Westchester Magazine

3 Creative Ways to Decorate Your Westchester Table for Fall

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September 27, 2023

3 Creative Ways to Decorate Your Westchester Table for Fall

Adobe Stock / Anjelika Gretskaia

Westchester’s Trim Queen offers up clever and stunning design ideas to dress your table to impress for fall parties and get-togethers.

Are you all about the arrival of fall in Westchester? There are so many fun things to do in the county this season, from picking apples and pumpkins to stocking up on cider donuts. Of course, one of the best ways to get into the seasonal spirit is to bring the fall feels indoors via tasteful decorations, To help, Westchester’s very own Trim Queen, Jana Platina Phipps, shares her favorite ways to spruce up your fall table for any get-together. Try these simple, yet elegant ideas out in your home and prepare to wow your guests.

Add a touch of gold

Wrap a gold ribbon around your cloth napkin and add a vintage brooch or gold tassel as bling. Adding some gold accents to your table is like adding that finishing touch of jewelry to your outfit that pulls everything together. The sparkle will unite all of your dining accoutrements and leave your guests trying to figure out exactly why your table is so gorgeous.

Use gold placemats down a table runner to unite the gold accents from the table.

Tack the ends of a gold frog closure and use as a napkin ring.

Contrast the gold with something natural, like seasonal greenery, berries, or flowers.

fall table — Adobe Stock / Anjelika Gretskaia

Create pattern play

For a contemporary look, buy a few yards of a graphic patterned performance fabric to use as your tablecloth, hem the edges (or not, after a cocktail no one cares). Mix fancy china with more casual ceramics to create a high-low bohemian vibe. Mix many patterns on your table for a global yet relaxed elegance. Make sure there is a color that unites all the pattern, such as orange for autumn. Or use napkins with pattern to bridge the china to the textiles. It will be Instagram-worthy, so share it with the tag #PatternPlay or #Tablescape.

Add a runner that gives the table a center focal point and you won’t need placemats under your dishes.

Use matching water and wine glasses so there isn’t too much visual chaos.

fall table decor — Adobe Stock / Тоня Коренева

Vary heights for more space

Use cake stands, even stack them, to create varying heights to allow for more room on your table. Copy an effective visual merchandising trick by using varying heights to give your table more surface area for serving dishes and room for a seasonal centerpiece.

Add height to serving bowls and platters by setting them on flipped over saucers and small bowls.

Use tall candlesticks to add a sense of celebration without taking up too much room.

Related: This Fall Floral Arrangement Will Warm Your Westchester Home

What to Know About Lighting Your Westchester Landscaping

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September 24, 2023

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What to Know About Lighting Your Westchester Landscaping

Photo by Paolo Luciano, Courtesy of National Lawn Sprinklers & Outdoor Living

Attilio Petroni, landscape lighting expert, shares his tips for illuminating your yard and why it’s so important.

As homeowners, we all want beautiful curb appeal and often think about landscaping to achieve this; however, one thing that can further enhance your landscaping is lighting. “Many clients have a limited understanding of the design process involved in lighting or what can be done with light to create an atmosphere,” says Attilio Petroni of National Lawn Sprinklers & Outdoor Living. “They might have preferences about atmosphere but have no idea how to achieve it.”

Petroni and his team start by getting to know the client, how they will use the space at night, feelings about lighting, their budget, and the timeline.

“What is important in landscape lighting for the customer is always the end result of what a specimen tree or plant looks like in the evening,” says Petroni. “What I show the customer is a daytime picture of the lighting then the evening picture so they can see exactly what their outdoor living space can look like.”

Lighting your landscaping can be done for a variety of reasons and the client should consider what their priorities are before starting. Viewing out from inside a room, use of space for one or more activities, identification of the property, and safety and security are the reasons Petroni notes.

DO NOT REUSE landscape lighting — Landscape lighting can add dimension and interest as well as security and safety measures to your outdoor space. Photo by Paolo Luciano, Courtesy of National Lawn Sprinklers & Outdoor Living.

Safety – lighting can be added to avoid injury. “Landscape lighting should provide a clear view of any potential obstacles in the environment such as steps, intersections of land and water, and furniture,” says Petroni.

Security – avoiding intrusion by trespassers. “Light can be a deterrent to an intruder and adds psychologically to an inhabitant’s feeling of protection,” adds Petroni. He says that security lighting can be a separate system or an integral part of the overall lighting system.

