Rosebrook Gardens is ready for the holidays! Here come the film crews, interviewers, and producers to capture the holiday cheer and yours truly in action. I pride myself that my home is not just a place for me to live and entertain, but a creative outlet and resource to share with others. It’s hard to believe that this year is almost over, and as I think of the many people who have come to either visit for a garden tour, film for a segment or even been invited to one of the many parties over the year, I know that I am blessed to know them – and usually because my home is my calling card and a gift to others to learn from.Today, while in production with some of my favorite people (Audra Lowe and Marty Glembotzky – the Better team from New York), we took a break and toured outside. I took in their reactions as they in turn took in the beauty of the chilly gardens at rest. We wandered around the property and I showed them all of my winter garden prep and pruning, and my latest updates with the Garden Studio. I was proud to say thank you to them for not only their complements but because they understood that turning Rosebrook Gardens into a show place that looks good on camera and in person is no easy task – yet they say I make it look all so simple.
As I get older I have come to appreciate my home as my own little gift in life that I’m merely taking care of. You don’t have to have visited me here at Rosebrook Gardens to understand what that’s like; haven’t we all been in homes that felt that way – where the house was more than a structure but part of the family? Doesn’t even have to be a home with history, family money or even in the “best” neighborhood. In fact, it can be an apartment. It’s all about making the house a living, active place that invites others in. You can feel it.
Although she is not a living breathing thing, Rosebrook Gardens is, however, very much alive in many hearts. It’s a life that anyone can breathe into their own home, and the good news it’s not about how much you spend or how big your space, it’s the multitude of small details that have your heart in them. I always have believed in the idea that something can be greater than the sum of its parts, and your home is a great example of that. I think that’s one of my favorite reasons for writing my book, Life on Mar’s: A Four Season Garden; yes, on the surface it’s about gardening, but it’s really my simple pattern to follow to create an enviable type of home for yourself.
The Holidays are upon us and I’m obviously not waiting to give thanks for my friends and family. But I don’t always mention how thankful I am for all of you – whether you know it or not, I feel like you have each visited here in some way, and left your mark. Home is where the heart is, and you’ve made my heart beat with a great strength.
Feel the same about your home or special place? I would like you know.
