Rose Cottage Ltd

Image Credit: Seal of Honor

How’s that for a “Leap Day” photo?

If you want to get a quick fix on the personality of any garden, or on any gardener for that matter, have a look at their selection of garden planters.

Other than some desert-type gardens where you can almost plant and walk away, it takes work and consistency to keep a garden alive. I always feel bad when I see small plants sitting in someone’s yard, still in the small plastic containers they were sold in – usually with the plants showing great signs of distress. So for those who take an active role in their garden, planters – which can be moved to adapt to weather and sun requirements – are a good half-way measure between backhoe-level landscaping and those little plastic pots.

Here are a few I really like for 2012…

This Weathered Rust Brunello 26-inch Planter is a lightweight planter hand crafted through an exclusive eight-step process. Using only the highest-grade resin and innovative technology makes these planters lightweight and incredibly durable.

The exclusive anti-shock manufacturing process provides years of enjoyment. Weatherproof & UV-Protected deep inner lip enhances durability.

Lightweight and incredibly durable with a 10 Year Warranty to never Fade, Crack, or Chip.

The Victorian Parasol Hanging 20-inch Bronze Planter is sure to be a point-of-interest wherever it hangs with its elegant design that will bring a touch of sophistication to your patio or deck area.

For a unique accent piece, this planter will accommodate a variety of flowers in its 14 or 20″ inch pot. The design of this planter has a basket, surrounded by curved metal finished with an upside-down parasol base.

This Victorian Parasol Planter can be hung from the three attached chains.

This Aged Moss Arbor Bowl Planter would fit in well on my rather rustic country property.

The Wildwood Collection features large and free tree leaves that wrap around the pedestal and bowl, mirroring the environment that surrounds us. The relief is touched with a mossy green compelling your eye to blend the sculpture in the foreground with the leafy growth in the background.

The expert finish given the Arbor Planter Bowl and Pedestal allow it to blend naturally with its surroundings.

Handcrafted and made in America from high-fired Terra Cotta. Outdoor use – but bring inside before freezing temps hit.

The Thames Bowl Planter was originally created as a special commission for London’s County Hall.

For more than twenty years, skilled designers, craftsmen and engineers have been producing decorative plant containers and architectural features for homes, gardens, hotels and public buildings around the world.

High Quality Fiberglass planter – 40″ in diameter; 20 inches high.

Maintenance Free Material: Fiberglass Frost proof, but not “freeze-proof.”

Over a 1,000 possible choices from large square planters to amphora planters….wine not included…

March is a busy month:

- Daylight Savings Time begins March 11, 2012
- St. Patrick’s Day is March 17, 2012
- First day of Spring is March 20, 2012

I posted some pithy Irish saying plaques, etc. in a post last year – most of which are still available from ShopIrish.com.

Here are a few new items for gardeners who like a bit of Irish flair, and also some Irish-oriented gift ideas for anyone on your shopping list with a St. Patrick’s Day birthday. I have one on mine, so always keep an eye out for things uniquely Irish.

This guy is still one of my favorites!

This Garden leprechaun has an empty pot of gold that’s just the right size to hold your favorite plant.

Richly detailed weather resistant resin.

Size: 7.5″D x 12″W x 17″H

Leprechaun Planter

And here’s his friend!

This delightful character is at home in the garden, patio or porch.

Perched on his pot of gold this wee fellow captures the essence of Irish charm.

Weather resistant resin.

14 inches tall.

Garden Leprechaun

Perfect for those cool Spring evenings and a great personalized gift!

Subtle shamrocks have been woven into this 100% cotton throw. 48″ x 68″ made and embroidered in the USA.

Don’t forget to include name requested for this personalized item. Allow 3-4 weeks so you may not get this there right on the day – but the thought will be appreciated nonetheless!

Personalized Shamrock Throw

If you’re looking for a great St. Patrick’s Day gift and know someone who loves silver jewelry, this Trinity Knot ring will certainly be a big hit!

Uniquely fashioned design where the Trinity knot and the band are interwoven to form this contemporary ring.

Made in the USA.

Whole sizes only 6 – 10.

Interwoven Silver Knot Ring

Hundreds of other items available for home and garden, jewelry, glassware, gourmet food products and more – all from Shop Irish – a great online resource for quality Irish gifts! Check out their shipping deals for order placed by March 1st…

Bet I’ll catch a lot of people expecting something entirely different with that title!

Looks like a nice sun-drenched log on a warm February day is enough to get this guy out-and-about!

