|
Jackson Heights Has Its Own Martha Stewart - M.D. Smith
by Liz Rhoades, Managing Editor, Queens Chronicle, February 03, 2005
If you crave a
Martha Stewart fix now that she’s out of commission for awhile, there’s a new
gal in town from Jackson Heights who will satisfy all those needs.
I don’t know about
her skills in the kitchen, but when it comes to gardening, decorating and the
fine arts, no one comes close to Marion Duckworth Smith. You can read about her
skills in “The Romantic Garden,” published by Sterling Publishing Company.
The author and her
husband, Michael, are responsible for lovingly restoring the 1654 Riker-Lent
homestead in Jackson Heights, which is the oldest building in the city that is
still used as a private residence.
When that arduous
job was completed, Duckworth Smith turned her attention to the sprawling
one-acre garden, adjacent to the Riker Cemetery, which is also on the property.
Through years of back-breaking work and constant tweaking, the garden has become
a gem.
Unfortunately,
it’s not open to the public, but readers will be transfixed when they pick up
this coffee table book that is filled with gorgeous shots of the garden at its
summertime best. Most of the photographs were taken by Duckworth Smith, a
professional photographer, who specializes in greeting cards, calendars and
magazine illustrations.
Her artistic
talents are evident in the book’s photographs as well as in her knack for
arranging things just right. A blue hydrangea placed on a white wrought-iron
bench invites the reader to sit down and admire the view. A slightly chipped
pitcher that is a flea market find turns up filled with colorful flowers next to
a decorative cherub mounted on a brick wall.
This book is a
treat for the eyes and anyone who loves flowers and plants will enjoy paging
through it. But there’s more than just voluptuous illustrations to show
Duckworth Smith’s romantic side, which she admits permeates her life.
The commentary
perfectly complements the photographs and the author does not preach. Instead,
she shows the readers how to make the best of whatever outdoor space they have.
She admits her style is not for everyone, but nevertheless offers general tips
that everyone can adapt to their taste.
Duckworth Smith’s
use of metal and wooden gates, statues and whimsical birdhouses and feeders show
how you can set off different areas of your garden, even if you don’t have an
acre of land.
She also doesn’t
take herself too seriously, which is particularly refreshing. I especially liked
the photo of a slightly beat-up painted metal washbasin, which serves double
duty for the author. She uses it as a birdbath with floating white hydrangeas
and as an iced-drink container for parties. “It can be placed almost anywhere in
the garden for gatherings, where it inevitably sparks lively conversation with
my guests,” Duckworth Smith writes.
There is also a
good balance between the text and photographs. The photographs illustrate
beautifully Duckworth Smith’s ability at arranging, while her breezy writing
never detracts from that ambiance.
Her numerous collections of dishware, baskets, buckets and other accoutrements
she uses in the garden rival those of Martha Stewart. And the author will give
you plenty of ideas to use in your own garden.
What better time to read “The Romantic Garden,” than now, in the dead of winter.
The author draws you into her pictures and you are once again sipping iced tea
in the middle of summer, only this time under her Victorian gazebo near a
four-tiered gurgling classic fountain. Ah, if only...
If you’re yearning
for a winter escape and who isn’t with 15 inches of snow on the ground, look no
further than “The Romantic Garden.” It would make a perfect Valentine’s gift for
gardeners and those who have a romantic outlook on life. The book can be
purchased at select
Barnes & Nobles (they will gladly take your order if it’s not in stock) and
at
Amazon.com.
It’s a delight for
all seasons."
HomeStyle
Books Club Review
"Marion Duckworth Smith and her husband Michael live in a 17th-century farmhouse, surrounded by lush gardens—in New York City! Sounds impossible, but it’s true. In this delightful book, she shows how she transformed her property into a romantic oasis—surmounting the challenges of her urban location every step of the way. Intermingling lovely color photos with smart tips about plantings
and accessories, the book reveals how you can turn your garden into a personal expression by using things you love.
On every page you’ll find ideas that will help you to fulfill your garden dreams, including:
• Combining different styles of fences, garden gates and trellises to add variety.
• Creating a tranquil space by nestling a cast-iron bench beside abundant foliage.
• Capturing the essence of romantic decoration by arranging plants and freshly-cut flowers in containers with unique shapes and delicate details.
Take it from Marion Duckworth Smith: If she can transform her New York City garden, so can you!"
Additional Information:
Hardcover: Color photos; 144 pages ; Dimensions (in inches): 2.00 x 10.75 x 10.50
Publisher: Sterling; (May 28, 2004)
ISBN: 1402705360
Samples from The Romantic
Garden by Marion Duckworth Smith
Available
online from the following vendors:
Amazon.com
Barnes
& Noble
HomeStyle
Books
Join Marion's Mailing List
|
