A busy time of year for me: filming, designing and working on new holiday and Spring articles. Truth be told, I love this time of year, and on Tuesday I did a demo/lecture on how to make your own holiday/winter door wreath. I demonstrated to the Saqua Garden Club, along with two of the members who helped me, how to do the same at home. We had a blast, as I can talk, walk and do a demo all at the same time. My book was a hit and many holiday gifts this year will be a personally-signed copy of my book. What a wonderfully active garden club with so many attractive members. Being the only male in the room I felt honored to have been invited and speak to them. I thank Robert, my personal assistant, for booking this and staying at the office so I could have all the ladies to myself.
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Yes, its true, the holiday season has officially begun here at Rosebrook Gardens, and now that I’m ready I somehow feel as if I’m forgetting something. Perhaps it’s because Halloween was not even over when the boxes were removed from the attic and Violet got her first glimpse what I’d be adding designing and creating a lot to wonder at! That said, the garlands have been hung, the Elves have been released and the holiday glitz has been displayed throughout the house.

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As I look into my garden I mentally prepare for the transformation that will soon take place. I enjoy my garden’s lingering blooms knowing that in the spring there will be a rebirth. Rosebrook Gardens is all about planning for each season and carefully selecting plants and shrubs that will compliment each other both visually and functionally. Now I can begin fall relaxed, knowing that the garden will be at rest and so will I.
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As I entered my office today preparing to write my blog, my precious little schnauzer followed me into the room and immediately jumped onto my lap, licking my face and nibbling my nose. As if she doesn’t get enough cuddling and loving by the many people who come and take her away for long drives, shopping trips and walks in the park. It’s only when they return that I’m asked, “Oh Mar, how are you doing today?” Good God, Miss Violet has become more popular than I. Okay, I know her schedule is not as tight as mine, but really. This little miniature schnauzer that’s turning eleven months in November brings so many people, including me, such great joy and happiness. But today she has brought me inspiration as she begins to slobber me with wet and wonderful kisses. Read more

What an exciting week as I hosted houseguests, balanced work and supervised my house painters. Rosebrook Gardens is getting a paint job after 14 years and everyone is amazed that it’s lasted that long. Here’s my secret…it’s stain, not paint.

But don’t think you can just put stain on paint and get the same results. Stain goes on stain and paint only goes on paint. Years ago when I was first painting my home from the original god-forsaken “pink” color I hired a painter who said “well, your new color is not my first choice, but the stain idea was a good one.” That said I quickly learned how stain can outlast paint and truth be told, stain as a finish is easier to maintain on a shingled house than paint. Mostly due to the fact that stain is absorbed deep into the wood, and gently wears off the shingles over the years. When it is time to restain it again the stain is absorbed into the shingles. Read more

This title of course will make you think of the 1954 classic movie with Judy Garland and James Mason, or perhaps the somewhat less-stellar 1976 version with Barbara Streisand. Maybe some of you see the word “star” and think of those Hollywood Boulevard “Walk of Fame” stars that pay tribute to over 2000 artists who have made significant contributions to film, radio, television, theatre and the recording industries? (Did you know that the first Walk of Fame star was actually placed on February 9th, 1960, to honor the lovely Joanne Woodward, also from Westport, Connecticut?) Read more

This week was an exciting week as The Botanical Collection proudly announced the launch of the Mar Jennings Casual Luxury Home Candle Line. On Wednesday, I introduced the line on the Martha Stewart Radio show and in less than 20 minutes we were sold out. These candles are all-natural, paraffin-free, fragranced with essential oils, and boast an above-average burn time of 50 hours. And with a retail price of only $22.00 it’s a casual luxury that everyone can afford. There are currently two amazing fragrances to choose from, both directly inspired by life here at my home. Read more

It’s been years since I picked up a paint brush and painted my home as over the years I’ve had the luxury to have trusted painters who take excellent direction and are as meticulous as I am when I did paint for myself. But last Friday was different as I woke up wanting to do something creative, thus the paintbrush found its way back into my life. Read more

Welcome back to my blog,

The rain streak broke long enough last week—and just in time for my Saturday tag sale, and the results were nothing less than amazing as 20-30 people arrived early to be first in line to get in on the deals. A garage sale, yard sale or tag sale may be all the same but but a “Mar” sale is unlike any you will ever experience. Unlike your traditional tag sales I begin by creating a catchy ad complemented by memorable signs (a large price tag with a silk ribbon looped through.) I also add silent auction items and beautiful displays. This prompted the question several times: “Who’s in retail and did your displays?” To have a “Mar” sale one needs to create “departments” such as living room, garden items, things for the kitchen, etc. By grouping your items into these departments they look like they belong together, helping potential buyers better imagine them in their own home. Doing this means your items have the best chance to get top dollar. Wipe things down, showcase them in their best light.

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It could be because you didn’t know about the tips our lifestyle expert, Mina Jacqueline Au had to give!

Ladies, trust me–I’ve hosted so many bridal and baby showers that I started seeing “nametags” in my sleep! But, there are plenty of things you can do to relieve the stress if you’re asked to host one–or, become the victim of a “host-zilla” (yes, they exist!) Watch Wednesday, June 24th for all the 411 but here’s a hint:  is it proper etiquette to ask guests to help with the costs of the shower? And what else do you need to know before you say “yes”? We’ll save you and your guests a lot of heartache, so be sure to check out Mina’s interview!