Wanderlust

Ever want to just take off and wander?


Be alone with nature and your thoughts?


With a sense of adventure?


Scanning for gold?


Smelling the roses?


Running to the sea? Taking in the salted air



This scene reminds me of a solo trip to Devon England. I set out one day to follow a lone path that climbed steeply, the sea was to my right. The distant sound of crashing waves and nothing else is powerful and alluring.




The return route could not be repeated, I had to take the woodland route, it was yet to be discovered. The lure was childhood literature of the dark English forest, it's myths, fables and legends all beckoned. Adding to the sense of danger was a now raging storm, dark clouds and wild winds. Slipping and sliding as the path became a mud bath there suddenly appeared a clearing and I saw this;



This looks benign enough.

But unlike the photo, this was not my first image. That was of all the cows running towards me enmasse. They then went silent, totally silent except for the two bulls lingering far behind snorting and pawing the soil, furiously. You see the path continued via wooden steps up and OVER the barbed wire, returning was not an option i had come too far...............I had to enter.

Up close cows are massive and bulls, well...........As I stood on the top wooden step, yellow rain jacket blowing with the wind I prayed that they did not mind yellow, red.....we all know about, but how do they feel about yellow! As I, lead player in my personal English forest fable, took my first step down and into their world, they began to part, silently, right down the middle. Feeling empowered I strode through the cows then the bulls and as the British say "carried on" with a renewed sense of "strength".
Today if I am faced with a challenge my sister will say "oh, you can do that, you can part cows!"


Paths and roads are a metaphor for life


Do we stay on the straight and narrow?


Accept life's twist and turns



Follow a path openly and with a sense of adventure, not knowing where it will lead?


I will always choose the latter. Wrong turns have led me to lifelong friendships, my career, discoveries about myself and new ideas.


Allow yourself to get lost................ follow 'The Road not Taken".

I am tired of my containers......................

Come every August, I am tired of my containers, tired of watering, fertilizing and looking at the same old/same old. So, I am dreaming of fake boxwood. Can one ever tire of boxwood?

Here is a photo of a London (land of few watering chores) roof top garden and ALL the boxwood is faux! The element of the spikey plants is a nice offset to the formality of the sheared box.


Shown here is a close-up of faux hedges available in this country........call scentimental gardens. Doable yourself on a galvanized frame and mounting the sheets but also available in ready-made hedges. These can be used outdoors to great effect and will last about five years.


No, these are not mine, but not too far. Someone else shares my sentiment.


The talented Deborah Silver, owner of Detroit Garden Works created this whimsical eye popper with faux boxwood balls.


Crazy for this composition in a window box, streamlined and adaptable to compliment any style home.


I applaud creativity but sometimes........................hmmmm.



A British firm called Fake Landscapes is most creative, shipping would be outrageous. Does anyone know of a US firm? I love the pig and shaped hedges with boxwood ball finials and no pruning!


Locally we have access to sheets or as shown, tiles of faux boxwood. Here is a look at an effect we did in one room of the shop. These were tacked to the ceiling in a checkerboard pattern. Would love to do the ceiling of a powder room in solid box. (don't ask, that wild chandelier is sold. everyone has wanted it)


Love this garden vignette with the faux wall panels, this would be very easy to do!



And my favorite, from Domino Magazine, a New York city roof top garden completely encased for privacy. A cabana and massive box hedges in charming containers.


Let's finish here! This post was delayed because my sister and I were away for the weekend. On the way home we were reminiscing about days of laughter, touring, dining and cocktails with our dear friend Tommy ( a great host) and his delightful friends. remember that previous post with my husband steve driving with the horse head facing him? shhhhh, sister is much more fun!
The clown? long story...........but here is a hint, it is not mine...............

debra

Staycation?!................make it good!

Travel is a mainstay of my life. (why is this underlining everything???) But, time and finances are too. When not traveling for business, these days it is at home during the weekends doing paperwork, massive quantities of paperwork. For the moment I would rather dream of having an at home escape, a garden shed.


Love this one. You can hardly call this a garden shed but maybe a magical structure on water, beautifully decorated and enchanting evening garden house.
This is a treasured clients outhouse turned storage shed. Robin's home is an 1870's ish Italianate Victorian and this is the original outhouse. We created the Chicago street brick surround and miniature garden to nestle it within it's surroundings.



This is a 100+ year old writer's space detached from the main house. Wild about the door/window curved paneled feature. Any of these structures become immensely important within the confines of a thoughtful garden.


I could throw on my wellies, lots of sweaters, light the pot belly stove, hot chocolate, dogs, blankets and magazines


Allow your imagination to soar. ANYTHING MADE OF STONE IS SPECTACULAR. Size does not matter, just the details.


