garden — pleasure in simple things

Tag: garden

german village, columbus

October

The most picturesque place we found during my recent visit to Columbus with a friend was just south of the downtown – the quaint, historic neighborhood of German Village.

Settled back in the 19th century by German immigrants, the neighborhood is now a hip location to shop, dine, or just walk around. With many alley-like streets made of brick and pristine landscaping, German Village oozes with character.

We visited a few unique shops – like the 32-room bookstore called The Book Loft and the gift shop at the top of all the local’s list – Helen Winnemore’s.

We also stopped at a candy shop for award-winning fudge and some ‘buckeyes’ to take home. In case you didn’t already know, Ohio is the ‘buckeye state’ and Brutus Buckeye is the mascot of Ohio State University – and, believe me, Columbus certainly has buckeye fever! The candy version of a buckeye is a peanut butter flavored ball dipped in chocolate!

Another noteworthy visit while in German Village was to Jeni’s scoop shop – with shops located throughout the city, this mouth-watering ice-cream brand originated in Columbus. (I will share more about Jeni’s in its own upcoming post!)

For dining, tourists can find a classic German meal at Schmidt’s, but the hip locals favor Lindey’s. And, because Lindey’s has the best outdoor dining in the Village, that was our restaurant choice for dinner while in German Village.

Outdoor dining at Lindey’s in German Village, Columbus, Ohio

You can probably tell by my photos, that for us, the best part about visiting German Village in Columbus, Ohio was admiring the buildings and the landscaping! Walking around the neighborhood was like attending a garden tour!

I hope you have enjoyed my little piece of German Village on today’s Friday field trip!

Thanks for stopping by!

Have a wonderful weekend and remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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inspiration to kickstart fall decor

September

Since I have gotten a little bit of an itch for fall décor this week, I am resharing my 5 easy tips for fall décor for today’s Friday field trip.

Click here for guidelines to kickstart your fall décor planning!

Have a wonderful weekend! Thanks for stopping by!

Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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from ferns to fall

August

Remember the DIY of the ferns in urns? Look how easily one of the wedding décor urns can be transformed for fall!

The couple who walked down the aisle decorated with the urns of ferns are now enjoying one of the same urns, from their wedding day, with a fall planting on the front porch of their first home!All it took was a quick trip to Home Depot and under $30. to change the whole look of the urn and its planting. I was determined to get everything I needed in one trip, so even though I couldn’t find the charcoal gray spray paint I wanted, I settled for a lighter gray and I chose plants that were available at Home Depot. My purchase included a can of spray paint, a tall burgundy grass (millet), 4 small white mums, and 2 small vines.

I started by spray painting the planter – a quick and easy color change! And, the simple arrangement of plants was easy enough to plant in the urn.

I placed the completed planting on the front porch and watered it thoroughly…it will look even better when it gets established!

I hope I have inspired you to change up a planting for fall!

What’s next for this urn? Maybe some black spray paint, white lights, and an evergreen for the holidays?

Thanks for stopping by!

Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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nybg

August

The best part about visiting a botanical garden is knowing that every visit is unique. There are so many variables that contribute to creating the environment – ensuring that no two visits are ever the same! And, with 250 acres and over 1,000 plants, there is certainly plenty to admire!

For Friday field trip today, we are visiting the New York Botanical Garden (NYBG). Spanning 250 acres and containing over 1,000 plants, there is certainly plenty to admire and each visitor to NYBG is sure to experience it in a different way.

Here are a few of my favorite glimpses from a visit on a rainy day in August!

Enjoy!

Have a fabulous weekend! Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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chihuly at new york botanical garden

August

On a recent trip to the New York Botanical Garden (NYBG), I had the opportunity to see glass art installations created by the renowned artist Dale Chihuly. Created specifically for the venue, the more than 20 installations in the garden are the first to come to New York in more than 10 years.

Sharing photos from my recent visit, I hope you are inspired by Chihuly’s work – his lifelong fascination with glasshouses growing into a series of exhibitions within botanical settings.

I really like the subtlety of the way these glass leaves play against the real ones!

If you live near New York or are planning a trip soon, schedule a visit to the Bronx to see Chihuly’s art. The NYBG is always a beautiful spot to visit and the addition of the Chihuly exhibit makes it extra special!

To see the works spectacularly illuminated, schedule an evening visit to NYBG on a Thursday, Friday, or Saturday in September or October and visit CHIHULY Nights. Can you imagine this piece illuminated?

Thanks for stopping by!

Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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naples botanical garden

June

June is coming to an end and since Friday’s post this week will be the monthly giveaway, today will be more like a field trip. I shared my favorite exhibit in the Naples Botanical Garden in a post this month…it was a temporary exhibit called Origami in the Garden. (Click here if you missed it!)

Today, in keeping with my garden focus, I am sharing my favorite floral spot in that garden. And, guess what? The flowers aren’t white! I know – out of character, but can you see why I fell for this gorgeous spot in The Naples Botanical Garden?

Once in a while, I am a sucker for some color! Like this:

Talk to you again on Friday. If you haven’t entered the book giveaway for June, you have a couple more days. I will pick the winner at midnight on Thursday. Click here to leave a comment on the giveaway post to be entered to win. Good luck!

A docent at the Naples Botanical Garden in Naples, Florida.

