Posts by Karen Chapman
Springtime in England
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather (usually), and generous garlands of fragrant wisteria draped across sturdy arbors and weathered stone walls all make spring one of the best seasons to visit England. My own childhood memories of English springtimes include strolling through beech woods, thickly carpeted with wild garlic and bluebells, picking posies of wild primroses (frowned…
Read MoreMosaic Magic New Zealand Style
Just when you think you've seen it all….you discover the magical Giant's House, perched high on a hill in Akaroa, so-named by a small child who declared that the imposing home must belong to a giant since it was so big. Yet the size of the home is modest compared to the imagination of its…
Read MoreUnexpected Inspiration from 7000 miles away
What design ideas can I possibly glean for soggy Seattle from a garden in the driest and coldest part of New Zealand? It turns out, many. Not only that but my visit to Jo Wakelin's garden at the foot of the Mt. Pisa range in Central Otago is one that has stayed with me, almost…
Read MoreHappy Holidays
Until Next Year!
Read MoreSeeking Stillness
In a fast paced world we quickly lose sight of the restorative quality of stillness. We are so busy working, shopping, entertaining, and caring for others that it's easy to feel guilty to allow ourselves to be still for a moment, to be silent, to "be". One of the most profound and moving experiences during…
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