Aesthetics – enjoyment of the property. “Lighting the exterior can provide a view from the interior out into the landscape, enlarge the interior space by visually fusing it with the exterior landscape, and provide for activities such as entertainment and sports,” says Petroni.

The Key Spots for Lighting:

Pool perimeter landscape lighting
Fire pit and surrounding landscape
Pergola being highlighted with surounding plants
A Jacuzzi that is not attached to the pool, but is located on the property adjacent to landscaping to make it a calming experience

“These are all different lighting scenes that the client experiences in various locations of their living space,” says Petroni. “Not only is it important to highlight these areas separately, but the art is having the outdoor lighting all come together by transitioning each lighting scene to the next without creating any dark areas as they move throughout their property.”

Petroni adds that the homeowner needs to determine what type of atmosphere they want to create. “Words like ‘dramatic’ and ‘theatrical’ present a different image than ‘simple’ and ‘subtle,’’ says Petroni.

Next up is determining the budget. If the budget is limited, the project can be done in phases and should be discussed with the designer. You will then have a landscape lighting design plan in place and can start work on the contract documents that include specifications such as dimensions, locations, materials, quality, and installation standards, and who is responsible for what.

Other professionals who may be involved in the landscape lighting process are architects, builders, landscapers, and electricians. “Sometimes architects are involved in the design and product specification process,” says Petroni. Coordination meetings often happen during jobs including the architect, lighting designers and installers, landscapers, builders, and electricians to discuss the plan. Petroni adds that depending on the town or city where the home is located, licensing requirements will be different. “The lighting contractor will be able to inform the owner what the regulations are in their town,” says Petroni.

Whatever your reason for wanting to light your landscape it certainly adds ambience to your exterior. Just make sure to hire a pro and have a plan in place before getting started.

Fjord Vineyards Crafts Sustainable Wines in the Hudson Valley

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September 21, 2023

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Fjord Vineyards Crafts Sustainable Wines in the Hudson Valley

Photos courtesy of Fjord Vineyards

A husband-wife team make balanced, sustainable wines that reflect the Hudson Valley’s distinctive landscape.

For the past 10 years Matthew Spaccarelli (winner of the 2023 New York State Unity Award as winegrower of the year) and Casey Erdmann have produced top-notch wine in Ulster County’s hamlet of Milton. “It’s our unique microclimate, on a site overlooking one of the oldest fjords in the country, that allows us to grow a number of varieties of high-quality grapes here in the Hudson Valley,” says Spaccarelli. The couple endeavors to craft wines based on a terroir that is a gateway to the Hudson Highlands with Storm King Mountain to the west and Mount Beacon to the east.

White

2021 Fjord Albarino ($22)

Akin to wines made from this varietal grown in Portugal and northeastern Spain, it has a lemony-pineapple bouquet and taste with a dry, smooth finish that marries well with garlicky fare, like pasta with pesto.

2020 Fjord Estate Riesling ($22)

This wine shows a bouquet and taste of ripe peaches and pears with hints of apricots in its finish and makes an excellent accompaniment for sushi and shrimp.

2021 Fjord Chardonnay ($25)

Fans of oaky, lemony chardonnay will love this wine (made from grapes grown on the North Fork of Long Island) that has just enough taste of crisp apples and vanilla to mate perfectly with grilled grouper, halibut, and branzino.

Rosé

2021 Fjord Rosé of Cabernet Franc ($22)

This wine shows a bouquet and taste of ripe peaches and apricots, with a bit of spritz on its finish. Serve it well-chilled with hors d’oeuvres, like hummus with chips, crudite with dip, and pretzels with mustard.

Matthew Spaccarelli has sustainably grown world-class wines in his native Hudson Valley for 10 years. Fjord Vineyards is located near where the Hudson River flows through one of the oldest fjords in North America. This position helps create a microclimate that promotes the development of high-quality wines.

Red

2021 Fjord Cabernet Franc ($30)

Usually a blending grape, this light, fruity wine needs some time after opening to develop its full flavor of raspberries and herbs that pair well with spicy Thai and Chinese fare.

In addition to the winery, Fjord Vineyards wines are offered to taste and buy at the Pleasantville Farmers Market and for purchase at several retailers, including Westchester Wine Warehouse in White Plains and Uncorked Wines & Spirits in Somers.

