Driving! Bella & Hana's first ride

We finally got the cart together for Bella to pull around the driveway to their summer home. Hana prepares her for the harness by giving her a full body-brushing.
Bella loves getting scratched - she sticks her tongue out and flips her head around and shakes it like a dog shakes his leg!


Bell feels very pretty, all brushed out!

Bella is not a normal llama - she's extremely friendly, even a little cuddly, and she'll eat almost anything! Here, Hana is giving her some pizza!
Okay, time for the harness!


Reigns...


Traces....

These clip onto the cart to hold it back when Bella walks downhill.

Here are the traces, they clip onto Bella's cart and allow her to pull it along behind her.
And the reigns - steering!

And we introduce Bella to the cart




Bell picks up on training so quickly! She already knows how to pull Hana on skis and will move with words "gee" and "haw" and pressure on the reigns. Now, Hana walks her down the hill and...

She rides back up!! Bella responds wonderfully to Hana's requests!

Yahoo!



Well, that was fun :)

This week in Franconia

Hana and I had a great time designing this garden with some clients in Franconia! The main goal was to divide and transplant Siberian Iris, which as many of you may know can be a difficult task. The soil here is extremely rocky so the clients prepared the bed for us and got Lancaster Floral Design & Garden Center Inc. to deliver several yards of their wonderful loam/compost mix to start us off on the right foot!

First off, we found this great stone centerpiece which fit the sundial perfectly on the first try! This centerpiece is both ornamental, and it brings to attention our natural surroundings, specifically in this case, the sun. What a wonderful toy to have in the center of the new garden! We used Hostas and Irises along rocks and trees around the driveway and this new circular garden.



The view from the driveway is wonderful as well - it makes a nice transition from the garden, to the crab apple, to the house. It softens the view of the front of the house and invites guests up to the house. The Hostas and Irises around the rock are also a preview of what they will see at the top of the driveway and will let guests know that above there are wonderful gardens to behold!

In Franconia, this week

Hana & Erika will maintain and design any way that fits your home! From fun to formal - we can do it all. Here is an example of a beautiful home in Franconia that has a formal design.

Landscaping can make a huge difference in how you, your family, and company feel at your home and can accent buildings in ways that other means of design cannot. Seen below are a variety of perennials and bushes combined with stonework that accent this lovely house. The perennials were chosen for bloom times throughout the year. Right now the Hostas are blooming!

This creeping Sedum looks almost better when its done blooming with its interesting blood-red stems left over from the spring's flowers.



This bed was losing soil over the edge of the rocks every time it rained. This clever client decided to plant strawberries - which spread and hold onto the soil - and they also bear pretty white flowers and, of course berries! Hens and chicks are thrown into the edges by the rocks (where they like to grow) to hang onto the soil over there and it all works!
This garden is also close to the house so there are oregano and chives in this garden as well. The chives have been cut back and will grow in with new, tender shoots that will be excellent for cooking with.
This creeping juniper almost flows over the earth. It grows well in areas where it can droop and spread. It will hold onto the soil nicely while it pleases the eye!
These rosebushes were contained today - they were wild when we got here!
Of course, there is a lovely entrance way. Hydrangea bush on one side and an ornamental crab apple on the other. Some more creeping juniper, giant Hostas, and there are also Lonicera vines growing up the railings to the front door.
And lets not forget, our faithful garden companion, Beau! He happily entertained us throughout the day.
Thanks for visiting out blog!