WINTER BEAUTY

This time of year is among my favorites.  The bare winter landscape allows us to appreciate the forms of trees and plants when all of the leaves have vanished. There seems to be a cold bluish cast to the  light.. Following are photos from the shop that I think of as reflecting the feeling of winter.

SPRINGTIME AT DUMBARTON OAKS

Spring has arrived at Dumbarton Oaks Washington DC's most beautiful garden. This is my second post on Dumbarton Oaks and there will certainly be more to follow. Once again I focused my camera on the garden ornamentation as well as the grounds. There are so many details to catch the eye and capture the imagination. I've also included photos of the 'Cloud Terrace' installation by Andy Cao and Xavier Perrot.

SPRING ARRIVALS (More on the way)

DUMBARTON OAKS

Washington DC's Secret Garden

Dumbarton Oaks is located in the Georgetown section of Washington DC. It is only a few blocks from our shop and I have the pleasure of walking by it everyday. It is without a doubt one of the most beautiful gardens in the world. It's not only the plantings that captivate but also the garden ornament and architectural embellishments. Every area rewards you with something beautiful and unexpected. It is difficult to express the uniqueness of Dumbarton through photographs though I have been trying for years. Following are a few photos just to try to give you an idea of how special this garden is. If you are planning to visit Washington DC you must see it. I will follow with posts in the future that elaborate on its history and more interesting details. It is located at 703 32nd Street and you can access more information at www.doaks.org.

ILLUMINATION

Lighting as a design element has never been more varied. My personal preference leans toward the 'industrial' look. There's nothing like an antique mercury glass or metal fixture that has found it's way from an old factory. But I also find it hard to resist the lure of a beautiful Murano glass chandelier. There is no reason why you can't mix it up.

 Moss & Co., Oliver Dunn and Catharine Roberts

Lighting from ABC CARPET & HOME

ARTFUL ABUNDANCE

While visiting the Dupont Circle Farmers Market this past Sunday my first impression was that I had walked into a Dutch still life painting. I was immediately struck by the sheer abundance of Mid Summer fruits vegetables and flowers not to mention the colors and textures. It was visual perfection. The standouts for me were the indescribable 'Golden Beets' and the giant heirloom tomatoes - each one with its own unique personality. And of course I can't leave out the amazing variety of mushrooms with their one of a kind shapes and surfaces. The following photographs attempt to capture a bit of my experience.

Lovely Lisianthus

Ripe Juicy Plums

'Golden Beets' In Their Perfect Basket

A Mushroom Village

Heirloom Tomato With A Personality

NEW PHOTOS FROM MOSS & CO

Ammonites

Lots of New Jewelry

Forged  Iron  Cork  Screws 

New Bags and Totes

'Fog' Linen Kitchen Towels

More Jewelry

Beautiful Crystals

The Curious Apartment (mine)