“Garden as though you will live forever.”

William Kent is quoted as saying “Garden as though you will live forever.”  I will embrace his words as I undertake the acres surrounding Chesapeake’s Cottage.  William was a highly regarded English architect, landscaper, and furniture designer in the 18^th Century.  His accomplishments include; The Temple of Ancient Virtue, Stowe; Badminton House; Houghton Hall; along with other distinguished homes and gardens in England.

As I begin the fine-tuning process of my stable my thoughts race ahead to the surrounding landscape and inevitably I think about how it will relate to the entire property.   I trust Mr. Kent and will forge ahead knowing that it will take time to see my landscape reach maturity.   

Today I came across some breathtaking English homes with glorious gardens that just happen to be for sale.  These were highlighted in today’s Telegraph UK.  I will be looking for ideas and hope you will find some also. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Four photos from Telegraph UK

 

Just had to include one of my all time favorites!

 

Photo Veranda Magazine

 

 

Sunrise on a foggy morning...my blank slate...

quite a bit of work ahead of me

Antique Papier-mâché

Papier-mâché,  paper mache, or papier machie?  So close, yet just a letter or two apart.   If you collect papier mache you may have a preference for the spelling.  The origin dates back as far as the invention of paper.  Paper was developed in China during the Han Dynasty (202 B.C.- 220 A.D.)  Examples have survived from ancient Tibet and Persia along with China.  The use spread to France and England where in each country craftsmen perfected methods and materials.  The term “papier-mâché” means masticated or chewed paper.   I will need to do a follow-up on the ways and methods; however, my horses are waiting to be fed or they may masticate the pasture fences.

I am always drawn to examples of papier mache.  Rich glossy black pieces inlaid with Mother of Pearl and treated to gold pen work always capture my attention on a buying trip.   My inventory normally includes boxes, trays, ink stands, and desk accessories.  Below are a few I have available now and a few others that hopefully will capture your attention also. 

          Papier Mache Tea Caddy Mother of Pearl Abalone Inlay~Bird & Floral C. 1850
                                                             Photo by D. Hartsook
           http://www.rubylane.com/item/378674-2010050/Papier-Mache-Tea-Caddy-Mother

      Antique Victorian Era Papier Mache Blotter, Folio with Floral Design MOP & Abalone
                                                                 Photo: D. Hartsook
        http://www.rubylane.com/item/378674-211126/Antique-Victorian-Era-Papier-Mache 

                      Antique Papier Mache Ink Well Inkstand Victorian Mother of Pearl
                                                                             Photo: D. Hartsook
      http://www.rubylane.com/item/378674-211010/Antique-Papier-Mache-Ink-Well

 

One of my favorites; a stunning letter box which has sold

Photo by D. Hartsook