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These photographs from cotemaison are great examples of how to bring the inside out by building an area out of wood to dine on. One of the photographs also shows a storage area built out of wood that was incorporated into the garden plan. I love the look of this design... wood, rock and nature right outside your door.
The wonderful grounds in this photograph belonged to the famous writer Edmond Rostand, most known for his play Cyrano de Bergerac. In the 1900's Rostrand came to live at the Villa Arnaga in Cambo-les-Baines with his poet wife Rosemonde Gerand and their sons, Jean and Maurice. The house and grounds are now a heritage site and museum of their lives and an example of Basque architecture and crafts. Top image from cote ouest and some info and bottom photo from wikipedia.
I started making wreaths when Smith & Hawken was still owned by Smith & Hawken. I also made them for Crate & Barrel and Gardner's Eden. The purchasing agent for S&M was this talented gal who helped me by suggesting materials that would look nice together. My first big hit was the eucalyptus and pepper berry wreath, still a favorite. I made at least 15 different floral prototypes and sold them to the stores. One year Crate & Barrel purchased 3000 of the euc/pep for their mail order catalog. We made them in my garage. That was a long time ago, before I began designing gardens. I still have a few clients every year that I design wreaths for. This photo is a wreath that I made over the weekend out of boxwood & pepper berries. I've met many wonderful people through making wreaths, there's something significant about this.
It's the form of a circle which has no beginning and no end, and the ever greens attached to it, meaning ever alive. So the next time you see a wreath, you can look it not only as a decoration, but as a symbol of something more.
the crate & barrel catalog 1989
These photos from cote sud put me a festive mood, I love the one of the garden covered in snow.
These photos are of a fabulous nursery in Richmond (England). They have a great website with online shopping, go to petershamnurseries.co.uk to have a look. I love the layout of their site, their products & style. I think you will too. images from cote ouest.
It's that time of year again... when I take out the dishes and cookware for thanksgiving, begin planning meals and table settings and bringing a little bit of the outside in. I love nesting and preparing our home for others to enjoy. Below are tear sheets that I've had for years. The pie pic is one of my favorites and reminds me of my girls when they were little. The farmhouse house in England and the natural looking (casual) drawing room is so inviting. I love all chartruese flora and we all love to paint in our family, so the table with brushes appealed to that part of me. I hope that you enjoy the holiday coming up and all of the blessings and beauty in your lives. Happy Thanksgiving.
images from MSL, Victoria and Elle Decor.
Famous for it's exquisite views, Lake Como has been a favorite to travelers for centuries. Henry James & Edith Wharton have written about the beauty of the Italian lakes south of the Swiss border. Here is a peek into a few gardens on the shores of this magical place. images from the last issue of House & Garden.
Pop artist David Bromley, lives in Daylesford Australia with his family, art and five acres of very lush gardens. images from Vogue. 
Outdoor space is just as important to the French as the interior of the home. Their attention to detail shows in the sophistication of the rooms I found in this great book called French Home by Josephine Ryan. 
You may have noticed the blog Native Kee on my side bar. I've been reading it for a while now and really love the things that are posted there. It's not just about good design, but about good living. The blog owner also has a wonderful line of organic clothing with a sweet story. Check it out at loupcharmont. I'm sure you'll enjoy it! This is a photo of a fabulous tee shirt posted on native kee a few days ago.
