The Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions of
the U.S. are expecting a hybrid superstorm that could bring torrential rain and extremely high
winds early next week. I hope the storm passes quickly with minimal impact.
the U.S. are expecting a hybrid superstorm that could bring torrential rain and extremely high
winds early next week. I hope the storm passes quickly with minimal impact.
On a positive note, our Sasanqua camellias
are in full bloom. More on the camellias below.
First I want to thank two
very talented artists with beautiful blogs. This week I received
a lovely box of handmade tea lights / candles from the Green Candle Company courtesy
of a giveaway from Patricia of PVE Design. This is my very first giveaway
win so I’m delighted 🙂
very talented artists with beautiful blogs. This week I received
a lovely box of handmade tea lights / candles from the Green Candle Company courtesy
of a giveaway from Patricia of PVE Design. This is my very first giveaway
win so I’m delighted 🙂
The box arrived wrapped in a fabulous faux bois custom printed paper from PVE Design. So pretty I’m reluctant to open it. I’ve been admiring it all week on my desk.
In addition, many thanks to Jennifer from In the Studio for the very beautiful dried white tallow berries in our living
room. Knowing how much I admired her tallow berries, Jennifer surprised me with a couple bouquets tied in a velvet ribbon.
room. Knowing how much I admired her tallow berries, Jennifer surprised me with a couple bouquets tied in a velvet ribbon.
I placed the dried berries on an English sheffield salver in our living room.
Thank you to Jennifer and Patricia!
Now here are photos of our fall blooming Sasanquas at their peak. I fear they will look quite different come next week. Fingers crossed.
The camellia hedge is approx. 35 feet long. As this is a southern evergreen shrub, we’ve sheltered it on three sides: hornbeam trees, fence and courtyard wall. Below is the hedge in full bloom now.
A wonderful dark green backdrop for the alliums in early spring (above) and Annabelle hydrangeas in summer (below).
A hint of autumnal color in the courtyard garden. I know most of these foliage will be gone next week.
After these photos, we put all the pots and statuary away for protection. They won’t come out until next spring.
One last look at the white border garden where our Japanese Honorine Jobert anemones are still blooming strong. To read more about this garden, go here.
Have a great weekend and, please take care!
Hello Loi, Your garden still seems in full bloom for so late in the year. My favorite detail in today's post is the iron basket-of-flowers plaque. I am very partial to cast iron. Do you know what it is originally from?
–Road to Parnassus
Thank you, Jim. That is actually a door knocker. Most likely American from the 19th century. Loi
Beautiful. Hope the storm slows down and leaves the garden alone. I wish my Sasanquas looked so good 🙂
Mr L-O-I your garden is still so very floriferous. Such a joy to tour. When I grow up I'd like a graden just like yours too. Batten down the hatches and stay safe this weekend. Paul
Best wishes during the storm, Loi, hope everything is safe and sound!
Your camellias are just glorious as are the anemones. Your fall garden is still vibrant and alive, ours is quickly saying goodbye. We cannot grow camellias here but I am adding the Honorine Jobert anemone to our wish list.
I love Paul's adjective…floriferous, need to start using it!
Hello Loi….What wonderful gifts you've received made even more special when one is a total surprise. I love seeing your gardens and I'm coveting your stunning birdbath. Because of you I've been planting tons of Alliums in blue and white and found a stunning little purple/red allium. We've been working hard around our home to batten things down for the storm since we seem to always get whip here. Be safe!
XXX
Debra~
The camellias are beautiful but I'm blown away by how dense your anemones flowers are. Lovely!
Good luck weathering this storm! I hope it turns into a nonevent.
Your garden is beautiful. I hope the storm doesn't cause any damage. The coast is in for some major flooding, I'm afraid. I hope everyone stays safe.
Claudia
Your garden and interior shots are beautiful, and as always, I enjoy your attention to detail — right down to that white fruit in the living room. What material is that?
Mark – Those are pieces of carved stone fruit from Italy….early to mid 20th century. Thanks! Loi
Hi Loi – I was just going to drop you an email this morning about the storm, thinking you must be too busy getting ready for it to post! Lovely to see more shots of your garden and the camellias. Isn't it interesting how the light is different now in these photos? Anyway, I'm going to put away my outdoor things today, but Boston is not expected to be hit as hard as your area. Good luck and like Steve said, I hope it turns out to be a nonevent for everyone.
