Do four-leaf clovers exist? Have you ever found one? We could use a little luck around here, so in honor of St. Patrick's Day we'll be looking. In the meantime, we are happy to report that this week we'll be featuring other treasures we've discovered.
At the end of the rainbow is Ireland's County Galway; there we'll visit a pair of 19th-century stone cottages transformed into modern guest quarters in a seaside landscape. Also coming this week: an exclusive look at a no-fail black-and-gray paint palette for your house facade; a roundup of some (surprising!) emerald green gardens, and everything you ever wanted to know about artificial turf but were afraid to ask.
N.B.: Table of Contents is a new Monday column to fill you in on what's coming up every week on Gardenista.
Monday
Above: In County Galway, a cottage and a shed dating to the early 1800s sit on seven acres of land at the edge of the sea. In an Architect Visit later today, Meredith will look at how Dublin-based Peter Legge Associates updated the derelict stone buildings to suit a retired couple from Dublin who needed guest quarters for visiting children and grandchildren. Hint: indoor-outdoor living is involved. Photograph by Sean and Yvette.
Tuesday
Above: This week's Steal This Look will reveal all the details—including the paint colors on the house, trim, and door—that you need to recreate designer Jessica Helgerson's perfect backyard patio. Photograph by Lincoln Barbour.
Wednesday
Above: Some thistles are invasive, yes, but others are your friend. Justine will give us the lowdown in 5 Favorites: Thistles. Photograph by Peter Roan.
Thursday
Above: Photograph via Conservation Grass.
Ellen will give us an exclusive look at the good, the bad, and the ugly (plus the price) of modern artificial turf.
Friday
Above: Erin will visit a writer's shed nice enough to inspire anybody to write the Great American Novel. Photograph by Wai Ming Ng.
Above: Here's proof that four-leaf clovers exist. They are in fact mutations of three-leafed clovers and are often evident among white clover plants. If you want to grow your own, scatter some New Zealand White Clover seeds ($4.65 a packet from Johnny's Seeds). Word is that five-leaved clover exists too. (Post a photo in the comments section if you've found evidence.) Photograph by Joe Papp.