One of the best parts of collecting vintage collectibles and antiques is discovering a new great find. My general rule of thumb is to buy what I love or at least like a lot. While I’ve had my fair share of losers, I tend to bring home better picks these days, or so I’ve been told by my partner. For seasoned collectors and novice beginners my advice is the same, pick what is aesthetically pleasing to you. From early primitives to high-end English and French furniture, there is something for everyone, and that is the fun of the hunt. I personally love to frequent the local antique malls, garage sales, thrift shops and an occasional auction. I lean toward the American collectibles from primitives to pottery and being in the Mid-Atlantic state of Maryland there are some pretty good pickings. On my last outing looking for spring inventory for our shop The Antique Garden, I visited a nearby Pennsylvania antiques mall.   I came across this unique piece of pottery by Douglas Ferguson. Pottery can be difficult to identify because there are often so many abstract markings on the bottom. I liked this pottery bowl the moment I saw it and although I almost put it down, it weighed almost 6 pounds, I put it on the sales counter and brought it home. I liked the unique  “crater” glaze, large 12” diameter and 3 ½” depth and thought it might be perfect to hold some of my plants. Plus it was signed with a distinct signature that I could read easily, Douglas Ferguson. As so often is the way, I googled the name when I got home and was pleasantly surprised that it was indeed crafted by a notable artist from North Carolina and later the Smokey Mountains of Tennessee. In fact this signed piece was created in the mid-century and had all the markings of a modern era collectible. Ferguson created The Pigeon Forge Pottery Company in the 1940′s that existed until his death in the late 1990’s. I remember that beautiful area of east Tennessee when I took my family on an outing to the Smokey Mountains a few years back. It’s great to learn about new artists, their history, and save a vintage find for future generations.   This piece is being offered for auction on eBay  this week, if you are interested.   What do you collect, we’d love to know?! Happy picking, Jenn  from The Antique Garden

To learn more about Pigeon Forge Pottery and founder Douglas Ferguson be sure to visit this link www.thepigeonforgepottery.com

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Happy New Year! What a better way to kick off  2013, than by cooking up a storm in the kitchen.  This recipe came to me from a friend who grew up cooking by her Italian-American mother and Italian Grandmother’s side. The best way to learn how to cook, in my opinion. Adding a little bit of this and a little bit of that, a more instinctive way of cooking and way more delicious. Here is my version of her classic recipe. It is an Italian stuffed mushroom 101 appetizer recipe that lends itself to add-ins. I added-in cooked sausage, but crab, spinach or your special ingredient could be added at the final stages.

1 Large package or two small packs of very fresh mushrooms-about 15

Fresh Parsley: ½ cup

Lots of garlic:4-5 cloves or 1 large clove of elephant garlic

 1 Cup of Italian bread crumbs-store bought or homemade

 1 medium onion

 1 cup of add-in of your choice- sausage, chopped cooked spinach, crabmeat- diced, totally optional and can be left out completely

 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil

 Black pepper to taste

 1/2 teaspoon  dried Basil

 ½ Cup grated cheese:  parmesan or your choice-finely grated

 Salt to taste

 1 cup white wine or water

 1. Clean mushrooms, which ever way you feel comfortable. Some people argue that you should only lightly dust them off. I wash mine and towel dry, removing any soil, that clings to them. Separate caps from stems, reserving stems.

2. In food processor: finely dice onion, garlic, mushroom stems and fresh parsley, about 20 seconds.

3. Saute mixture in skillet with olive oil. Season with pepper, basil, ½ cup of the white wine. Cook, stirring occasionally for about 15 minutes or until vegetables and herbs are tender. Turn off heat.

 4. In a large bowl, combine bread crumbs, cheese ,and cooked filling and any add-in of your choice. I added cooked diced Italian sausage. Filling should have the texture of stuffing.

 5. Fill caps with a generous, mounting teaspoon or two of stuffing, slightly over filling caps. Can refrigerate at this point, if serving later.

 6. On a baking tray, or serving casserole dish , place mushroom caps. Add ½ cup of the reserved white wine to the bottom of the bakeware, bake 35-40 minutes depending on size of caps, at 350 degrees until hot and golden.

 7. Serve hot and enjoy. Stuffed mushrooms will shrink  as they cook.

Totally delicious, after making these I had trouble stopping eating them! There has been new scientific research stating the benefits of eating mushrooms.  Check out this link to learn more about mushrooms. These are guaranteed to disappear at your next party or even as a part of a light dinner. What are you cooking in the kitchen this winter??? Let us know.

Jenn at The Antique Garden

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I don’t know why exactly, but I love primitives. Grungy is good, the older the better. Use marks, rusty gold, cast iron and farmyard finds are just what I am drawn to! Plus, most primitives are affordable and sometimes a steal at flea markets, yard sales, thrift stores and even antique malls. If I had to categorize this lot, I would call this collection “farmhouse kitchen primitives”. Someone else must like them too, because most of these items have sold, usually within a week or two of me finding them! More visuals from my 2012 files as we wind down the year and look forward to a promising 2013!

