This is the time of year to see lots of Lycoris radiata appear in beds, lawns, even in gravel paths and driveways.  These coral-red blooming members of the lily family are sometimes called Spider Lilies.  The larger pink blooming and fragrant Lycoris Squamigera is known as Surprise Lily or Naked Lady.  Our L. radiata are coming up in the beds near the Old Granary and in the Inn courtyard this week.  Look quickly!  They don't last long in the heat.

The Gardening Team at Fearrington

Every time I walk into Bluebirds & Hollyhocks I make a mental note to myself that I must come back when I have more time and no mission taking precedent…..and one of those reasons is the River Song jewelry that always catches my eye. The designer started this company as a winter reprieve from organic farming, and her work reflects a celebration of the natural world with its refined organic style.  And I mean refined….this jewelry is exquisite.  Each piece is carefully crafted by hand preserving its authentic nature – with each gem hand-selected for luminosity and unique character.  These pieces are understated but captivating – much like morning dew on a spider web. If you are looking for a really, really special gift for someone (or for yourself), don’t miss this line.  And if you want to make the giving extraordinary….follow the lead of my beau whose “reason” was nothing more than  “just because it’s Thursday.”  Ahhhh….so romantic.

(They also do custom work in a timely fashion.)

Daneen

Yes...I am still browsing at McIntyre’s. (So much fun stuff in there…in addition to the incredible book selection!)  I was taken with these little whimsical bird “clips” – that also happen to have a tiny magnet attached so you can use them on your fridge. These birds are only 2 ½ inches wide…the diminutiveness being part of their charm.  Just think how adorable they would be clipped to a bow atop a package…or on a little girl’s ponytail…or several perched on a garden hat!  How charming  to have a whole flock on a bare branch in a primitive vase or flower bucket…or on a miniature sapling on your breakfast room table during the holidays.  Hmmm…looks like I may be needing more! 

Daneen

If you have had the good fortune of visiting McIntyre’s (one of the best independent bookstores I have ever seen), then you know it is the ultimate browsing ground.  I stopped by to pick up a book for a friend this week and happened to notice a clever new product called “Mark-My-Time” – a digital bookmark!  With the new school year upon us, one of the biggest challenges facing busy parents is how to monitor and record a child’s daily reading goals.  This bookmark lets each child record their reading minutes at the touch of a button making the process fun as well as educational.  Reading just 20 minutes a day for one year exposes your child to one million words! 

(And, oh…. I couldn’t help but think what a great stocking stuffers these would be for sudoku and crossword puzzle fanatics!)

Daneen