Hello, friends ~ Welcome to the first day of winter!
Our new shipment finally arrived! I have been swamped unpacking, cataloging and
setting each piece. Will share a preview after the dust (the good kind from
antiques 🙂 settles!
setting each piece. Will share a preview after the dust (the good kind from
antiques 🙂 settles!
Tom and I have also been busy getting ready for house guests
and a family dinner for 25 on Christmas Eve!
and a family dinner for 25 on Christmas Eve!
I needed a mental and physical break, and found some
quiet time in the garden. After an hour or so in the cold, it was time to come
in. I was reminded how much I love the winter garden: the bones, crisp air,
starkness and silvery palette. And, how much I love coming
inside from the cold.To quote Edith Sitwell:
quiet time in the garden. After an hour or so in the cold, it was time to come
in. I was reminded how much I love the winter garden: the bones, crisp air,
starkness and silvery palette. And, how much I love coming
inside from the cold.To quote Edith Sitwell:
“Winter is the time for comfort, for good
food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the
fire: it is the time for home.”
food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the
fire: it is the time for home.”
May your home be filled with all the warmth of the
holidays! Thank you kindly for visiting my blog this year. I really appreciate your friendship and support! Cheers ~ Loi
holidays! Thank you kindly for visiting my blog this year. I really appreciate your friendship and support! Cheers ~ Loi
Below the waist-height yew hedge is a busy city intersection at the bottom of the hill. Even without their foliage, the hornbeam trees provide wonderful texture. Holly trees and boxwood add to the overall structure. To see this garden in spring, click here.
I designed these cedar gates, which are silvering to a gray patina after 2 years. The square spindles are inset on the diagonal. The walkway is crushed pea gravel compacted with sand over poured concrete. I don’t care for soft gravel surfaces where the heels sink in.
The other end of the boxwood garden is a borrowed view of our neighbor’s home, which I love and incorporated into our garden vista.
There are a total of 16 hornbeam trees, and they are sheared 2-3 times a year.
The above photo was taken 2 weeks ago. Hornbeams tend to hold their foliage well into December.
The white border garden. See more here.
Above: dusty miller. Below: “Silver Anniversary” abelia shrub with a couple lingering blooms.
The sky cleared to a beautiful blue.
Reflected in the courtyard’s little fountain are “Natchez” crape myrtles. The cinnamon gray-brown bark is particularly striking this time of year.
And here is the blue garden in winter. I do not cut back the Russian sage until spring. It’s silvery texture really pops against the evergreen cryptomerias. To see why I call this the blue garden, visit here.
Next to the chimney pot are blue beard (caryopteris) shrubs.
Red twig dogwoods and holly berries keep it festive and fabulous for Christmas!
Your garden is a beautiful place in the dead of Winter. The soft gray/silver palette of that comes with Winter Days is a calming influence. Beautiful as always, Loi. By the way, I love that garden gate. Is there anything you can't do?
Have a Merry Merry Christmas and enjoy your large family dinner. Good luck with that. :0
xo
Terri
so intelligently designed. Beauty in winter with texture and form, perfection. And that gate, wow
Happy Holidays to you both…and to your 25 guests!
Your garden is amazing even when dormant. I love it.
i love those red twig dogwoods! they are beautiful! i took a walk the other day and we live near a waterfall and i decided to walk to it…. it's sort of private and secluded and beautiful and peaceful, and after this week, i needed a moment of peace. as i was walking back through the woods, i noticed a patch of red… it was red twiggy bushes, and they just made it worth it. such a burst of color i needed on that morning!
my inlaws came to visit to celebrate christmas last weekend and my mother in law is a huge fan of yours. we are planning a visit to your shop next time she is in town! 🙂
I would love to meet you and your mother-in-law, Cassie. Please visit soon 🙂 Merry Christmas to you all!!
You are an artist with the camera, with styling, decorating, gardening!To have beauty year round in the garden is truly ART! I have really loved getting to know you this past year, and can't wait til we visit again. Best of holiday warmth and love this Christmas to you and your family. You're a special friend, and I thank you for your friendship.
Merry Christmas!
xoxox
Nancy
Powellbrowerhome.com
Love that winter garden tour Loi, thank you.
And that quote says it all.
