HAPPY SUMMER!

It’s hot, hot, hot in DC, and I’m staying in, in, in. Now is the time to enjoy the gardens from inside. And, now is the time to catch up on my myrtle topiary plants: trimming, repotting, and fertilizing.

There’s a reason why I am so devoted to the topes. Actually, there are many but, for this post, I’ll narrow it down to just this one: they are mini evergreen gardens for inside the home. This is especially welcomed when it is too hot or cold to work outside. With careful shaping and nurturing, topiaries become more than houseplants, they are elevated to civilized yet humble living sculptures.

Along with myrtles, I try to infuse our home with pots, statues and other ornaments that have gathered a layer of moss and lichen from sitting outdoors. Introducing this earthy patina into our Swedish palette adds organic charm and warmth to the cool tones. It also creates harmonious flow between house and garden.

Let’s dig around the shop for a bit of garden inspiration!

ABOVE: Cute meets industrial in this potting shed-inspired vignette. A grouping of 19th-century botanicals hangs over a tablescape of myrtle topiary, vintage concrete squirrel and child’s watering can on an 18th-century Swedish Gustavian table. The sweetness is tempered by the galvanized stool and basket along with the utilitarian tools made for the English lady gardener. While I wouldn’t have the vintage tools lining the walls of a drawing room, they would surely add charm to a mudroom or back hall – so handy, too, on the way out for a little gardening.

BELOW: What better way to bring in the garden than botanicals with pretty blooms the entire year! The frames on these classic English prints have a gray finish highlighted with a tinge of silver for an updated look that’s fresh. And this early painted duck, in an animated grazing position, adds whimsy to the perennial border or inside on a table, chest, bookshelf, etc.

Speaking of whimsy, this pair of painted concrete faux-bois planters would make any room feel less formal. They would be fun with vibrant blooms or more naturalistic with verdant ferns. The pots sit on a Belgian console table with a stone-like painted top and sculptural lyre ends.

More myrtle topes, more faux bois! While most faux-bois (false wood) pieces were made in France during the early 1900s, this charming birdbath is from England. It pays tribute to poet Dorothy Frances Gurney (1858 -1932) with this verse from her poem God’s Garden:

The kiss of the sun for pardon,
The song of the birds for mirth,
One is nearer to God’s heart in the garden
Than anywhere else on earth.

I know, I know – my topiary addiction is out of control!!

Moving on….let’s check out this Ca. 1920s cast composition statue of Venus at the bath. Venus is in terrific condition with an authentic patina. Do you have a corner in your home for her?

More ducks 🙂 Here is an embracing pair sure to make you smile.

What’s the easiest way to bring the garden in? Freshly picked flowers, especially this time of year, are a must! I adore the fluffy white blooms on these Annabelle Hydrangeas from our garden.

I’ve cut generous bunches of Annabelles for our shop, as well. Here is an arrangement on a pale-blue Swedish chest. The antique egg prints are English, and so is the marble urn that I converted into a lamp.

Notice the acanthus carving on the marble urn.

BELOW: A cast composition footed pinecone finial ready to add a bit of patina to your vignette – use it where visual weight is needed or where a masculine accent is desired.

Those of you following along on Instagram will recognize this arrangement of Halcyon Hostas and Minnie Pearl Phlox in a Chinese blue-and-white pot – I shared it in early June. BTW, the arrangement lasted almost a week.

The Midcentury Modern pedestal table has a glass top over a lucite base. It looks especially chic juxtaposed next to an English Chinoiserie armchair with ornate fretwork backrest. The armchair is part of a dining set of eight.

For more inspiration, please come visit the shop!
Cheers,
Loi