The History of Mosaic Art

photo of a multi-colored mosaic in a starburst pattern There is something incredibly satisfying about a piece of mosaic art.

Combining hundreds of seemingly bland fragments of glass, clay and pottery in order to create a beautiful garden accessory is not only a way to re-purpose old objects, but can also add an element of elegance and architectural flare to an organic environment.

But despite the relatively modern and folksy feel of the art form, the history of mosaic art actually dates back over 4,000 years, when terracotta cones were first pushed into various backgrounds for decorative purposes.

Since then, multiple cultures have put their own twist on the craft.  By 400 B.C.E., the Greeks had incorporated the mosaic art form into a practical way to enhance the public road system, and only 200 years later, specifically manufactured pieces called “tesserae” were produced, which allowed artists to start creating even more detailed work with a wider variety of colors and tighter patterns.

Today, the mosaic is still considered an art form of dual functionality.  Masterpieces adorn the walls of soaring European cathedrals, but the craft has an equally important function as the foundation for simple kitchen tile patterns, or the extra little flourish in an outdoor garden.

So if you’re in the need for an aesthetic change-up, try your hand at crafting your own mosaic masterpiece, or stop in to take a look at our selection of beautiful tiled accessories that will bring a bit of color and history to your space.

Crazy About Containers

If you’re a fan of Marvin Gardens on Facebook, you’re probably well aware of the fact that we’re just crazy about using industrial containers for new planter styles this fall as we’ve been uploading images of plenty of them. Well we’re not just crazy about them anymore—we’re carrying an exclusive handful of them that are now on sale! Many are made of zinc and have clean lines and a few particular recent additions include unique turpentine barrels (early 1900s) and bakery ingredient bins from the 1920-1940s. These styles can’t be found in catalogs anywhere and are entirely unique, which is our new focus. We want as much vintage as possible with the exception of modern day castings of iron urns.

Faux Asbestos Pots - Fabulous Design!

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be introducing individual items with photos and the story behind each, so check back with us soon to see them all!

 

 

Philadelphia Horticultural Society’s Fall Festival, September 24, 2011

Please join Marvin Gardens and many other select vendors and exhibitors for PHS’s Annual Fall Garden Festival held at The Philadelphia Navy Yard. Don’t miss this fun event!

Click on the link for more info: http://www.pennsylvaniahorticulturalsociety.org/membership/members_day.html

Preparing Container Plants for Winter

Now that September is here, it’s time again to start preparing our gardens for winter; this includes moving outdoor container plants indoors for the chilly season. While preparing to bring in the container plant, it is critical to make sure your plants are not bringing in any unvisited guests. Outdoors can carry pests and diseases that spread through indoor plants faster than outdoor plants, so don’t convince yourself that you’ll quarantine the plant will treat the problem.  The good news is that plants can be easily treatd for pests with natural home remedies.

The simplest way to fill a basin or water with a natural, non-detergent liquid soap, then take the potted plant and fully immerse it into the soapy water.  You can leave the plant sitting in the water for up to 3 hours, the soapy solution should force any bugs living out of the soil.  Don’t worry this solutions is actually quite good for the plants roots and will the roots nicely hydrated.

Now all you have left is to clean the lefts and flowers; using the same soap solution, mist the plants (you can purchase a new spray bottle from the local dollar or grocery store, but recycling an old spray bottle will just fine too).

Now that you have treated your container plants, you are safe to bring them indoors without fear of bringing any pests as well.

 

Connect with Marvin Gardens on Facebook to receive more gardening tips in your Facebook newsfeed! 

Vacation-Proofing Your Garden

You tend to your prized flower beds every single day. You water and fertilize them consistently with care. But even though your precious garden may be getting pampered throughout the year while you’re home, chances are, it’s going to get a little lonely during those days or weeks that you’re away on vacation. Luckily, though, with a little planning, your garden will be just fine while you’re away.

Marvin Gardens has come across a handy preparedness list from ShelterPop for you to follow before you head out on holiday and it’s sure to keep your garden looking lush and healthy while you’re away.

  • Weed and pull off spent blossoms. This will help guarantee that water is reaching your plants and not being sucked down by the weeds.
  • Make sure that your flower beds are properly insulated. If you’ve already laid down mulch earlier in the season, just top it off with a fresh layer.
  • Make sure your garden is watered while you’re away is a must.
  • Group potted plants together out of direct sunlight and go for self-watering planters.

Contact Marvin Gardens today to for more gardening tips and to learn about our large selection of vintage garden urns and accessories!