Fjord Vineyards
Milton

This October Wedding in Tarrytown Is Fit for French Royalty

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September 14, 2023

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This October Wedding in Tarrytown Is Fit for French Royalty

This October wedding is stunning. Photos by Loreto Caceres Photography

When a local couple tied the knot at Castle Hotel & Spa, they leaned on Björn VW Events to deliver the royal academia vibes.

By Ann Loynd Burton and Sofia Scappatura

Katy & Mike
October 2022
Tarrytown

Though it may have seemed like pure chance to have matched on a dating app, Michael Morse and Katherine Doe Morse had been circling one another via family and friend connections for years. After a first date of tapas and a comedy show, the two eventually became official and moved in together a year-and-a-half later. Their Elmsford apartment overlooked Castle Hotel & Spa in Tarrytown, and the two joked they would stay there together one day.

After enduring both COVID and the unfortunate passing of Mike’s parents, Carol and David, the couple knew they could make it through anything. They decided to celebrate their union at that very castle they once only saw from a faraway window. “Our vision was intended to reflect aspects of our story, heritage, professions, and interests,” Doe Morse explains (she is a professional vocalist and teacher, and he is in the culinary industry). “Autumn is our favorite season, both aesthetically and for comfort, so an autumn wedding with rich fall colors fit perfectly.”

The couple also wanted to reflect their heritage (both are American with European backgrounds, but Mike is also Jewish and Katy has close Irish/Celtic ancestry) by incorporating elements like the breaking of the glass and a handfasting into the ceremony.

They enlisted planner Björn Van Wyngaardt of Westchester’s Björn VW events to help execute their dream day. “I looked at the venue as a whole and knew exactly which vendors I would collaborate with to execute the design flawlessly,” Van Wyngaardt remembers. “With a venue like Castle Hotel & Spa, I find that it’s best to look at the history and architecture of the building, so that every aspect of it works in harmony with what’s already there.”

In addition to the eclectic academia vibe, it was important that the food take center stage, including in the florals and decor with herbs and edible arrangements. Guests were able to focus on the food during a seated coursed dinner in the cathedral-esque dining hall before transitioning downstairs for dancing.

Since Katy works in classical music, every ceremonial and processional song throughout the day had very personal meaning to the couple. Katy and Mike have a particular love of European medieval arts and aesthetics (Katy particularly loves historically informed medieval music, and Mike has a love of fantasy media and literature) so she called up members of the medieval ensemble Alkemie to assist in the ceremony and dinner, and they absolutely nailed it.

The couple’s favorite part of the day was their wedding dance, for both romantic and practical reasons. “Dance may be the one performance activity that we both do with somewhat equal ability, and the act of going to dance class gave us an emotional and physical outlet leading up to the wedding,” Doe Morse says. “We still take weekly lessons at Fred Astaire Tarrytown to this day, so it’s like a tiny weekly reminder of how much fun we had dancing on our wedding day, and it requires us to maintain a regular date night.”

Both Francofiles, it was important to add subtle nods to France throughout the day, like with the classically French croquembouche wedding cake, the medieval band during dinner that played French and Occitan medieval dances and love songs, and classically French-inspired food prepared by Chef Yann Nury.

“Basically, we wanted to be king and queen for a day and give everyone a royal wedding and meal, and that mission was accomplished,” the bride adds.

The Details

Planner & Designer: Björn VW Events

Photography: Loreto Caceras Photography

Venue: Castle Hotel & Spa

Catering: Yann Nury New York

Flowers: Ivie Joy Floral Art & Events

Music & Entertainment: More Than Music

Videography: Vargas Videography

Ceremony Musicians: Alkemie Medieval Music

Rentals: Westside Party Rentals & Luxe Event Rentals

Grooms Tuxedo: D.Leak Bespoke Experience

Groomsman: Robbie & Co.

Bride’s Wedding Dress: Virginia’s Bridal, White Plains

Stationery: Polk Paper

Hair: Stylez By Adelia

Makeup: Minella Artistry

Wedding Cake: Frenchette

Dance Floor Wrap: Trust J Events

Lighting: Universal Lighting & Sound

Plan the Perfect Late-Summer Barbecue Party in Westchester

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September 1, 2023

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Plan the Perfect Late-Summer Barbecue Party in Westchester

Adobe Stock / oneinchpunch

Hosting family and friends for a cookout over Labor Day weekend? Skip the stress and deliver the fun with these party-ready tips.

