Today it’s not uncommon for people to comment how Rosebrook Gardens looks as it was a saved “old” Westport home rather than a new home. My core casual luxury philosophy was to embrace the traditional design elements of the past and incorporate them in a new modern way. Re-use, refurbish, redesign—that my way to give something new the look and feel of something old, turning back time, as it were—not a surprise to those who know me (I love time travel and anything to do with the subject).

One summer, while filming my show, I was visited by an elderly man who grew up in the neighborhood and wanted to tell me about the history of my property. I stopped production and took some time to sit with him. As his story unfolded he would not only give me many missing pieces of Westport history—including how he used to enjoy the special strolls to old Main Street—but how the original family who owned the land had given plots to family members as wedding presents. In addition, I learned that Rosebrook Gardens was once the vegetable garden for all the families, perhaps explaining why my gardens do so well and give so many so much joy.

This connection to the history of my property brought a few tears to my eyes, as he was the missing link to the past. And just as unexpectedly as he showed up, he left. I remember that day and how he brought me back in time by sharing his stories of being a little boy playing in the then-dirt road. Another gem I learned: the home next door was once a play house for the girls of the families, who christened it the “Doll House”; later it was added to and became his grandmother’s house.

When I woke from the spell of his tale I realized something that forever changed my life. Just like his family before me, I was making a MARk on this property and house. I’m simply taking care of something that will hopefully be here for many to enjoy and cherish just as much as I did. My book, my gardens and my home are simply chapters that embrace this neighborhood’s past while building its. So I’ve saved that newspaper article about the 1960’s; and I’ll use it—along with my subdivision map from the 1920’s—to add to the history of this house: I’ll tuck them away within the walls when I renovate and redesign my kitchen. I will add a note, of explanation, along with a modern map showing Rosebrook Gardens. It will be a nice way to acknowledge that—to paraphrase Dorothy—“There’s no place like this home.”

Shower curtains are arguably one of the strongest features of a bathroom, so make sure you choose one that you really like…and then make sure that you care for it well!

- Fabric shower curtains should be washed in hot water at least once a month (add a little bleach to kill bacteria). Hang back on hooks to dry.

- Plastic shower curtains should be wiped down with hot water and detergent once a month. You can also throw them in the washing machine with a few towels (the friction from the towels will help clean the plastic).

- Replace your shower curtain once a year, or immediately if you notice any mold starting to grow. You can lengthen the life of your shower curtain by using a liner, which can be purchased at any hardware store.

- Make sure your bathroom has decent ventilation; open a window or turn on a fan after bathing.

- Close the shower curtain completely after bathing so that it dries evenly.

- Clean your bathroom thoroughly at least once a week to prevent mildew from growing; also consider painting it with mildew-proof paint.

Pictured: Martha Stewart Trousseau shower curtain, available at Macy’s. Go here for some other lovely styles.

-Jordan Reid

This week I had the honor to be top billing for and featured speaker at the Connecticut Flower and Garden Show in Hartford, Connecticut. The Convention Center was transformed into a breathtaking event for floral and garden enthusiasts, and with over 250 booths overflowing with fresh flowers, plants, herbs, bulbs, seeds and garden accessories this was my version of the gardening super bowl, and with over 45,000 square feet of gardens, plants and flowers it was also like a dress rehearsal for spring.

I opened the ceremonies on Thursday with a ribbon cutting with Governor Jodi Rell. When the official time came to cut the ribbon she experienced some difficulties and stated “Guess I can cut the budget better.” This tempted me to make a comment that was on the tip of my tongue…should I or shouldn’t I? Oh what the heck—“Rather than cutting our budget, how about cutting our taxes”? The crowd applauded and I had my moment that got everyone’s attention. The Governor laughed too—I’m sure she’s heard much worse. Shortly after we were each whisked away by our assistants to meet the press, sign autographs, and be interviewed by the local stations.

