Every year I bring out this vintage sleigh to decorate and place by my front door. Year to year the vignette and decorations vary. My holiday decorations and style are generally simple and rustic, and often using greens from my garden.

Making This Vignette:

Find an interesting piece for a base, such as this weather-worn sleigh. Choose a piece that is novel, whimsical, and might bring on a smile.

Use a focal piece or showstopper. I chose a 10” beautiful red poinsettia plant inspired from a recent tour at Weidner’s Gardens, organized by one of my garden clubs, The Village Garden Club of La Jolla.

Wrap the plant in simple burlap.

Cut Blue Juniper greens and Little Gem Magnolia pieces from my garden, arranging them on the sleigh. Look for greens, foliage, berries, pine cones in your garden, or possibly from a neighbor or friend.

Add another smaller interesting piece. In this vignette, an interesting pine cone from another part of California.

Add a colorful bow, if your vignette needs a pop. I didn’t want to take away from the color and beauty of the poinsettia, so I didn’t add a bow.

Make sure everything in your vignette can tolerate being outdoor for a period of time.

Enjoy what you have created. If you make a vignette, I would love to hear about it!

Bon Appétit et Bon Weekend…Bonnie

My First Ever Peony, ‘Belle Toulousaine’, and African Daisy, Arctotis ‘Wine’

This time of year warrants more time in the garden than in the kitchen. I just can’t help it. Cool in the morning, warming up as the day goes on, I am fueled to work on many projects to spruce up around our home and garden. Wishing for more rain, but grateful for what we have gotten so far.

Since January, I have had my large pine trees trimmed, replenished walking paths, been on weed patrol, mulched flower beds, added new plants, and enjoyed working on various fun garden projects.

One of my new plants from Armstrong Garden is the Belle Toulousaine Itoh Peony, suitable for our warm climate here in San Diego. Belle Toulousaine peony was given its name in homage to Toulouse, the beloved hometown of its breeder. I visited the charming area of Toulouse, France in 2019 with French General Getaway, which I highly recommend! So this new peony has an extra special meaning to me.

A real beauty with stunning bright pink blooms, great for cutting, and shown above starting to blossom after our recent rain. It should stay a nice size of 3’ wide x 3’ high. My first peony, and I am very excited to see it fully bloom.

Regaining the Potager

Another project I have been working on is reclaiming and enhancing the potager. Last year the squirrels wouldn’t let me have a vegetable garden. With patience my husband and I live-trapped and relocated 16 squirrels to better digs. Mr. Coyote also might have contributed. So far so good, I have been able to start vegetables again. I added a sentry row of Green Globe artichokes, planted in protective wire baskets to discourage the gophers. I refreshed and added to the Chandler strawberry patch, mulching with pine straw. I am experimenting with various container tomatoes.

St. Francis Oversees Newly Planted Rose Garden

This winter I have been adding more roses to the garden. Many in front of our home entry, and now five matching pairs of roses in the St. Francis garden. Newly planted, and still with their labels waving, I am hoping these roses will be happy and prolific with beautiful blooms. I have always loved the majestic pink and fragrant Yves Piaget rose since I saw an entire field of them blooming on a tour at Rose Story Farm in Carpinteria, California years ago. Now I have two! I tried to plant the rose garden above from tallest to shortest, and with the idea that pinks and apricots would blend in nicely with the muted multi-colored roses. Another experiment, that I hope works out.

A New Welcoming Look

Repositioning a rain gutter to a better location, prompted a project to make this north entrance more inviting and welcoming. It still needs a good power wash, but I am waiting to do this after the rainy season. The existing Duranta ‘Skyflower’ drapes over the stucco wall to soften lines and in summer provides beautiful wispy purple blooms. An open alcove is a perfect spot for a happy flowing ivy atop a vintage urn, much like a really good but unruly head of hair. Two flanking boxwood ‘Green Beauty’ in simple grey planters, and an obedient greyhound statuary further create a welcoming atmosphere and plenty of room for thoroughfare.

Potted Purple Pansies All Grown Up

I feel the more I can do in the first three months of the year, the more it benefits the ensuing year. I am sure you have been busy too, working on your projects. Please share, if you have been spring sprucing in your garden.

Bon Appétit et Bon Weekend…Bonnie

Vintage Tray Proudly Holds Autumn Splendor

A couple of years ago I gave a tablescaping workshop for one of my garden clubs. I thought it would be fun to revisit my notes and handout and share these with you. This is the time of year when we start thinking about the holidays, gathering closer our families, more entertaining, and heightening of our home decorating.

First, think about the basics of tablescaping. Second, don’t be afraid to mix faux and real. Third, use what you love. Fourth, when decorating, choose objects and pieces that can easily transition from fall to holiday (see some ideas below). Fifth, can I use the “beauty and function” principle, will it be beautiful as well as useful in my space.

Here are some of my ideas and suggestions to get you started.

Tablescaping Ideas

“Simplicity is the best elegance.” Tablescaping is the art of decorating your table with your personal signature, and for the pleasure of sharing and bring joy to others.