Deborah
Such beautiful camellias and anemones! Love your white garden! We are spending the day preparing for the storm…hope we are all safe…take care!
Gorgeous!!! So glad baby deer will be taken inside for safety and protection this winter!!
Gorgeous!!! So glad baby deer will be taken inside for safety and protection this winter!!
Hi Loi, Amazing that your garden still looks so abundant at this time of year. The anemones are gorgeous! Everything here was decimated by frost weeks ago. I hope you don't sustain any damage from the storm!
xo,
Phyllis
Congratulations on your giveaway win, and those berries are a lovely gift! I hope you guys stay safe and sound and that the storm passes you by without much damage!
Kat
Beautiful garden! The camellias do very well! I have never seen them bloom like that here in the South…
I hope the storm will pass quickly without too much damage! [The paint color you asked about is 'peppercorn' SW 7674]
Have a great weekend!
Congratualtions on your giveaway win! Bloggers are the sweetest most generous people.
Your camellias are so gorgeous! I'm so glad you took photos of them for us just in case.
I love your beautiful deer too!
I pray you stay safe in this crazy weather.
:)Lisa
Loi I can look at your gardens any time, they really inspire. I found a couple of anemone plants in my garden that I will transplant into a better location for next year, with hopes of course that they look like yours;) I hope the storm breaks before reaching land, take care!xob
A vision of white beauty Loi. Like Mark, my eyes are attracted to the white fruits, are they alabaster? and the eggs under the cloche.
They are indeed alabaster, Rosemary. Commonly known as stone fruit….Italian, Ca. 1920-40s. Loi
Your home is an absolute dream… it takes me to another place!! I love the bouquet tied in velvet and how you placed it on your English Shaffield salver in your living room. I love all your perfect details! Thanks of sharing Loi!! I hope all is well and lets hope that storm passed through quickly!
much love,
Desiree
Your gardens are the most beautiful I've ever seen! Stay safe during the storm! Hopefully next week your gardens will look just as amazing as they do now.
Two lovely gifts! Love the berries on the silver dish! Wonderful "touch"! …….what's in the perfectly wrapped box?
Good luck dear friend during the storm….
Patty
Glad you were able to capture your Camellia's in all their glory. And they are spectacular. Hopefully this 'Frankenstorm' as it's been dubbed, will just blow on out to sea. I loved the second look around your garden. Did I mention before how much I love that little bubbling fountain in your courtyard. It's perfect.
Take care, Loi. And I hope that old storm doesn't get any where near you!!!
What beautiful Camellia's! + your white garden, stunning. Bloggers are the most generous folks around. Stay safe during your storm. xxpeggybraswelldesign.com
Hi Loi,
The garden is glorious. Hope that the storm passes by with just a whisper.
Mary
the image of the alliums in early spring is mesmerizing. such harmony there.
hoping the storm is merciful and all your lovely plants stay safe.
random: the thought of the crowds and pouring rain kept me away from the big flea market last saturday (and i reeeeeally wanted to go to paul bert). instead, we braved the rain and walked to a nearby indoor vide-grenier where i found little treasures and vintage clothing. then on sunday we shopped another village sale (no tourists) which was perfect for kids like me who are prone to panic. paris was such an education for me, and i must know more!
smiles to you.
michele
Loi,
Your home is lovely as are your gardens 🙂 You are an extraordinary interior AND exterior designer. Your knowledge never ceases to amaze me! Isn't it fun to win something? 🙂 I don't blame you for not wanting to open that lovely box.
Hunker down for the storm (you'll have to make one of those yummy stews!) and I hope your beautiful garden holds on.
xx
leslie
Hello Loi,
I hope that the storm misses that stunning garden! I am amazed how well it is still blooming! I also love a well placed statue in a garden and that fawn is priceless!
XO Karolyn
The Relished Roost
So beautiful 🙂 And that deer is so sweet! Off to Google "salver…"
Loving the pictures on your office board with the black window pane dividers-they are on my radar for our next place, along with black doors( Maybe. Hubby twitches a bit still when thinking of black as a real color choice for anything made of wood, lol)
Hopefully, Sandy will decide that Europe is a better choice this time of year and she'll head out to sea. Fingers crossed for you and all my east coaster peeps that all will be well.