One of the best ways to enjoy the hazy, lazy days of summer is to invite friends over for an alfresco feast. And if you want to ensure that your barbecue party goes off without a hitch, take a look at these tips to plan ahead and keep the party going when night falls.

Test Your Equipment

Before you send out the invitations, check that your barbecue is up to the job. It may sound obvious, but, if it’s gas, make sure it’s working. And the size of your grill should determine how many people you invite to the barbecue party, as the last thing you want is people waiting for their food when you run out of room.

If you’re planning to entertain often or are a serious cook, it may be worth investing in a larger barbecue with a prep area.

Consider Your Seating

Guests will need a comfortable place to sit and eat, so think about seating for your barbecue party. In a compact space like this one, consider bench seating so that everyone can squeeze in. Of course, you may not have this kind of built-in option, so a stash of collapsible chairs could be good standbys, too.

Think about practicalities: Some people are happy to hold plates in their laps, but others prefer a surface. A mix of both is a good idea. If you have nothing at hand, stacked pallets could be a quick solution. Employ trays or even suitable pieces of wood as makeshift tabletops.

Be Prepared

Behind every laid-back barbecue party is a deceptively high amount of planning time. Ensure that your party goes smoothly with plenty of prep. As soon as you know who is coming, ask all confirmed guests for any dietary requirements and write up your shopping list accordingly. The day before your barbecue, take time to marinate any meat, and prepare salads and accompaniments.

bbq — Adobe Stock / Jayme Burrows/Stocksy

Put Away Breakables

Avoid broken glass and plate mishaps by swapping your regular tableware for brightly colored outdoor tableware. There are some stylish melamine plates, cups and bowls available. You could opt for a mix of bright colors, or choose blue and white or a monochrome set for a pared-back look.

Get the Drinks Ready

If you’re planning to mix up some cocktails, how about using a bar cart?

You’ll also need plenty of water and soft drinks, flavored syrups for the kids, and perhaps even a fruit punch for the adults. Ice buckets or coolers are a great idea for keeping drinks cold and can be left in the shade for easy access.

Create a Kids’ Area

It’s a good idea to give children a designated seating spot of their own at the barbecue party. It will keep them safely out of the way of the grill and free up seats for the grown-ups. A picnic tent is perfect as a shaded den and can be set up with rugs, pillows, and blankets.

Make Simple and Fun Desserts

Give yourself plenty of time to socialize with your guests by not adding extra work. Keep desserts fuss-free and make them ahead of time if you can. Quick-to-prepare jam tarts like these are a good choice and easy to eat without plates. Alternatively, set up an ice cream bar with a selection of flavors and toppings.

Don’t Let the Rain Stop You

At least one of the summer’s barbecues is bound to be accompanied by a downpour. Plan for all eventualities with a temporary gazebo, or go for a fairly simple garden sail. For an even easier solution, you could keep a garden parasol (or two) on the sidelines to bring out when the heavens open.

Hopefully your barbecue party will go swimmingly and carry on into the evening. Make sure you have plenty of lighting so that you’re not plunged into darkness when the sun goes down. Dot solar-powered lamps around the flower beds to give a glow to your greenery, string up fairy lights, and add even more atmosphere with candles (just make sure they’re safely placed away from children).

Stay Warm

If the party does continue when night falls, be ready with plenty of blankets and throws. A brazier-style pit can be used as both a barbecue (if guests get hungry again) and a heat source.

How to Spend a Perfect Saturday in Mamaroneck

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August 22, 2023

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How to Spend a Perfect Saturday in Mamaroneck

Photography by Doug Schneider

From Asian fusion to Walters and a whole alphabet of adventure in between, we plan out your perfect weekend day trip to Mamaroneck.

By Samantha Garbarini and Anthony Tornatore

Mamaroneck is full of contradictions. Italian delis and pizza shops are just as plentiful as Asian fusion restaurants and whiskey bars. Boutiques attract customers who also shop at the town’s century-old toy store. And the stretch of shore along the Sound is home to private country clubs and public parks.

Because of that, a day trip in town is something special. Without further ado, browse through our itinerary, then plan a visit to check out all that Mamaroneck has to offer. If you go, don’t forget to tag us @westchestermagazine on Instagram. We may just regram you!