Woodenware mortar and pestle, I always buy these when I spot them at a sale. Totally usable for crushing herbs and peppercorns.

I like old crocks, this brown and tan, has some age. Always check for cracks and chips which brings the value down.

I found this old wood measure at the Goodwill for a couple bucks! SOLD!!!

I am attracted to outsider, tramp art and prison art. This is a matchstick cross. Most are a bargain, purchase if it is in good condition, with little breakage as the matches can be brittle. Usually found in shops for under $5.00 they resell for about $20.00.

Always, always, always  buy your baskets at  yardsales.  Prices range from 25 cents to a few bucks.  Look for handwoven “buttocks” baskets.

Used cutting boards, look great displayed in a country kitchen.

Serving tray with great lines, found at the Salvation Army.

Early candle box

Eldreth pottery cat, while not old, the salt glaze gives it that primitive feel and I love the cobalt blue.

With colorful graphics, this is an original early can of tomatoes with removable lid.

Old beat up galvanized watering pail may not be water tight, but is perfect for dried flowers.

Old kitchen scales-one green and an amazing orange scale.

Wood spoons, used of course!

Early Asian Rice Measure

I love enamel ware and buy it whenever the price is right. Perfect for many uses. I predict the value will go up as supply of the vintage pieces decline.

Handmade farm wheelbarrow

Metalware teapots-I found this lot of 6 matching pieces.

Toleware -look for hand painting, good design, and not too many scratches.

Kitchen brooms-this one has a witchy twisted handle

Yup, I bought this lot of pitchfork tines and sold them as folk art. What are some of your primitive collections?  Drop us a line at antiquegarden@myactv.net we’d love to hear from you! Jenn at The Antique Garden.

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This rooftop garden is all about containers filled with herbs, vegetables and flowers. Perfect for those with a compact yard or urban space.

We changed out the Black Eyed Susan plants for the autumn to a Pumpkin Planter Box.

More Planters….

Washington County Museum of Fine Arts Urn

Dried Pepper Wreath, SOLD, a creation of our abundant veggie garden!

Winter Urn Garden

Holiday Arrangement

More Thanksgiving planters full of the bounty of our harvest….

Winter Arrangement with fresh pineapples, artichokes, chili peppers and winter berries.  A neo-modern  twist with inspiration from classic, traditional Williamsburg,  Virginia.  This is Christmas decorating, using fresh, real fruits and vegetables. 

Near the street, we have two  urns decked out with pine, magnolia, boxwood and other “cuts” from our yard. 

Here is our front  rocking chair porch, at  the Parsonage, decorated with festive greens and winter berry sprigs in the window boxes.

 From our porch to yours, happy gardens to all!

Jenn at The Antique Garden

21501 Leitersburg-Smithsburg Rd

Hagerstown, Maryland

Email: antiquegarden@myactv.net  We would love to hear from you!

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After editing lots of photographs and cleaning out my computer files I realized how many photos we’ve taken this year. As the year 2012 draws to a close, I thought we’d take a stroll down memory lane and show the highlights of the year. From one of my favorite flowering shrubs the hydrangea to the wonderful “Fairy Garden” we made last spring and the countless others, sit back and enjoy this visual recap of the gardens we created in 2012 at The Antique Garden.

Hydrangea Madness in March!

Sedum wall hanging and new water feature

Bogart’s Container Garden

Arts in Bloom, Hagerstown Garden Club members Betsy Hardinge, Margaret Waltersdorf and I created a floral replica of this piece of Murano Art Glass in the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts in March. 

Formal Urn Arrangement for Prep School Alumni Week-end

Whimsical Fairy Garden

Blooming Garlic is a beautiful sight in the garden!

Daylilies and lots of them in the garden border~~~

Pond Frog!

Wild Flower Queen’s Anne Lace looking elegant in the alley behind the store!  Mother Nature is awesome.

 The incredible Moon Flower, a night-blooming plant,  is closing up for the day.

We said good-bye to dozens of our fish in 2012,  as a wicked Blue Heron ate most of them.  I know they aren’t flowers, but I’m still venting….ah Mother Nature….

 Small Container Water Garden

Our front porch planter box is filled with Black Eyed Susan’s, the Maryland State flower.

Part 2 to be continued tomorrow,  as we wrap up the year with holiday flowering arrangements.   Happy Gardens Everyone and may 2013 be blooming!

Jenn at The Antique Garden

21501 Leitersburg-Smithsburg Rd

Hagerstown, Maryland

Email:  antiquegarden@myactv.net  we would love to hear from you!

