Once in a Blue Moon.....

With spring's arrival, I decided to visit a nearby nursery specializing in not so common landscape plants and ideas. 

Located between Canton and Tyler, Blue Moon Gardens is just outside of Edom, Texas.  Blue Moon specializes in unusual and kinda quirky concepts. They have an extensive herb selection as well as shade plants, shrubs and hanging baskets. It is not uncommon to see people from Dallas, Tyler and in between grabbing a red wagon and walking the grounds.

   

Of course, there are the nursery cats.  Groucho is catching some sleep near the herbs. Iris; not wanting to be photographed today, was sleeping near the office.

My mission was to purchase lavender to fill in gaps where some had died last year. They carry several varieties.  I purchased two kinds-provence and grosso to go along with two varieties already in my yard. Both varieties have the typical silver green foliage and tall, spiky flower stalks. I live in Northeast Texas in Zone 8,with a fairly mild climate and lavender is very happy here!

I love the way they solved growing a variety of lettuce in a small space. Container gardening is great for patios and keeps harvesting hassle free.

Have you ever considered using lettuce as a "plant", not just a "crop"?

Ok, here is Groucho again.....

Look at how parsley is used as a border for beds! I just love this!

Parsley gives such a great texture and color while defining the bed.

Just look at these poppies without a border......

Now look at this bed with the parsley edging...cleaner lines, more definition.

There is a great section showing trellis landscaping....

and blue spruce and cedars (which I love)
Here, ornamental kale is allowed to grow tall and spiky, great contrast with the yellow pansies.

Remember, your yard is just another "room" in your environment. Let it reflect your personality as much as your home does!

Small Indulgences.....

I spend most of my days painting in someone else's home. In doing so, I have found many great touches that make a home unique. I am listing some of these great finds in this blog.

In 1643 the House of Trudon was founded. This all natural, non paraffin candle has a prestigious history.  Who else offers a candle that is based on the aroma of the waxed wooden floors and candlelabras in Versailles? Roi Soleil is based on just that! Cire Trudon was the candle source for Versailles as well as Napoleon. There candles burn clean and last longer than most soy or petroleum based ones. www.ciretrudon.com

Ahhh...black toilet tissue! Why didn't we come up with this sooner? Well, really we have to thank Portugal for this one! It is very soft and looks fabulous when white just won't do. They also make some electric colors. Just google  "Renova Toilet Tissue" for a list of suppliers in the USA. 

The rolls are smaller than standard but the look is worth it!

I love museum gift shops. They have the best gifts. I recently purchased a new business card holder and mirror for  my purse from the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. I love the raised letters. I can reach in my purse and find the mirror without actually diverting my eyes while driving. 

Ok, this is just the coolest. These shots are from one of my client's home. She has the prettiest file folders and greatest organizational items. These metal switchplate tags come in almost every subject imaginable! I love how it takes the guessing out of which switch is for what. They come in other finishes as well.  Renovator's Supply is the source.www.rensup.com

John Lennon said "Life is what happens while you're busy making plans".  I hope these hints help make your daily life a little easier and a little brighter!

The Elusive European Blue

I have been drawn to this glorious color throughout my life.  To me, it represents all things wonderful in France and Italy.  Not blue or green by American standards, european blue is a dull,  watery blend of green and blue, often with a patina that is hard to replicate.  After many trips to Europe, I have decided years of pollutants including candle soot, diesel exhaust and nicotine give this color it's unique patination!

This door is in the heart of Venice. Years of Adriatic salt and weather have only enhanced the watery color.

                                                            detail of door

Even Zuber handblocked wallpaper is famous for use of this color.
The placemats used in Laduree exhibit the same hues.
This fabulous wall is from Le Musee Les Arts Decoratifs in Paris. 
Oxidation of copper dome-Paris

The picture at the top of the post is the results of this journey. My client simply wanted this reproduction console to "look like Europe".  It was achieved using Farrow and Ball colors Card Room Green, Berrington Blue, rottenstone, lime washes and other techniques.