in Nice, we will meet our private coach for the trip to Villa Ephrussi
Rothschild for lunch, and a tour of the garden and Villa. Beatrice Rothschild had practically unlimited
money when she built this villa and garden in the early 1900’s, and it
shows. We will have lunch in the tea
room; tour the upper level of the villa, before we will visit the garden. <u>Lunch
included</u>, dinner on your own.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Hotel Victoria<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sept. 22 Breakfast
as always will be at our hotel. This
morning will give us our first chance to visit a French market as we stop in
Menton for the Saturday morning market. Before
the market we will visit he garden at Val Rahmeh. After the market, we will have lunch at the Mizaura
which has been listed as one of the world’s 50 best restaurants. After our lunch we will continue to Villa
Hanbury to visit the garden. This is a
vertical garden with some of the most magnificent views I have ever seen<u>. Breakfast & Lunch included</u>, Dinner on
your own.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Hotel
Victoria<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sept. 23 The
world renowned Monaco Botanical Garden will be our first stop today. After this we will visit Monaco where you
will have lunch on your own and have an opportunity to visit the palace and
other sites in Monaco. Breakfast included. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Hotel
Victoria<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sept. 24 We
will head for the heart of Provence today.
Our first stop will be at the Abbey Thoronet which is a Cistercian Abbey
built between 1160 and 1230 without mortar.
Our next stop will be Chateau Barben which is one of the oldest in
Provence that dates back to 1054. We
will tour the Chateau. Avignon will be
our next stop and hopefully we will be there in time to visit the Palace of th
ie Popes. This is one of the greatest
Gothic palaces in the world built in the 14<sup>th</sup> century. Pope Clement V moved the papacy to Avignon to
flee from political unrest. The palace
housed 7 popes between 1309 and 1378. Our
hotel for the night will be the Mecure which is located in the center of
Avignon. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Lunch
included. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sept. 25 A
visit to the garden of the Abbey of Saint Andrea in Villeneuve les Avignon will
be our first stop today. Pont du Gard,
the magnificent Roman aqueduct, is a magical site, and our next stop, The aqueduct was built in 1 century BC and
carried 44 million gallons of water each day from Uzes to Nimes. It was used until the 6<sup>th</sup> century
AD when it is believed that minerals clogged the passage of the water. Our final sightseeing stop for today will be
Nimes. Nimes is a lovely town with
several interesting sites. We will visit
the Maison Carree which is a Vitruvian Roman Temple built in the 1<sup>st</sup>
century AD. The temple survived because
it became a church in the 4<sup>th</sup> century AD. This temple was the inspiration for the
Virginia state capitol. Jefferson had a
model made of it when he was Ambassador to France. Nimes also has a Roman arena, an interesting
shade garden, a nice museum, and good shopping.
When we depart Nimes we will go to Isle sur la Sorgue, our home for the
next several days<u>. Lunch included.</u><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Hotel
Nevons<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sept. 26
France would not be France if we did not visit a winery. Today we visit Chateau Val Jonais for a tour
of the winery, garden, and lunch. We
will also visit a French hill town<u>. Lunch included</u>.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sept. 27 Today will
be spent in Arles which is a short distance from Isle. We will stop at Abbaye de Montmajor on the
way to Arles. It was founded in 948 by
the Benedictines. It was built on an
island. Arles has more in a short
walking distance than about any other place I have ever been. We will see the Church of Saint Trophime with
its wonderful 2 story cloister. The
church is Romanesque and classified as a world heritage site. We will also see the Roman arena, the Roman baths, and the Cryptoportiques. We will also visit one of Ron’s favorite
sites in the world, the les Alyscamps.
Greek, Roman, and Christian tombs line the Aurelian way as it passes
through Arles. The sarcophages are
magnificent. You will have free time to
visit other sites or shop.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Hotel
Nevons<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sept. 28 This
Saturday takes us to St. Remy and nearby sites.
We will stop for a visit to the St. Remy Sat. market. Our stops will take us to Glanum a ruined
Roman/Greek town, Les Antiques, and St-Paul-de-Mausolee where Van Gogh was
hospitalized. We will also visit Les
Baux before returning to Isle sur la Sorgue.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Dinner
included<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6898982979014778260" name="_GoBack"></a><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Hotel
Nevons<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sept. 29 The
best market in France the land of markets is in Isle sur la Sorgue. You will have the whole day to spend in Isle
sur la Sorgue at the market. Believe me,
this market has everything and even if you are not a shopper you will enjoy
this day.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sept. 30 We
will visit Cassis today and take a boat ride to see the Calanques which are
wonderful geological features. We will
stay close to the airport tonight.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Oct. 1 Fly
home from Marseilles.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">COST: $3250.00
per person based on Double Occupancy. Airfare is NOT included in the price. We
will assist in booking plane tickets so that everyone gets the best possible
price and that we are all traveling over and back together, unless other
arrangements are made. A single supplement is available. Please inquire at <a href="mailto:tbmgardens@gmail.com">tbmgardens@gmail.com</a> if you will be traveling singly.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><i><u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">***Please note that while this itinerary is complete at this time, unforeseen circumstances can always arise and it may be subject to change for the group's benefit if we deem it necessary.<o:p></o:p></span></u></i></b></div>
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<b><i><u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">***The price of this
trip is based on 1.30 exchange rate. If
the exchange rate changes the trip is <o:p></o:p></span></u></i></b></div>
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<b><i><u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">subject to an
additional charge.</span></u></i></b></div>
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<b><i><u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">***The price is based on
double occupancy. A single </span></u></i></b><span style="text-indent: -1in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><u style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">supplement for travelers traveling by themselves is available on request by emailing Troy at:</u> <a href="mailto:tbmgardens@gmail.com">tbmgardens@gmail.com</a></span></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6898982979014778260.post-60186344622361091772012-11-16T23:39:00.000-06:002012-11-16T23:39:51.383-06:00Savory Pumpkin Tart<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-luBA2JvBGTc/UKcW8HAkNII/AAAAAAAAAdA/BvRwHl1ENho/s400/Jackson+Pumpkin+Display+2.jpg" width="300" /></div>
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Ever wonder what to do with those leftover pumpkins from the fall display on the front porch that seemed like such a good idea at the time? As long as they are still firm and fresh and haven't turned to mush (this obviously doesn't apply to the ones you carved for Halloween and hopefully threw away weeks ago!) there's no reason you can't turn them into something tasty!</div>