Loi, what a wonderful stroll through your beautiful white garden. I love coming here! I noticed some neutral checks on your design board, they made me smile!!
Happy Weekend and I hope it passes by you and you are safe from the storm,
xo Kathysue
knew you would style the berries brilliantly! Just the other day I commented to a friend that you and Patricia should be voted Mr. and Mrs. Congeniality of the Blogosphere. This post further proof. Fingers crossed that the storm does not disturb the white garden too terribly. Such beauty
I love my tallow berries, Jennifer. Thank YOU!! Loi
Your green & white gardens are as gorgeous as ever…I hope they come through the storm untouched! Keeping my fingers crossed!! The berries on the silver tray are simple & beautiful. I love, that you love the pretty wrapping. Have a great weekend, xxo Monica
Let's hope the weather shows mercy to our dear friends across the pond, we had our first snowfall here in the Highlands of Scotland yesterday but we are back to rain and wind today 🙁 Thank goodness you can capture the beauty of your garden before it is stolen by Winter.
Thanks, Caspar! I'd love to visit the Scottish Highlands one day. Perhaps next year. Loi
Hi Sweetie, love your pictures of your garden right now. I was wondering how it looked! I can't believe you still have blooming plants, but my geraniums and marigolds are still hanging on. Oh I wonder what this " Frankenstorm" will bring. I pray all is safe and sound for you and all my loved ones. I spent the day raking leaves, but the predicted strong winds will knock the rest down. What a task on our property! Stay safe and sound.
xoxox
Nancy
Powellbrowerhome.com
Damn…you need to run for political office! People just send you stuff 🙂
Your yard looks so dang pretty….it's maddening…..
I think that little gifts wrapped like this are delectable and the charm is in the beauty and anticipation of opening them! So sweet that you left it on your desk a few days to admire and appreciate it. I love the berries and how you displayed them. You have such taste and everything is done with such care. I would like to see your junk drawer (do you have one?). haha.
Your garden is so lovely in the autumn. We have snow here and below freezing…so I enjoyed seeing your yard again today.
xo Terri
Loi I have been a weather watcher on your behalf..sounds like it could get kind of scary, but I'm like you…maybe fast moving and not much but a lot of rain. You know what I love the best? Your little brick fountain..so quaint. I could sit by that all day long! Take care my friend.
loi, each post from you is a treat. I can speak for myself and many others, thanks for sharing your beautiful surroundings (in and out) with us. donna
Oh no! I hope the clean up is not too overwhelming for you. Your garden is so lovely. I am not looking forward to this storm.
I am so glad you won a giveaway. That is one of the most fun things about blogging. I hope you are hunkering down….we are as ready as we can be. Take good care.
I was having a hard time focusing because I was loving the inspiration board behind your desk so much! Can you come arrange mine? I've had a hard time finding the motivation to redo my design boards since we moved this summer. Had to begin my design work without them, and it's just not the same! Wishing you safety in the storm.
My goodness, Loi, what calm and glorious beauty!
Take care…I am praying the storm will pass quickly, and thinking of everyone on the coast….
All the best,
– Irina
We here are experiencing the bight sun and low humidity of the so-called "winter months", so I hope all will be safe and sound in your neck of the woods. More of the white garden is indeed a treat to behold.
Loi,
If the storm does blow out all the electricity, you will have candles and such a pretty little bouquet to admire ~
We are all in hopes that Storm Sandy is gentle and we "keep calm and carry on."
Oh, the paper is available at paper-source, not exclusive to me…funny – I did almost use a green ribbon….
like Jennifer used….I do admire her blog, her inspiring posts and humor.
Love your garden and that mood board and desk….all of it blows me away.
pve
Thanks, Patricia! I have the candles close by and ready for Sandy 🙂
The Camellias are beautiful. Your garden is a dream. I love it. And how wonderful that you got some special gifts. Thanks for sharing your garden with us Loi. You deserve to be a little "spoiled" with special gifts I think.
I do hope for the best with the storm that is brewing. It looks like it could bring a lot wind and water. I hope you and your garden/home will be safe. Take care.
Beautiful gardens Loi, well thought out planting, colour scheme and grouping. Displays your talent for design, both inside an out. I am in admiration!
