Author Archives: christinedarnelldesignstudio

About christinedarnelldesignstudio

Christine Darnell Design Studio is a landscape and garden design studio in Chester, CT. Imaginative plant combinations characterize the work with an artist’s eye towards texture and color. A strong commitment to environmentally considerate design runs through the practice, the support of local nurseries, and guidance towards the most environmentally sustainable materials and products. Adjunct Professor, Horticulture Dept. of Naugatuck Valley Community College, Waterbury, CT , Wetlands Commissioner for the Town of Chester, Vice President, APLD, Connecticut Chapter.

An APLDTCT Special Event – David Harber!

Posted on September 16, 2014 by christinedarnelldesignstudio

Originally posted on APLD Connecticut Chapter:
APLDCT presents! A very special evening with world-renown garden artist David Harber! Please join us for  Taking Pleasure in the Passing of Time Mr. Harber will present a lecture on the evolution of scientific instrument to…

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What is Blooming in the Fall Garden Now

Posted on September 3, 2014 by christinedarnelldesignstudio
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APLDCT Event 7.27.14 – O’Brien Nurserymen!

Posted on July 24, 2014 by christinedarnelldesignstudio

Originally posted on APLD Connecticut Chapter:
? On July 27th, APLDCT will host a wonderful open house at O’Brien Nurserymen in Granby, CT. If you love plants, this is an outing you will not want to miss! ? Details: Sunday…

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What’s Blooming in the Garden Now:

Posted on June 30, 2014 by christinedarnelldesignstudio

The vegetable garden is alive with nepeta and the climbing roses are blooming their hearts out!

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Framing Succulents in a Wall Hanging

Posted on May 14, 2014 by christinedarnelldesignstudio

I found a wonderful twig frame and decided to plant it full of succulents this year. The trick is keeping them in their so they can take root.  First I wove a wire backing on one side of the frame. … Continue reading →

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Seaside Gardening: Fountain grass or Pennisetum alopecurides ‘Hameln’ is a staple of the shoreline garden.

Posted on May 14, 2014 by christinedarnelldesignstudio

   Fountain grass with Black-eyed Susan (above) and Ajuga, or Bugleweed ‘Chocolate Chip’ (below). A perfect plant for by the pool, to soften edges and along walkways. Very drought tolerant once established, and turns a beautiful gold in the fall.  

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Nature’s Beauty

Posted on May 10, 2014 by christinedarnelldesignstudio

Climbing Hydrangea finds its way in the grooves of a stone.

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Seaside Gardening

Posted on May 10, 2014 by christinedarnelldesignstudio

More plants that can take some salt: (in depth list to follow) Black Pines (Pinus nigra) Mugo Pines (Pinus mugo) Inkberry (Ilex glabra) Beach Roses (Rosa rugosa) Creeping Juniper (Juniperu horizontalis) Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana) Butterfly bush (Buddleia) Hydrangea … Continue reading →

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A Special APLDCT Sponsor Event!

Posted on May 1, 2014 by christinedarnelldesignstudio

Originally posted on APLD Connecticut Chapter:
? Tour the Colorblends Trial Gardens & Annual Meeting Saturday May 3, starting at 1:30 pm Take a break from your hectic spring schedule to catch up with APLDCT members and to tour the…

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BUILDING A VISUAL VOCABULARY

Posted on April 16, 2014 by christinedarnelldesignstudio

Originally posted on APLD Connecticut Chapter:
By Christine Darnell On a wintry weekend in January, a former student and I traveled to Swarthmore Arboretum in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania to hear W. Gary Smith lecture on his superb book, From Art To…

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