So Pinteresting: 12 Inspiring Outdoor Images

Now that our rubber roof has been repaired, I'm ready to create an interesting outdoor living space.  It needs to be safe for kids, retreat-like for adults and a botanical haven.  Since one can look down onto the yard from this deck,  I'd like some unifying elements in each.  I've picked a few inspiring images that feature things like pitched roofs, wood decking,  shade controls, lots of planters,  privacy fences, soaking tubs and modern touches.  Take a look at my most recent "pinning" obsession.

Above image: oliveryaphe deck by Pultab Design

Above image: archidir

Above image: minimalist house design

above image:  desire to inspire

above image: decorati

Above image: minimalist house design

A Few New Things

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Take a look at a few new things around our house.   First,  is a pot filled with blunt-cut pussy willows at our front door.  They're a nice transition to the pansies and primroses that provide us with that early spring color.  The blunt cut gives them a modern look.

front door

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These fabric flowers relate to the kitschy side of me.  I love how their oversized petals are pliable, so I can adjust them any way I want. (I'm not a control freak, am I?)

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Just about every time I go to Zimman's for a client,  I walk away with fabric for myself.  I fell in love with the above and am thinking of updating  all of my sofa pillows with it.  What do you think?

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During a recent walk through Winston Flowers I came across this curvaceous vase and just had to have it.  Its narrow opening makes displaying flowers or succulents a cinch, and when not in use,  the bronze interior is as pretty as any botanical on display.

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Anything new at your place?  If so,  please send me photos.  I'd love to see some springtime changes!

Live Botanical Art

Usually we hang paintings or photos on our walls forgetting that art can be expressed in less conventional ways.  Take a look at how beautiful a mounted Staghorn fern looks on this home's walls.  Easy to take care of,  this epiphytic plant needs very little care to thrive.  An occasional soak and indirect light provide the perfect environment for the Staghorn fern to thrive.

To add some dramatic interest, hang more than one.

I love this particular space. It's a combination of classic design, ethnic influences and a very personal touch.  Stay tuned for a "house tour".

Staghorn Ferns can be found at most specialized plant nurseries or online.

Next time you're staring at a blank wall,  think of less conventional ways to breathe a little life into it...

Terrarium Inspiration: Paula Hayes

Tree Rescue

Our latest winter wonderland-like snowfall,  beautiful in many respects,  is causing our 30 year old 15 ft arborvitae hedges to take on a new silhouette.   The snow, wet and heavy,  makes them bend so incredibly much that their upper most tips are just about  touching the ground.   All day long, we've been on a "hedge rescue" detail:  relieving their surrendering  branches from snow and ice  in an attempt to save them from splitting and breaking.  With each broom slap the branches release a bit of fallen snow back into the air and ground around them.   These trees are an important part our life.  They frame our small city yard and provide privacy from surrounding 3-story homes turning it into an effective oasis for entertaining, playing and relaxing in any season.  They remind me of the important role vegetation plays in our landscapes, both urban and suburban.  If we even lose just one tree,  the effect is not only seen, but very much felt as well.

In honor of our struggling arborvitae,  I began looking for images of other grand and thriving hedges on the internet.  Please take a look below:

In the meantime, I promise to keep you posted on our very own privacy providers (relentless East coast blizzards non-withstanding) throughout this winter.  Wish them well!