Di
xxxx
Hope you are staying safe Loi. What fabulous treats you have received! I enjoy your gardens immensely. I think I've decided that it's the crisp cleanness and immense "order" of your home that I find so inspiring in this girl's chaotic life. Very peaceful. Thank-you.
Hello Loi
I like these pictures very much….and your garden is so lovely with beautiful flowers.
greetings from Holland, Joop
What a beautiful post….I sure hope your gorgeous yard withstands Sandy!! Our camellias are in full bloom as well…they are espaliered and some of my favorite things in the yard. And how sweet of your blogging friend to send you those tallow berries! I've never heard of them and can't wait to check them out! Hope you've had a great weekend. We are still at the beach and it has gotten a lot cooler since we first arrived…thinking of heading home today! We will see!! Talk to you soon!
Dearest Loi,
I am so happy to see that you came to visit me today. I thank you so much for your kind words about my blog and I so enjoy writing poetry and sharing lovely photos. Your blog is absolutely fabulous, with photos that have a quality that I can only dream of achieving! Your gray and white décor is my favorite style, and your header, OH HOW GLORIOUS it is in its simply yet elegant style.
I am praying for you all on the east coast; I lived in Boston for many years and saw the worst hurricane induced storms, quite a different look from my childhood days in Los Angeles.
I have got to follow you for I enjoy your style, your kind manner and the lovely and positive feel here! Those camelias as just sensational.
Be well, be safe and know we are praying for you; I am in Minnesota and so far, all is calm here.
Until the next post mon ami! Anita
As always, I am beyond inspired by your beautiful gardens. Tallow berries are a favorite holiday decor feature. I place them in boxwood wreaths on all of our indoor windows. We are awaiting the storm here in Vienna as well. I'm a bit nervous as our very large native trees are still awaiting their trimming for this year. The last storm the entire town lost power for four days so I'm hoping for the best. Take care!
Loi,
I hate to think of your beautiful garden being damaged from the storm.
I'm hoping it won't be as bad as predicted.
We lost so many trees and all the climbing roses when we had a hurricane a few years ago.
The photo of the tallow berries with the green velvet ribbon is so beautiful~ what a wonderful treat!
That's my favorite kind of gift~ simple, sweet and natural.
Might I ask how it is that you are so wonderfully tidy? Could you give my husband a few pointers? ; )
Be safe and take care,
Tina
Here's hoping you are safe! Love the pictures of your beautiful flowers! You deserve the goodness coming your way as you are so kind to others! I believe in karma! You receive what you send out!! Have a great night Loi!
Hi Loi,
Thinking of you and hope you are faring well with the storm. We are bracing for it as well. Love Michael Smith's Remy pattern. One of my all-time faves! Beautiful, beautiful post, as always! Is your home really always this perfect? Please tell me that its not. (lie if necessary) ;] xo ~ Laurel
There are not words elaborate enough to describe how much I love your garden. It is pure perfection! I hope it (and you) get through this storm intact! x Sharon
I know we talk abut the weather so often here in England, but a hurricane is something else indeed. To think of your wonderful garden being destroyed by the storms is truly awful. I have been reading about the lockdown in New York and it really brings it home. Your photographs are as elegant as can be, the silver salver, just perfect. Your desk is a work of art, such simplicity and beauty. Keep safe Loi – all good wishes from here.
your garden is fantastic! I love this white camellia maintained at bush.
bravo, bravo bravo!
simonetta
how wonderful the gift that was sent to you!
xo
Hello Loi!
This vewry wonderful……. The Camellias, Photos, and House!
Y like this Big Garden……….have a good week my dear Friend!
God blass your day!
Brasil.
Hoping that you and your garden don't take a hit from the storm. I know how that is.
our garden is just perfection, Loi, and the camellias are beautiful. I love white flowers.
Stay safe, and Happy Monday.
Teresa
xoxo
Loi, Camellias are one of my favorites for sentimental reasons. My senior year of college a close friend, named Camille, died in a safari accident. Moving to the South I began to notice that the Camellias would bloom around the anniversary of her passing. They became a sort of remembrance of a dear old friend so I love them very much. Yours are beautiful. Hope you are all safely weathering the storm. xo
Hello Loi! I pray you are safe, and your garden too. Oh the most lovely gifts from your very talented friends! love their work and blogs! Thank you for sharing, I wouldn't want to unwrap either and those berries are gorgeous. Love seeing your beautiful garden. Your camellia is outstanding! We have one similar but it has been shaded from tree growth over the years, but this year it bloomed gloriously, in spite 🙂 wonderful surprise. Precious door knocker! And how I love your deer.
stay safe & take care
Robin
xo
Loi
Tell me about that wonderful deer in your garden. I adore him! Your garden looks so beautiful! Mine is pretty shabby looking right now!