Elegant Holiday Tablescape. White. Gold. Monogram China. Pearl Napkin Rings. Rosebud Centerpieces.

Basics:

Know and start with your style. Classic, Country, Eclectic, Modern, Rustic, Traditional, etc.

Find your theme. What do you collect, what do you love.

What types of pieces can bring interest to your table and hold materials.  Baskets, Brass, Ceramics, Copper, Crystal, Ironstone, Mercury Glass, Pewter, Silver, Transferware, Wood Pieces, etc.

Use pieces that can do double duty and easily transition autumn into holiday.  Antlers, Burlap and Burlap Ribbon is your best friend, Magnolia Leaves, Whole Nuts, Moss, Tabletop Topiaries, Pomegranates, Pinecones, Silver, White Pumpkins.

What is your color palette, and color accents?  Blue, Brown, Green, Grey, Gold, Neutral, Pastels, Red, etc.

Use what you have. What is in your garden and on your property? What might your neighbor share with you? What have you collected over the years? What do you have which can be re-purposed?

Include an element for a pleasant surprise. Something unexpected that might evoke a smile.

Keep in mind your intention, menu and presentation of food. Buffet style, formal sit down, or simply a pretty vignette that creates a mood. Elevate serving pieces when using buffet style.

Step-by-Step Flow

1)    Place your tablecloth, table runner, antique shawl, etc. on your flat surface. Select neutrals easily carry into different seasons.

2)    Place your desired theme or objects in place.

3)    Start layering your tablescape by filling your theme.

4)    Continue to layer with smaller objects.

5)    Add accent color, glitter, and glow.

6)    Remember simplicity, and less is sometimes more.

7)    Transitioning from autumn to holiday is as simple as using neutral table runners, tablecloths, and pieces that double duty. Take out autumn pieces that don’t, and add in your favorite holiday choices.

Autumn Suggestions

Setting the Mood. Carolyn Roehm says “Texture is the preeminent design feature in fall.” Fall is all about abundance and warm tones.

Branches

Eucalyptus branches and berries, Dried Kiwi Vines, Lemon leaves, Grapevines, Magnolia Branches and Leaves, Olive Tree Branches, Smoke Tree Burgundy, Pink Pepperberry Stems, Pyracanthus Branches and Berries.

Foliage

Acacia, Cypress, Dried Leaves, Juniper, Privet and Berries.

Flowers

Dahlias, Chrysanthemums, Ornamental Millet, Roses and Rose Hips, Sunflowers.

Dried

Bark Pieces, Indian Ornamental Corn, Ornamental Grasses, Hydrangeas, Seedpods, Wheat. 

Fruit

Apples, Clementine, Figs, Kumquats, Oranges, Pears, Passion Fruit, Persimmons, Pomegranates.

Nuts

Chestnuts, Hazelnuts, Walnuts, Macadamia Nuts.

Gourds, Pumpkins, Squash

All kinds, colors, and shapes.

Miscellaneous

Antlers, Baskets, Burlap Material & Ribbon, Candles, Copper Pieces, Feathers, Plaid Material & Ribbon, Pine Cones, Silver.

Holiday Table Ready for Tea

Holiday Suggestions

Setting the Mood. Holidays are about anticipation, celebration, glow, glitter, heartfelt giving, and joy.

Foliage

Boxwood, Juniper, Magnolia Branches, Tabletop Topiaries, Pine Branches, Privet Branches,

Flowers & Bulbs

Amaryllis, Dusty Miller, Paper whites, Poinsettias, Star Hydrangeas, White Chrysanthemums.

Fruits

Whole Cranberries, Dried Pomegranates, Oranges.

Nuts

Chestnuts, Hazelnuts, Walnuts.

Objects:

Beeswax Candles and Figurines, Candles, Crowns, Ornaments, Santos, Strands of Pearls.

Pine Cones

Natural, Colored, Glittered.

I would love to hear how you decorate for fall into the holidays, and your favorite tablescaping ideas. Please share.

Bon Appétit et Bon Weekend…Bonnie

Teak Containers Can Be Beautiful

Teak is not just for furniture anymore, teak has evolved into accessories for your garden, outdoor rooms, and patios, too. The same teak principles apply to teak accessories, in that they age to a beautiful gray patina, withstand weather, and overall are very durable.

If planting a teak container, you will want to line the inside container with a plastic bag or plastic lining before adding your soil, plant material, and moss. If you plant a succulent such as this Sticks on Fire (Red Pencil Tree), Euphorbia tirucalli, in the photo, this container will require little water to maintain it.

Besides plant containers, you can find versatile teak accessories for hanging on walls, serving bowls, trays, art objects, and the list goes on. One source for teak accessories is Teak Closeouts. 

Think teak for timeless and trouble-free.

