First 2012 Issue: DIRTIER  The Savvy Gardener's Must-Read

David LaChapelle
Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, Love leaves a memory no one can steal, 2009
Chromogenic color print
Image size: 16 x16 inches
Paper size: 24 x 20 inches
© 2011 David LaChapelle

Ed Ruscha
Twig, 2011
Photographic image produced using large format color negative film, drum scanned and digitally output with a Gretag/Cymbolic LightJet printer onto Fujiflex Crystal Archive Supergloss Paper
Image size: 14 x 11 inches
Paper size: 24 x 20 inches
© 2011 Ed Ruscha

These images are from a new portfolio that is being sold to support Elton John’s AIDS  Foundation.  The portfolio is an edition of only 40, there are ten images in the set and it can be purchased through the fine gallery of Marian Goodman for 25,000 USD…2500. per print is not a bad price and of course, it is for a very good cause.

Both the intense light of the David LaChapelle and the endless presence of the Twig circle remind me of John McWhinnie and so I share these with you to remember him.


THOUGHTS ON KEEPING WARM:
( or VAROIUS METHODS for CONQUERING  the  COLD)

The time-honored practice of protecting tenderer trees has been accomplished in several ways around here.

Remembering how her father wrapped their fig trees in Connecticut, Lys super-wrapped our Fig Tree Ficus carica ’Brown Turkey’ first in hay, surrounded that with burlap , then a tarp; and added a Khmer goddess and a rock for good measure.

This next is my loose approximation of a Christo.

 Notice how the English Garden Twine caresses every curve of the fledgling summer magnolia that I am trying to accustom to the maybe-too-shady spot.

Wrapping a tender plant, here  a prized  big-leaf
Farfugium, like a gift basket is another favorite method to be accomplished with a few squares of burlap (available at most garden centers, but you usually have to ask for it) and more of that fabulousEnglish Garden Twine, which has a million uses.

The Farfugium came from Plant Delights.  They got it from Marco Polo Stufano, so I feel particularly protective about it because not only is he the retired originator of the great gardens at Wave Hill – he is now conferring with LongHouse via The Garden Conservancy on our new Affiliate status.  And you know how I feel about LongHouse.

LongHouse, East Hampton, NY