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One of my favorite inspirational cookbooks is <em>Vegetables From an Italian Garden,</em> part of the Silver Spoon series from Phaidon publishers, and one of my favorite recipes from said cookbook is for <em>Torta di Zucca</em>, or Savory Pumpkin Tart. This is pumpkin in its true form, reveling in its own sweetness and paired with the most luscious of savory ingredients--what it was meant to be before it was turned into the traditional pumpkin pie of the American Thanksgiving table.</div>
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<em>Torta di Zucca</em></div>
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3/4 cup dried wild mushrooms (your choice of type)</div>
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4 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil</div>
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1 medium onion, finely chopped</div>
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1 pumpkin (pie pumpkin or other pumpkin-type squash) weighing about 2 1/4 pounds, seeded, peeled and diced (Real pumpkin! No canned pumpkin!)</div>
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All-purpose flour for dusting</div>
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1 clove of garlic</div>
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Butter (just enough for greasing the baking pan)</div>
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2 eggs, lightly beaten</div>
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1 generous cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese</div>
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Pinch of freshly grated Nutmeg</div>
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14 ounces basic pie dough, thawed if frozen</div>
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3 1/2 ounces Fontina cheese, sliced</div>
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Salt and Pepper, to taste</div>
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Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.</div>
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Place the mushrooms in a bowl, pour in enough warm water to cover, and let soak while you perform the following steps. Heat half of the olive oil in a pan over low heat. Add the onion and saute, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes or until softened and translucent. Add the pumpkin, 3-4 Tablespoons water and a pinch of salt and cook over medium heat, stirring continuously, until the pumpkin has broken down into a puree (use a handheld blender if you need some help getting it nice and smooth). Remove the pan from the heat.</div>
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Drain the mushrooms, squeeze out the excess liquid and chop.</div>
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Heat the remaining olive oil in a skillet. Add the garlic clove and cook over low heat, stirring frequently, until the oil is infused with garlic flavor. Remove and discard the garlic clove. Add the mushrooms, cooking over low heat and stirring frequently, for 10 minutes or until soft and aromatic. Remove pan from heat.</div>
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Grease and flour an 11 x 13 glass baking dish (in the original recipe a "cake pan"). Combine the pumpkin puree (cooled so it doesn't cook the eggs!), eggs, Parmesan, mushrooms and nutmeg in a bowl and season with pepper.</div>
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Roll out the pie dough on a lightly floured surface and line the baking dish with it, making sure that it comes up the sides. Spoon in the pumpkin mixture, place the slices of Fontina cheese on top and bake for 40 minutes at 400 degrees F.</div>
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***Be sure to grease and flour the pan well to make the tart easy to remove when you serve it. This is the way the original recipe was written (baked in a "cake pan" or glass baking dish), but I have also used a large tart pan (which may not require all of the pumpkin mixture) or wide, shallow pie plate and it works just as well and is easier to slice and serve.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6898982979014778260.post-46400612305902338382012-11-08T18:48:00.000-06:002017-12-11T10:10:27.264-06:00Gardens and Villas of Italy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman"; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times new roman"; font-size: small;"></span></span> Almost five years in the making, I'd like to invite everyone to join me on my first garden tour abroad to see the magnificent.... </div>
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and Villas of Italy</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 28pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><span style="font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 22pt; line-height: 115%;">May
14-26, 2013</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "monotype corsiva"; font-size: 22pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Email: <a href="mailto:tbmgardens@gmail.com">tbmgardens@gmail.com</a></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p9pgtEehMYE/UJxKNq4pF5I/AAAAAAAAAcA/UOf-dOvo2ps/s1600/Priello+Driveway+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="151" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p9pgtEehMYE/UJxKNq4pF5I/AAAAAAAAAcA/UOf-dOvo2ps/s400/Priello+Driveway+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Italy
is home to some of the most beautiful villas and gardens in the world and what
better way to see them than with seasoned travelers and gardeners as your
guides?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ron and Linda Williams of <u>Garden
Travelers</u> have joined forces with Troy Marden, a nationally known garden
expert, author and host of Nashville Public Television’s <u>Volunteer Gardener</u>
to create the trip of a lifetime. With stops including the highlights of Rome
and Florence, the world famous gardens of Villa d’Este and Isola Bella, the
towns of Cortona, Assisi and Stresa, and some of Italy’s most beautiful private
villas and gardens along the way, you’ll see the very best the country has to
offer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In addition to all of the
beautiful sites and scenery, we will enjoy some of the finest cuisine and wine
in Italy as we are treated to private meals on several of our stops.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are so excited about this new, joint
venture and we hope that you will join us on what is a trip you will surely be
talking about for many years to come.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">May
14</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">—Depart
the U.S. for Rome<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">May
15</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">—Arrival
in Rome! Our private coach will meet us at the Rome airport and we will travel
the short distance to <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ostia Antica</b>,
the ancient harbor city of Rome where we will have a guided tour of the ruins,
considered by many to rival those of Pompeii, followed by a group<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> lunch</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We will then re-board our coach for a visit to the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Etruscan tombs of Cerveteri</b>, dating as far back as the 9<sup>th</sup>
century B.C.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This site is off the
regular tour bus route and will give us an opportunity to see some of Italy’s
most ancient history firsthand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our
