What a difference a year makes. Last Memorial day we had barely burrowed out from an icy winter, and the season didn’t get going until July 4! ■ This spring couldn’t be more different. Real estate sales are brisk, and with the balmy weather, we are already deeply into our landscaping work and outdoor furniture purchases. At Hamptons Cottages & Gardens, we are looking forward to great events this summer, anchored by our Innovation in Design Awards at Guild Hall on July 26. (See details on page 115.) The call for entries is out, so designers and architects are encouraged to enter their projects as soon as possible. Last year’s winners have been basking in a year of recognition, so why not you? ■ Entries will be judged by architect Deborah Berke, decorators Sherrill Canet, Kerry Delrose, and David Kleinberg, and landscape architect Mario Nievera. And this year’s Innovator Award will be presented to the über-creative Stephanie Odegard. I look forward to seeing you there.

P.S. We launched New York Cottages & Gardens in March to much critical acclaim. And who is more critical than a New Yorker! Mitchell Gold and Bob Williams of the eponymous furniture company hosted us at their home 58 stories above Manhattan to toast Editor in Chief Kendell Cronstrom and our new title. The design-industry web- site Editoratlarge.com was there, with the lovely Sophie Donelson interviewing everyone about the magazine. Bunny Williams, John Rosselli, Libby Langdon, and more all had great things to say. Pick up the May/June issue in New York or go to cottages-gardens.com.