Welcome to our first blog as part of the kick off to the new website!
I want to take this opportunity to introduce you to my sister Beth, who (at my urging…) has just moved to St Augustine. Besides wanting her close by, I had a thinly veiled ulterior motive…She is a Master Gardener!
Those who have visited Cedar House know that we have a lovely garden area in the front yard, which could be made glorious in the right hands. Well I am thrilled to say that the “Green Thumbs” have arrived! On that note, say hello to Beth Wilson, owner of Living Art by Beth…
“I have been a Garden Designer for over 12 years in South Florida. When visiting Cedar House over the past four years, Cyndi has encouraged me to work a little magic in the garden adding some seasonal changes and identifying what plant material would thrive in the North Florida area.
When working in the garden many of the gracious guests of the inn have shown an interest and have approached me to comment both on my efforts and to share their own gardening experiences. I thought blog posts on the Cedar House website would allow me to continue that conversation. The Blog will also provide a format where I can introduce tips and ideas for your home garden and to encourage you to follow the changes that will be happening in the garden at the inn.
I consider Cedar House Inn “small space gardening”. Opportunities abound to layer in color, texture and form. For example, we have recently added wrought iron plant stands lined with coco to add height to the space. We filled them with multiples of colorful annuals and perennials. As a result the area has transformed from a one dimensional display to a colorful multi-level feast for the eyes!
One of the questions I am most often asked is “What is the difference between annuals and perennials?” The easy answer is Annuals are seasonal color, switched out in anticipation of the cool and dry months and of course again for the hot and wet months in Florida. Perennials are plants that can live over many seasons or (when properly maintained) for years.
Garden ornamentation can be as classic or whimsical as you prefer. You are only limited by your imagination, but remember, the plants are the stars! For example, a new addition of ornamentation has been added under the inn’s Maple tree. An antique garden bench (crafted from an iron twin bed frame, believe it or not) that I found years ago, has been placed among the ground plantings with a basket filled with Petunias and Blue Daze resting comfortably as if they had just happened there. Adding architectural forms bring visual interest to your garden. Don’t be afraid to experiment as you may be pleasantly surprised at how creative you can be.
Email me with your questions, thoughts and ideas and Happy Gardening!”
79 Cedar Street