How To Throw An Urban Garden Party

A cherry willow tree takes center stage in the garden

When my wife's mother was alive, she absolutely loved her garden. 

In memory of that love, my wife Vyna wanted to transform her family home's garden into the one you see here. And so it was no surprise that one day I woke to “we're going to have a garden party”. "Oh really? Anything I can do to help let me know." I replied. For quite some time, I knew that she was feverishly working on a garden design (her very first), as a tribute to Marie. I was delighted that she finally concluded the initial stage of the garden, and was finally ready to entertain her friends and family in a not-so sweltering hot Sunday evening.

Getting ready for the garden inaugural: We served some delicious bites with these Thynk Art and Design Leafplates (a big hit with our guests)

Helping Vyna's dad down the stairs in order to join the folks in attendance

Wilner and Malone Lamothe, and Vyna's dad, Clotaire

The Martinez Family were all smile. Cheers!

Vyna, and Elizabeth Martinez 

Right: Brenda Pinckney (a longtime friend of Vyna), and her friend JoAnn

Our friends David and Christ Palling who will soon be leaving for Philadelphia. We'll miss them dearly!

Designing friend: Doria Kalt

Thank you Patricia and Beverly for coming!

Right: Zynthia Nieves, and her friend Esther

Design friends (and bloggers): Alice Chin, and Younghye Hwang

The garden is mainly composed of ornamental grasses. A true favorites of Vyna's

Bellegray Garden in full swing!

As the end of the event,  we were both grateful to all those who where able to attend, and share this special moment with us. For all the folks who knew her mom well, I think it is safe to say that Marie would of approved. 

Text and Photos Michael S. McConkey

8 Tips On How To Beat This Summer's Heatwave

New York City under a blazing summer sun

It’s HOT outside, and I mean HOT! A dangerous heat wave has spread across the country from California to New York. The hot weather is affecting more than 100 million Americans and it's also the first time that all the major cities - including New York, Chicago and Los Angeles - have had heat warnings in place at the same time, NBC’s Today show reports. In New York City, ozone pollution levels are so high that an air quality advisory is in effect. The city is expected to hit 99 degrees on Saturday (23rd July 2016), as I was planning to explore Manhattan. Can you image what the subway (underground) must be like?

Remember: Keeping your body cool in the heat this summer is paramount! And a true life saver. Sign of heat stress include increased heart rate, and dizziness.

Here are a 8 tips to beat the heat by Sydney Narvaez

Stay safe New York!

   1. Stay Hydrated

Drinking a lot of water is essential. If you’re working outdoors, consume one quart of cold water every hour, as well as pouring it on your skin. Electrolyte energy drinks are also beneficial.

2. Avoid Alcohol

Drinking alcohol in the heat does the opposite of what you want to do — it dehydrates you.

3. Consume Shaved Ice

Shaved ice hydrates you, which allows heat to leave the surface of your body.

4. Find Shade, or Make Your Own

If you’re outdoors, try to be in the shade as much as possible. You can also create your own by using an umbrella or a hat.

5. Cooling Centers

There are many cooling centers around the city if you do not have air conditioning in your house.

6. Buy The Appropriate Air Conditioning Unit

Look for appliances with high energy efficient ratings, and choose the appropriate number of British Thermal Units (BTUs) that correspond to your room dimensions. For example, choose a window air conditioning unit with 15,000 BTUs for an 800-square-foot room.

7. Keep Your Pets Cool

Pets should be kept groomed with short hair to avoid the heat, but do not shave your pets because their fur offers sun protection.

8. Keep Your Pets Hydrated

Dogs and cats should have access to water 24 hours a day, and be kept in a cool, shaded place.

As for me, I make sure our bird bath is full of fresh water.