Topiaries & Sculptures

"Topiary" is a 16th century English/Latin term rooted to ornamental gardeners. Shaped, silhoetted and balled evergreens look lovely anywhere now and especially with sculptures nearby. I have planted three on Leif's site, which has had many trees felled and removed. They instantly seem to formalize the overgrown landscape we are reclaiming. A Spiral Boxwood is centered in the paddock, the two sculptures (right) by Bill will accent the entrance to the house with a Spiral Juniper, and an obalesque sculpture of Bill's marks an entrance to the second property, which is rustic.

A Takaezu Moon Pot has come home from the Cape to sit in front of Leif's house now.

Levens Hall, oldest topiary garden in original 17th century design, earliest were 43 BC; Italy.

A new garden stone of Bill's next to ornamental grass and one seat below, sold to a lovely Scandinavian woman on Cape Cod (scuptural, painterly and 2' wide).

Cedar Shake Siding

Forty-five yrs. ago, Bill & I cedar shaked our first two story farmhouse here, and hope to do it again. Finding Grade A cedar shakes has been impossible since the pandemic, but I finally found enough to begin again with the worst side. We are using a new draining housewrap "HydroGap" which is 100X more improved. Shingles are 6X more expensive. 

Ladder jacks allow shingling to be done sitting down and we have had up to eight ladders in use here.  However, Bill plans to finish peak work with a lift rental. 

He has also replaced window trim painted with Benjamin Moore's "Soft Gloss".

Happy Fourth Of July

 

Celebrating a first Fourth of July on the Cape. At Pain D'Avignon, Hyannis MA. & below at Wequassett Resort, Chatham MA.

Chipping On The Cape

 

Bill & I spent a long weekend pruning many hydrangeas, specimen trees, climbing; flowering vines, roses and some shrubs dating back 300 yrs. +, at Old Farm. We chip ALL cuttings & tall weeds to use on lower large beds, which keeps this antique Cape property manageable.

A small apple & pear orchard is at the top end of the property.

Leaving...

Ceramic Stools

The Takaezu Studio Show June 17th, 1177 Croton Rd., Flemington NJ, will have Bill's recent gorgeous ceramic stools, and another group of lovely table tiles, bowls & mugs.

Bill's latest tiles for a Mid Century Modern style table top. 

THIS SATURDAY is the Hunterdon Polo Classic which helps benefit the studio & charities. The manicured playing field is the size of nine football fields with close viewing tents.

Princeton Reunions

Recently, Princeton University Reunions were again held on campus and attended in great numbers & superb weather! Our first grandchild joined us in the Prade March and we are already planning for our 50th Reunion in 2 yrs! I am honored to have created the Class fabric and banner we update each major Reunion.

 

Big Day For Bill

 

This week, Bill's company "Orchestra" went public, after 25 yrs. of heart balloon research and clinical trials in Belgium he commuted to. Go Bill.