Cottage Report

I can't believe it's September already. The summer was but a sneeze! I guess that's why it's savoured all the more in these northeast zones where winter is expected to be fierce yet again this year, according to the Farmer's Almanac. (Expect higher than average snowfall.)

I used to rush through summer. I was never really a summer kid. My artistic sensibilities meant I spent a lot of time indoors drawing and dreaming up new worlds, creating landscapes with the blankets on my bed for my toy dinosaurs to roam. It was incidental that the sun was shining and the birds chirping. I really didn't care that much. As I age, though, I find myself more drawn to the summer season, the intensity of the light, the warmth of the sun and especially the amazing virtues of nature, which just jump out all over the place in the summer.

My parents have a place in rural Ontario - a cabin in the woods next to a calm, quiet lake that has the cleanest water you could imagine. All around it are tall trees and woodlands. It's a Canadian dream made real. We've been building most of it ourselves, under the guidance of my father, who has worked tirelessly to build this place, step by step by step. It's not finished yet. We have a bit more to do, but the process is enjoyable. (It makes a real difference when you build something yourself, when you can see and feel how it all comes together.)

Below are some summer photos I've taken at the cottage in the summer. Hopefully you'll feel as nostalgic for those long days, sweet scents and beautiful scenes as I do.

My mom's red clogs by the water. A glorious sunset on the lake.

Everything is rustic here, which is so much a part of the atmosphere.

No electricity yet means lighting with candles, like this collection in a galvanized tub.

My dad putting some finishing touches on the porch.

Baseboard moldings, improvised and made by hand, are still rough and raw.

My Nana enjoys a crossword puzzle on the porch.My mom enjoys a swim.

A mossy carpet on the boulders near the lakeside.

A morning cloak butterfly on my dad's hand.

An inviting vista. This is where we enter the lake to swim.

Sunlight through translucent leaves is a summer wonder.

A rain drop clings to life on the tip of a cedar branch. Still waters reflect the setting sun.

Birch bark, up close.

My dad surveys the cottage and assesses what still needs to be done.

All of the logs of the cottage had to be sanded by hand and then stained.

My parents' dog, Molly. Sweet as can be!

An Early Christmas

It's never too early to start Christmas shopping, I say, so I decided to treat myself to an early Christmas gift. This little holiday kitchen linen set from the Martha Stewart Collection was found on eBay and I just had to have it. I'm glad I did! I love the colours and the retro-modern design.

The set came with two tea towels and a pot holder.

A nice detail is this linen strip in one corner of the towel for hanging it on a hook to dry.

A stitched Christmas tree on one corner of the pot holder is a very nice detail.

I've found that eBay is a great resource for discounted merchandise from the Martha Stewart Collection. I got my bedding from eBay, which you can see on my bed below. It's Martha's "Vintage Wallpaper" pattern from the Martha Stewart Collection.

Martha in Denver

Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia and KB Home celebrated the one year anniversary of their KB Home Stapleton community yesterday. Martha attended the birthday celebration with Jeffrey Mezger, president and CEO of KB Home. Located just outside Denver, the community opened last year and is the only KB Home/Martha Stewart community in Colorado.

Approximately 100 contest winners, along with media and numerous local officials, attended the birthday party held at the community. Attendees enjoyed a luncheon and had the opportunity to participate in a cupcake-decorating contest judged by Martha, who selected the winner; Robert Davies used icing for a big M and her trademark line: "It's a good thing." Davies, who bought one of her homes at Stapleton, confessed it was his first attempt at decorating a cupcake. And when he told her he is a psychiatrist, she quipped that it's a long drive back to the airport, and maybe he should ride along. He and two other runners up were presented with gift baskets courtesy of Martha Stewart Living and KB Home.

Martha and Robert Davies, the winner of the cupcake contest.

“The one year anniversary of our Martha Stewart community at Stapleton is a significant milestone,” said Jeffrey Mezger, president and CEO of KB Home. “Innovative collaborations like our partnership with Martha Stewart continue to draw buyers to our communities and truly set our company apart in the marketplace by offering choices buyers can find only at KB Home.”

According to MetroStudies, the year to date sales at the KB Home Martha Stewart Stapleton community are 38 percent higher than the other 11 builders in the Stapleton master plan.

Martha poses with KB Home President and CEO Jeffrey Mezger in one of the model homes in Stapleton.

At KB Home Stapleton: Homes Created with Martha Stewart, homebuyers have their choice of five floor plans ranging in size from 1,593 to 2,084 square feet, all with 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths and 2-car garages. The exterior of the homes are inspired by Martha’s own residences, as are the interior design details such as wainscoting, picture-frame moldings, open shelving, beadboard and more. Visitors to the community can tour three model homes decorated by the Martha Stewart design team. Pricing on your very own Martha-inspired home begins in the mid $300,000s.