final stop of the day will be our hotel in Rome, the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Albergo Santa Chiara</b> hotel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Located just one block behind the Pantheon there is a very good small
restaurant nearby where Ron and Linda eat often, as well as several other
choices in the immediate area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lunch included.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PFd3ViFQee0/UJxKWp6MlxI/AAAAAAAAAcI/fJF_0q6wSqE/s1600/IMG_6248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PFd3ViFQee0/UJxKWp6MlxI/AAAAAAAAAcI/fJF_0q6wSqE/s320/IMG_6248.JPG" width="240" /></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">May
16</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">—After
breakfast this morning, we will meet our guide at <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">9 a.m.</b> for a tour of <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ancient
Rome</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This will be an excellent
overview of the area around the Roman Forum and one of Rome’s most recognizable
sites, the Coliseum.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lunch will be on
your own today and for those who wish to see the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Vatican</b>, we will take cabs to the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Vatican Museum</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our tour
there will include both the Museum highlights and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">St. Peters Basilica</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For
those who may have visited the Vatican on prior trips, we will make
arrangements to visit the Borghese Gallery and one other site or you are
welcome to spend the remainder of the day shopping and exploring on your own!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lunch
and dinner on your own in Rome.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">May
17</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">—Today
we will have an early departure time of <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">8:30
a.m.</b> for transfer to <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Cortona</b> by
private coach. Our first stop will be the magnificent <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Villa d’Este in Tivoli</b>, considered by many to be the masterpiece of
Italian gardens and now a UNESCO World Heritage site.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With its impressive concentration of
fountains, nymphs, grottoes, plays of water, and music, it constitutes a
much-copied model for European gardens in the mannerist and Baroque
styles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will not have a guide, but
Ron and Linda have visited many times and are well versed in the garden and
Troy will be on hand to discuss the garden’s features and plantings for those
who are interested. The fountains are especially wonderful and the view from
the top of the garden could only be described as breathtaking!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">While we could linger at Villa d’Este
for the better part of the day, we’ll have to be on our way shortly as we
travel next to <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Castello Ruspoli</b>
where we will view the garden and have <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">lunch.</b>
It is our hope that the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Princess Claudia
Ruspoli</b> will be in residence to join us. Ron and Linda have enjoyed the
food and the garden here on several occasions and Ron should be encouraged to
tell the story of knocking on the door for the first time!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Tuscan countryside.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Our next stop, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Villa Lante</b>, is only 30 minutes away and is probably the
best-preserved Renaissance garden in existence. The inspirational geometry of
this garden must be seen to be believed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Every aspect of the garden is perfectly proportioned and detailed and
the Water Chain is one of the earliest and best preserved examples of a
stepping cascade.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When our visit here
has concluded we will board our private coach for transfer to the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Hotel San Luca</b> in <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Cortona</b>, where we will spend the next 5 nights.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Breakfast,
lunch included.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">May
18</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">—Today
our travels take us to the beautiful city of <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Florence</b> for a visit to <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Palazzo
Corsini</b>, the home of <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Princess
Georgiana Corsini</b>, where a very special craftsman fair will be taking place
which we will have the opportunity to enjoy. The remainder of our day will be
spent in Florence and for those of you visiting for the first time, a special
guided walking tour of the city’s core will be available. We will have part of
the afternoon to shop and explore before returning to our hotel in Cortona for
the night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Breakfast included.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Assisi, Italy</td></tr>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">May
19—</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The
region of<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> Umbria</b> hugs the eastern
Tuscan border and is the only completely landlocked region of the Italian
peninsula. After breakfast, we will board our coach for Umbria where we will
visit the town of <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Assisi</b> and its
magnificent cathedral where the remains of <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">St.
Francis of Assisi</b> are interred. No matter how many cathedrals you have seen
this one is not to be missed with its Upper and Lower Churches, the latter of
which holds the tomb and remains of St. Francis and several of his
followers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">lunch</b> we will be treated to traditional Italian Barbeque in an old
stable in the region and we will visit two other small towns nearby before
returning to our hotel in Cortona.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Breakfast, lunch included.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PN0kQP8Ndag/UJxJq4hlteI/AAAAAAAAAbY/bCeTw8hTD4Y/s1600/St.+Francis+Basilica,+Assisi,+Italy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PN0kQP8Ndag/UJxJq4hlteI/AAAAAAAAAbY/bCeTw8hTD4Y/s400/St.+Francis+Basilica,+Assisi,+Italy.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Basilica of St. Francis, Assisi, Italy</td></tr>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LndozQtRBik/UJxJ3NPIGgI/AAAAAAAAAbo/KQqhqSGoxXc/s1600/The+Vineyard+at+Poggio+Amorelli%252C+Chianti%252C+Italy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LndozQtRBik/UJxJ3NPIGgI/AAAAAAAAAbo/KQqhqSGoxXc/s320/The+Vineyard+at+Poggio+Amorelli%252C+Chianti%252C+Italy.jpg" width="320" /></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">May
20</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">—Today
we will depart for <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Villa Geggiano</b>
where we will enjoy a tour of the garden and villa, as well as be treated to <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">lunch</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Two brothers run the winery and villa and one of the two (both are
wonderful!) will serve as our guide. “Around the enchanting hills of Chianti
Classico, world famous for their wines, their natural beauty and their