It has been a joy meeting you and following your exquisite blog and life.
I wish you a Merry Christmas and wonderful New Year!
Lots of Love,
Terri
Hello Loi, I often enjoy the winter woods, but I had never thought about visiting gardens in winter. It makes sense, though to experience a garden that features tree bark, silhouettes, changing views and vistas, and a different mood.
–Road to Parnassus
Your garden is truly remarkable Loi, it shines with all the love and care you put into it. Enjoy your Christmas!
Loi- this is spectacular! I need to know more about your roof, sir! Is it metal? Just in parts? All over? My hubs wants to add a metal roof to our home and I don't have many reference points to see how they wear and are liked.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
Thanks, Bethany. The old roof is tiled, and copper on the new additions. Merry Christmas! Loi
always a treat to see things through your eyes. you find such beauty everywhere. thanks for helping me take a closer look. happiest of holidays to you, loi. donna
Loi, your gardens are beautiful no matter what time of year, and I'm so glad you had a chance to sit and enjoy them…even in the cold. I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and I also wish you both health, happiness, and prosperity in 2013! Maybe we'll even get the chance to meet! xoxo
Kat
Loi, you and Tom have created a world as beautiful as any Human is capable!
MC and I wish you both the most wonderful Christmas ever!
I will be thinking of you Christmas Eve enjoying your family!
Merry Christmas
Patty
You have a wonderful winter garden. Very well designed and cared for. Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year, Thank you for visiting my blog and for your wonderful comments. Pamela
Hi Loi!! So beautiful and peaceful. The only thing it is missing is me on the bench with a hot cup of tea! Thank you so much for sharing your winter garden.
-Lisa
Dear Loi and Tom,
Your home takes my BREATH AWAY! And first of all, that quote you shared is perfect for this time of year. We here in the Midwest have our share of cold to endure, but I find FUN in it for these very reasons: FOOD, FIRE, FRIENDS, FAMILY.
There is such a wealth of beauty here. Your garden is very similar to mine in that I have two boxwood gardens, I have cedar accessories such as a handmade garden gate, bench, two overhangs and gorgeous shutters that my husband made years ago. They have kept their color, but I am enjoying seeing a patina of gray coming into the picture. Your grounds are stunning and the expanse of them is exquisite. Your eye for what I can see as SYMMETRY is wonderfully displayed, and I am loving the silverish tone to your world.
I wish you both a lovely Christmas…..25 guests? Are you cooking or having help? What a feat! Many blessings of love to all of you! Anita
Hi Loi, this is really great – to see the 'bones' of you garden is very instructive. And it is as beautiful in winter as any other time of year. Sadly the the first day of the season has brought us rain and very high winds – I just heard a cast iron urn get knocked over. The little tree I had in it must have seemed like a sail. Hoping for snow in the next storm!!
xoxo,
P
Merry Christmas, Loi. You always inspire and teach me. I love the crushed stone over cement. What a great solution to muddy heels. Of course, the bones of your garden are fabulous–the bench, the gate, the sundial–and the symmetry of the Hornbeam trees. And, as usual, your eye for color is impeccable, right down to the bare twigs. You have been gifted with rare talent. Thank you for sharing it with us! I hope to see you at Tone on Tone in the new year!
Thank you, Maurie. Please visit with Anna soon ~ Merry Christmas! Loi
Wow wow wow. I think there is nothing more beautiful than the stark bones of a beautifully planned garden in winter!
Merry Christmas Loi. Everything is wonderful in your garden. Must run! xo Terri
Dear Loi – the structure of your garden is excellent and that is why it looks good all of the year around. The "Natchez" crape myrtles, the Red twig dogwoods, and the Holly all adding subtle colour to the whole.
I love your Lutyens bench seat, what a lovely place for you and Tom to sit.
Sending you my warmest Christmas greetings, and look forward to connecting with you next year.
Loi, you kill me. Every inch of your garden is finished and perfect. I also keep some of my spent perennials up until spring. I love that your pea gravel is over concrete…not for sinking heals, but for a weed barrier. Please take pictures of your tablescaping for 25 guests. Happy Holidays, and be well.