Photo Credit: Prairie Rose Garden

Summer Croquet in New England

Aaaah, summertime. There’s nothing quite like it—and definitely nothing like a New England summer. While those Florida folks have their palm trees, water parks and flop flops, oh my, those of us here in good old Wilton have our sun dresses, Sperry’s boat shoes and light evening jackets. And when it comes to Connecticut pastimes, there’s got to be croquet on the lawn. The age-old game has been around since the early 1800s and involves hitting plastic or wooden balls with a mallet through hoops embedded into the grass playing court.

Marvin Gardens recently came across some fun photos on Habitually Chic chronicling the game being played by pop culture greats throughout history on a variety of breathtaking lawns. Take a look at a few of our favorites! What’s your favorite summer pastime?

George Harrison and John Lennon
Betty Grable playing croquet
Fairfield Croquet by Slim Aarons 1991
Olivia de Havilland
Louis Jourdan and friends by Slim Aarons
Croquet Lawn
Darryl Zanuck at Howard Hawks house by Slim Aarons 1955
The croquet lawn at Winston Churchill's old home.
Princess Diana

Photo Credit: Habitually Chic

3 Reasons to Plant Mountain Laurels in Your Garden this Summer

If you want your garden to look amazing, why not incorporate the Mountain Laurel?  Not only is it a good addition to the garden, but they are also abundant in Connecticut. Here are 3 reasons why Marvin Gardens recommends planting Mountain Laurels in your garden this summer.

Pink flowers
Adding pink and white blossoms can be a great addition to any summer garden.

1. Its beauty- The Mountain Laurel is the most beautiful of Native American shrubs. It has white and pink blossoms. This can create a great contrast  if you have planted darker plants. This shrub will catch the attention of anyone who walks past your garden.

2. Its fragrance- Not only is this plant pleasant to look at, but it is also pleasant to smell. These plants give off an amazing fragrance that  help your garden appeal to the senses. Most gardens are only appreciated for their beauty. However, with a few of these in your garden, it will be appreciated for its warm and welcoming fragrance.

3. Its the state flower- There’s a reason that the Mountain Laurel is the state flower. They are amazing shrubs that bring life to your garden. Also, it shows that you take pride in your state and appreciate the beauty that grows there.

Why not  plant some of these wonderful shrubs today?

4 Great Spring Gardening Tips

Lupins

For landscape designers, April showers usually bring much more than just May flowers. They also invite us to think about best-practice gardening ideas, some of which can be universally applied pretty much any type of exterior design scheme.

Just came across a great article in The Epoch Times in which writer Mark Cullen outlines some great, and timeless, gardening trends to keep in mind.

Here are four of my favorite…

Native plants: Use of native plants in the landscape to reduce maintenance (fewer bugs and diseases), increase natural biodiversity cycles

Gardening in containers: Canadians are ‘pushing the envelope’ by mixing annuals and perennials together in containers, often adding vegetables and herbs for both a practical and decorative touch.

Color: Demand for annuals and perennials that produce a reliable abundance of colour for the longest possible length of time is on a steep rise.

Invest in your own outdoor ‘retreat’: Spend hard earned cash to improve your yard and garden rather than booking costly travel vacations or purchasing a vacation property.

Well, what do you think about these tips/trends? Do you have any of your own?

Marvin Gardens Awarded Blue Ribbon at Philadelphia Flower Show

The Philadelphia International Flower Show is strongly considered one of the premier gardening events in the world, in part because so many outstanding talents make their way to the Show each year the showcase their finest plants and design work.

So when it was announced this past Sunday that Marvin Gardens won the Blue Ribbon for Best Retail Exhibit, we were absolutely thrilled!

Since 1829, the Philadelphia has maintained a tradition of showing some of the most exceptional and unique plants and displays from around the world, so to be now listed in the Shows history as one of the best in class, well, that’s truly an honor.

The Philadelphia Flower Show continues throughout Sunday, March 13, and we plan to be around and take in as much of the scenery as possible. Be sure to stop back to the blot later in the week, as I’m sure there will be plenty more great photos to post!

Color Spruces up Outdoor Living Areas

Soon homeowners will begin spending a lot more time outside, not only because of pretty spring weather on the way, but also as outdoor living is becoming more popular. If you want an outdoor space where you love to relax and entertain, think about adding splashes of your favorite colors. Green isn’t the only outdoor hue, so get creative. Need ideas? Check out some of the tips from Sensational Color to get the ball rolling.

  • Of course you can bring in color with flowers, but don’t forget about colorful garden accessories like pretty pots and planters, cushions, pillows and more.
  • Pay attention to the colors you have to work with, like existing landscaping, pavement and walls. Then make your new colors match or blend for a cohesive and well-thought-out look.
  • Determine the mood you’re going for and select colors that portray it.

Visit or contact Marvin Gardens for garden accessories that can bring color into your outdoor space.

Image via sensationalcolor.com