See the wreaths I chose this year to decorate my home
Before my book signing at Stew Leonard’s this past Saturday, I met up with my television crew in Hamden, Connecticut where we shot a segment at the Broken Arrow Nursery. Hamden is about one-and-a-quarter hours by car from my home in Bedford. Owner Dick Jaynes has worked hard to make his nursery one of the premier specialty nurseries of woody plants and perennials in the United States. A very serious plant breeder and horticulturist, Dick has a particular interest with chestnut and mountain laurel, the state flower of Connecticut. ÂÂ
Dick started his business in 1947 when he planted a couple hundred spruce seedlings as part of a 4-H project. That project grew into a thriving Christmas tree farm on more than twenty acres. They grow white pine, balsam fir, Fraser fir, Douglas fir, Colorado blue spruce, white spruce, and some specialty trees. Customers are welcome to stroll the grounds to choose and cut. I have to tell you that the aroma from all the Christmas trees and greenery was just fantastic. I really enjoyed my visit to this wonderful nursery and look forward to visiting again when warmer weather returns.  The trip there and back was especially comfortable traveling in the all new 2009 Chevrolet Traverse.
Hi Martha, I have just finished decorating our home for christmas with a broken right wrist. My husband is retired and so has had to do most of the work. We live in Australia so our Christmas will be summer weather but we still serve the traditional foods of the nortern hemisphere. Our children and grandchildren will be with us and we are so looking forward to the holidays. From our home to your's "Merry Christmas"
Posted by: Margaret Harding | December 9th, 2008 at 1:26 am
Hi Martha,
I hope you show photos of your farm all decorated for Christmas--love your blog!
Posted by: Susan Raisch | December 9th, 2008 at 4:28 am
Dear Martha,
You really are a Christmas-tree-type of girl:) And congratulations on the new book! I love the white pines. As far as type of car...I'm hoping they bring back the Maverick, but in a tiny sports car version or like the old Ranchero but tiny with speaker racks already installed...oh, sorry, Martha, I thought it was Santa, again. Anyway, making mine (wreaths) out of the Florida southern red cedars...and I'll think of you:) Oh, new mag came, nice.
Posted by: tinay | December 9th, 2008 at 4:33 am
Dear Martha,
I live close by (in Orange), and have just decided where I'll pick up this year's wreath!
Posted by: Bruce Barber | December 9th, 2008 at 4:46 am
Martha, thanks for mentioning the 4-H connection. 4-H is a wonderful organization for young people and older individuals who wish to be group leaders.
Posted by: Margie | December 9th, 2008 at 5:22 am
Will we get to see photos of your Winter Home decorated for the Holidays?
Posted by: Jenny Steffens, The Bliss List | December 9th, 2008 at 5:38 am
Thanks for reminding me why I live in Florida. Brrr! I do love the smell of the Christmas trees though and I can't wait to see pictures of your wreaths when you get them up. I have 2 of yours that I bought at Kmart years ago but I might also get a real one because I love the aroma. Stay warm! Trish
Posted by: Trish | December 9th, 2008 at 5:41 am
Martha...isn't it always so fun to visit at the tree farm this time of the year! Your wreaths are lovely and i hope we'll see photos of them hung on all the windows of your home.I loved seeing all the choices of greenery.
You looked so lovely!
Posted by: Sherey | December 9th, 2008 at 6:10 am
I would love to have a live tree! Unfortunately I just have a little six footer, but it gets the job done I suppose.
Last night I went to a place in the city where they use over 2 million Christmas lights to decorate the grounds and it was absolutely gorgeous! I posted a couple of the photos on my blog to share with those who aren't here
Can't wait to see your tree all decorated!
Posted by: Kari | December 9th, 2008 at 6:32 am
(...HAVE CREW, WILL TRAVEL!...)
Your crew always seems to be at the ready - all you guys indeed do make a good team - it takes everyone, with their individual skill-set, to bring it all together! (And) we as viewers love every minute that results in production, and we take it all in, I assure you!
Despite the cold temperatures (we had them too...today we reach the 30's!) and if dressed properly for the weather, this looked like alot of fun!...those aromas, and being outside amongst nature...even the puppydoggies got to go along (heck, they're the MOST important part of the crew, aren't they?!! [giggle] )
I LOVE fresh greenery - I usually use it on the outside of my home (WHEN I use it). It doesn't last, though - I like to don decorations from the first of December throughout January, and it browns-out, even in the cold weather! It makes me think twice before I invest my time and money... (Big sigh!) Nevertheless...