Hi Loi – Hopefully you'll have a chance to rest a bit more before Christmas Eve, but it sounds like you are in full holiday mode! Have a wonderful Christmas! Thanks for sharing the quote from Edith Sitwell. I must write that down–it's beautiful. Your garden is terrific, even in winter. I love learning the names of the various plants/trees in your garden.
-Deborah
What a beautiful winter garden! I would love to bundle up and take a walk in it!
Fall has finally come to Houston 🙂 The leaves are finally changing color and falling off the trees and I was able to wear a light sweater for the first time. Last week the temp was still in the 80's. I actually am missing a more traditional winter though.
Dinner for twenty five people! You are quite brave! I'm sure it'll be lots of fun.
Have a very Merry Christmas!!
Beautiful garden, Loi! You are so very talented… It looks like the perfect place to relax and take a moment to yourself. I'm sure your dinner will be amazing! Hope you and your family have a Merry Christmas! Awaiting the reveal of your pretty pieces…
Beautiful blog post, your garden is wonderful, and something to think about and strive for.
Happy Holidays! Liz
Very impressive. It takes great planning to have a garden that has great winter structure. It's amazing how you've created a park-like setting in a relatively small amount of space.
Would love to see some of your new pieces!
Loi, I completely understand loving the winter garden, and yours is particularly lovable. 🙂 Your red twig dogwoods look spectacular against the greige of winter.
Wishing you a wonderful Christmas,
Keri
As you show, there's much going on in a garden even during winter. I much like the sculptural images, including of the Dusty Miller; dust in foliage and dust from your unpacked antiques. Sprinkle a bit of fairy dust on your Christmas celebrations, and have a wonderful time!
Plenty of dust to go around here. Happy Holidays to you in Thailand 🙂 Loi
What a peaceful place even in winter. Do you normally have snow by now? We've got quite a bit here and skiing is underway! Well, not for me. 🙂 Merry Christmas to you and yours Loi, I hope you'll take a break from all that unpacking to celebrate and unwind a bit.
Merry Christmas Loi. your garden looks beautiful even in winter. The sign of a great design. I am so glad you shared your photos. We got our first snow of the season yesterday. How convenient it was the first day of Winter. I can't wait to see the new shipment. Cheers.
Hi Loi,
I love that quote from Edith Sitwell! Winter is the time for home… I will be thinking of you on the 24th… dinner for 25?!? I toast you my friend!
Your blog has been an inspiration to me this year, I look forward to many more wonderful posts in the new year!
Have a very merry and safe holiday!
Cynthia
Hi Loi, The beauty of your garden and your home just leave me speechless as always. Your winter is garden is as beautiful as the summer, it reveals the fantastic design and plant choices you have made. I am so thrilled that I discovered your talent through blogging and grateful that you are willing to share the loveliness with your readers. I love to take a break and enter Loi and Tom's world. Enjoy preparing your big family dinner and relax over New Year's in your beautiful home after the work is done.
We are going to have a white Christmas here in Northeast Ohio. We received 5" yesterday. I will be preparing a ham on Christmas eve and Beef tenderloin on Christmas Day for our small group of eight.
Merry Christmas to you and Tom!
Cindy
Dear Loi,
The pleasure has been all ours.
Thank you for sharing your wonderful home and garden with us.
Wishing you and Tom a brilliant Christmas and a happy New Year.
Much love,
Liz x
Hi dear Loi, your winter garden is just breathtaking. Your silvering gate is beautiful! Your garden warms my heart and inspires me so. So do you sweet friend!! Wishing you a wonderful Christmas with your precious family. love, Robin
Loi-
You garden is stunning, as are the images. You can truly capture the beauty of things.
It has been wonderful getting to know you this year.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.
Teresa
xoxo
Beautiful photos, Loi. I love how this post demonstrates that, with some planning, gardens can be beautiful spaces in winter as well as in the other seasons. Nicely done. Have a marvelous Christmas (Wow, a dinner for 25? Impressive!).
Claudia
A thoughtful – in your case even "museful" – designed garden will look great all year round!
I personal love the trees in winter, without their leaves they look like sculptures, like here in your beautiful garden!
Oh Loi, i would love to visit your garden and home to see all 'en nature'. Scrolling around, discovering, talking and sharing the beauty of nature. Maybe one day when I have the time and….and….for a long trip to the US.
