The Pringle Plan: September 2017

Monday, September 25, 2017

My September Garden

Love this colorful early morning view from my front door

Here it is, late

September, and my garden is beginning to fade. But look at what I've been enjoying this month!

Rose pink flowers of Creeping Sedum look stunning against blue foliage

Hydrangea tree has taken on a hint of pink in early September

Look at the size of these Hydrangea blossoms!

Heather is lush and green

Barberries

Dog wood fruit attracts song birds

Purple Buddleia, yellow Rudbeckias, and chartreuse Junipers

Love these hardy but delicate looking Pink Potentillas

Liriope as tall as azaleas, and look at that beautiful moss corner I've been cultivating!

This year's pet project - creating moss mower strips!

The size of these hostas never fail to impress me!

Coleus containers are a nice welcome by the back door

Once these flowers fade and the weather cools, I'll transplant hosta tubers to shade gardens

This is all this group of hollyhocks did this year - Maybe they'll bloom next year?

This year's newly planted Phlox still looking good

Jerusalem Artichokes have fallen over - time to cut them back

Coral bells (Heucheras) gave a subtle show

The last month of green trees

Always enjoy these early morning glimpses into the woods

Many thanks to friend, Marline, for identifying my mystery shrubs bordering the woods. They are clethra, also called Summersweet.

Sweet summer has grown over the landscape timbers - time for a trim!

Unusual for New England, the lawn never turned brown!

Now in late September, what is still in bloom? Well the roses, potentilla, and budleia in the front yard continue to put on a show. Containers of ice plant, coleus, geraniums, and cranesbill are still looking fresh.

These hanging geranium pots are just sitting in a larger pot waiting to be replaced with some fall mums. But when a plant is still looking this good, how can I replace it?

The morning glories have just begun to fade this morning, while the herbs are still strong. But my favorite September flowers? It's those Lime light Hydrangeas. Take a look at how they've taken on a tinge of deep pink!

I make a point to look out the window several times a day to visit these beauties. I'd be embarrassed to tell you how many photos I've taken of them!

I've begun to cut a few things back and will continue this week and into October as I do my final tidying up of the year. Looking forward to the changing of the season and the wondrous fall colors!

Laura S. Pringle is the author of The Pringle Plan, a series of educational guides.

See books by Laura S. Pringle on Amazon

Monday, September 18, 2017

Connecticut Renaissance Faire

The Bawdy Buccaneers

A fun day at the Connecticut Renaissance Faire in Lebanon, CT! Music, a bit of history, a lot of comedy, costumed participants, shops, food, a parade, archery and jousting! The faire runs each weekend through October 9th, with each weekend offering its own unique theme.

Parasol Shop

Shops included jewelry, steins, parasols, costumes, leather goods, dragons and more.

Leather bound journals for sale

Renaissance Costumes

The Sheriff of Nottingham writes tickets for any crime he claims to have witnessed!

Sheriff of Nottingham

An area is set up to resemble a camp of merchants who followed soldiers from one war to another. As the seamstress told me, "There is always a war and our services are needed." This merchant was from Bavaria, but they were, "...from all over and always moving."

Cooking demonstration circa 1528

Many stages are found throughout the grounds. Comedy and sword fights were the attraction here. The best part-the reenactment in s-l-o-w-m-o-t-i-o-n.

A fight for the love of an audience member

Buy some gold coins for an opportunity to learn how to sword fight or shoot arrows.

Dual with a knight

At mid-day appetites rule the land! Picnic tables can be found in the sun or shade.

Lines form at the Food Court

Turkey Legs and meat pies were popular

There were frequent sightings of "The Queen!"

Mid-day Parade

The jousting arena was packed with a cheering (and booing) audience as three horse riders participated in the events.

The Jousting Arena

Boisterous rooting for your favorite is encouraged

Warm ups include slicing vegetables in half

Helmets and shields on - the real jousting begins!

By far my favorite was Master Archer Bill Darr. Yes, his archery skills were impressive, but his spellbinding ability to entertain the audience with his knowledge of history was fascinating. A Must See!!!

Master Archer and fascinating historian Bill Darr

There are still three weekends left. Don't miss out on the Connecticut Renaissance Faire!

Laura S. Pringle is the author of The Pringle Plan, a series of educational guides.

See books by Laura S. Pringle on Amazon

Monday, September 11, 2017

Smith's Castle, RI

Costumed Docents lead tours on the hour

Last week, after my tour of the Gilbert Stuart Museum, I drove on to Smith's Castle in Rhode Island. This tour is filled with positive and negative info on the history of the north. On the down side? It turns out the early days of our northern history are filled with slaves and abuse of slaves. The positive? This deplorable practice was pretty much phased out in the north by the time of the Revolutionary War.

Another potential negative - You may be disappointed to see Smith's Castle is not the type of castle you had imagined. It turns out the definition of castle is any structure or group of buildings that have been fortified against attack. The original trading post which stood on this property was fortified with fencing. The positive? The current home stands on a scenic spot with spectacular views to enjoy while a costumed docent leads you on a tour through Rhode Island history.

As you can see, Smith's Castle is not the fairy tale European type castle you may have expected

Your tour begins under this Enormous tree

The location on this cove made it the perfect spot for a trading post

The Narraganset tribe was friendly with the Colonists, and stayed neutral during a war with the Wampanoags. One of the female leaders of the Narragansetts, generously compromised with the colonists by gifting them the island across from the property in exchange for an agreement to move their goats there. The colonist's goats had been eating the woman's garden, and this gift was her solution to the problem.

Across the way is Goat Island

Restoration of historic Smith Castle is underway

There are several beautiful gardens on the grounds. This is the herb garden restored and maintained by the University of Rhode Island Master Gardeners. Also on the grounds is a dye garden.

Beautiful herb gardens line the gravel pathways

Did I mention the views?

It was beautiful day and I'm so glad I took advantage of my time in Rhode Island to soak up some local history and enjoy the scenery. By the way, picnicking on the grounds is encouraged, so pack a lunch and head there today!

Laura S. Pringle is the author of The Pringle Plan, a series of educational guides.

See books by Laura S. Pringle on Amazon

Monday, September 4, 2017

Gilbert Stuart Museum

Gilbert Stuart Birthplace and Mill, Rhode Island

One of my favorite portrait artists is Gilbert Stuart (1755-1828). He's the artist responsible for all of those George Washington paintings. You know the ones I'm talking about. The ones you see in every American art museum throughout the Northeast. I love them and never tire of seeing another version of our First President.

Gilbert Stuart Birthplace

Located in Saunderstown, Rhode Island, the museum is found along a beautiful country road. It's a nice place to go on one of those days when you just feel like getting out and going for a drive. The grounds consist of a small gallery, a mill, the main house, a pond, and walking trails.

Pathway to bridge

Docents lead tours explaining how the mills work, and some history of the Stuart family and other owners of the property. They also talk about the herring that migrate to the pond each year.