The largest of the Lily Pond Lane plans.

"I am thrilled that our KB Home Martha Stewart community in Stapleton is one of the best selling in Colorado,” said Martha. “These homes demonstrate the excellent design and value we know is important to our customers." Martha also told reporters that she will be supporting Obama this fall (by default, since she is a Democrat who was an adamant Hillary supporter) but that she will not be at the Democratic convention since she will be in Mexico filming a segment for her TV show. Martha also hinted that one of the main goals this year is to make the TV show an international hit.

The Fortunate Fern

With an estimated 12,000 species on the planet and a history that predates the Dinosaurs, ferns may just be the luckiest plants alive. Having survived over 360-million years of evolution, they are still among the most beautiful and resilient foliage plants. They are found in every continent, except Antarctica, and vary greatly in size - from the gigantic tree ferns of New Zealand (Cyatheales) to the tiniest of rock ferns (Polypodium virginianum) found in dryer, cooler climates like Northern Canada.

I like them outdoors as well as indoors. I distinctly remember asking for a Boston fern for my tenth birthday. I was inspired by the fern that belonged to my friend Ryan's mother, which hung on a large planter in her living room. It was enormous, filling an entire corner of the room with its numerous fronds. Much to Ryan's surprise, I would spend at least a few minutes with that fern, admiring it and asking his mom how she grew it. It was my uncle who stepped up to the plate and got me my fern for my tenth birthday. I had it for a few months, but it very quickly died. (Plants and ten-year-olds don't often mix.)

Since living on my own, however, I have always had a fern, and I probably always will. They're just the classic houseplant and I'm a sucker for their elegance.

At the family cottage all kinds of ferns grow in the woodlands. I'm an admirer of these wild, Ontario species, too - especially the maidenhair.

THE LIFE OF A FERN: The unusual spawning methods of ferns hint at their resilience. Fern fronds fan out from a root structure that germinates from spores shed by fertile adult plants. Tiny pods called sporangia form under the leaves, sometimes in clusters called sori. These pods contain the spores that will allow the fern to reproduce. The spores will fall to the soil below and, given sufficient levels of moisture, will form into something called a gametophyte – a fern’s embryonic stage. The gametophyte will then fertilize itself and develop into an adult plant.

One of the reasons ferns are so successful and occupy such diverse regions of the globe is their ability to reproduce in multiple ways. The gametophyte – or embryonic fern – does not necessarily need to fertilize itself to grow into a fully grown fern. A process called apogamy sometimes allows the gametophyte to grow in drier areas where a lack of moister prevents fertilization. Ferns can also spread from their root structures (rhizomes) or from the tips of any stems that happen to be touching moist and energy-rich soil.

My favourite Maidenhair fern, which grows at the entrance to our cottage laneway. Each stem carries several fronds, which branch out like little helicopter propellers.

Ferns are niche plants, meaning they grow only in particular habitats. Damp patches of mulched earth under filtered sunlight are the ideal growing conditions for ferns. The soil must be loamy and moist, protected from dehydrating factors like direct sunlight and wind. Ferns commonly grow near fresh water (creeks, riverbanks, lakeshores) or in highly humid areas, such as under a forest canopy where they are sheltered from dryness and too much light.


Of the 150 kinds of ferns that grow in Ontario, the most common ones surrounding our cottage include the Marginal Shield Fern (Dryopteris marginalis) which is a relatively large plant with silvery leaves and very pronounced sori on the undersides and the rock fern (Polypodium virginiadum) which is defined by its tiny fronds and cramped living quarters on the rippled shoulders of large rocks.

A beautiful Ostrich fern frond, down near the lake. They are the most common ferns around the cottage and easily propogate themselves.

As mentioned, my personal favorite is the maidenhair fern (Adiantum pedatum) which looks like a cluster of helicopter propellers or verdant fireworks emerging from shadowy spaces in the open forest. Oak ferns (Gymnocarpium dryopteris) are another unwavering staple of the forest floor, almost floating like parasols hung from tall stems above a mulch of fallen leaves and moss. Fiddlehead ferns or Ostrich ferns (Matteuccia struthiopteris) are perhaps the most common in Ontario gardens but are actually rarer in woodland locations. These ferns prefer more sun than others and their soil slightly less moist.

Since the growth around the cottage has very few flowering plants, I opt to arrange fern fronds instead, clipping a few stems to make a green statement. I'm always possessed by the spirit of Martha every time I arrange any sort of flower or greenery. If it's not good enough for a room in Lily Pond or Skylands, it's not good enough for our little cabin. In the photo above I used my Maidenhair and put a long Marginal Shield fern frond in as a sort of "feather in the cap" finale. If all you've got is ferns or greenery outdoors, beautiful arrangements are still a viable option.

