For more than forty-five years the sculpture of Isabel Bloom has warmed the hearts and brightened the homes, gardens and offices of art lovers and collectors throughout the United States.

Isabel, a Native Iowa artist, who once studied under the watchful eye of American master Grant Wood, favored artistic subjects ranging from playful children to friendly creatures of the air, land and sea. Cast in concrete and hand-finished to resemble weathered bronze garden sculptures of the Victorian era, Isabel's artwork fits comfortably into virtually any home or office decor and is, of course, a beautiful addition to garden and patio settings.

Today the creation of Isabel Bloom sculpture rests in the talented hands of designer Donna Young, Isabel's protégé and artistic collaborator since 1986. Preserving the unique style that survives Isabel's passing in May 2001, Donna has designed many of the most popular sculptures in our collection.

We invite you to come in to the Nursery to see our new line of special holiday sculptures. Three of this season's favorites are:

Jack The Snowman - One look at this snowman’s happy face, and you’ll agree that Jack loves winter! We think he looks best with his navy hat, red scarf, orange nose and black buttons.

One of our top-selling gifts, Esque Candles (pronounced esk) bring elegance to any environment. Shimmering swirls of gold are spun into rich hues, creating a delicate web of color inside a blown glass globe or vase. The unique effect is achieved with an exclusive process of painting with wax. Esque Candles are filled with a translucent wax and fragranced with Mysteria. Each candle measures between 4" to 9" and burns between 50 to 80 hours. Every Esque Candle comes nestled in a satin-covered gift box for a perfect presentation.

We know that you will appreciate and enjoy the creativity and exceptional quality that goes into every element of this collection.

By Tamara Galbraith

Not long after moving into our current house in the fall of 2004, I was presented with a large potted plant by the wonderful woman who lives behind us. "I just divided mine," she explained, "and I don't have any room for this one. I'm not really sure what it is, but when it blooms, it's beautiful!"

I too was clueless about the plant's origins. But within a few weeks, a flower stalk emerged among the big strap-like leaves, and a spray of gorgeous, trumpet-shaped orange flowers burst forth...in the middle of winter, no less.

After some research, I finally identified the plant. Eureka! Or...make that: Clivia!

Clivia belongs to the same family as amaryllis, with some variations in height within the species. The primary flower color is orange, but there is also a yellow-flowered cultivar that is somewhat hard to find. Also on the rare and expensive side, there is a new breed of clivia on the market with variegated, striped foliage, which comes in both yellow- and orange-flowering forms. Good luck finding those.

Clivias are large, heavy plants and like to remain in the same pot for a long time. A mature plant can get 2-3 feet tall and almost as wide. Like many winter-flowering plants, clivia should be given a month of cool night temperatures in autumn, followed by a six-to-eight-week rest period with very little water. Even when not in bloom, the big sword-shaped leaves make for an attractive foliage plant, though.

Be patient with a young clivia, as it apparently takes a few years for them to bloom...making me especially grateful to my neighbor friend for doing the hard part for me! They are a fabulous alternative to the usual live plants available for gift-giving this time of year.

Tamara was born and raised in Oklahoma City. Coming to Humboldt, CA one summer to study Transcendental Meditation, she decided to pursue this further and spent 9 months in Europe becoming a TM teacher. Upon returning, she moved to California with her husband, and their daughter was born. Her daughter grew up attending school in Cupertino.

Tamara enjoyed working many years at Apple Computer, but her favorite company was the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, where she worked in their Environmental Program. Environmental issues are near and dear to her heart. (Are you composting yet?)

She has studied photography at SJSU and is currently a full time student in the Environmental Horticulture and Design Program at Foothill College. She is certified as a Pilates instructor, enjoys yoga, hiking, dancing and, of course, gardening.

My Celebrity Service staff and I look forward to serving you this year. We'll go out of our way to make your day!

Matt Lepow - President