And isn't the reflection in your fountain/pond wonderful! I remember that you told us in an earlier post that you used a black liner. Well, that's what we did with our pool as well 12 years ago, it looks just so much more natural.
So great to have met you via the blogworld; your brilliant posts, your very friendly responds to my ones – it really enrich my daily life!
All my best wishes for you and Tom for a wonderful MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Stay "cool" for the 25th 🙂 – and until then keep warm!
Tres amicalement, Karin
Loi,
You garden has given me motivation for the last push before Christmas. I love the orderly structure of your garden, but there is also a softness to your structure, a warmth, an inviting, friendly feeling that pulls one in and envelopes them. Your variety and careful planning both astonish and encourage me. You have motivated me to push myself in 2013. Enjoy the Christmas Eve crowd. I am delighted to have become friends.
Gorgeous photographs Loi and your garden looks no less than spectacular. The hornbeam trees are beautiful and I like the splash of silver and red for the holidays;)
Sounds like you've been busy .. and a group of 25 coming over? Yikes! That's going to take some planning. I'd be stressed but I'm sure you are calm and organized. I FINALLY wrapped up work yesterday and I'm sending out a few emails, making a shopping list, and heading out in attempt to beat some of the crowds. It's a jungle out there!
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a wonderful new year ahead!
xxleslie
Hello Loi,
Just beautiful, I have enjoyed your post and am in need of some 'Russian sage', I have just the place for it and we are very inspired to do more in our garden next year. The gates are stunning and will age gracefully. I hope you are resting after your new shipment and it also sounds like a wonderfully busy Christmas! Wishing you and Tom a very Merry Christmas.
Very best wishes Ivan
You live in such a magical place, I could just stare at these images all day! I'm so amazed at how talented you are – your knowledge for all things beautiful is inspiring and uplifting! We all live vicariously through you Loi!
Thanks for all the beautiful posts this year and I can't wait to see what awaits in the future!
Wishing you and yours a wonderful Holiday Season!
Desiree
Loi, it's still a magical garden even in winter. Happy Christmas to you and yours-enjoy that big dinner!
Loi,
Winter wonderland how lovely. So glad to read that you are taking a break even though it may be a small one it's the best thing this time of year. Thank you for visting and commenting on my blog Ideezine. I so appreciate our blog exchange and look forward to more in the new year. Merry Christmas to you, Tom, and pet children. Have a wonderful time hosting on Christmas Eve (I will be hosting also). It is a wonderful time of the year all the best to you.
xo Bette
Dear Loi, I love coming to see this lovely place….the garden is beautiful in winter and beyond! I am so happy to have found your blog and have learned both visually as well as informatively from you. Thank you for your generosity, and I appreciate every positive and insightful comment to my blog! I wish you and Tom the best wishes for a happy Christmas filled with health and happiness! N.xo
Dear Loi – Your garden is beautiful all year long — I can understand how it would be a perfect place to meditate, even on a cold day. I can't wait to see your shipment of antiques! I wish you and Tom a merry Christmas and all the best for 2013. It's been a great pleasure visiting your blog throughout the year.
Mark
Ahhhh….another lovely stroll in your winter garden with a cup of tea in my hand. Lovely my dear Loi. And thank you for coming on over chez moi today. Rejoice, LOVE and be well. Blessings to you and Tom and I bet your festivities will be FABULOUS!!!!!!
Anita
Loi your garden is as beautiful as your home. Thank you again for your inspirational blog. I just hope a book and TV show are just around the corner !! Have a wonderful Christmas with all your family and friends. I've attached a link to a videa you may like of the very gifted Paul Bangay. God bless.
http://paulbangay.com/blog/?p=371
Thank you kindly, Felicity! I am a huge Paul Bangay fan. Did not know about his blog. Merry Christmas and all best for 2013! Loi
Loi,
You have a very zen like vibe exuding from your garden. I love it. If only you lived closer, I could pick your brain about some gardening projects that I plan on undertaking in the Spring. We built our home two years ago and there are still boxes that haven't been touched in our garage. Basically, we're still settling. I was pregnant with baby number two when we were moving in so decorating and landscaping took a back seat. Anyway, I might shoot you some gardening questions in the future(if you don't mind that is:-)). I am happy to have found you when I did. I enjoy your blog and though our styles are different, your flair is quite appealing and your knowledge of antiques is unmatched. Merry Christmas to you and your family Loi! XX
P.S. The hubby's drawing was left up for a very long time. However, he drew another piece highlighting mountains and volcanic activity for Zion before he left. I only recently erased it to make more room for Zion as he's growing and can reach much higher up now on the wall.