10 a.m. – Grab breakfast and a coffee at The Roaster Cafe

Who doesn’t want a cup of coffee to start their busy day in Mamaroneck? Exactly…no one. Hence, take a trip to The Roaster Café (419 Mamaroneck Ave; 914.630.2954) for a freshly brewed coffee and a breakfast meal from the Mediterranean menu. It’s impossible to go wrong with the blueberry pancakes and a Turkish latte.

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11 a.m. – Head to Miller’s for a spot of shopping

Browse the mom-and-pop shops along Mamaroneck Avenue (everything from massive floral showrooms to tiny country stores) but make a point to stop in Miller’s (335 Mamaroneck Ave; 914.698.5070). In business for nearly 100 years, this iconic, family-run toy store stocks a wide range of summer-appropriate outdoor equipment and beach gear.

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12 p.m. – Stay on Mamaroneck Ave. for lunch

Order a classic Italian combo — thinly sliced imported meats, shredded iceberg, paper-thin rings of onion, and a splash of oil and vinegar, on a seeded hero — at Cosmo & Alex Pisano Bros. (252 Mamaroneck Ave; 914.381.4402). Then, pop next door to Boiano Bakery (258 Mamaroneck Ave; 914.698.2070) for a few of our favorite pignoli cookies. Or order a slab of ribs, some sides, house-made lemonade, and a tall stack of napkins to go from Smokehouse Tailgate Grill (320 Mamaroneck Ave; 914.341.1655).

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1 p.m. – Take a stroll around Harbor Island Park

Make your way to Harbor Island Park at the base of Mamaroneck Avenue. The 44-acre waterfront park is home to a slew of perfect picnic spots, plus playgrounds, tennis courts, small gardens, and winding paths along the water’s edge. As the weather warms, visitors come here to get wet (you did remember to bring a swimsuit, right?) at a short swath of sandy beach and the kid-friendly sprinkler park.

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3 p.m. – Scout out niche shops on Boston Post Road

Turn right as you exit the park, and it’s a 15-minute walk (or two-minute drive) to a cluster of niche shops along Boston Post Road. Stop by Katules, (501 E Boston Post Rd; 914.341.1333, temporarily closed for maintenance) for tees, bags, and home goods printed with snarky sayings. Next door, Knit Shoppe’s (501 E Boston Post Rd; 914.630.7647) shelves are stacked high with a rainbow of high-quality yarns and knitting supplies. Then treat yourself to ganache-filled truffles and a wide selection of chocolate barks at nearby Chocolations (607 E Boston Post Rd; 914.777.3600).

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5 p.m. – Make your way to Augustine’s Salumeria or Walter’s for dinner and drinks

Augustine’s Salumeria (213 Halstead Ave; 914.315.6541) is one of Westchester’s hotspots for local, seasonal fare. This Michelin star restaurant and Best of Westchester winner serves up classic Italian dishes paired with an extensive wine menu. If you prefer to dine at a Westchester staple, take an Uber over to Walter’s (937 Palmer Ave; 914.500.5029). While lines stretch down the block at lunchtime, waits are much shorter now for the same split-and-griddled dogs slathered with mustard.

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7 p.m. – Finish your night with a show at the Emelin Theatre

After a long day of walking, eating, and shopping, what better way to finish it off than by sitting down and enjoying a show? The Emelin Theatre (153 Library Lane; 914.698.0098) is home to a plethora of different acts ranging from comedy and dance to family-friendly performances and movies. There is something for everyone, and all are bound to have an amazing time.

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10 p.m. – Get a good night’s rest at the Hotel NoMa

After your eventful day, you can head four miles south to New Rochelle and stay at the beautiful Hotel NoMa (1 Radisson Plaza; 914.576.3700). This four-star hotel is equipped with a fitness center, outdoor pool, light room service, and a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant, NoMa Social, onsite.

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6 Standout Restaurants for Hibachi in Westchester

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July 24, 2023

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6 Standout Restaurants for Hibachi in Westchester

Looking for hibachi restaurants in Westchester? We’ve got you covered. Adobe Stock | shealla

Love the guaranteed sizzle of a meal at a hibachi restaurant? Here’s where to go for a live-action dinner experience in Westchester.

By Katie Cristiano, Dylan Rubinstein, and Anthony Tornatore

When it comes to a showstopper of a meal, it’s hard to go wrong with hibachi. Not only does the food hit all the right notes, but the show that often goes along with it is a worthwhile experience in itself. Check out these hibachi restaurants in Westchester for top dining in the county.

