Embracing Fall

As hesitant as I may be to admit this, Fall is starting to capture my heart again. In New England, with the crisp air and the changing leaves, its hard to not feel the season. Fall is cool and cozy and magical. I think these photos sum it up.

And this. Can you imagine? It never dawned on me to host a dinner party outside when the temps aren’t getting above 60, but even though it sounds chilly- it looks so warm.

Now this party is all I can think about (the fact that I don’t have a backyard being a minor detail). A simple gathering with close friends, delicious food and all the sentiments of Autumn is exactly what we need. Bonfire required. Wouldn’t you agree?

 

Scenes from the Boston Flower and Garden Show

Hi there! I’m back! Where have I been?? Hiding under the covers avoiding the snow? Jetsetting around the globe to fabulous destinations (HA!) Nope, believe it or not- I’ve been working! I’ll let you swallow your shock. In all seriousness though, this blog is NOT my full time job and every once in a while my real one does pick up quite a bit. Engineering has its ups and downs based on project schedules and lately I’ve been designing buildings non stop.

I did happen to squeeze in a visit to the Boston Flower and Garden Show this past weekend. I had never been before and was happy we finally made the trip. It was a nice break to the endless winter we were having. I’m seriously craving Spring!!!

For the event, the entire World Trade Center Exhibition hall is transformed with several gardens of varying styles brought indoors.. I can’t imagine the amount of work that goes into setting this up. Not only do the exhibitors have to build up the planting areas, fill them with soil, plant all of the TREES, bushes, flowers etc, build patios and arrange seating areas, BUT THEN some of them even go so far as to install working waterfalls and fountains. I’m explaining this all poorly, but here are my best pictures. I’ll apologize in advance for any cameo appearances by Boston area grandmothers- they were swarming the place!

This was by far my favorite setup- not only did they have flowers and a gorgeous fountain- but do you see those “cages”?? THERE ARE REAL BIRDS IN THERE:

Nick was pretty much ready to move into this child’s playhouse- I can’t say I blame him:

There were also a bunch of vendors “peddling their wares…” Everything from wind-chimes and outdoor grills, to local honey and outdoor inspired art. I was in LOVE with these framed butterflies (I have a butterfly weakness).

Of course these gigantic garden displays are lovely if you own a house with a big yard and have $25,000+ to spend on landscaping, but for me and my current living situation, everything was more of a mental note for “someday”. Thats not to say there weren’t some more indoor friendly garden ideas. This Bonsai was out of control beautiful and I STILL am obsessed with terrariums. There was also an entire room of beautiful floral arrangements.

I can’t wait to go back next year! I really would recommend the event to anyone who finds themselves in Boston in late March. While I can’t promise that it won’t be winter outside, it was certainly a welcome taste of Spring.

Traversing the snow and thinking about Spring..

Did you hear? It snowed 22 inches this past weekend in Boston. I can’t remember the last time I’ve seen so much snowfall… I remember when I was little this used to mean exciting things like snow days and making forts in the mountain of snow at the bottom of our driveway, but now its more like “ugh. whole foods is closed- how will I eat?!” While the snow IS very pretty while it lasts, in a city that window isn’t long. There are 8 foot mountains of dirty snow everywhere they can shove it and three lane roads are down to only 1. The struggle back and forth between the plows and the guys shoveling the sidewalks has made for very interesting walking around the city- at the end of each street is an OCEAN of slush. Its kind of like a maze to just get where you need to be! It doesn’t help that its been sunny and 40 degrees since Monday….

So I”m over it. Rant complete. Now I’m looking forward to Spring. Here are a few images that are keeping me going. You can find all of the sources on my pinterest page aptly named “Gardens”:

There is also a great garden sale on One Kings Lane today if you feel inspired to pick up a few items in anticipation. Here are a few of my favorites:

1. This little Perched Rabbit would look SO CUTE peeking out of a flower bed. I would name him fluffy.

2. I imagine putting glowing white candles in these weathered lanterns. And then of course sitting on the patio drinking wine at twighlight.

3. Cant decide if I would cluster these garden birdhouses all together or scatter them around different trees- but they are so whimsical- I love them

4. You can never have enough containers- and at $39 for a set of 2 these little crackle planters are a great find

 

Topiary Gardens

Have you seen this month’s Architectural Digest? The cover article is of Valentino’s grand chateau, and it includes a tour of his amazing topiary garden.

The editors of AD were so inspired, they created an online only collection of images of the best public topiary gardens around the world. I found it so charming and amazing!

When I think of topiary my mind of course wanders to grand English estates straight out of a Jane Austen novel, but in fact, the art has been around since the Roman Empire. It has also been attributed to the ancient Chinese, and later the Japanese. The trees vary in shape and size ranging from the simple hedge, to a large animal figure. I’m always impressed considering they are traditionally cut by hand, with no guide to aide the gardener. The typical plant is evergreen- mostly boxwood, holly and yew. I’m more drawn to the traditional shapes and styles but I find the whimsical animals and chess pieces just as fantastic. One of the images featured was taken from Green Animals Topiary Garden, which is close to Newport- I might have to take a visit! Here are a few of my other favorite images from the collection:

 

A Mid-Summer’s Night Party

I don’t know what it is, but there are some summer nights that are absolutely magical. I love the idea of having a dinner party that captures that feeling. Pretty much add twinkling string lights and candles to any dinner table and you have me hooked- but put it out in a garden and I’m completely head over heels! Not convinced? Check out these amazing tables!

Its obvious that some of these images are from weddings- but the weather is so beautiful and balmy- I can’t imagine waiting on one special occasion to find the excuse to eat under the stars. So here’s my own interpretation- rustic whites and creams lit up with a glow and accented by a punchy floral pink:

Juliska “Jardins du Monde” Dinner Plate / 45-Piece Stainless Steel Baroque Flatware Service / CALYPSO HOME Agonda Napkins / Votive Cups – Set of 12 / Bistro Chairs, Set of 2 / allen roth 10-Light Clear Edison Bulb Patio String Lights / Linen Striped Tablecloth