More than 250 years ago, John Bartram gathered the most exotic plants he could find in colonial America. Curiosities such as wisteria, magnolia and poison ivy. He packed their seeds in boxes and sent them back to England.
Nobility was delighted.
North America promised unknown riches and discoveries back then. And Bartram, founder of the first botanical garden in North America, was at the center of excitement. (more…)
It’s not even officially summer, and my sights are already set on fall. Hot trends and new wares were revealed at the end of April during the International Home Furnishings Market in High Point, N.C. I couldn’t wait until fall to see them, so I got the scoop from several local furniture retailers.
The event is reputed to be the largest furniture industry trade show in the world. It is also known for being difficult to navigate, for the same reason, with a sprawling nearly 12 million square feet of showroom space, 188 buildings and 2,500 exhibitors.
“It’s so huge you would never see all of the showrooms, even if you were there for an entire week,” says Kelly Judd Schwartz, owner and creative director of Loft Home Decor in the Second Street District. She spent a whirlwind three days in North Carolina — it was her first trip to the show. (more…)