Banzai Hibachi

95 S Central Ave, Hartsdale; 914.997.7888

Entertainment is the name of the game at Banzai Hibachi, with chefs who guarantee a show. Not only can you get a delicious hibachi meal, but you can also chow down on fresh sushi and sashimi. A full sports bar and lounge with HD TVs streams the biggest games throughout the year.

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Little Buddha

251 Market St, Yonkers; 914.358.9468

Known for its delicious hibachi, this Japanese restaurant doubles as a sushi restaurant in Westchester. The Yonkers eatery also offers a plethora of specials for lunch, making it ideal for a midweek treat. Go for the chicken hibachi lunch special, which comes with clear soup, a salad, one piece of shrimp appetizer, vegetables, and noodles. You can also get the sushi bar lunch special, which varies depending on the roll ordered.

Nikko Hibachi Sushi Lounge

240 White Plains Rd, Tarrytown; 914.333.1000

Nikko Hibachi Sushi Lounge offers a wide array of Japanese delicacies, such as shrimp tempura, hibachi steak, avocado roll, and chicken yaki soba. Go big with hibachi filet mignon with lobster tail or check out the lounge’s special weekday happy hour menu where $10 gets you a beer and a classic sushi roll.

Osaka Hibachi and Sushi

134 Wildey St, Tarrytown; 914.631.8888

With high marks for quality and a reputation as one of Westchester’s top hibachi spots, Osaka is worth a trip from near or far. The all-you-can-eat prix-fixe menu includes hibachi, sushi, and an array of classic Japanese dishes. Can’t decide what to get? Pair your hibachi dinner with Osaka’s signature Out of Control roll, a spicy tuna roll topped with eel and avocado. We promise you won’t leave hungry.

Top Hibachi

80 Route 6, Baldwin Place; 914.628.8899

Top Hibachi will wow you before the menu hits the table. The Westchester bar and lounge boast club-like décor, including full-service couch tables, neon lights, and today’s hit music. Come nighttime, the lights go out and the music turns up. Hibachi plates include rice and noodles (no choosing here), as well as vegetables and complimentary hibachi shrimp. Dare to order an appetizer? Go for the homemade pork dumplings glazed in balsamic vinegar sauce and paired with shiitake mushrooms.

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Sushi Palace

2223 Central Park Ave, Yonkers; 914.268.0888

Sushi Palace is known for its all-you-can-eat sushi for one price. What a lot of people don’t know is that it also has a hibachi station at which you can pick whatever you want to eat. And the best thing is it’s all included in the same one price. Choose from noodles, rice, steak, chicken, vegetables, and eggs to have them cooked right in front of you in a flash.

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Border Bonus

Mannen

15 Danbury Rd, Ridgefield; 203.438.8727

Part sushi eatery, part hibachi grill, this Ridgefield establishment excels in both staples of Japanese and Chinese cuisine. Mannen delivers great service and exciting presentation, with plenty of onion volcanoes. Whether it’s rolls, dumplings, and noodles or sushi, teriyaki, and hibachi, Mannen presents a spectacular, tasty meal for all to enjoy.

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Kashi

131 Summer St, Stamford; 203.890.9995

Worth crossing the border for, this restaurant is illuminated with neon-blue lighting, buzzing with patrons at the sake bar, and furnished comfortably and tastefully. If you’re craving hibachi, but don’t have time to stay for a whole production, this establishment is perfect for a quick and delicious meal. Savor a chicken or steak hibachi for under $32 and complete the meal with the green tea mille crepe, which involves more than twenty layers of mille crepe enveloping the lightest pastry cream, powdered with matcha and topped with ice cream and fresh fruit.

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How to Grow a Garden During Hot Summer and Fall Months in Westchester

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July 20, 2023

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How to Grow a Garden During Hot Summer and Fall Months in Westchester

Learn how to grow a garden during hot months. Adobe Stock / Vera Kuttelvaserova

Landscape and garden design pro Valerio Morano Sagliocco shares his tips for creating a stunning garden even in the hot months of summer and fall.

With over 16 years growing his family landscaping-and-garden-design business, Valerio Morano Sagliocco knows gardens. Who better to turn to about plants that will survive the summer heat and what to plant for the fall?

“Summer months come with heat, lack of rain, and most plants do not like that,” says Sagliocco. “Plants that require a lot of water should be curbed from the garden. Excessive watering to keep up with the heat of summer can be costly, time consuming, and overall water should be conserved at all costs and used only when necessary.”

