Well, I am back from my DD's, and I am stuffed, I always swear I will not overdo it, but I go ahead and do it anyway. Oh well, this special holiday only comes one time a year and I am enjoying it. I told my DD everything you all said and she was very happy you all liked her efforts, she says thanks! Maymo, LOL, I know, you sort of have to look for them with everything else going on in the tree:) My DD only used picks like this for the first time this year so she was not too sure about it, I think it takes awhile to get used to doing something different on a tree. oldalgebra, Oh good, I was just thinking about you on my drive home, I was afraid I had not explained it very well (I do so much better getting things across to people in-real-life LOL. People on Flickr devote whole groups and forums to taking these kinds of photos. :) I know you'll have lots of fun with this technique. Peoniesandposies, thank you for your nice comment I will pass it along to my DD. :)

Thanks for the nice comments. The figurines on the mantel are a collected assortment. The birds (yes, they are metal) and the gargoyles (which are supposed to be hung) are antiques that were always in my in laws home which I admired and as they are in the downsizing mode have found their way into our home. The Father Frost (wooden) is from St. Petersburg Russia where our 2 youngest children are from -- it makes me happy. I didn't buy one when we were there the first time, but made sure to the 2nd. I'm trying to think what else is in the picture . . . oh the ark is an advent calendar (I think from Gardener's Eden???) - has to be up on mantle because it's person is only 2 years old and it is breakable :-)

Woodnative, that's a nice spot you've put together. My Chionanthus are still a few weeks away from flowering, but you've reminded me what I have to look forward to. In these parts, Carpinus caroliniana is an understory tree with a strong preference for moist soils. They can handle more sun, but moist soil is a consistent. They will also look much different in full sun than in their natural shady conditions. Personally, I think they look better when grown in shade. The canopy is more open and with horizontal branching. I've got two growing here, both of which I've sited at the woodland edge. To get a real appreciation for this tree you need to venture into a moist woodland.

need a pic ... you sure its not the little hats they were.. as they break out of the dormant phase ... if not.. where are you.. and give us some winter info.. and any other info that would help.. other than they are brown ... kenhttps://www.flickr.com/photos/fourseasonsgarden/9152834611