millenary history, just six kilometers North-East of Siena, is the
centuries-old Villa di Geggiano, home since 1527 of the Bianchi Bandinelli
family and its winery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The family
continues to manage the Villa and its precious surrounding vineyards with the
passion of those who thoroughly appreciate the beauty and richness of this
land.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Villa and garden, originally
built in the 14<sup>th</sup> century and completely renovated around 1780, have
been declared a National Heritage site and, with their original decorations and
furnishings, form an exceptional historical site where visitors are brought
back to the atmosphere of an elegant eighteenth century holiday mansion.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YWOyOpxckaE/UJxKEzAAgiI/AAAAAAAAAb4/6eKwMcEnv0Y/s1600/Wine+Tasting,+Poggio+Amorelli,+Chianti,+Italy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YWOyOpxckaE/UJxKEzAAgiI/AAAAAAAAAb4/6eKwMcEnv0Y/s320/Wine+Tasting,+Poggio+Amorelli,+Chianti,+Italy.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">This is one of the most special stops on
our itinerary and is one of Ron and Linda’s favorite private sites in all of
Italy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are certain you will leave
feeling the same way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The site, the
food, the wine and the hospitality of the owners are second to none. When we
have finished, we will board our coach for a drive through the Tuscan
countryside to the town of <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">San Gimignano</b>,
famous for its dozen or so towers which form an unforgettable skyline. It also
has a wonderfully quaint town square, good shopping and some of the best gelato
you will have on the trip! At the end of the day, we will return to our hotel
in Cortona for the evening. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Breakfast,
lunch included.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">May
21</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">—Our
stops today will include both <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Pienza</b>
and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Siena</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In Pienza we will visit the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Palazzo Piccolomini</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Much-inspired by the Palazzo Rucellai in
Florence, this is Rossellino’s masterpiece.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Inside there is the armory, the library with early printed books and the
Papal chamber with a Baroque bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If the
three sides facing the town are similar and in harmony with pilasters and
entablatures, not so the fourth, with its three-story loggia and hanging garden
looking onto the sweeping landscape of the Orcia Valley. The square around the
Palazzo is Renaissance in style and very interesting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pienza also has wonderful food and cheese
stores.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will have <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">lunch</b> at <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Montereggioni</b>, an intact walled city.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After lunch, we will make our way to <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Siena</b> where we will meet our guide and
tour the inner core of the city before returning to our Cortona hotel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Breakfast,
lunch included.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KmtbHZzWOuQ/UJxJRSr5RtI/AAAAAAAAAbA/5i10xfKQwlQ/s1600/IMG_5461.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KmtbHZzWOuQ/UJxJRSr5RtI/AAAAAAAAAbA/5i10xfKQwlQ/s400/IMG_5461.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunrise in Tuscany</td></tr>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">May
22</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">—Today
we make the final transfer of our trip, from Cortona to the beautiful town of <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Stresa</b> on the shores of <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lake Maggiore</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will leave Cortona at 9 a.m. and visit the
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Corsini Winery </b>for a tour of the
garden, the old winery and the villa. This winery has been in existence for at
least 500 years. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At one point, the villa
had been uninhabited for 50 years, but the current residents have done a
marvelous job of restoration.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will
have <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">lunch</b> here, which will include
the Corsini wine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ron and Linda have
been here on several occasions and feel sure that everyone will find this stop
a real treat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our final destination of
the day will be <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Stresa</b> and the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Grand Hotel Bristol</b>, where we will
spend the remaining days of our trip. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Breakfast,
lunch and dinner included.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CTUXKRDsyag/UJxKAY7-LrI/AAAAAAAAAbw/QINo1TTr-T0/s1600/Potted+Plants%252C+Volpaia%252C+Italy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CTUXKRDsyag/UJxKAY7-LrI/AAAAAAAAAbw/QINo1TTr-T0/s400/Potted+Plants%252C+Volpaia%252C+Italy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">May
23</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">—This
morning we depart our hotel at 9 a.m. for <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Villa
Cicogna Mozzoni</b> for a private tour of the Villa, the garden and a <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">private lunch</b> in the Villa. This will
be another amazing visit to a private home and garden with the owner as our
host.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again, Ron and Linda have been
here several times and it is always a thrill and Troy will be available, as he
will be throughout the trip, to answer questions or lead discussions relating
to gardens, garden design and the wide variety of plants you will encounter
along the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lunch </b>today will be our <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">final
group meal</b> and we should return to Stresa by 3:30 or 4:00.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Breakfast,
lunch included.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">May
24</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">—The
final two days of our trip will be for you to explore <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lake Maggiore and Stresa</b> on your own and there is much to do!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stresa is a truly wonderful and relaxing
small town that you are sure to fall in love with. Today we have arranged for
private transport to <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Isola Bella</b>—the
“Beautiful Island”—a treat that should not be missed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is magical, to say the least, with its
magnificent Villa and a garden that will leave you at a loss for words.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of all of the gardens that Troy has visited
in Italy, this is one of his favorites and he will station himself around the
garden to talk about the garden’s design and its excellent collection of
