Color can keep you from feeling blue
In uncertain times, we try to fill our lives with things that offer peace and tranquillity. At least that is what the American Home Furnishings Alliance says and that also is why it predicts you'll be seeing a lot of blue in home displays this fall. In our emotions, blue connotes sadness. But in interior decorating, the color blue conveys a fresh, soothing tone, according to Jackie Hirschhaut, vice president of the alliance. Blue surfaced repeatedly earlier this year at High Point Market, the largest furniture trade show in the world. It showed up in painted finishes on wood, as well as in fabric choices. Consider how the small accent table above with a cobalt finish could brighten a room. Embellished with a glossy vine pattern, it is available from Pulaski for about $375. Find a dealer near you by visiting www.pulaskifurniture.com.
Planting seeds, harvesting dreams
Young adults with disabilities, when given the chance, can grow dreams. That is the basis for a new local produce stand just opened in DuPage County. Called We Grow Dreams, the produce stand is a not-for-profit greenhouse and garden center at 1055 W. Washington St. in West Chicago. The 40 team members of the center planted, cared for and are now harvesting fresh produce such as tomatoes, peppers, onions, squash, cucumbers, eggplant and cabbage. Proceeds from the produce benefit the center, which provides job training and employment for people with disabilities. "Utilizing our greenhouses over the winter months, we hope to continue to provide locally grown vegetables to the community," said Donna F. Jarmusz, We Grow Dreams president, in a news release. Team members work at least 10 hours a month and are paid the prevailing minimum wage. Learn more about the program at wegrowdreams.org.
$CLASS=BriefHead$Yellow rose earns top honors
A rose is a rose is a rose, unless it's the Graham Thomas rose, cultivated by David Austin. In that case, the rose is the world's favorite rose, at least according to rose lovers in 41 countries that make up the World Federation of Rose Societies. The honor, announced this summer, is given out only every three years, and the Graham Thomas is just the 14th rose to earn the title.
Austin specializes in hybridizing English roses to grow new types that have the broad color range and the repeated flowering of modern roses, yet also the plump form and heavy perfume of old roses.
Ah, so it does smell as sweet. Or at least that is what the rose society voters decided.
The rose forms a bushy shrub about 5 feet tall and 4 feet wide. It can be found at fine garden retailers, ordered through davidaustinroses.com, or by calling (800) 328-8893.