Botanical Inspiration: Pyracantha Berries

 This time of year, the Pyracantha bush that lives next to our Persimmon tree is full of red-berried branches perfectly suited for holiday decorating.  Yesterday, I cut a bunch and combined them with my "big score" evergreens to fill the courtyard planters.   Take a look:

Moving Mode: Creating New Holiday Traditions

Last weekend we headed to the Santa Cruz mountains to cut down our Christmas tree and thus begin a new holiday tradition in our West Coast life.   I'm happy to say we accomplished both.

Here's to creating new traditions and treasuring old ones.

I would love to see your holiday decorations.  Send images to debra@cocoonhome.com and I'll share them on my blog.  Enjoy this very special season!

Tomorrow I'll reveal the winners of our reader giveaway!

Big Score. Big Branch. Big Mantel.

 On our drive to the SF flower market last week, Natalia and I spotted a utility truck trimming the trees along the highway.  Since we were on our way to buy evergreen branches to decorate both our homes for Christmas, it  took less than a NY minute for me to pull over.  We frantically began loading the van with eucalyptus, holly  and all sorts of pine branches (some with huge pine cones still on them!).   Take a look at how much loot we managed to pack into the car.   This is the story behind the big branch that is now is adorning our big fireplace mantel.  A very happy ending, don't you think?

I just love it when the universe allows such things to happen.  An unexpected moment of serendipity at its best.  I'll show you where the rest of the branches landed next week.

Thank you, Natalia!

Botanical Inspiration: Succulents

It didn't take long for me to head back to my new favorite spot for a botanical inspiration.  On this visit, I bought a concrete vessel and lots of succulents to fill it.  The planter sits on our courtyard table and fits in perfectly with its surroundings.  Take a look:

Botanical Inspiration: Persimmon Fruit

This week's botanical inspiration is a persimmon tree that grows outside our bedroom window.  This time of year, its fruit ripens and its leaves turn golden yellow and bright orange, perfect for  materials for floral arrangements.  Most people would make pudding or pie from this harvest but not I.   Using one of my favorite vases, I created a fall bouquet with our tree's fruit and other autumn garden finds.

The persimmon tree outside our bedroom providing lovely [california] fall foliage.