plants.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vWRX2FBu2vU/UJxQuoJy-_I/AAAAAAAAAco/iBZwNBpGCAs/s1600/La+Bottega+Ristorante,+Volpaia,+Italy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vWRX2FBu2vU/UJxQuoJy-_I/AAAAAAAAAco/iBZwNBpGCAs/s400/La+Bottega+Ristorante,+Volpaia,+Italy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">After our visit to Isola Bella you will
be on your own to return to the mainland or to visit one of the other nearby
islands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Isola Pescatori </b>is the smallest, but has a few interesting shops
and a couple of good restaurants that serve fresh fish caught directly from the
lake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our recommendation would be to
visit <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Isola Madre</b>, with its much
different but equally stunning garden and exceptional collection of plants, as
well as its own beautiful Villa. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Breakfast
included.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">May
25—</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Our
final day in Stresa is entirely yours, with free time to rest, relax and enjoy
your surroundings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are several
things to do in the area and we are happy to make recommendations. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Breakfast included.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">May
26</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">—Return
flight home, from <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Milan Malpensa Airport</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">IMPORTANT
NOTE</span></b></a><span style="mso-bookmark: _GoBack;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Please note that departure times from
hotels each morning may vary based on that day’s tours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is important to listen to all bus
announcements upon arrival to various hotels and sites and at the end of each
day for the following day’s departure time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Also, TRAVEL PLANS ARE MADE SEVERAL MONTHS IN ADVANCE AND MAY BE SUBJECT
TO CHANGE DUE TO UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES BEYOND OUR CONTROL.<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: _GoBack;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Price:<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The price of this trip is $3395.00 for the ground
package based on double occupancy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Included:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Hotels, breakfast each day, private coach travel in Italy per itinerary,
admissions to sites visited as a group, guide services where noted, 9 meals,
taxes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b>The tip for the coach driver
is not included.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The cost is based on a
minimum of 20 persons and an exchange rate of 1.25 and could be subject to
modification should either of these factors change unexpectedly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We try very hard not to do this and will
notify the group immediately should it become necessary.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">$200.00 per person
deposit due by Dec. 1 (Deposits made prior to Dec. 1, 2012 will be fully
refundable until Dec. 1, 2012).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A
payment of $1000.00 is due by Feb. 1, 2013.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The final payment is due by April 1, 2013.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because of the small size of our groups,
prices and accommodations both at hotels and private gardens/estates are based
on group size.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For this reason, it is
not possible for us to refund the cost of the trip, except for the deposit as
noted above, once you have committed to join us. For that reason, we suggest
that all travelers purchase Travel Insurance, which is addressed below.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Single
Supplement:</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> While most people will travel as
couples or pairs, with spouses or friends, a single supplement will be
available should you wish to travel individually.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please feel free to inquire by emailing me at <a href="mailto:tbmgardens@gmail.com">tbmgardens@gmail.com</a> .<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Airfare:</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We have not included airfare in the
price of this trip, as many people today prefer to book their own air travel
using airline miles, credit card points or other methods.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will give a meeting time at the Rome airport
on May 15 and hope that everyone will make every effort to be there on time so
that we can depart by private coach for our first destination.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Linda will be available to help book
international flights should you need assistance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Travel
Insurance:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We highly recommend that you purchase
travel insurance so that you are covered in the event that unforeseen
circumstances would prevent you from traveling. </span><span style="font-family: "goudy old style" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We would be
happy to offer some suggestions and encourage you to buy the insurance as you
place your deposit.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Passports:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Current passports are required for
travel to nearly all destinations outside of the U.S. and Italy is no
exception.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Please be sure that your passport is current</b> or that you apply for
your passport (if you don’t have one) <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">at
least 90 days prior to departure</b>, and even further ahead of time is
preferable and highly encouraged.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Better
to be safe than sorry!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">For more information: <a href="mailto:tbmgardens@gmail.com">tbmgardens@gmail.com</a><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6898982979014778260.post-53919897488042126582012-10-02T10:12:00.000-05:002012-10-02T10:12:26.667-05:00On The Ground and In The AirGood Morning All!<br />
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It has been a long time since we last talked and first and foremost I just wanted to let everyone know that all is well! There have been a number of very good things happening that have kept me away from the blog for a few months, but my schedule is about to loosen up a bit and I have a lot of great things to tell you. I'll get to those in a future installment, but today, I want to tell you that after several years of trying I have found who I think are the perfect folks to partner with in the Garden Travel & Tour business that I have wanted to launch for so long.</div>