Here are several great software packages for landscape, garden, and outdoor living space design. If you’re in a hurry – one or two of these are available for immediate download…have fun!

Free desktop streaming application by Ustream

Thanks to the Raptor Resource Center.

Thanks to everyone and anyone who responded to my post last week regarding the attempts to reorganize the barbaric “horse diving” event on a Atlantic City pier.

It worked! Over 50,000 people signed the petition. Horses everywhere thank you!

NJ Steel Pier Drops Plan for Diving Horse’s Return

Recalling the hardwood platform rockers from the early 1900s, this glider furniture is made from sturdy weatherproof Brazilian eucalyptus.

Eucalyptus has a Janka hardness rating of 1,125–30% higher than mahogany–making it one of the densest, strongest woods in the world. Eucalyptus natural oils and tight grain prevent damage from rain, mold, and termites, allowing confident outdoor storage. The eucalyptus is kiln dried to enhance its durability, and the furniture is crafted with hardwood doweling and stainless steel hardware to ensure years of reliable use. A ball bearing suspension system provides smooth, relaxed gliding forward and backward with minimal effort. Left alone, the wood will develop a unique silvery gray patina, or it may be oiled to retain its original appearance.

Glider Bench. 48″ W x 26″ D x 36″ H.

NOTE: Brazilian Eucalyptus Glider Chair is also sold separately.

Please sign! Avoid/boycott Atlantic City, New Jersey if they allow this horrible horse diving activity to again take place!

From Change.org:

“Atlantic City also tried to bring back high-diving horses in 1993 — but a huge backlash caused those plans to be abandoned. Public outcry can do the same now, especially since construction on a horse-diving tower hasn’t begun yet. With so many other attractions proposed (beer gardens, games and rides), public pressure will swiftly divert these funds into a tourist attraction that will be more fun, lucrative and animal cruelty-free.”

It is not in a horse’s nature to wish to be dropped like this into water. If stupid humans want to try doing this themselves then fine. But it is animal abuse that can not be tolerated.

I took a trip to Williamsburg, Virginia a couple years ago and immediately noticed the distinct Williamsburg/Colonial style. Thankfully, this historic tourist area has made a conscious effort to retain architectural elements of its past – most of which would not be out of place in quaint, old, and from what we hear – Merry England.

Here are some items you might choose to add a touch of Colonial Williamsburg to your yard or garden…

The Williamsburg Pineapple 2 Tier Fountain is beautifully designed with inspiration deriving from Colonial Williamsburg.

A beautiful pineapple, a symbol of friendship and hospitality, sits atop the highest tier of the Williamsburg Pineapple 2 Tier Fountain. Water flows out the very top of the pineapple, into the top tier just before overflowing the top tier and gracefully falling into the grand tier below. A beautiful accent piece for your garden that will create a symbol of history, friendship, and hospitality, the Williamsburg Pineapple 2 Tier Fountain is sure to be the one piece your guests can simply never forget.

Taking off into the sky, this little three pound bird adds a playful nature to any garden while it flies amongst the flowers and grasses.

The Williamsburg Flying Bird comes with a 36 inch steel pole making it easy to “plant” in your gardens and move from place to place to create accents anywhere you choose.

Bring a touch of the sea into your garden or outdoor area with the Williamsburg Seaside Birdbath.

Standing at 23.75 inches tall, the Williamsburg Seaside Birdbath is the perfect choice for your outdoor area. Sea shells adorn the entire top on the Williamsburg Seaside Birdbath. The sea shells continue down the pedestal of the birdbath and onto the very bottom of the pedestal. The textured pedestal makes it seem as if you have collected this treasure at the beach and brought it home for your own special collection!

Order 2 or more of this planter and receive 30% Off!

With its grand scale and classic garland embellishments, the Williamsburg Neoclassic Urn Garden Planter makes an impressive statement in any garden or patio setting. You’ll love the timeless beauty this premium, cast stone planter brings to your outdoor decor.

The Williamsburg Delft Dog is another item in the Williamsburg Collection. The Williamsburg Delft Dog’s inspiration comes from the whimsical tin-glazed ceramics in Colonial Williamsburg’s extensive antiques collection.

The Williamsburg Delft Dog is based on a hand painted figure. Great for any garden decor. Manufactured with exceptional detail, your new puppy measures 13.5 inches tall and weighs 32 pounds.


There’s one for cat lovers too: Williamsburg Delft Cat. Most items with Free Shipping in the US…