Sucked In by Succulents

It's a little hard to put my finger on the reason I love succulents so much, but clearly I'm not alone in my adoration. Gorgeous succulent gardens and containers are popping up all over the place. While they may come across to some as something more suitable for a modern home, they really can mix well with any type of home or garden style, depending on the container you choose.




Succulents are virtually indestructible and quite beautiful, retaining water in their leaves and stems to give them their swollen, fleshy appearance. They have adapted to survive arid conditions throughout the world, resulting in incredible variety of leaf forms and plant shapes.




They prefer bright light, such as that of a south-facing window, and need very little water (although it is possible to under water these plants too!) Planting them in a container with drainage holes is important, and the soil should be a fast-draining mixture designed for cacti and succulents.

Click on the succulent wreath above for how-to instructions

Several years ago I came across a gorgeous spread in Garden Design magazine of a succulent garden in California that practically made my mouth water! I decided to paint a painting that reflected the array of colors and textures of the garden, in hopes of satisfying my craving for a similar garden:

Any Winning Combination2005
Mixed Media on Birch Panel

More recently I've encouraged clients who want something that lasts to give succulents a try in their homes. Here's one container potted with a variety:






I also recently came across a bag full of conch shells I've collected over the years and was wondering what I should do with them, apart from leaving them in the bag. For a recent wedding I used succulents as part of the decor and had several that I rescued at the end of the night. Well, it turns out that the shells make a pretty cool container to showcase the smaller plants:



And if you are like one client and you travel often but still want the look and feel of something living in your home, faux succulents are some of the most convincing imposters out there! I was truly satisfied with the way these mantel pieces turned out, and you really have to get right up on them to realize they may not be real... and even then you need to touch to make sure:

Succulents are excellent for use in wedding decor, as they can be reused and replanted after the event. As wedding favors, centerpieces, and even as accents in the bouquets, they are a great choice- no water necessary. I will post pictures of how I recently used them in a wedding soon!

In Tune with Blooms

A couple of weeks ago the Southeastern Horticultural Society presented the 2011 Southeastern Flower Show here in Atlanta. This year's theme, "In Tune with Blooms", showcased the delight of music in the garden. Show chairmen were Mary and Felton Norwood and the honorary chairman was Coach Vince Dooley.

The show featured landscaped gardens by pro designers, vignettes created by prominent event designers, juried horticultural specimen, and a marketplace.

Here are a few pictures of some of my favorite parts of the show, taken with my phone. I really need to find my camera's battery charger!!!

A display of a front door, which I would
love to recreate for my entryway.

Another entry, and I'd also love this
for my beach home (one day!)

GORGEOUS vignette, "In Tune with Romance",
designed by Event Design Group

Another shot of EDG's floral magic

Bougainvillea in an array of colors- not hardy here,
but a great patio plant for the summer!

Another "wow" design from Event Design Group-
These are shots of the Grand Entry. It's all
organic material!

Bloom'n Gardens created these moss chairs
for their landscape, "Overture of a Midsummer
Night's Dream". I would really consider
recreating this look for mine!

The B-52's inspired Lush Life for this vignette,
"Rock Lobster". Love the blue with the orange and yellows.

A marketplace vendor which was quite popular.
This company has been featured on Martha Stewart,
and I couldn't resist a snap of the scene!

Habersham Gardens created a tiny village scene for their
raised box garden, "Outdoor Operetta". The little village
cottages are for sale at their retail location.

Gorgeous tulips from Cut Flower- my awesome
wholesaler in Atlanta.
They had so many flower varieties to show off!

This entry, "Dueling Banjos", in the Artistic Floral Design judged division
was created by the Cherokee Garden Club.

Another entry in the Artistic Floral Design category

This entry was designed by the Peachtree Garden Club.

A large planter with beautiful veggies makes
a great statement in The Home Depot's Garden,
"A Symphony of Color".

Talented Landscape Designer Alex Smith
won the blue ribbon for his massive Jade.
Really a beautiful plant!

Nice Day for a (Winter) White Wedding

Best Wishes for a Very Happy New Year!

I had every intention of posting during the holidays, my absolute favorite time of year, but work was (thankfully) quite abundant and I just never had a moment to sit down... until now!

Here it is, January, a time that can seem dreary, cold, lifeless even. But it doesn't have to be! When it comes to weddings and other events especially, the winter season brings with it a whole bevy of blossoms- amaryllis, tulips, ranunculus, anemone, flowering quince branches- that can remind you that while it may be bare outside, the arrangements can be as lush as ever.

When I visit the wholesalers, I tend to gravitate towards the bolder colors- hot pinks, plums, deep purples, even red sometimes. But the neutrals have been catching my eye lately as well. A party or wedding with a winter white scheme can be very satisfying to the eye. Whites, ivories, creams, silvers, and even a little blush here and there are a very soothing combo that can be sophisticated, clean, and elegant, a perfect compliment to any interior- or a cold, wintry exterior, for that matter!

Here are some inspirations I found that fit in with my idea of a beautiful winter wedding:

Bouquets

It takes two hands to hold this one- with roses, pine cones, orchids,
dusty miller, and eucalyptus to name a few!


Loosely arranged blush and white roses with feathers
and silver brunia


Nothing more than country roadside "weeds" and white feathers-
but absolutely perfect


Anemone, berzelia, and lady slipper orchids- unexpected and totally unique

Roses, ranunculus, freesia- and a gorgeous ribbon

Silver foliage and a satin blue ribbon are a perfect match



Boutonnieres

Love the feathers, a great alternative to blooms.


Centerpieces

Pinecones and Paperwhites- rustic and relaxed

The color can really set of the whites here...

...and silver here.

Simple bunches of Amaryllis make a long-lasting statement

Magnolia leaves have a gorgeous velvety underside
that lend great color and texture

Football mums and dusty miller- and terrific containers!

Cake...

I'm drawn to anything with a bird on it- what
a beautiful design!

...and candles, lots of them!

One of my tasks over the holidays was a small second wedding reception that fits in well with this scheme of white in winter. Here are a few shots from this event...




Stay tuned for part two of this post. I am designing a wedding in a couple weeks that will tie in with this theme as well. Whites, silvers, and a hint of peachy pink and pop of coral to warm it up a bit- and of course, lots of candlelight!