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We’ve been busy creating beautiful garlands and container gardens for our customers. After a very successful week-end at the Kris Kringle show and Thanksgiving but a delicious memory, now is the time to make merry with family and friends. One of the best things about December is the cooking and the decorating. Ever since I was a small child, I loved the preparations for Christmas. What is better than homemade cookies and treats from the kitchen and the smell of real balsam pine whether in a wreath, garland or live Christmas tree. So while the temperatures get chilly and we enjoy the warmth of our homes, we celebrate with traditions of the past. It’s time to add a touch of greenery inside and out. We start with taking lots of cuttings of fresh greens. We love to use what is available in our yard or can scavenge from friends. Cuttings of Southern magnolia, white pine, boxwood, blue ice juniper and holly will last all winter in the window boxes, wreaths and urns that we decorate. I purchased a strand of roping at a local store and wired on various cuttings of greens and large southern pinecones. We then attached it around the doorway using some wire and several nails to anchor the greens. The look is very welcoming when guests come for holiday gatherings, don’t you think? What are you doing in preparation for the holidays? Next up is holiday baking with decadent recipes! Stay tuned. PS. the fabulous red and orange berries are called winter berries. They add lots of color to your greens and the birds love them! The Antique Garden is located in Hagerstown Maryland in a 1895 General Store.  Reach us by email at antiquegarden@myactv.net we’d love to hear from you.

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I’ve honestly never made a cheese ball before. After seeing a recipe online, from Family Fresh Meals, I tweaked it as I usually do and made my own version. I actually think this is pretty easy to make and everyone seemed to like it. The stand mixer did make this easy to whip up. Here’s the ingredient list for one cheese ball.

16 ounces cream cheese at room temperature (2 packs)

2 cups cheddar cheese, finely shredded

3 tablespoons red pepper jelly

1 teaspoon cumin

1 cup roasted pepitos (pumpkin seeds out of the shell)

Top of 1 bell pepper for stem garnish if you want to make this look like a pumpkin

1. With mixer on low add cream cheese, 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, jelly, cumin and ¾ cups pepitos. Turn up speed and combine until well blended.

Turn out on plastic wrap and shape into ball. Wrap well and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

2. Remove cheese ball from refrigerator and unwrap. Roll in ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese and remaining pumpkin seeds. Top with pepper stem. Serve with crackers and cut up veggis.

I can imagine making this with salsa instead of pepper jelly and different types of roasted nuts. Perhaps for Christmas roll in green herbs and serve with slices of red pepper. The cheese ball held up well and was nice and firm but not too hard.

As we get into the fall and winter season it is fun to try out new recipes don’t you think?!

Happy Gardens!

Jenn at The Antique Garden

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To top off the  week-end, my oldest son Andy brought over this basket of fresh autumn flowers. I think I’m finally easing into Autumn…..

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We love rooftop gardens, mainly because of this one.  Created by artist Steve Wright,  a simple rooftop garden is easily created.  You just need some sun, containers, in this case a mix of plastic and ceramic pots, potting soil, and some plants, including herbs and veggies. Pots of cherry tomatoes, arugula, parsley, basil, thyme, peppers, lettuce and swiss chard thrive on the shelves of this make-do garden.  Water plants when they dry out and harvest as desired, what could be better and best of all no acreage required. Steve told me he uses Miracle Grow fertilizer often and his plants looked very healthy. The results are spectacular and the greenery really is the focal point of this outdoor retreat.

Happy Gardens from Jenn at The Antique Garden

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In case you are wondering who we are, let me introduce ourselves. We are Jennifer and John Thomas owners of The Antique Garden, Inc. located in Western Maryland in a small rural village named Leitersburg. Located just outside of Hagerstown, Maryland we are about an hours drive to Baltimore and Washington D.C. John has been in the plant business for nearly 30+ years and has an artistic touch that is evident in his landscapes, water features and container gardens. I buy and sell collectibles and antiques (and what ever else catches my fancy) and also teach Intro to Visual Arts at the local college. We met about 10 yikes years ago while he was freelancing for Motif Designs, an interior design company and the Folia Company, the manufacturer of Ralph Lauren fabrics, in New York. He brought me back to Maryland and I fell in love with the countryside of the Cumberland Valley, not to mention John, and we purchased the old 1895 General Store in Leitersburg. Historic Leitersburg, Maryland is on the Civil War route as General Lee retreated from Gettysburg right down our street. After completely restoring our aged building and grounds we are proud to be opening up shop.

Services include: full landscape design and installation, specialty plants and specimens, water features and ponds, container gardens for your home or business that can be changed seasonally onsite.   We feature a selection of dried flowers, urns and pots, baskets and my collection of primitives and antiques. We also love to cook and grow almost all our own pesticide-free vegetables in our gardens. You’ll notice lots of recipes on this blog, that are tried and tested by us. Our farm stand, opening in this spring, will be filled with fresh veggies like: beets, peppers, tomatoes, potatoes and my canned relishes, jams, pickles and herbal vinegars. If you’re nearby or want to take a country drive, please join us at the Peach Festival in Leitersburg, Maryland in August.  You can contact us at antiquegarden@myactv.net  

Thanks for checking us out!

Jenn at The Antique Garden

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