Edgar =^..^= and Mandy =^..^= wish you a mrrrowwy Christmas, Martha...they send their love!
(Me too!)
=^..^=
Posted by: Cindy Bricker | December 9th, 2008 at 7:21 am
Hi Martha
Gosh reading Trish post above I just remembered I have a Martha wreath in storage and I forgot to put it up can you imagine gotta dig it out now!
Martha you look fab winter wear suits you. Franny looks all cozy in her winter jacket too walking along side Mama!
Love, love love when you take us on field trips so I look forward to this segment. Thank you for hosting the field trips I really appreciate that you are taking the time to do them instead of just the voice overs. I know it is a lot more work, so please thank your staff and crew for freezing their bodies off lol! I have a feeling that fella in the pix who is in deep thinking mood is thinking why the heck am I doing this I could be sitting by a fire reading a good book about now the things I do for BOSS Martha, I sure hope she gives me a good raise this year or at least some cookies~
Pam from California
Posted by: Pam from California | December 9th, 2008 at 8:29 am
I love the greens and berries that you used. Simply pretty. Happy Holidays!
Posted by: Emily | December 9th, 2008 at 8:51 am
Martha, Looks like you had the perfect weather to put you into the Christmas spirit.While you were having fun at the nursery,my wife and I were attending the Lebanon Ohio 20th Carriage Parade.I know you are quite aware of this event since you featured it on your show.We are all still hoping that one year soon you will be able to attend,Im sure you would have a wonderful time at the parade and later having lunch at The Golden Lanb Inn. I cant wait to see how you decorate the farm! Merry Christmas! Charles
Posted by: charles mckenzie | December 9th, 2008 at 8:52 am
I'm plumb out of ideas and looking forward to more decorating inspiration from you. You always have beautiful ideas for holiday decorating...I guess that's why I'm on your website right now!
Happy Holidays and thanks for making beautifying a home, a beautiful thing!
Posted by: My Happy Homestead | December 9th, 2008 at 9:02 am
Hi Martha,
I admire you for braving the cold so that we could see the beautiful tree farm. I have such a hard time with the cold weather season and it helps to see the unique beauty that winter brings. I was wondering if you've ever made a wreath out of ice. I just reacently saw one filled with cranberries and thought it was beautiful. It's such a wonderfully resourceful, renewable, and cheap decoration to make. Obviously, only to be hung out doors, but still lovely.
Melissa
Posted by: Melissa Gutierrez | December 9th, 2008 at 9:12 am
Hi Martha, Once again, I love this blog!!!!! Your trip to the Broken Arrow Nursery {love that name!} is absolutely wonderful. I can almost smell the aroma that really makes it feel more like Christmas. Can't wait to see this episode on your show. I love the fact that you are always promoting these fantastic businesses which helps them get more customers. If I'm ever in the tri-state area, I know the best places to visit, thanks to you! Can't wait to see how the wreaths look in your windows. I'll bet the aroma was unbelievable on the trip home. Thanks again for sharing. Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | December 9th, 2008 at 9:28 am
Wow Martha,
You certainly have a difficult task choosing! A difficult choice is somewhat a lot easier when one has so many people around to share their input. At the end of the day your home, set, whatever it may be always end up looking picture perfect. There is nothing to beat the fresh aroma of a Christmas tree or wreath!
Posted by: Nazarina Andrychow | December 9th, 2008 at 10:27 am
Hi Martha, Just love watching your show . when I can't watch at noon I look forward to FLN but its not on every night. Why I wonder? The Xmas shows are so enjoyable. Happy Holidays to you and yours Sandra from NH
Posted by: Sandra Pheffer | December 9th, 2008 at 11:11 am
Martha, I hope you show more holiday decorations ideas!!! I love the wreaths!
Posted by: webtations.com | December 9th, 2008 at 12:01 pm
Beautiful wreaths! I love this time of year. The combination of brisk cool air, the smell of a chimney and evergreens...magical to me. It doesn't matter how foul a mood I am in, that combination always brightens my day.
Posted by: Julie | December 9th, 2008 at 1:50 pm
Dear nartha,
I loved to see the abfab MacGarrigles on your show,
I can't wait to bake up some ginger skies. I won't forget
the silver dragé detail.
I hope you went to the show.
Thank you
NIcole Lefaivre
Posted by: Nicole Lefaivre | December 9th, 2008 at 1:52 pm
My thoughs and prayers are with Martha over the loss of her mom. Please email an address that I can send a condolence card to her.
