Brimfield Antique Week...

Did you know that the North East's Premiere Antique Week Event is approaching quickly...Brimfield MA since 1959!

My 1st trip to Brimfield I thought it would be my last, the logistics of the show is not anything like what I was accustom to, but after I thought about it....I was hooked! Now I set up there as a vendor as well as shop...GO FIGURE!

Here are a few tips to navigate thru the show if it is your 1st time to attend:

1. Most important...remember you can not be everywhere all at one time! So take your time and see what you can. There is so much to see, so don't feel pressured to be at every opening! There will still be stuff left to purchase! ;-)



2. Bring gear for all types of weather! Some of the shows open at daybreak, and it's cold there. Dress in layers and bring your rain gear....Don't forget your boots! Don't forget your hat & sunscreen either!



3. Bring a Bag-Lady cart! Parking is sometimes inconvenient and far away. So the cart will come in handy to carry all of your small items. If you need help with larger items, there are porters that walk the street in Brimfield, HIRE THEM! They will get it right to your vehicle for a reasonable price!



4. Brimfield is not strictly an "Antique Market", so if you are purchasing something and you are not sure, be sure to speak with the vendor about the age of the piece. If the age of the piece is not important to you....no problem! There is plenty of good decorator pieces out there too!



5. If you are from the Mid-West or South...be aware that the level of hospitality is slightly different up in the East. It's not that they are un-friendly, it's just not like the South ;-)



6. Don't be afraid to try and deal with a vendor on an item...they want to sell as much as you want to buy! Be courteous and remember this is their job...but don't be afraid to make them a reasonable offer. You just might be surprised!



7. Most importantly HAVE FUN...and be sure to have an original Lime Ricky drink in honor of me!

Be sure to drop by and visit with me. I will be showing in the Central Park Show May 11-16, 2010 in space #2 right behind the pilgrim sandwich vendor!

For detailed information about the Central Park Antique Show visit their website!

For general information on Brimfield and the other shows click here!

To visit me or find other shows that we will be participating in you can find me in the following places...

Visit my Blog!

Potted Gardens cottage style!

As an avid container and cottage gardener, I am always on the hunt for something unusual to plant in besides a run of the mill plastic or clay pot! Below are some interesting and fun container gardens I have created in the past. As you can see you can plant in almost anything except gas cans. I have even planted in cowboy boots and tennis shoes. Your imagination is your only limit to the creative reuses for many container gardens!

Enamel roasting pan overflowing with marigolds--I added a little toy shovel accent

Metal canisters are perfect for narrow places where you need a splash of color

And the stand by metal watering can, overflows with blue lobelia.
(I slid in a gallon size plastic pot inside the watering can)

An old wicker purse lined with plastic was perfect
for bacopa and varigated geraniums

An old rocking chair placed in the garden~the pink
fairy rose loved to spread its wings here!

Old enamel refrigerator drawer is perfect for herbs

Toy rocking horse repainted hosts a basket of yellow marigolds.

I hope I have tickled your imagination for this years potted plants, as I enjoyed sharing it with you too. Visit me at my website Marionberry Cottage to see my other passion, textile art and my love of pink roses too!