Indoors, I also love the Boston fern. It can grow very large and they're relatively easy to care for. The three keys to remember when caring for ferns indoors are bright light, porous soil and even moisture. They do not like direct sunlight. They can tolerate a few hours of morning or afternoon sun, but that's about it. The rest of the time, they like bright, indirect light. They would be ideal in an East or West window. The soil should be a mixture of peat and soil with a layer of small stones or pottery shards at the bottom of the pot to ensure good drainage. The soil should always be evenly moist. Never let the soil dry up between waterings, but don't over-water it either. I usually water twice a week and mist the leaves. Feed sparingly every six months. If you're going to repot, it's best to do it in the fall. I plan to repot mine next month, as it's growing too big for its current container...lucky survivor that it is.

My Boston fern resides outdoors all summer in a semi-shady spot on the balcony. I love it when the breeze catches some of its foliage and it makes that whispery hiss. I just feel instantly relaxed.

In September I replanted the fern in a bigger pot and brought it indoors. The container was salvaged from a 1969 office building slated for demolition. Since my apartment building was built in the same era, I thought it brought a nifty retro-modern element - not to mention plenty of room for the fern to grow.

It's Big!

In just over a month, the fourth season of "MARTHA" will air: Monday, September 15th. Many of you, I'm sure, have seen the teasing commercial on the air promoting the new season. Its theme drives home the point that the new season will be "big"in some way: big changes, big new ideas, big announcements - or all of the above. "Big, big, big, big, big..."

A few details are emerging about the new season. The first episode will feature an exclusive look at the inner workings of Martha's Bedford farm. It's not clear whether the entire program will be about Cantitoe Corners or just one segment, nor is it clear whether it will be a taped segment or broadcast live from the farm. (Wouldn't that be interesting?)

There has been some speculation that the "Big" announcement may be the return to the taped format that so many of Martha's TV fans seem to miss: a return to the modulated and careful instruction that the Martha Stewart Living series always offered. But marthastewart.com still has its tickets link for the Martha Stewart Show up and running, saying that tickets for the fall season will be on sale sometime this month. [UPDATE: They're up for grabs on the website now! Thanks, Kenn.]

I do think that we will definitely see a change in format, perhaps more taped segments and periodical 'live' special-themed series on the program.

Being promoted in the September issue of Martha Stewart Living, for instance, is a new series on the Martha Stewart Show: Martha Stewart's Cooking School series. It is likely being timed to co-ordinate with the release of Martha's new cookbook of the same title. The special series will air on the Martha Stewart Show later this fall. Viewers are urged to watch the first few episodes of the new season to win tickets to the cooking school shows.

I'm dying to know what these 'big' things will be! I'll keep you posted as details become available, and I'll definitely be watching on September 15th!

The Good Bed

Today, Martha Stewart launches her mattress website to showcase her latest merchandising venture: The Good Bed. 


Here is a description of the new project:

"Shopping for a new mattress can be complex and bewildering. To find a mattress that suited her comfort, style, and quality requirements, Martha decided to create her own.

First she identified three distinct comfort levels—plush, medium-firm, and firm—with each level designed to provide essential support and a restful sleep. To achieve her classic style, Martha sourced the finest materials, including 100% cotton fabrics inspired by her personal collection of vintage tickings.

Finally, she enlisted one of America's foremost mattress builders to ensure every mattress bearing her name is well made.

Each Good Bed is crafted with high quality, authentic materials such as New Zealand wool, 100% cotton fabrics, natural latex, soy-based foam, recycled steel, and Canadian spruce to ensure long lasting comfort.

Many new mattresses are exceptionally thick, placing the mattress height too far from the floor and overwhelming the scale of the bedstead.

Martha directed her team to design lower profile mattresses that are sensibly proportioned. And each Good Bed features continental tailoring, which creates a curved edge at the mattress base so that linens fit securely."

Naturally, I go for the plush mattresses! I think they look beautiful and I can just imagine the comfort I'd experience on one of these.

My two favourites are Jasmine and Meadowsweet. Jasmine is medium-firm and Meadowsweet is plush.

I'm thrilled to see that Canadian spruce is among the well-chosen materials to be used in The Good Bed! I'm also very glad to see that they've used as many all-natural products as possible. On the website, there is an indication of which mattresses use the most natural products in their design.

Beauty, comfort and quality: you can't go wrong!

And in other MSLO news: Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc. (NYSE: MSO) today announced that the company has named Patsy Pollack the Executive Vice President of Merchandising. In this newly created position, she will be responsible for overseeing the Martha Stewart Collection exclusively at Macy's and Martha Stewart Everyday at Kmart as well as MSLO's portfolio of home decorating programs, which includes the award-winning Martha Stewart Furniture with Bernhardt, Martha Stewart Rugs with Safavieh, Martha Stewart Lighting with Generation Brands, Martha Stewart Floor Designs with FLOR and Martha Stewart-created KB Homes. Ms. Pollack will report to President of Merchandising and Co-CEO Robin Marino. An accomplished retail executive with vast experience in the lifestyle designer category, Ms. Pollack joins MSLO from Donna Karan Home, where she has served as Chief Executive Officer since 1999.

