Urns of Inspiration

Naples Botanical Garden

I find myself drawn to container gardens wherever I go. I like to take-in the unique textures and colors seen in these designs. Whether it's the entrance to a restaurant, a visit to a garden, or a friend's front stoop, I am inspired by the endless design combinations all housed in one fairly compact space.

Kenneth Roberts Estate

Around this time of the year I am asked by clients to create container gardens in all shapes and sizes. I love to look on Pinterest for inspiration, and through my many home magazines to keep up with the latest trends. This wire urn was design by a favorite of mine, Snug Harbor Farm in KBPT, for the Kenneth Roberts Show House last summer.

Kenneth Roberts Estate

Nothing could be better (I don't think), than designing in an antique iron urn. Sometimes the simplest approach is all you need to get the job done. Flamingo Willow fill these gorgeous urns, and are appropriately positioned to create a privacy screen for this upper patio at the Kenneth Roberts Show House.

Tower Hill Botanic Garden

Oversized leaves called Colocasia aka Elephant Ears give this Massachusetts stone planter a sub-tropical feel, during the dog days of summer. Photographed at a Teleflora event that I attended last summer at Tower Hill Botanic Garden.



Until next time...L.

A Botanical, Zimbabwean Experience

Enter here...

Angel Fish by John Gutsa - Cobalt Stone

Combine the unique designs of Zimbabwean sculpture with the Naples Botanical Garden, and you begin to understand the experience. Time spent meandering along pathways of themed gardens is the recipe for a perfect day, at least for me.

Scenes from the Asia Garden with the Thai Pavillon centered inside this beautiful water hole.

The shiny spheres, and rough texture of this sculpture caught my eye. I cannot tell if it is intentional in its design, or abstract. Or maybe a bit of both, as I can see something different each time I look.

I was complimented on my "spotting," ability by Mrs. van Otterloo (a seasoned traveler), when looking for a lunch location. It started out a bit shady, but having forgotten sunscreen my shoulders did not agree.

This is the real deal folks, not faux bois. I imagine that this would be the perfect inspiration for a faux bois table design. I would love to have this rustic beauty in my own backyard.

The coral and beam pergola, seen from the chattel house in the Caribbean Garden.

Visit Zimsculpt to learn more about these interesting sculptures, and the artists behind their designs. This abstract sculpture reminds me of a graceful horse head.

Bending Bather by Gregory Mutasa - Springstone

This "Bending Bather," has gorgeous views sitting atop the Brazilian Garden. 

Mom,  Mrs. van Otterloo and Mrs. Knapp

It was a fun day spent with these lovely ladies. While I got to meander through the beautiful gardens, my daughter and husband went up to Orlando to experience the Harry Potter Exhibit at Universal Studios. I think I may have picked the long straw on this occasion.



Until next time...L.