Hello Hellebores

It's hard to believe these beautiful flowers were resting under snow and ice a week ago, just waiting to make their debut! A few years ago, my friend, Lyn was dividing her lenten roses and gave me a nice bunch to plant in my garden. It took them a couple of years to establish themselves and develop these gorgeous blooms. It was well worth the wait. Thanks, Lyn!!

Happy Valentine's Day

Snapped a photo of these sweet swans while they were enjoying some alone time on Lake Sequoyah in Highlands, NC. They literally took my breath away when I saw them, and I asked my Valentine to stop the car so I could take their picture. In a word, they're majestic (not to mention monogamous). I know that's two words, but I couldn't help myself:) 

Happy Valentine's Day!

Merry Christmas

"And now here is my secret, a very simple secret: It is only with the heart that one can see clearly;

what is essential is invisible to the eye." 

A famous line from, "The Little Prince"- this year's Christmas gift to my son, Rainier.

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and clarity in the New Year!

Artful Impact

The impact of a single, great piece of art is difficult to rival. Proof that less is more, this commanding beauty, by artist Randy Chumbley single handedly completes this space. Who says white walls are boring? On the contrary, they're the perfect backdrop for gorgeous artwork. Please note, (especially for my dear friends who are green thumb challenged), the pears are a delicious flower substitute.

Mum's the Word

Who can resist the profusely petaled mum- especially when it's this incredibly pink! A handful of these saucer sized blooms, cut short, and bunched together in a creamy stoneware vase, makes for a happy  start to the day. 

Meanwhile...utility and beauty perfect their union in the form of a clamshell.  More than a beautiful, natural curiosity, it can serve as a useful jewelry tray as well! Put your beautiful objects to good use!

Mighty Alii

Nobody does it better than New Yorkers when it comes to dressing up window boxes and containers!
On a recent trip to NYC, I spotted this gorgeous alii ficus tree enjoying the mild summer breeze. Such a beautiful tree to use indoors or out, when the temperature allows. Its sculptural beauty makes a bold statement anywhere! I have a small one that resides next to my tub. I move it outdoors in the summer, under the cover of my back porch, and bring it back inside in the late fall. It was given to me as a gift when it was a tiny baby. Almost 4 years old now! One day, it will grow up to be a mighty Alii!!

Lovely Liriope

When most people think of the prevalent ground cover, liriope, the image below comes to mind, but when I think of it, I envision dozens of its flowering stems, cut, and formed into a tight bouquet gracing a silver mint julep cup. Against a sea of white, it's truly a feast for the eyes. Amazing how a certain flower and vessel combination can actually transform the feeling of a neutral interior- making the same space feel fresh and unique with each arrangement- 

that's how I love to style a space.