Thanks for stopping by! Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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ferns in urns diy

June

I have a really easy DIY I’d like to share today.

When I found that florists charged hundreds of dollars for a simple urn with ferns (plus delivery!), I decided there had to be a less expensive way to have create the same result.

Well, I turned hundreds of dollars into less than $40!

First, I went to my go-to home store, HomeGoods, to find an appropriate urn. They had plenty of low priced urns in stoneware, ceramic, or acrylic choices. I opted for the acrylic since I wanted to create something as inexpensive as possible that would be easy to transport to a special event.

All the acrylic choices were in dark colors, so I would have to give my urns a coat of spray paint! I took the two urns I purchased into the yard and sprayed them to coat – a very quick process.

I had purchased two large hanging Boston Fern plants from Lowe’s when they were on sale for $9.99. My plan was to plant them in the urns until one of my friends suggested it would be easier to transport them if they weren’t planted! Of course! So, I stuffed the bottoms of the two urns with some Styrofoam left from some packaging and now I plan to just drop the plants on top of the Styrofoam when I am ready for my event! The planters weigh next to nothing – even filled with the material – and the plants are very light as well.

What a savings…and, so easy! And the urns really look like stoneware. When I get to the event, I will simply add the plants to the urns and remove the plastic hangers! (I am leaving them on for now because it is easier to move the plants with the hangers as handles.)

I hope you I have inspired you in some way for planning the décor for your next special event!

Thanks for stopping by!

Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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shakespeare’s garden in brookfield, ct

June

My friends have been holding out on me! They have just recently shared what is currently one of my favorite nurseries!

Shakespeare’s Garden in Brookfield, Connecticut now joins a list that includes places like White’s Flower Farm and Terrain.

What makes a great nursery? For me, three important criteria! First, and foremost, creativity! The plants need to be presented in a beautiful way…with creative, imaginative, and even innovative added to the mix!

Of course, plants can easily be purchased at a local grocery or warehouse store. So, for a nursery to become a favorite means the plants aren’t just offered for sale, but are displayed in a creative way.

The second way to become a favorite is to have plenty of unique containers for plantings. Vintage pieces or repurposed items used as planters are an example. I’m looking for containers that help create an organic look or enhance the beauty of the planting it contains.

The third criteria is for the nursery to employ a knowledgeable staff. I want to be able to ask a question about caring for a particular plant or about the habit of a perennial I am purchasing and be confident I am getting an educated response.

Those are my top three. The bonus number four for me is a great gift shop! Finding some unique and aesthetically beautiful items for sale is always a plus!

Because Shakespeare’s Garden checked all the boxes for me – including the bonus item (!) – I am including some photos I took on my visit for today’s Friday field trip.

I hope they have inspired you in some way! Shakespeare’s Garden is worth a visit if you are in commuting distance.

Have a wonderful weekend! Remember take pleasure in simple things – like visiting a favorite nursery! xo Jackie

P.S. If you go, remember to say hello to Romeo – the resident cat.

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naples botanical garden origami

June

On my first visit to the Naples Botanical Garden in Naples, Florida, I was intrigued by the tag line ‘Gardens with Latitude.’

I discovered the gardens showcase subtropical plants that grow around the world between the 26^th latitude north, where Naples is located, and 26^th latitude south.

One hundred and seventy acres of themed gardens that represent the culture and flora of the tropics – country climates from the 26^th latitude – what an interesting concept!

It did not take me long to figure out that plants growing in the 26^th latitude are very different from the plants in my native Connecticut, or in my favorite public garden – Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania!

But, the difference in plants was not what intrigued me most during my visit. That honor went to the temporary exhibit, Origami in the Garden.

Monumental sculptures created by artist Kevin Box told the story of origami, the Japanese art of paper folding.

The exhibition included large-scale installations, gallery works, Box’s own compositions as well as collaborative works with his wife Jennifer and world-renowned origami artists Dr. Robert J. Land, Te Jui Fu, and Michael G. LaFosse.

Examples of this amazing display are represented in the photos I am sharing with you today. I was thrilled that the installation happened to be in the garden on the day of my visit!

The exhibit inspired me to do a little more research on origami. I hope it inspired you in some way!

Thank you for stopping by and sharing the Origami in the Garden display with me!

Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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valentines at terrain

January

Today’s Friday field trip is to a familiar location if you frequent my blog. I made a quick trip to Terrain this week between some work meetings, and I wanted to share some Valentine’s Day inspiration! I always feel sorry for those of you that aren’t close enough to a Terrain to frequent it, but by sharing I hope I can inspire you just the same!

There are some signs of transitioning into spring with some new displays in the store…

But looking around at inspiration for Valentine’s Day, there is plenty! From the heart shaped planters…

…to creative sweets!

Terrain Valentine heart candy pleasure in simple things blog

Chocolate valentine hearts at Terrain in Westport, Connecticut.

Terrain Valentine marshmallows pleasure in simple things blog

Some adorable heart shaped marshmallows at Terrain in Westport, Connecticut.

If you would rather buy a plant already potted, there are some cuties!

I was inspired to create some plantings of my own when I saw these pretty drinking glasses in the sale section! I bought a couple of these beauties as well as some ferns to create my own plantings! Won’t these be adorable as planters?