Hello and Happy Holidays! The garden is stunning; isn't nature wonderful? Sending you peace and joy in this busy time…. 25 for dinner!!! xob
Merry Christmas Loi! Your winter garden is beautiful. Thank you for your friendship this year and may 2013 be a happy and healthy year for you and yours.
~Delores
Thank you for these beautiful images! Its so wonderful to know that one can enjoy there winter garden throughout the season! Please have a healthy and peaceful Christmas and New years! Looking forward to 2013 and more amazing posts from you!
xo Karolyn
Hello Loi
Your garden is absolutely spectacular and would have a hard time leaving in one hour. The variety of colour and textures entertain the eye constantly. Did you design it too?
Wishing you and your family a very Happy Christmas and may 2013 bring peace and harmony. Thank you for your friendship and beautiful blog
Helen x
Thank you, Helen. I briefly worked with Jordan Honeyman and finished the rest myself. Joan Honeyman is a fabulous landscape designer!
Dear Loi discover your blog, you and your beautiful garden have been one of the cutest thing of this year.
Thank you for share all this beauty, and for your friendship!
Wish you a peaceful Christmas full of joy and love.
Siliva
Dear Loi,
What a perfect posting! In the middle of the holiday rush, this little visit to your tranquil winter garden was delightful. Thank you for sharing. Your blog became one of favorites from its first posting!
Merry Christmas to you and yours,
Suzanne
Loi your garden is perfection in every season! I almost felt like I was right there with you enjoying the calm and peace for a few minutes, like you I could really use a break right now. But family is coming and I’m baking cookies at the moment so I must keep moving. Enjoy the season and your family and friends.
Merry Christmas to you, Tom, Panda and Mocha!
XXOO
Debra~
Loi, what a gorgeous post! I've never seen red twig dog woods! How pretty! I've also never thought to look around a garden in the winter…I'm so glad you shared this with us! It's truly beautiful! I'ts simple with clean lines and I really love that! Thank you so much for all of your support and encouragement this past year! Merry Christmas! Enjoy your time with your family on Christmas Eve! Much love, Carolyn
Beautiful post dear Loi!
Your garden looks like a dream… I take a little walk and enjoyed so much! Seems so relaxing and pretty!
Just perfect!
Marry Christmas to you and your family!!
Hugs,
Vesna
Hi Loi! Good luck tomorrow at your Christmas Eve dinner! It will go off without a hitch! (Well, even if there is a problem, no one will notice!) Have a wonderful Christmas and enjoy your family. I love your garden at this time of year! As usual, it looks fab with the shadows and textures. xoxo, K
Loi,
A beautiful winter garden is truly something to behold- give me mittens, a scarf and a blanket to sit on and I could spend all day here! Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas!!!
~Rebecca
Dear Loi,
I know that you have been extra busy preparing for a fun and festive gathering at your lovely home, running around making sure that all your guests will feel especially welcomed during this holiday season. And even now, in the midst of all the details and dilemmas, you have made the time to give us a much needed break from our own seasonal chaos, with quiet moments from your beautiful winter garden, a calm and soothing palette, among a cool and textured background. Thanks for this early Christmas present!
I also want to thank you for your kindness and your constant support of my little blog. You have been so inspiring and positive, taking the time to visit and comment and always in such a gracious way. It has really meant a lot to me.
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas my dear friend!
Poppy xo
winter IS the time for home!
i loved seeing your winter garden, loi. beauty everywhere, and your commentary enhances it.
that christmas eve dinner is going to be something! i am only cooking for 9…a cakewalk.
such a pleasure to fall in love with your lovely blog in 2012 and looking forward to a new year of friendship and discovery.
peace.
michele
Dear Mr Loi. Your garden wears her winter wardrobe beautifully and with such a superb stylist on hand who can fault her attire. I am hoping to pinch a few ideas for 2013.