My lectures over the two days were packed, and I was touched that even though we ran out of seats many people sat on the floor to experience my lecture and witness my garden unfold before their very eyes as I projected photos on a large screen before them. To come to one of my lectures is to experience a show; I perform and do everything I can to make it both informative and entertaining.

Having met the Governor I could not help thinking: Am I the Governor of my gardens? In a way, I think I am. I do govern over budgets, expansion, education and health care. I don’t have people to lead, but I do have political power over my plants, shrubs and trees. Since I’m self-appointed, I don’t have to hold an official election—but I know deep in my heart that each year in the Spring my garden bursts with magical beauty: abundant, prolific flowers that to me represent the vote that I’m going a good job.

I may not be a Head of State, but I’m definitely head of my estate!

Jennifer Adams

It’s cold outside and thank goodness I have my Violet to cuddle up and sit on my lap to keep me warm. She’s better than a blanket, in fact right now while working on the computer writing this blog she is fast asleep on my lap this close to me at all times, offering me some extra heat and well-deserved schnauzer love.

That said, the sprinkle of snow today reminds me of winters past, and that’s there’s work to be done. Yes, with February just around the corner I’ve already had my trees trimmed and all holiday representations removed. Just a rule I keep, that everything needs to be gone come Jan 15th. Now that that is done, I can begin to review my collection of gardening design books and get inspired during these cold days in Connecticut. I also find myself in the garden studio, playing in the dirt as it were, creating fabulous spring-inspired arrangements to display as a mind trick that spring has arrived in my home. Truth be told, with spring still 50 days away my abundance of vessels are filled with daffodils, hyacinths and crocuses. Lush green textures and fragrances helps hold me over until then.

Several new articles were posted this week because being “inspired” in the garden studio also inspires me creatively in my writing. I have always drawn inspiration from my home garden and life’s surroundings and that also includes my life with Miss Violet, the pearl-wearing schnauzer that recently had her close-up on Better TV. She’s developed such a personality—and a fan following!—that I am now calling her by her full name: Violet Annabelle Rose Von Schhnorkenheimer. Yes, three first names, all flowers. Quite a name for quite a girl.

This year I’m overly proud and excited about being selected to participate in the prestigious Garden Conservancy’s Open Days garden tour so I’m busy, coordinating workers to help me unveil some exciting new treats in my forever-changing gardens. Sketching ideas and putting them on paper always works best for me, allowing me to really brainstorm my garden designs and select the best ideas to come to life. April brings the Macy’s Flower Show where on April 2 at Macy’s Herald Square in New York I will lecture about creating a four season garden, and Violet will be on hand to offering licks and kisses to all those who wish, but I must worn you she may try to slip you some tongue! I thought schnauzers were German, not French! Kissers beware.

So no matter what Mother Nature brings this winter, I’m tucked away, snuggling with my Violet working on my lecture series and coordinating a time-line of activities. And with Violet’s garden-inspired flower-power names, when I can’t be outside playing in the dirt then Violet Annabelle Rose not only keeps me warm but keeps my garden near. You might say she packs some serous flower power.

Make sure you visit me at www.marjennings.com for more amazing articles and inspiring projects.

What impressed me the most was the sewing details and quality of the finish. The elastic of the fitted sheet is very heavy duty, and goes all the way around, it’s not just at the corners like lesser sheets. And it fits. My mattress has a pillow top, but it’s not one of the super deep ones. I was concerned that it might end up looking sloppy, but, no. It looks pro after I tucked in some of the extra fabric, and all that elastic held everything in place.

The pillowcases, too, are finished beautifully, with a neat flap that hides the pillow inside. Also sized to fit big pillows, they look great.

I’m happy to announce these sheets live up to their billing, from my own firsthand experience. You do get what you pay for. Check them out for yourself or give as a wonderful Valentine’s Day gift or wedding!

Until next time!
–Elaine Bothe