Botanical Inspiration: Camellias

I thought that featuring a Botanical Inspiration post today would be a pretty start to the week.  The botanical of choice is a Camellia that recently revealed itself in our garden.  I love how its thin flower petals are surrounded by thick glossy leaves that showcase its fragile beauty.  It's precisely that frailness and loveliness that make the Camellia a symbol of  love and devotion.  I know many who are deserving of one today (and everyday).  Take a look:

What's blooming in your garden now?

Many thanks to everyone who offered his /her opinion on my exterior color dilemma.  This week I'll reveal our house's new look.

Happy Monday!

Botanical Inspiration: Concrete Planter, Before And After

Over the weekend I gave a concrete planter left behind by the previous owner a new look.  By repurposing some existing plants from the garden and adding few new ones, the planter now embodies our California palette.   Take a look at the before and after:

Even the big glammy thing that used to adorn our roof deck in MA found a new home.  Its new patina finish works perfectly with the burgundies and pinks of the planter.

Botanical Inspiration: A Friend's Gift Comes Alive.

 With roses, lemon balm and lime branches, all from our garden, I put together a free form flower arrangement in a vessel given to me by a dear friend.   Take a look at how it took shape and read a few tips below on creating your very own composition.

5 tips on creating your own free form botanical arrangement:

1.  Use seasonal foliage/flowers.

2. Pick both flowers in full bloom and some that are just budding.

3.  Leave a fair amount of foliage on the stems.

4.  Incorporate berries, fruits and/or branches.

5.  Let the petals fall freely around the vessel.

I like to place bouquets in not-so-obvious places, like bathrooms, kitchen counters and childrens' rooms.

Thank you EVB for the lovely vase!

P.S.:  I will be unplugged for a few days during our first California camping trip with our children.  YAY!!!

Botanical Inspiration: Bonsai

This week's botanical inspiration is the Bonsai.  A recent trip to Bonsai West in Littleton, Ma. turned out to be both visually and mentally inspiring.   A multitude of young and very old bonsai trees of all varieties and zone preferences fill a series of greenhouses (we visited in early March).  The miniature trees take one's breath away and can be studied and admired for hours upon hours.  There's so much to appreciate about the art of Bonsai, the disciplined  root trimming, the constant pruning and limb training and, particularly, the micro gardens that sprout at the base of the shallow pots (which I absolutely adore).

 The trip to Bonsai West was triggered by a pinboard we put together for a client in an effort to add warmth, texture and points of interest to their living/office area.   To see it click here and stay posted for photos of the bonsai tree we selected for their space.

Botanical Inspiration: Weeping Willow Branches

Since the last post was all about branches, I thought it appropriate to share my find with you:  fallen willow branches outside our Cambridge Public Library. In spite of my children's protests, I dragged them across the lawn to our van.  Presently, these long golden branches are elegantly draping over one of my favorite vases.  Coupled with of a strand of starry lights, my impromptu botanical arrangement doubles as very effective mood lighting.   Take a look: