WHAT TO DO BEFORE, DURING, AND AFTER A FREEZE
Winter’s chill is on the way, and as gardeners, we know that a hard freeze can do some serious damage to our precious plants. But don’t worry! With a little bit of prep, you can help your garden survive the cold and bounce back come spring. Here’s a simple guide to keep your plants cozy before and after a freeze. ❄️
MY FAVORITE FROST JACKETS
To protect your garden before an Arctic blast or hard freeze, focus on these three essential steps:
1. Insulate and Protect Plants
Cover Tender Plants: Use frost cloths, horticultural fleece, or row covers to protect herbaceous perennials, vegetables, and other frost-sensitive plants from direct exposure to freezing temperatures. Be sure the covers don’t touch the foliage to prevent frost damage, and secure them against wind.
Mulch the Root Zone: Apply a thick layer (3-6 inches) of mulch around the base of perennial plants, shrubs, and trees to help insulate roots and moderate soil temperatures.
2. Water the Garden Well
Pre-Freeze Hydration: Water plants thoroughly in advance of the freeze. Moist soil retains heat better than dry soil, offering an added buffer against sudden temperature drops. Watering in the morning allows the moisture to soak in before temperatures plummet overnight.
3. Prune and Harvest
Remove Damaged Growth: Prune away dead, damaged, or diseased wood from trees and shrubs to reduce stress and prevent further damage from the freeze. Avoid heavy pruning, which can encourage vulnerable new growth. Harvest all of those veggies and herbs from your garden!
ICE CREAM HOT CHOCOLATE
Ingredients
6 cups chocolate ice cream (rich and creamy variety)
6 cups milk chocolate chips
12 cups whole milk (or preferred milk)
5–6 cinnamon sticks
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
1/4 tsp salt (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Crockpot:
Set your crockpot to the low setting.
Add the Ingredients:
Place the chocolate ice cream, milk chocolate chips, whole milk, and cinnamon sticks into the crockpot.
If desired, add the vanilla extract and salt.
Cook and Stir:
Cover and cook on low for 3–4 hours, stirring every 30 minutes to ensure the chocolate chips melt evenly and the mixture becomes smooth.
Check & Remove Cinnamon Sticks:
Once the hot chocolate is creamy and well-combined, remove the cinnamon sticks.
Serve:
Ladle the hot chocolate into mugs and top with your favorite additions, like whipped cream, marshmallows, or a dusting of cinnamon or cocoa powder.
Optional Variations:
For a stronger cinnamon flavor, add a pinch of ground cinnamon.
For an extra creamy texture, stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half before serving.
To make it sweeter, add half a cup of maple syrup
This recipe provides enough rich and velvety hot chocolate to keep 12 people cozy and warm!
Explore the Timeless Elegance of the Greenbrier with Merriweather Franklin
Join Merriweather Franklin, Lead Designer for Greenbrier Interiors, as she takes you on an exclusive tour of the legendary Greenbrier Resort. With her wealth of knowledge and deep passion for Dorothy Draper’s iconic designs, Merriweather provides an insider’s look at how Draper’s bold, colorful style continues to captivate and inspire.
During the tour, Merriweather shares her expertise on the hotel’s stunning décor, highlighting Draper’s unique ability to blend classic elegance with modern charm. As the former Interior Project Manager and liaison for Dorothy Draper & Co. at The Greenbrier, Merriweather’s insights bring a fresh, in-depth perspective to the history and beauty of this iconic destination.
From the world-class dining that celebrates Appalachian flavors to the luxurious Presidential Suite, which has hosted U.S. presidents and dignitaries for decades, Merriweather’s tour covers it all. You’ll learn about the rich history and the continuing legacy of Dorothy Draper’s timeless designs at the Greenbrier.
Ready to take the tour? Watch the full video below to hear from Merriweather herself about what makes the Greenbrier such a special place.
[Click here to watch the full tour on YouTube]
For more information about Merriweather and her design work, visit www.greenbrierinteriors.com and inquire about a consultation to bring the elegance of the Greenbrier into your own home.
My Go-To Christmas Storage Hacks You’ll Love
A few years ago, I used to decorate clients' homes for Christmas, and along the way, I learned some game-changing storage hacks. Since we were responsible for setup, breakdown, and storage, I had to keep things super organized—and these are the go-to solutions that have made my life (and my clients') so much easier.
MY MUST-HAVES WHEN TRAVELING
Make every journey smooth with a durable Briggs & Riley suitcase, a handy hat clip, and a portable lap desk for comfort on the go. Pack smart with travel must-haves designed to keep you organized and stylish. Whether it’s a quick getaway or a long adventure, these essentials ensure you’re ready for anything.
MY FAVORITE SELF CARE ESSENTIALS
Embrace self-care with Obagi skincare for a fresh start, candle lamp warmers to set the mood, and cozy sets paired with slippers for ultimate relaxation. Prioritize moments of rest and rejuvenation that leave you glowing inside and out. A little indulgence is the perfect way to reset and recharge for the year ahead.