Author Archives: Maria von Brincken

Maria von Brincken

About Maria von Brincken

Award-winning landscape designer, garden journalist and lecturer, certified practising designer with the Association of Professional Landscape Designers (APLD), former contributing editor to Landshapes magazine. Sudbury, Massachusetts. Read Maria’s full blog at A Garden Maker’s Notes

Boston bomb memorial Photo by suarez Flowers solace a heavy heart

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All week I’ve been heartsick. The April 15th Boston Marathon Bombings and the subsequent Lock-down of Metropolitan Boston yesterday have been a distraction to say the least. Last Monday felt like a truly spring day –night temps were above freezing and days without the need for a heavy coat, hat and scarf. Trees and shrubs budding, spring bulbs flowering in the warmer southern exposures, winter’s siege seemed to finally lifting. It was a great day for the marathon—not too hot or cold. Continue reading →

Witch Hazel and snow Spring says Hello in Yellow

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Here in the Northeast we were visited by another snow storm bringing our total since early February around 100 inches! Ninety something inches more than last year. But who’s counting? The news reports individuals who are angry with the Groundhog. Remember, this year the Groundhog predicted an early spring. Who can you trust? Continue reading →

Maria von Brincken A fleeting snow-covered view Enchanted by a fleeting view

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Darkness accompanied me as I trod downstairs to make my daily latte. A bit later, I climbed the day-lit stairs, and I was awestruck by the view created by last night’s snowfall. I marveled at myself because I thought I was tired of looking at snow. Yet there I was – captured by the beauty outside my windows. Enchanted, I savored the subtle coloring of the sky and the snow flocked forest. Continue reading →

Groundhog Marmota monax Photo Reinhard Kraasch Groundhog Day

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Yesterday, February 2nd, was Groundhog Day. On this day, according to quaint custom, we watch to see if the groundhog sees its shadow or doesn’t. The shadow or lack of, forecasts an early spring or a much longer winter. I celebrate this mid winter day by watching the movie of the same name. For years friends organized a party just to do that – I continue the tradition. Continue reading →

Maria von Brincken cyclamen An antidote to winter’s blahs

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New England midwinter and I find myself contemplating the snow patterns on the roof. Wondering how I can use the patterns I see in my current design work. No brain storm to date. But understanding the fascination drove me to my local garden center seeking some intense new color for my winter weary soul. Continue reading →

Maria-von-Brincken-pink-roses-on-counter-600x800-e1357342071291 Pink roses counter winter

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So much depends on the crystal vase filled with pink roses on the black counter mid winter. That’s my paraphase of William Carlos Williams poem about white chickens. I’m constantly amazed to discover what an inexpensive grocery store flower bunch does to counter the frozen winter landscape. It brightens the scene and adds a splash of color and life. Continue reading →

Maria von Brincken orchid still life Orchids and still life

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Late November in North America, New England, this Sunday before Thanksgiving forms today’s perspective of this time of transition. My days and scheduling go from the active creative process of landscape design installations and studio work to only studio work and “office chores”. Continue reading →