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We all know how beautiful boxwood can be clipped in a formal garden, but have you thought about using boxwood as literally a very "green" oasis for your floral arrangements? I have a dear friend who is very talented in creating magnificent floral arrangements from her garden. On a recent visit to her showcase garden, she showed me how to use her boxwood from her garden as a way to secure her flowers in their vases. Clipped boxwood anchors your flower stems, looks great especially in your clear vases, and is what I call "garden economizing"--free from your garden.

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The added advantage of using boxwood is that it will keep for a long time in your vase, far outlasting your cut flowers. Simply cut boxwood pieces to your desired floral vase or container size. Arrange them under water until your vase is full of boxwood clippings, and next add your cut flowers. The boxwood will hold your flowers in the spot you place them. I love the look, very classic, very green, and very earth-friendly.

Please share if you use a green, alternative to oasis for your floral arrangements. Please comment on which boxwood your enjoy the most.

There is nothing like a vintage container with a beautiful "warn and warm" hue to fill for a simple autumn display. This is some sort of vintage bucket, which is big, and can be re-purposed for all kinds of objects that remind you of fall. I found the bucket on a whim at Gardenology. This is a great home decor shop that also offers unique vintage pieces. They now have two locations, Encinitas, and Newport Beach. It is fun to stop in regularly, just to check out their "chic" displays.

In all kinds of toffee hues, I have this container displaying various dried gourds that I have grown in years past. If you look closely, you'll see my favorite--the apple gourd. I've written about growing these whimsical apple gourds in detail before, Apple Gourds, and include a link to where to find them at Burpee Seeds. I had a few pieces of faux leaves and acorns that adds a bit of fluidity to the design. This display is so simple and timeless, it is hard to determine what is real and what is faux.

Some other options to use in an autumn vintage container such as this could be dried sunflower heads, dried flowers and pods of all types, gourds, pumpkins, indian corn, bundles of wheat, and even feathered-covered balls.

This vintage container will work through all of the seasons, creatively filling it with fun objects of each season. Do you have a favorite container that you fill and decorate with each season. Please share what you like to display for autumn in your favorite container.

When I saw this ornamental grass, Pearl Millet, Pennisetum glaucoma, I knew I had to plant it in my vintage vintner buckets. I love this chocolate bronzy grass, because of its scale, color, and commanding interest. Could it be it stirs my Midwest roots. Pearl Millet reminds me of marshy cattails on the edge of a sleepy pond, and a surprising stretch resemblance  to an ornamental cornstalk.

Pearl Millet is a perennial. It likes sun, and will faithfully bloom summer to fall. In a pot it should be watered at least once or twice a week. I have a feeling planted in the ground, this grass could grow legs. Seriously, the plant tag states that mature size is up to 1-8' tall and 1-4' wide. I think I'm going to keep mine happy in it's potted state.

I paired Pearl Millet with a New Day Red Striped Gazania, that will  reach 10" high and conveniently fill in the base of my bucket. Last, I added  a wispy, trailing Muelenbeckia, Creeping Wire Vine. It has small bronze leaves that will complement the bronze foliage of the Pearl Millet and the reddish stripe of the Gazania. Other choice companion plants might be zinnias, petunias, and marguerite daisies.

I stacked my favorite dried apple gourds on my French cart, and enlisted my rooster statuary as sentinel, and the vignette is complete.

Please share if you happen upon plants that stir your creativity. Please share if you have a beautiful fall vignette of your own.

Besides growing your own edibles, it is a great idea to grow your own flowers for bouquets. Here is a simple country bouquet idea for an event I had this spring.

Flowers. My perennial sweet peas were abundant and in bloom. I have written about my lovely perennial sweet peas in more detail, Perennial Sweet Peas. Perennial sweet peas are easy to grow, bloom spring to summer, and return year and year. Perennial sweet peas are one suggestion. Let your garden dictate your bouquet.

Vessel. I collected Bulgarian yogurt jars back in the seventies. When traveling through Bulgaria, yogurt was sold in these simple-shaped wide mouth jars. Such a nice size, and an appealing shape. You can use any vessel you have on hand. Try using vessels which appeal to you and are a little out of the ordinary.

Embellishment. These Bulgarian jars are clear. For fun, and a little color, I lined the jars with peppermint geranium leaves. These leaves are very soft and fuzzy. They hold up well in water for several days. The leaves are the prettiest "Ireland" green which is fabulous with the various pinks of the perennial sweet peas. I could have added a pretty ribbon, or glass balls at the bottom of the jars.

In a way, this simple country bouquet from my garden is exactly what my dear friend, Debra Prinzing, and her photographer, David E. Perry, are trying to convey in their new book, The 50 Mile Bouquet: Seasonal, Local and Sustainable Flowers. Following after the "Slow Food" movement, Prinzing and Perry introduce us to the "Slow Flower" movement. Do you know where your flowers are grown? When they were harvested? If chemicals were used to grow them? Prinzing and Perry introduce us to local organic flower growers, gathering, and ultimate "Slow Flower" design. Using fresh flowers out of our own gardens is one easy step in this direction.

Please share if you are aware of local organic flower growers in your area? Please share if you create your own organic flower bouquets out of your own garden.