Hydrangeas

They bob playfully on summer breezes, illuminate landscapes with polka-dot allure and consistently remind me of blue-haired old ladies with perms. They are hydrangeas – one of the oldest and most cherished stalwarts of the traditional garden. I adore them.

They are out in force now. Having begun their sunny blooms in mid-July, they will last almost until the end of August, gussying up the gardens of their fans with their glorious orbs of flowers. The virtues of the hydrangeas are too numerous to count: they do well in sunny spots and partial shade; they thrive in warm planting zones and cool ones, depending on the variety; they look stunning in flower arrangements as fresh flowers and can be easily dried for dried-flower arrangements.

I suppose the only real downside to the hydrangea is that it is without any scent. It seems to me a cluster of blooms like that really ought to be as fragrant as they are showy. But, alas, they are fragrance free.

One of the best sources I’ve found on the web about caring for hydrangeas is called, quite simply “Hydrangeas! Hydrangeas!” at http://www.hydrangeashydrangeas.com/. There you will find tips on pruning, planting, fertilizing, cutting, drying and arranging hydrangeas, as well as a comprehensive description of all the various types of hydrangeas that exist, their planting zones, their special care instructions and galleries of their long-lasting blooms. If you’re a hydrangea lover, as I am, I urge you to visit the site and get the details on your favourite varieties.

I was surprised, actually, to learn just how many different varieties of hydrangeas exist, from mopheads to the larger oakleaf, all the way to climbing varieties. You can even change the colour of your hydrangea blooms by altering the acidity of the soil, although it is apparently not easy. It is much easier to change the colour from pink to blue than it is from blue to pink, I’ve read, and even with soil amendments there is no guarantee the plant will respond. (White hydrangeas, by the way, will always be white. Don’t expect miracles!)

Below are some photographs I’ve taken of some of the hydrangeas in my neighbourhood. Most of them are white “Annabelle” varieties, the most common hydrangea. Below these are images of the more elaborate, rarer varieties, which are so beautiful.


Above, is the typical "annabelle" hydrangea, planted in a long row next to some flowering hostas. Below is the more sturdy, tree-like "oakleaf" hydrangea, which has long, cone-like floral stems. This one stands about nine feet tall.

When I visited Margaret Roach's garden in 2005, her garden shed was nearly obscured by a climbing hydrangea. She's since told me that the painters who recently revamped the buildings on her property tore them all up! She wasn't too pleased.

Below are photos from the Hydrangeas! Hydrangeas! website - some of the more colourful varieites. Martha grows huge numbers of the frillibet and nikko blue varieites shown here at her Lily Pond Lane house in the Hamptons.
I just love the variegated blossoms on this "harlequin" variety, as well as the dark reddish foliage. The "amethyst" beside it is also lovely.
These ones below are part of the "lacecap" hydrangea family. I'm not crazy about them, but they're certainly unique.

The Last of Blueprint

Well, the last vestiges of the Blueprint brand have finally disintegrated. The Bluelines Blog ("the shortest path to personal style") closed up shop on July 17th with a short but blunt statement. It's been such a long time since I've visited the site myself that its closure had escaped me.

With a heavy blog heart, we are saying goodbye today.
Bluelines is shutting down, but will remain here as an archive.
We want every reader to know that we have been thrilled to share with you all of the things we've loved, things we've obsessed over, and things that have inspired us in every way.
We hope you will stay in touch with us through our own blogs and sites.
Much love and best wishes to all.

There are fifty-some comments posted on the blog, many of them quite negative, expressing dismay and disappointment with the way MSLO handled the whole Blueprint affair. I was surprised to read that many of the Blueprint subscribers never receieved their replacement subscription of Martha Stewart Living. 

I can't say I'm surprised the blog has closed. It was a pale substitute for such a great magazine. From what I understand, it was being run by the staff and they were not getting paid for it. No wonder it lost its allure.

R.I.P. Blueprint. R.I.P. I will miss you.

Her Special Day

Martha turns 67 on August 3rd. Can you believe it? She's 67! She has certainly become a shining example of how age really is just a number; all that energy, all that effervescence and excellence is unstoppable. (Oh sure, genes help too. She comes from good, sturdy Polish stock.) On this day, though, what I most want to celebrate are Martha's gifts to us, which are too numerous to count. She has been one of the best teachers and my home, my cooking, my attitude about life and living, have all been improved because of the lessons I have learned from Martha and her staff. I think I'm hooked for life! So...

With love, respect and best wishes for continuing joy in a life well lived.

~Andrew