ONE MORE IDEA FOR......... FIREBACKS

 I have never sent a post twice but when a new reader forwarded this photo, i said to myself.....YES!!!
What a gorgeous detail..........the fireback built in...........don't you love that?
The reader. designer and blogger, Mona,  is one of the talented sisters of Providence Design 
Welcome these new bloggers. Thank you Mona for the photo

New Ideas for a Fireback? Are you asking yourself................"I never had an old idea for a Fireback!"

                    OR  "What is a Fireback?"

In brief.............Dating back to the mid 15th century, these thick iron plates were used to protect the firebox (fireplace) from catching on fire and spreading to the rest of the building.

Initially only royalty or the aristocrats could afford such a luxury. The above example is dated 1728 and has the initials A.H.

Today's fireplace use is not only decorative but serves to keep the heat radiating back into the room increasing efficiency by 50%.

Are you now wondering if I have lost my mind?  That this might be a timely post in winter? Well........yes, I have lost my mind but that is another topic............I love to see the use of firebacks in interior decor and in the garden.

Think of this as an interesting design element behind your stove, something out of the ordinary.

Up a stairwell?

But my favorite use is in the garden as an accessory. Have a blank wall that could use a weather-proof architectural element?

This is the best use I have ever seen. Two years ago I was on a private tour for landscape professionals sponsored by the organization APLD. The home above was in Connecticut and was the weekend enclave of the Broadway producer of the musical 'CHICAGO'.

Access from the front to back was via this portico. Both sides were lined with firebacks of varying size and designs. Very effective.

Just be certain the wall is adequate, these pups are HEAVY!
                                                    
                                   LOCAL  NEWS!   

My shop in Geneva, IL is participating in a citywide event called 'Gardenology' Saturday May 15th from 10am to 4pm. Interesting topics for the novice and experienced gardener will be on the courthouse lawn and sprinkled through town.

We will feature the following at the shop;

Book launch from the Geneva Garden Club, 'From Garden to Table'. The ladies will offer recipe samplings from the book, display several tablescapes and of course, the book is for sale.

Heritage Prairie Farm, of LaFox, IL. will bring their renown honey from the farm; cinnamon, chocolate, lavender, rosemary or mint plus beeswax candles and bee skeps.

Through out the day I will be doing container planting demonstrations.

The weather looks ideal and this is a fun kick-off to gardening 2010!

               An evening event (7pm to be exact) with Eddie Ross, what could be more magical?
Well........an evening with Eddie Ross in town with Jaithan Kochar and learning the elements of hosting the
     WOW party...........(Without the Work)

Learn to throw dazzling parties, without spending a lot of dough and with only an ounce of effort! And after wards, we all dig in and dine together.
RSVP; 
-via Eddie Ross
-via Scentimental Gardens

ARE YOU A FELLOW BLOGGER?  Contact Eddie Ross for the reduced rate.

Coming in from out of town? The Dunham Woods Riding Club has a limited number of guest rooms. Contact Scentimental Gardens to arrange your stay.

 

  

So.........while in party mode, the next evening will be the grand opening of my new shop in Chicago 

'SG GRAND'

June 18th, 5:30pm

1822 W. Grand Avenue, Chicago 

stay tuned for details.............but save the date!

Hope you can join us

Debra