As the new year approaches, I have exciting news to share! Thank you to Southern Living for featuring my myrtle topiaries in their January 2014 issue. YAY!!! What a special way to welcome 2014.

I am especially grateful to Editor Rebecca Bull Reed for her guidance and tireless work styling the shoot, writing the article and producing this project. Thanks so much, Rebecca! Many thanks also to photographer Helen Norman for capturing such exquisite photos. With her brilliant eye and camera magic, Helen can turn the ordinary into the extraordinary!

If you are a Southern Living reader visiting for the first time, let me extend a hearty welcome. And a big hug! Anyone who loves topiaries, or is curious about them, is a friend 🙂 To my longtime readers, thank you for your continued support this past year – you all are the best!

There are fabulous photos as well as growing tips in the article. Please pick up the issue (if you do not have it) to enjoy the photos and my tips on keeping myrtle plants healthy throughout 2014 and beyond. Some of my babies are over 10 years old.

Various photos were taken with different vignettes, angles and layouts for this article. Here are the rest of the photos from the shoot. To see the images that actually made it to print, you’ll have to check out the hard copy issue.

 On the dining room French console is a pair of triple standard myrtles from Snug Harbor Farm in Maine. You can read about my visit to Snug Harbor here.
 A cheerful and fresh way to start 2014! Let’s set a casual New Year’s Day brunch table with bright orange tulips and soothing green myrtles.
This version didn’t make it to print, but I am very fond of it. Helen captured the essence beautifully.
 Switching out the tulips with winter blooms from treasured Sasanqua camellias from my southern garden.
  Switching out soft blue with vibrant chartreuse. And also a topiary switch – can you find this change? All the flatware, glassware, dishes and linens are from Crate and Barrel.
 In the conservatory, I demonstrate how to prune a young topiary. Hold it steady at the stem, and use sharp Japanese pruners.
 Perfectly pruned – that’s how I like them!
 In addition to myrtles, I train and shape rosemary and ivy plants. You can also read about these in the article.
I love Rebecca’s savy styling of the above vignette with the rosemary, ivy and concrete sphere atop the antique Swedish painted chest. Green on green!
Shots of the mudroom with Mocha and Panda, my Tibetan Terriers! The large wreath is English ivy.
Thank you, Southern Living. I am honored and truly grateful!!
To everyone, cheers to the rest of 2013!
May 2014 be b-r-i-g-h-t!
Loi