(1888PressRelease)
April 12, 2007 - Paula Vecchio, horticulturist at The Sagamore in Bolton Landing, N.Y., swears by the old adage, “Never put a $5.00 plant in a 50˘ hole.” The best gardens are supported by a good soil enriched with compost.
Sara Henderson, gardener at The La Playa Hotel in Carmel, Calif., gives a lesson in color. Cool colors, the blue to purple shades, create distance.
Bright colors, from yellow to red, pull a scene forward. Light colors show up better in areas with low light intensity. Monochromatic color schemes work well in small areas, while more complex color combinations can be used in large areas. Complementary colors are pleasing to the eye and white and gray tints can help neutralize, so that mixed colors are easier to accept.
Laurel McKown at the Hotel Boulderado in Boulder, Colo., stores water in a rusted bucket. Using this “magic” water once a week nourishes potted flowers and results in a deep, rich color. Although she stumbled on this trick by accident, McKown suspects the iron in the rusty water gives the flowers a vibrant boost.
At the Jekyll Island Club Hotel in Jekyll Island, Ga., the numerous deer see the beautiful flower beds as a colorful salad. The hotel’s gardeners plant society garlic, marigolds, lantana, fox glove and other plants to deter the deer from grazing in the newly planted beds.
For a dozen additional gardening tips, visit http://www.historichotels.org/press_release/1/59
Historic Hotels of America, a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, has identified more than 200 hotels that have faithfully maintained their historic integrity, architectural and ambiance. To be selected for this program, a hotel must be at least 50 years old, listed in or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places or recognized as having historic significance. Reservations can be made though Historic Hotels of America www.historichotels.org.
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