I do hope your putto is wearing a fine and delicate wreath of rosemary or thyme this December.
Wishing you a swishy christmas full of big smiles, lots of laughter and great company and of course a wonderful new year. Paul 🙂
PS. Whats the beautiful evergreen next to the chimney pot?
Hi, Paul – Those are Cryptomeria Japonica Yoshino….wonderful texture and movement. Thanks so much! Loi
Loi
Your garden is almost as beautiful in winter as summer. What an artist you are! I adore the gates you designed. Happy Holidays~
Loi,
What a magical place to unwind and spend a few hours. Your garden looks a beautiful now as hen it is in full bloom.
Thank you for haring your garden, home, shop and unending creative talents, it is always a joy to visit here.
Have a wonderful Christmas, I am sure it will be a fabulous time.
Xx Elizabeth
Wishing you a blessed and Merry Christmas. I have so enjoyed your wonderful blog! Gina
You jazz up my world Loi!
Always beautiful, in any season…thanks to you talents and love! 🙂
Dear Loi, it has been such a joy and pleasure getting to know you, and I thank you for your friendship as well…
Wishing you and Tom an most joyful and blessed Christmas!!! (Don't work too hard 😉
Love and blessings,
– Irina
Hi Loi, Wanted to wish you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! It's been so wonderful to have met you through your blog this year! Hope you enjoy the holidays and Christmas Eve dinner with your big family! Your garden is just beautiful!
Much love and many blessing for a joyous Christmas and a wonderful New Year. Your garden is divine–a piece of heaven. Enjoy entertaining your friends and family at your feast!
Felice Natale,caro Loi!
Ciao Luci@
A Magical Garden Loi!
May your Holidays be filled with Love and Warmth during This Wondrous Season!
Love and Hugs,
Karena
Art by Karena
Just having a quiet and enjoyable visit again to your blog, I've realized that I forgotten to mention that I love Edith Sitwell's quote and – certainly the painting!
Happy and cosy days!
xxxk
Oh dear Loi, after reading this exquisite post I'm feeling very guilty. Every Winter I struggle to find any redeeming features in a big, cold climate garden. Now I will look at it with different eyes & show it some gratitude! In the meantime, it's my favourite time of the year in the garden – the beginning of a very long, hot Aussie Summer……happy days!
May 2013 bring you & Tom new opportunities, continued success & much happiness – I value our bloggie friendship immensely.
Millie xx
Your winter garden is equally as gorgeous as any other time of the year, Loi and complements your interiors beautifully. Such a lovely environment, and I can certainly see why it is your place for a little serenity. Thank you for all of the inspiration this year – you know your fabulous taste is a favorite of ours – I'm always excited when I see a new post in our inbox and am visualizing the day your coffee table book will be in my home – it's a must!! Wishing you every happiness in the new year and thank you for your support throughout the year!!
How lovely, Loi. A California garden designer once told a symposium that Eastern gardeners were lucky – they had a rest in the winter. In California climes, gardeners never have a respite – their gardens must look beautiful all the time. But you live in the east and your garden is beautiful, while mine has 12 inches of snow – just not fair. Seriously, I do love winter, at least until March.
Have a wonderful new year, my friend.
b
Loi, So much visual beauty even in the dead of winter. I love the colored bark and the sculpture that the bare limbs make, just beautiful,
Happy Weekend, Kathysue
Thanks for braving the cold to gussy up your yard for us 🙂
Even in the winter it is stunning…..one of these days I am going to get up your way and see it in person! Hope you had an amazing Christmas…..
Hello Loi,
Happy New Year! I hope your Christmas dinner for for 25 was a great success. I send you is he's for happiness and wonderful blessings in the new year.
Elizabeth
Happy New Year Loi, may you and your family have a wonderful 2013.
Loi my dear Friend!
Happy New Year!!
I wish that 2013 will be a year of joy, health and happiness,
May the blessings of God be with you all and your Family!
I am very happy to have met each of my Friends!
FRIENDS around the WORLD!
Your photo of the shadow of leaves on the wall reminded me of the short story "The Last Leaf" by O'Henry.
Gifts I loved your blog post.Really looking forward to read more.