He suggests planting the right plants early, that will last. “Around Mother’s Day through Memorial Day and early June is the peak time to plant summer-loving annuals,” says Sagliocco. “You plant a season in advance. You’re not going to go shopping for summer clothes in August, you’re going to be thinking about fall and winter.”

To gear up for next summer, some of his favorite plants that produce in the hotter months include colorful and beautiful annuals like lantana, cosmos, marigolds, verbena. For perennials, he likes succulents like sedum but also salvia and echinacea, Russian sage, and Agastache.

Echinacea. Adobe Stock / Vera Kuttelvaserova

He adds it’s nice to have an 80/20 ratio of perennials and annuals as the low layer of the plant bed.

“Annuals provide the best color as they stretch from Mother’s Day until approximately Thanksgiving and give a consistent and plentiful show,” he says.

If you have plants that have come and gone throughout the summer, what should you do to keep your garden growing? To keep blooms popping Sagliocco prefers perennials over annuals. “Once their bloom cycle has passed, you can just cut them back and they are ready to either flush out a new bloom for the season or they conserve their bloom for the following year, and you only have to pay once for a plant,” he says. “Unlike annuals, once they are done blooming, they become organic waste and you have to purchase new annuals every year.”

Marigolds. Adobe Stock / TSL Photography

He adds there are pros and cons to every plant no matter what time of year you are planning for. “There is no perfect plant, you just need to weigh them out to make sense for your garden.”

Moving into the fall, he says the season is synonymous with chrysanthemums. “It is a perennial which is most commonly used as an annual because of its short bloom life,” says Sagliocco. “It has the most full and glorious bloom showing its beautiful fall colors, but it does have a short bloom life of a few weeks.”

“Not all plants work in all areas of the property; listen to the property and listen to the plants and they will show you what they like and what they don’t.”
—Valerio Morano Sagliocco

He also suggests planting any of the following for the fall:

Callicarpa — “An American beauty berry, [this] is one of my favorites, and has beautiful purple berries that look like flowers.”
Hydrangea quercifolia — This oakleaf hydrangea has a great reddish leaf color.
Witch hazel — “It has the most interesting tricolor autumn leaf: orange, red, and yellow.”

No matter what you plant and whether it’s for the summer or fall, his biggest tip is to “plan ahead and start off on the right foot.”

“Put plants that require sun in sunny areas, and those that require shade in the shady areas,” he says. “Not all plants work in all areas of the property; listen to the property and listen to the plants and they will show you what they like and what they don’t.”

This Larchmont Home Gives “Nantucket Meets Westchester” Vibes

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June 18, 2023

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This Larchmont Home Gives “Nantucket Meets Westchester” Vibes

Photos by Framework Home, Courtesy of William Pitt Julia B Fee Sotheby’s International Realty.

In this stately compound, you’ll feel like you’re living in Nantucket — even though you’re actually in the heart of Larchmont.

$5,900,000

61 & 65 Woodbine Ave, Larchmont
5 BD | 6.1 BA | 7,047 sq ft | 1.24 acres | $136,706 est. taxes

This compound was completely recrafted in 1995 by Elliott Rosenblum, who was the prominent NYC architect for Saks Fifth Avenue and Barneys. The main house is 4,889 square feet, with a 2,158-square-foot cottage. Both homes take advantage of the waterfront view, with French doors opening onto bluestone patios, for a mix of indoor/outdoor living. Millwork, high ceilings, and architectural details come together to bring tons of character. The main house features a stunning wraparound porch, and myriad windows offer extensive natural light inside. The sizeable lawn opens to the Premium River, offering water sports and breathtaking views. Only 45 minutes from Manhattan, you can have the best of both city life and scenic vistas.

Listed by Cary Sleeper and Carey Federspiel, William Pitt Julia B Fee Sotheby’s International Reality

A Tudor Home’s Backyard Transforms Into an Outdoor Oasis

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June 5, 2023

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A Tudor Home’s Backyard Transforms Into an Outdoor Oasis

Wait until you see this Tudor home’s backyard. Photos by Mike Van Tassell

Thanks to a Bedford-based architecture and design firm, an unused yard gets a new life and use with the addition of a beautiful pool, spa, and cabana.

Where there is now a beautiful pool and spa, attached cabana, outdoor bar, and dining terrace was a side yard that was unused by this family of six. The small, corner lot of this Tudor home was transformed thanks to the team headed up by Carol Kurth Architecture + Interiors into a true outdoor oasis.