I'm the lady that invented handbags, back pack etc. that completely light up inside. Please visit my website: http://www.bagalite.com - I would like to send Martha a handbag for Christmas. If she is planning on doing any shows on new products and inventions, I would love to be one of her guests.
I am 65, born and raised in South New Jersey. My late husband was the mayor of Wildwood, NJ for 12 years back in the 60's.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
RT James
Posted by: Rose T. James | December 9th, 2008 at 2:03 pm
What a beautiful selection of evergreens and junipers! Those wreaths are beautiful. My daughter sells wreaths at Christmas and they last quite a while in the cool NW environment. I am looking forward to putting mine up next week. What type of ribbon are you going to use for the bows?
Posted by: Carisa | December 9th, 2008 at 4:24 pm
Martha I love your show and watch nearly every day.Today was the funniest I've ever seen. Rufus and family would make a good show !!!!!
Posted by: Wanda Schulz | December 9th, 2008 at 4:40 pm
Hi Martha, Love the wreaths!
Do you like the Chevy Traverse??
Trina
Posted by: Trina | December 9th, 2008 at 7:08 pm
Hi Martha!
The wreaths are so gorgeous! I always enjoy your holiday decorations! We live in the burbs of Seattle and I tell my family that lives in Los Angeles it smells like Christmas all year long here! I Love that!
~Smiles~Tam !
Posted by: Tam | December 9th, 2008 at 8:42 pm
The holiday cookie show on Monday was great. Martha had the undivided attention of a half dozen men in the locker room! Most guys ignore sports, swim suit competitions, ect. on tv in the gym. Just shows that guys really know what is important in life!!
Richard
Posted by: Richard | December 10th, 2008 at 4:50 pm
Good to see you at Broken Arrow. Dick Jaynes is the best in the business. His work with his plants is his passion and he takes great care in growing his trees and plants. He, his wife and children take pride in what they do. Always make you feel welcomed. His staff is helpful, warm, friendly and most of all, knowledgeable! Bring your family to Broken Arrow this season and enjoy the beautiful mountain view. You will not be sorry. We can't wait every year to get our wreath from Broken Arrow! My front door is always the envy of those who visit asking were did we get our wreath!
Posted by: Nancy | December 12th, 2008 at 5:42 am
This is my favorite nursery and one of the treasures that I miss most living in CT. The mountain laurels (and the story behind them) is especially amazing.
Posted by: Susan B | December 14th, 2008 at 5:50 am
Thank you for the program on Broken Arrow Nursery. Dick Janes is an extraordinary man of plant science and botanical artistry, bringing new color, size, and fragrance to so many species and native warieties: Mountain laurel (kalmia), summer sweet (clethera), witch hazel (Hammeralis) and others.
He, David Austin, the rose hybridizer; and the Mezzit family with Rhododendrons have done so much to add to the beauty of the world.
We always enjoy your programs on gardening and watching your pups.
Posted by: Phil Spencer | December 15th, 2008 at 11:11 am
You mentioned in your program from Broken Arrow a sign that you saw. I have another one which is in the daffodil garden of a friend:
If you with litter do disgrace
And spoil the beauty of this place
May indegistion rock you chest
And ants invade your pants and vest.
The message is certainly clear in this one.
Posted by: Barb Spencer | December 15th, 2008 at 11:14 am
Thank you for the program on Broken Arrow Nursery. Dick Janes is an extraordinary man of plant science and a botanical artistry, bringing new color, size, and fragrance to so many species and native varieties: mountain laurel (kalmia). summer sweet (clethera), witch hazel (hammeralis), and others.
He, David Austin the rose hybridizer, and the Mezzit family with rhodendrons, have done so much to add to the beauty of the world.
Always enjoy your programs on gardening and watching your pups.
Posted by: Phil Spencer | December 15th, 2008 at 11:30 am
Broken Arrow is the best! Dick Haynes, family and staff are the most gracious,knowledgeable and helpful people I have encountered in the nursery business. I also travel over 1 hour to take my friends and new nursery business people there. They have also grafted trees for me and I have waited patiently for my order. My favorite purchase there are my yellow magnolias. I hope you also might consider a show on one of his talks about gardening in the spring,summer and fall.
Posted by: Karen Segal | December 16th, 2008 at 1:36 pm
Hi, Martha,
Broken Arrow Nursery is beautiful. The aroma must have been fantastic. What a place! Thanks for taking us along.
Kathy
Posted by: Kathy | December 27th, 2008 at 11:29 am