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I met Ron & Linda Williams at the American Hosta Society National Convention when it was held here in Nashville back in June and, as luck would have it, they own a garden tour business! We have partnered to create a tour to Italy from May 14-26, 2013 and I hope that some of you might be interested in joining us! Below are a few photos from a personal trip to Italy a couple of years ago and a sneak peek at just a bit of the Italian countryside we'll see on the trip.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jUfELw5WxOQ/UGr2HjtYBlI/AAAAAAAAAaU/DolvDKWyMGs/s1600/IMG_5430.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jUfELw5WxOQ/UGr2HjtYBlI/AAAAAAAAAaU/DolvDKWyMGs/s320/IMG_5430.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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The sunrises in Tuscany can be spectacular and the food is second-to-none.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kIh9JV2PdTQ/UGr2pEjaQZI/AAAAAAAAAac/2hKNIkUc270/s1600/Assisi,+Italy+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kIh9JV2PdTQ/UGr2pEjaQZI/AAAAAAAAAac/2hKNIkUc270/s320/Assisi,+Italy+5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Assisi, in Umbria, is the birthplace of St. Francis and one of the stops we will make on this tour.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xpp1VphBQTU/UGr2zaT3o4I/AAAAAAAAAak/0y9fHoSu6aQ/s1600/Lucca,+Italy-View+from+Top+of+Tower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xpp1VphBQTU/UGr2zaT3o4I/AAAAAAAAAak/0y9fHoSu6aQ/s320/Lucca,+Italy-View+from+Top+of+Tower.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Tuscan countryside is full of charming hill towns and our trip will include visits to Cortona, Siena, and others.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eJJSzxPDUdI/UGr3D_yKvoI/AAAAAAAAAas/W8Ip3WXKYns/s1600/The+Vineyard+at+Poggio+Amorelli,+Chianti,+Italy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eJJSzxPDUdI/UGr3D_yKvoI/AAAAAAAAAas/W8Ip3WXKYns/s320/The+Vineyard+at+Poggio+Amorelli,+Chianti,+Italy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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You can't go to Italy and not enjoy the amazing food and wine. One of our stops will be a private tour of one of the finest villas and vineyards in Chianti, where we will be hosted by the owners with lunch at the villa as a special treat.</div>
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Other highlights include a brief tour of Rome at the beginning of the trip, 5 nights in Tuscany and the grand finale will be in the quiet and relaxing town of Stresa on the stunning shores of Lake Maggiore.</div>
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Gardens included will be those of the world famous Villa d'Este at Tivoli, Isola Bella (an island garden and villa on Lake Maggiore), the private villa and garden of Princess Claudia Ruspoli who we hope will be in residence and join us for lunch, a special artisan's craft fair at Palazzo Corsini in Florence and much more along the way.</div>
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For a full itinerary, pricing and other information, please email me at <a href="mailto:tbmgardens@gmail.com">tbmgardens@gmail.com</a> These tours are designed for small groups and we will close the trip at 20 people. This is how we are able to visit many of the private, one-of-a-kind destinations included on this trip, so if you are interested, please don't delay in contacting me as we expect the trip to fill fairly quickly. I hope you'll be able to join us!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6898982979014778260.post-57087023950344671642012-02-24T21:45:00.000-06:002012-02-24T21:45:04.320-06:00Antiques & Garden Show 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I swore I wasn't going to do it. A couple of years ago, after 17 years of involvement, I had "retired". This year, I was simply going to be in attendance at Nashville's annual Antiques & Garden Show. I would walk the floor, peruse the items, chat with old friends and maybe have a Bloody Mary or two. Then the phone call came. Cheekwood, our botanical garden where I started my Nashville career 19 years ago, needed an assist. I've never been able to say no to Cheekwood and to make matters worse, it was one of my best friends who made the call. How could I possibly say 'No'?</div>
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And so I found myself planted firmly in the middle not just of creating a garden, but creating THE garden that sits right at the main entrance to the show--the very first thing people see when they come in the door. It was time to pull out all the stops! I had done this garden one time before, but this year was different. For the first time in the 20-plus-year history of the show, Cheekwood was going to be front and center. They had to look good, and so did I. So it was that the Cheekwood garden staff and I set to work with my talented designer friend Phillipe Chadwick (a talented designer in his own right and the gardener in charge of Cheekwood's Color Garden, among other things) and I at the helm, creating the garden of Cheekwood's dreams. We hoped. </div>
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There were times when it was an uphill climb, but we made it. The first picture below is what the garden looked like at about noon on Monday and the rest are what it looked like at about the same time on Thursday, just a few hours before the show opened for the annual Patrons and Preview Parties.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NOi2l9T4jIM/T0hOUgrgUsI/AAAAAAAAAZc/nLyySpzWHMY/s1600/IMG_5753.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NOi2l9T4jIM/T0hOUgrgUsI/AAAAAAAAAZc/nLyySpzWHMY/s320/IMG_5753.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Construction was well underway by noon on Monday, but the floower was still plywood, the reflecting pool still needed its liner and our "tree trunks" still needed to have their bark attached.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yWHKaPdjO8Y/T0hOZD7ArfI/AAAAAAAAAZk/t3XCVKRUbpg/s1600/A&G+2012-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yWHKaPdjO8Y/T0hOZD7ArfI/AAAAAAAAAZk/t3XCVKRUbpg/s320/A&G+2012-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The same view of the garden at noon on Thursday!</div>
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Our amazing "grass people" created by Parisian artist Mathilde Roussel just for our garden at the Antiques & Garden Show.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X6vTudFxZhI/T0hOcr-SJ7I/AAAAAAAAAZ0/brLbRHglAAc/s1600/A&G+2012-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X6vTudFxZhI/T0hOcr-SJ7I/AAAAAAAAAZ0/brLbRHglAAc/s320/A&G+2012-3.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Our "tree trunks" after they were full of flowers. These were created from cardboard sonotubes and cedar slabs with the bark still attached.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bWA7uFQfkzo/T0hOfpCcs3I/AAAAAAAAAZ8/y6AZTGm7n3A/s1600/A&G+2012-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bWA7uFQfkzo/T0hOfpCcs3I/AAAAAAAAAZ8/y6AZTGm7n3A/s320/A&G+2012-4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The theme of this year's show was "Collective Color" and each flower arrangement was created in a more or less monochromatic scheme to create a rainbow of color across the back of the garden.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--k4uIEm3cFA/T0hOhBk9XCI/AAAAAAAAAaE/1YYRZ9la2bk/s1600/A&G+2012-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--k4uIEm3cFA/T0hOhBk9XCI/AAAAAAAAAaE/1YYRZ9la2bk/s320/A&G+2012-5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The largest arrangement that Phillipe and I created was nearly 5 feet tall by 8 feet wide and stood atop a tree trunk that was 8 feet tall.</div>
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One of the favorite features of this year's garden were these antique gates that were donated to Cheekwood about 10 years ago. They have been fully refurbished and will now be prominently featured in the newly-renovated Howe Garden which will open later this spring.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6898982979014778260.post-28947261386333204742012-02-19T08:48:00.000-06:002012-02-19T08:48:26.999-06:00Winter Weather AdvisoryWinter Weather Advisory. Those are words we've only heard once or twice here in the Nashville area this winter. In fact, our winter has been closer to a Zone 8b winter than our typical Zone 6b (or 7a if you choose to believe the new USDA Hardiness Zones Map that was just published <a href="http://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb/">http://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb/</a> ). Yes, we've gotten warmer. Imagine that. The new Hardiness Zones Map is based on 30 years worth of data, rather than the typical 10 years, so at least we're headed in the right direction and looking at long-term weather data rather than potentially anomalous short-term trends.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-swlPzTtSMLU/T0ECWEWi8aI/AAAAAAAAAX0/gyVCvKSJaX8/s1600/Narcissus+pseudonarcissus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-swlPzTtSMLU/T0ECWEWi8aI/AAAAAAAAAX0/gyVCvKSJaX8/s320/Narcissus+pseudonarcissus.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<em>Narcissus pseudonarcissus</em></div>