Challenges

Like any pool project, it came with challenges. For this one, there were four large hurdles the team had to face and resolve.

pool yard

The Tudor design of the home dates to the 20th century, and the original bricks on the existing house were handmade and no longer available. The team had to research the origin of the brick and stone and gather multiple samples to create a seamless connection between the existing home and the new pool pavilion. “To create a unified and visual aesthetic between the existing and the new, keen attention was paid to the unique architectural elements of the original home,” says Carol Kurth, FAIA, ASID. This included pattern, scale, and texture as well as mortar color and joint details. “Mock-ups were presented for detailed review and approvals, ultimately achieving a seamless design thread while infusing a modern approach to the transitional style,” she adds.

Being that this was a side yard, the team wanted to create an enclosure for privacy and safety reasons, but not feel enclosed. “The lot line and streetscape are planted with lush evergreens, which will eventually conceal the fencing as the plantings mature,” says Kurth. “The rest of the fencing is tied into corners of the home, tucked amidst plantings.”

outdoor bar

The area they were working with was also on the smaller side, but with design ingenuity and thoughtfulness, the team was able to incorporate multiple areas that serve different purposes. “The creative challenge on a small site is to be able to create an experience of outdoor rooms and vignettes that can serve multiple purposes, from relaxation to entertaining on a large scale,” says Kurth. “I love how we mixed historic details with modern sensibility to bring a new dynamic personality to the project and the reimagining of the yard areas to create a more functional outdoor lifestyle for [this] family.”

Finally, this home is situated in a beautiful enclave of Tudor homes on a corner lot; therefore, the approval process was challenging. “It was a difficult approval process to get a pool situated on the side of the prior lawn area, in this neighborhood, on this property,” says Kurth. But they did it and made the overall yard more functional.

Access

There are two entry points to the new and improved yard, pool, and spa, which also tie the home fluidly into the new amenities. Guests and the family can of course access the pool through the house, as there is an exterior door that leads you to the outdoors. And by the garage and parking area, there are stone steps that lead up to the landing and pool portal gate, as Kurth refers to it. “The arrival moment to the newly designed pool and cabana area is through an elegant gate (pool compliant) flanked on one side by a decorated pier and planter on the other, connected to the new cabana, thus integrating fencing for safety,” says Kurth.

pool storage

Amenities

Built-in technology allows touch control of the pool and spa functions as well as a multi-hued LED lighting system. With the touch of a button, you can change the colors in the pool and the spa lighting array.

sink area

A myriad of seating areas was designed for larger gatherings or dining alfresco. The covered cabana features a bar, kitchenette, and TV and is easily accessible to the changing area, shower, and bathroom.

pool shower

In the pool, there is a sunken hot tub detailed in bluestone that sits adjacent to the tanning ledge, with special attention paid to the interior slope of the pool to accommodate sports in the pool and laps. “The sun-ledge area is perfect to pull up your chair in the water, relax, and get your feet wet, but you can also swim laps and play volleyball,” says Kurth. There is something for everyone, and this new yard definitely gets more use.

Pool Tips

Do call a design professional.

“Engage a team to masterplan and develop the design concepts from inception to completion,” says Carol Kurth. “There are many logistical as well as zoning aspects involved with a pool design, and with an investment of this magnitude on your property, you want to be sure that the design is aesthetically [pleasing] as well as functional. It is an investment in your enjoyment as well as your real estate value!”

A Tudor home with a pristine pool? Yes, please!

Think creatively and be realistic.

Come up with a wish list but also be realistic about what you can accomplish within your budget. “Each project is one of a kind and on a unique property that has its own aspects that can define and determine both limitations and investments,” says Kurth. “Landscaping, outdoor art, and furnishings should all be contemplated and budgeted along with the pool.”

outdoor furniture

Don’t think it can happen overnight.

“Plan ahead,” advises Kurth. “Between design, selections, approvals, and construction, a great project takes time!”

The Team

Architecture: Carol Kurth FAIA, ASID and Sely Quispe Gandarillas, Carol Kurth Architecture
Décor: Carol Kurth, FAIA, ASID and Tina Schwab, Carol Kurth Interiors
Contractor: H&Y Construction Landscape Design: Michael Oliveri, Michael and Sons Nurseries
Pool: Wagner Pools