Hello Loi:
As we write this comment it is snowing outside and that seems a suitable backdrop to this beguilingly beautiful and stunning whiter than white post.
Throughout, the eye is charmed and held captive on such exquisite details. The small white spotted eggs in the tiny cloche, the alabaster fruit, our favourite Annabelle Hydrangeas, the sea of virginal Japanese Anemones, the hand tied posy of translucent berries and, glories of the Autumn garden, cascades of white Camellias.Could there be anything more lovely?
Oh dear Loi,
I am praying that you all are safe and sound. I am so happy to see you come by today! We are still and quiet in the midwest, thinking of you our friends on the east. I suppose you could be out of electricity and I so appreciate your kind visit. THINK OF ALL OF YOU! I hope to tune into the news station to keep on eye on things…hang tight. Anita
Just watching the coverage , please know that we are thinking of you all…
I have some family in Long Island as well as Brooklyn…so hard to sit by and watch it all unfold.
Be safe, dear Loi….
Hugs,
– Irina
Hello Loi, hope your staying dry and this storm doesn't cause to many problems. Your garden looks beautiful and I love the presents you received. You have such sweet readers.
Your garden is absolutely divine. I hope the storm doesn't affect any of it. Stay safe!
Loi, I haven't been able to get your camellias out of my mind. I decided on this rainy, windy morning to research a few cold hardy varieties, as I found myself not very knowledgable on this plant. I found one site http://camellia-ics.org/_ics/ackerm1.htm that has a wonderful story of breeding camellias . It makes me want to be a botanist. Is there a story behind your choices? They are lovely, both the foliage and flowers. I would love a low growing variety to replace a few hydrangeas in full sun that are not very pretty…rather droopy in hot sun. Hope you are well. ✿
Your garden is beautiful! I've been through many tropical storms and hurricanes living in florida, and I am praying for all those in the Northeast! The combined cold temperatures with the downpours definitely makes it a superstorm that we don't get here. Stay safe!
Dear Loi, hope you are safe and that the storm hasn't ruined your lovely garden. As always thanks for sharing these wonderful photographs. Keep us posted as I'm sure we'll all be worrying about you!
Hugs,
Kifus
Congratulations on your giveaway win. The dried berries with the velvet ribbon are simply beautiful. Oh and your yard- GORGEOUS!!!
Loi,Love the photos of your beautiful garden, thanks for sharing. Also I'm coveting the silver lamp in your living room. If you would care to share the source…I'd be delighted to know.
All the best,
Jennifer
Dear Loi, I am hoping you rode out the storm safely…
Be well, my friend!
– Irina
Your garden is just divine. Hope you make it through the storm. Your photography is just stunning, Loi. It makes your beautiful things really shine.
Hi Loi, thanks so much for stopping by my blog yesterday. Hope you and your lovely camelias have weathered the storm safely. Your garden is beautiful!
Loi,
I am so happy to hear that you are ok after the storm! I am sure that it was frightening to have to be in your basement! It is very scary to be surrounded by old trees, at our last house there were trees surrounding the house and during the hurricanes in 2006, 50 houses in our neighborhood were damaged by falling trees.
Beautiful garden photos! How did the garden survive the storms, wind damage? Did you loose any trees?
My favorite photo of the post is your desk area! I love your inspiration board.
Have a wonderful day! Elizabeth
Wow! LOVING this post! So many lovely details! Hugs from Cali! xx The Golden Girls
Loi,
I wish we could grow camellias here in NH! Your garden looks lovely.
So glad to hear that, Loi! Thank you for taking the time to let me know.
Take care,
– Irina
Just love looking at all your pictures! It gives me so much joy! Do update on what happened in your part of the world during Sandy.
oh my goodness- how nice of them to send gifts! i love bloggers. its like a whole new set of friends. 🙂
Loi, we included you in our post today….check it out!