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While I have personally enjoyed not having those frigid winds whipping across the ridge and the treacherous road conditions that go along with living in a region that is notoriously unprepared to deal with winter weather, the garden has been confused. Not all of the plants are confused, mind you, but some that have a predisposed notion for popping up early in the season were waaaay ahead of schedule. <em>Narcissus pseudonarcissus</em> the early daffodil that is naturalized all over the southeastern U.S. usually begins flowering about now--sometime between Valentine's Day and the end of February. This year, it was in full bloom in my garden on January 20.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VAsLrcq1Es8/T0EDcS09sAI/AAAAAAAAAX8/p2K7FOSi16Y/s1600/Helleborus+niger+%2527Josef+Lemper%2527+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VAsLrcq1Es8/T0EDcS09sAI/AAAAAAAAAX8/p2K7FOSi16Y/s320/Helleborus+niger+%2527Josef+Lemper%2527+2012.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<em>Helleborus niger </em>'Josef Lemper'</div>
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Hellebores, also called Christmas or Lenten Rose depending on the species, are staples of the Southern shade garden. Their evergreen foliage provides year round interest, but it's their flowers that are most welcome during the short, gray days of winter. I have several and can honestly say I don't think I've ever met a hellebore I didn't love. Some of the most impressive that I have trialed over the past three years include <em>Helleborus niger</em> 'Josef Lemper', which began flowering the week of Thanksgiving (2011) and continues to produce new flowers even as I'm writing this, the third week of February, three months later.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-REY1UdU63iQ/T0EEAD4FZ2I/AAAAAAAAAY0/jy24nuBjdS4/s1600/Helleborus+niger+Double+Fantasy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-REY1UdU63iQ/T0EEAD4FZ2I/AAAAAAAAAY0/jy24nuBjdS4/s320/Helleborus+niger+Double+Fantasy.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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<em>Helleborus niger </em>'Double Fantasy'</div>
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<em>Helleborus niger </em>'Double Fantasy' as it ages.</div>
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<em>Helleborus niger </em>'Double Fantasy' is a fairly recent introduction from Japan and has pristine white flowers which, once the plant is well-established, will be fully double in form. Younger plants will produce what are often called "anemone-flowered" blooms with a ruff of central petals like the photos above. I also love the way the flower ages, with the outer petals often turning green while the inner petals remain white.<br />
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<em>Helleborus </em>x 'Winter Moonbeam'</div>
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Another outstanding performer in the garden during the past three years or so has been <em>Helleborus </em>x 'Winter Moonbeam'. I love its foliage in the summer--a dark, almost black-green with creamy silver marbling in the veins. It's right by the front door where I can appreciate it every day. And in winter, it greets me from around New Years Day until late March with creamy white flowers that age pink and eventually to almost maroon. They remain on the plant for several months and I remove them only when the new foliage begins to push up in mid-spring.</div>
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I also love the opportunity to visit other gardens around Nashville and wherever I may be traveling for business or pleasure. Some recent trips to Cheekwood, our local public garden and Glen Leven, a property owned by The Land Trust for Tennessee, offered up these spectacular winter and early spring garden gems.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xjswNVOcL-A/T0EDqmAe1DI/AAAAAAAAAYU/qrm6m-oKrLs/s1600/Edgeworthia+chrysantha+2+CW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xjswNVOcL-A/T0EDqmAe1DI/AAAAAAAAAYU/qrm6m-oKrLs/s320/Edgeworthia+chrysantha+2+CW.jpg" width="279" /></a></div>
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<em>Edgeworthia chrysantha</em>--Chinese Paperbush</div>
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<em>Chimonanthus praecox</em>--Wintersweet (flowering at Christmas!)</div>
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<em>Arum italicum</em>--Italian Arum (Leaves appear in autumn and remain throughout the winter.)</div>
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And a very special little narcissus, known throughout the South as a "Sweetie" because of its intoxicating fragrance, <em>Narcissus jonquilla </em>(flowering about a month early).</div>
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So if, like me, you live in USDA Zone 6b or warmer, you too can enjoy many of these winter-flowering beauties. Many are hardier than Zone 6, growing even into Zone 5 (and in the case of the Narcissus, Zone 4). They'll just flower at the end of winter instead of throughout the winter months like they do for me.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6898982979014778260.post-20493565038078933652011-12-25T08:46:00.000-06:002011-12-25T08:46:26.722-06:00And In Christmas News...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Early on this Christmas morning, while the family is still asleep, I thought I'd share a bit of the week's good news with all of you. I want to thank each and every one of you for following along! Gardener Cook (formerly Garden Notes) will officially reach 25,000 views before year's end! This is no small feat and is thanks entirely to you. No readers, no blog. It's that simple.</div>
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As I have alluded to in many Facebook posts and the occasional blog post, I've been wanting to share some exciting news for several weeks, but was unable to until the official word came and I was 100% sure it was going to happen. I didn't want to jinx it! So today, I can tell you with a great sense of pride (and a certain amount of relief!) that my first book proposal has been accepted by Timber Press and that I will be spending much of 2012 writing and photographing for a new book tentatively titled <em>In A Southern Garden--Lessons From 20 Years of Gardening in the South</em>. This is only a working title and may (will, likely) change, but you never know. Regardless, the proposal has met with all levels of approval, has been officially signed off on and I will have a contract in hand the first week of January!</div>
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On the same day--almost at the same time, in fact--a second project that I had been approached about working on also came through. If all of the stars align and we can work out any "conflict of interest" concerns, I may actually be working on two books in 2012! The second would be a distinct departure from my gardening world, but an easy step into my second passion--food! (There was some logic behind my changing up the blog earlier this year!) I can't say much more than that for now, as many of the details still have to be worked out, but keep your fingers crossed and perhaps by year's end I'll have some further news on this exciting second project.</div>
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I hope this brief post finds all of you well this holiday season! Regardless of which holiday you celebrate, I hope it brings you joy, happiness and peace. From my garden to yours, Merry Christmas and I'll see you in 2012!</div>
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<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6898982979014778260.post-15853857798282128432011-12-16T11:43:00.001-06:002015-12-28T18:45:23.125-06:00Not Your Grandmother's Amaryllis<div style="text-align: center;">
Before we dive into the world of these stunning "new" amaryllis, let's talk for just a minute about names. While I have used the word "amaryllis" in the title and again in the first sentence, it's because I'm writing for you, the gardening public, and not because it is necessarily accurate. In fact, amaryllis has become the accepted common name for a group of bulbs technically called <em>Hippeastrum</em>. These are the bulbs that we all know and love as the Christmas bloomers, often with giant red, pink, or white blooms (or multiple variations on that theme). The truth is that <em>Amaryllis </em>(capital "A" and italicized) is the name of an entirely different genus (group) of plants and is not at all what it is sold in stores around the world at Christmas time. That said, we all refer to these holiday beauties as "amaryllis", so in keeping with what we all understand, I'm using the same terminology.</div>
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The amaryllis I'd like to introduce you to are a newer group of bulbs with extremely unusual and exotic blooms with often spidery petals and an almost otherworldly appearance. These unusual blooms come from a species known as <em>Hippeastrum cybister</em>, pictured below in a print made around the time of the species' discovery in South America.</div>
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In the past two decades, hybridizers have been working with <em>Hippeastrum cybister</em> and crossing it with other species and hybrids to create an entirely new group of bulbs known as the Cybister Group or Cybister Hybrids. Some of the best include stunning new introductions such as:</div>
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<em>Hippeastrum </em>'Evergreen':</div>
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<em>Hippeastrum </em>'Rio Negro':</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VBnldmR3oiQ/TuuA3CG6EeI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/E3UadjEKnHE/s1600/Cybister+%2527Rio+Negro%2527.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VBnldmR3oiQ/TuuA3CG6EeI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/E3UadjEKnHE/s320/Cybister+%2527Rio+Negro%2527.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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<em>Hippeastrum </em>'Merengue':</div>
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And one of the most unusual of all, <em>Hippeastrum</em> 'Double Merengue', a full double-flowered form of the variety pictured above.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9KQ-ScPwyzc/TuuA8YS8yBI/AAAAAAAAAXg/OE0aKoHyD6w/s1600/Cybister+%2527Double+Merengue%2527.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9KQ-ScPwyzc/TuuA8YS8yBI/AAAAAAAAAXg/OE0aKoHyD6w/s320/Cybister+%2527Double+Merengue%2527.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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So there you have it! Some new, unusual and out-of-the-ordinary amaryllis to add to your Christmas collection. You may not find these in every garden center you walk into, but they are becoming more widely available through various online retailers and a quick Google search should help you locate several nurseries and bulb suppliers who offer them for sale. I hope this post finds everyone well and enjoying the holiday season and I wish you the very best in the coming year!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6898982979014778260.post-82049843324725869382011-11-28T19:32:00.001-06:002011-11-28T20:09:47.043-06:00Winter Inspiration<br />
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It's hard to believe that Thanksgiving has already passed and December 1 is bearing down upon us. And of course, the weather has taken a turn for the worse long before I (or the garden) was ready. In fact, I'm sitting here writing to you now with a fire in the fireplace and snow--yes, SNOW!--bearing down on west Tennessee. It remains to be seen whether it will make it all the way to the Nashville area, but indications are that we'll have at least a dusting and maybe as much as inch or so before it's said and done. Some areas are expecting more!</div>
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Even with the weather turning sour, the garden still has some life in it. In fact, this beautiful "Christmas rose", <em>Helleborus niger </em>'Josef Lemper' just started flowering this week and will continue, completely unfazed by the weather, until April! It is my favorite of all of the recent hellebore introductions. There are others, as well, but none that have the flower power of Josef.</div>
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Here is Josef Lemper last January with a bud pushing up through the snow!</div>
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Other winter favorites include the many witchhazels like <em>Hamamelis </em>'Primavera', pictured below. Flowering as early as January in warmer climates, its bright yellow petals are a bright spot in the winter garden and are completely unaffected by cold temperatures. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SFwRWdn2TcM/TtQ1qidwlBI/AAAAAAAAAWY/K1vT2HldeT4/s1600/Hamamelis+Primavera.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SFwRWdn2TcM/TtQ1qidwlBI/AAAAAAAAAWY/K1vT2HldeT4/s400/Hamamelis+Primavera.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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A plant that often gets a bad rap for being "invasive"--another topic for another blog post--is <em>Mahonia bealei, </em>Leatherleaf Mahonia. Its outstanding architectural form is a welcome presence year-round in the garden, but my favorite feature of mahonia is its winter blooms. In fact, its one of the few nectar sources available to honeybees that emerge to scavenge for food on warm winter days.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SmdOs9EUrFc/TtQ1tOW36NI/AAAAAAAAAWg/RD5vLmTTA9E/s1600/Mahonia+bealei+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SmdOs9EUrFc/TtQ1tOW36NI/AAAAAAAAAWg/RD5vLmTTA9E/s400/Mahonia+bealei+1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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One last winter favorite, and yes, another of those that some gardeners consider "invasive" (remove the seedheads and they won't move an inch, and it's not that time consuming--you deadhead everything else...) <em>Arum italicum</em> is an important denizen of my winter garden. The foliage emerges in late October and early November, remaining completely evergreen throughout the winter, thumbing its nose at temperatures well below freezing. If we dip down into the teens for an extended period, some leaves my suffer some frost damage, but those can simply be removed and with the warm days of spring, new foliage will appear. Keep in mind that this is a plant that goes dormant in the summer, hiding underground during the hottest months of the year, so plan accordingly. Its the perfect plant to mix in with hostas and other shade lovers that are dormant in winter. The arum will be up all winter long and as it goes dormant in early summer, the hostas will take its place. In autumn, the cycle will start over as the hostas go dormant and the arum emerges.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sRdVwKY6OEQ/TtQ12DIdIsI/AAAAAAAAAWw/hVSyC4MoBoI/s1600/Arum+italicum+2011-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sRdVwKY6OEQ/TtQ12DIdIsI/AAAAAAAAAWw/hVSyC4MoBoI/s400/Arum+italicum+2011-1.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>
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So just because winter is knocking at the door doesn't mean I have to let it in, and even on the coldest winter days the garden will remind me that spring will--eventually--return.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1