This could be the shed of my dreams too. A perfect potting shed set within the vegetable garden.
Look at that door, the triple eight topiaries, the three dimensional design element near the peak and a cupola.



Some, however, I could live in full time




Stay with me here for a moment, we can all do this, really! Lot size does not matter, Daddy Warbucks is not needed...............Let's take your basic shed, one handy man/woman, imagination, paint, a garden or call Scentimental Gardens for all of the above.
Here is what I would do to this poor soul;

• a tin roof
• shingle siding
• painted to match the color scheme of my home
• remove solid door and replace with french door
• add a huge window to the left of the door
• put wooden shutters on windows WITH SHUTTER DOGS
  
• window box under big window
• trellising on the ends (see next photo)
• add a lantern
• add climbing roses, boxwood.....

Maybe not all at once, but have a plan...............


Elements can be borrowed from this photo to dress up your shed; trellising over shingles, adds dimension and textural interest. How about trim? This is substantial trim that makes a statement. Personally I favor the color scheme too.



Charmingly simple. The addition of this overhang makes all the difference.



The tin roof, monochromatic color scheme, shutters, small front porch.......



Stone again.....sigh......... unless this was strictly for storage a french door would be swapped out



In England, the private chapel, yesssssss, all estates of merit possessed a private chapel!
Today, it resides as a treasured get-away, with faded chintz down arm chairs, ottomans, a tea trolley, dog bed, lace curtains and magazines. (I made the last part up, can you tell I am longing for England?)



Open air, good views



Take one little underused shed, add flea market found columns, one sign, gardens and voila! A charming outpost.



An urban setting in San Francisco. Imagine this setting, which is quite small, minus the garden shed, what would you have? Yes, a beautiful view in San Francisco, but.............the shed becomes an architectural focal point in addition to the function of a garden cottage.




Could you handle this!? The inside of one woman's shed. Composed of mostly found bits which together create a unique haven.



Conversely, here is a more masculine but cozy interior. Below is the artistry of this special garden house.

Look close, to the left, there is my friend Marsha, covering her face. But she is running, running out of her shed to the approaching tray.
What would summer in the garden be without a little getaway cottage and a bit of Lillet on ice with an orange slice served on a tray?
(Yes Marsha you know I am talking about you xxo)

Remember us, Scentimental Gardens, for all your garden needs

Debra

Travel Atlanta

Like most urban areas, Atlanta has it's share of neighborhoods, each with a unique vibe. My favorite is VIRGINIA HIGHLANDS, just within sight of downtown. This neighborhood possesses independently owned boutiques, incredible restaurants and charming homes, no cookie cutter look-a-likes or "chains" here.



How about this! Anyone that knows me well knows I am not a big fan of new construction. But...........every once in a while my mind is changed. This new home stopped me in my tracks. and after a while the homeowner came out. Could not hear him but it may have had something to do with wanting to stop me.



Let's examine the details; massive window box extending from edge to edge of the window trim, deep and wide. The natural wood colorway enhances the "rust" tones in the stone.


The window box color also picks up the color of the front door. Repetition of color and patterns are pleasing to the eye. The strong "Hansel and Gretel' theme has factors I love;

-the light fixture is over sized but proportionate to the scale of the home.
-the Tudor inserts all have interesting detail and patterns repeated under the front door side lights.
-the slight upturn at the roof eaves is a touch of whimsy
-the fence! what a fence and it is repeated close up.
-the landscaping enhances without distracting
-the containers and the plantings are perfectly proportioned


Close-up of the details



On a corner lot, here is a shot of the rear/side garden. No detail was left undone with the shed.



A business called Bella Cucina, owned by an visionary woman, has it's flagship store in this neighborhood. Other than the local shop she sells only wholesale; foodstuffs, flavorings and accessories with a Tuscan flavor. Above is a photo of the Tuscan Grill, a new product in the line that grills food over hardwood imparting intense flavors. This item propelled me to jump in and carry a portion of the food and the grills.

Come in for samples, recipes and future parties will include the Tuscan Grill. PS: can also be used indoors in your fireplace!


My favorite restaurant, Parish, in a converted factory. Revel in this New Orleans inspired restaurant, deli and community haven.


Stunning decor. My head is constantly swiveling, the passing dishes and inspired design.



Take a seat at the bar and if you are lucky Christopher Gaither will be at the bar. Christopher will welcome you with southern hospitality warmth and engage you with his witty humor. Allow him to select your wine, Chris hosts the ongoing wine events and is a genius.

(hint, try the J & J grits!)

Note to fellow Chicagoans; the newly opened Wit Hotel at State and Lake has three restaurants by the same group that owns Parish. Can't wait to go, anyone want to go together? Drop me a line!

Debra