Gardening – The First and Last

Sorry it’s been so long since we’ve posted here.  It’s been an eventful few weeks with lots of new fun at the boutique.  We’ll post tomorrow to show off a few great new items.  In the meantime, we thought you’d enjoy seeing the change of seasons here in Tampa.  

Here’s the last camellia, which has grown throughout the last several months.  Believe it or not, this particular bloom is so large (3.5” plus in diameter) and heavy, that the plant will barely support it now.

Although we hate to see one of the South’s favorite flowers say goodbye, the first Ingenious Mr. Fairchild rose has popped:

And, of course, Spring brings other fun as well, including licianthus, petunias, and blue ajuga:

Gardening – Ranunculus

 

Seen here, a pink ranunculus (ranunculus tecolote) as it blooms in Tampa today.  With over 400 species in this particular genus of plants, many of which are also referred to as “buttercups,” this particular variety thrives in full sun, Zones 8-11, where it will grow as a perennial—simply allow the leaves to die back in the fall and they’ll return the following year.

If starting from bulbs, plant bulbs in the fall for spring blooms.  In colder zones, the bulbs can be planted in the early spring and act as an annual.  They are low maintenance and come in a multitude of colors—from white to purple, pink to red, with vibrant yellows and oranges too.   A single plant may produce as many as 30 blooms per season.   (However, remember that ranunculus can be toxic to grazing animals.)

Lifestyle – Gorgeous Flowers

We discovered the amazing floral designer, Paula Pryke, through another blog some time ago (apologies for not remembering who to credit).  If you are unable to enjoy her creations first-hand in the United Kingdom, consider getting your hands on one of her many books.

Below are a few of her creations:

The Goods - A New Lampe

We've previously extolled the virtues of Lampe Berger (click here for the primer), but the company has just supplied us with a new lamp and oil combination that you just can't beat. The lampe seen below comes with a sample bottle of oil, and sells for only $30! We have a lot of unusual and great gifts, but this one is by far the single best value in our boutique. If you aren't in the Tampa area, we will ship, but even if you don't buy from us, find your local dealer and pick one of these up. You'll love it!!!

Entertaining - Timeless Tablescape

If you're not the type to trade tablecloths with the days of the week, consider the simple, timeless elegance of crystal and soft natural hues. From Christmas to warm summer evenings, it's always in style.

Design Tip - A Recent Project

These clients enjoy extreme simplicity and clean tones, but have a relatively small space... We created this master bedroom for them. The whole thing is calming and serene, and the antique botanicals held by gilded cherubs are amazing, right?

Entertaining - Kumquats

Sure, this post could just as easily fall under the gardening label, but since kumquats now appear the garnish du jour for a number of drinks (sometimes even replacing the olive in a martini), this post is all about entertaining.  You may have seen the small fruit trees at local nurseries or garden centers.  At first glance, the fruit is often written off as merely ornamental.  Not so fast... the beauty of the kumquat is that it is the only citrus meant to be eaten with the skin; simply pick, and pop in your mouth.  Kumquat varieties range from sweet to spicy, and lend themselves excellently to a number of recipes, but are often simply candied or made into marmalades or jellies.  Native to China, they've been grown in Europe and America since the mid-1800's, and they are much hardier than other citrus varieties.  As a smaller citrus variety, they also do quite well as indoor container plants in colder climates.  In Florida, our tree has produced ripe fruit since October, and the last fruits of the season are just ripening...

...and yes, there's a lot of it

Our recommendation is to enjoy them straight from the tree, but if you're inclined to enjoy a cocktail, try the "Angelina Jolie": 2 oz single malt Scotch mixed with 1 oz elderflower liqueur (such as St. Germaine) shaken over ice for 10 seconds in a cocktail shaker, strained into a martini glass and garnished with kumquat slices.

-last image via Gourmet.com

Design Tip - Slipcovers

Is it possible to be ubiquitous and under-appreciated at the same time? The answer is a resounding yes. The example - slipcovered furniture. Never has another style of furniture been so universally malleable in the world of design, and yet so potently grounding a presence in each. Whether you have a modern penthouse in New York, a shabby-chic beachhouse in Malibu, or a simple traditional home on Florida's Gulf Coast, you can lay the framework for an entire room and command the theme of an entire home with a few great pieces. A few examples:

(Shameless plug - in relatively short order, The Cobbled Path will be presenting its own line of slipcovered greats in more amazing styles and patterns than you can shake a stick at.)

-images via Southern Accents and Coastal Living.

Gardening - Camellias

With over 3000 varieties, Camellia Japonica offers everyone a choice that may be considered the perfect flower. Every one of the varieties seems perfectly proportioned and gorgeous in color. You'll find antique botanical sketches to adorn your walls:

...but nothing compares to the real thing. Our favorites are white and simple:

Whatever you choose you can't go wrong. Choose western exposure unless you have good dappled light, and make sure you're within growing zones 6-9.

Design Tip - Tone on Tone

There are those who will tell you to run out and get this latest "it" color or that latest "it" furniture style (invariably those who want to sell you something new or who want to manufacture a new trend to sell a magazine); however, rich detail in tone-on-tone color will never fail to impress--always has, always will. Save the color for the seasonal flowers and decorations as seen here. Love this look? Drop us a line, and we can help.

The Goods - A French Chest

This gorgeous new french chest, with its subtle patterned front, is one of our newest additions in the boutique.

Lifestyle - Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

Continuing the garden theme, but staying a bit closer to home, we highly recommend a visit to Sarasota's Selby Botanical Gardens. After an unusually hard frost a couple of weeks ago, you might not expect much, but you'd be wrong. With an absolutely wonderful display house, you'll be dazzled with countless tropical plants year-round... and with the gardens overlooking the bay, gorgeous old homes on the property, mangroves, a butterfly garden, art shows, and the occasional jazz concert, there's always something fun afoot. The display house has orchids, bromeliads and other interesting tropicals galore:

As you exit the display house to tour the grounds, this guy greets you:

Walking the grounds, even after a harsh bit of weather, you'll see beautiful bits of color at every turn:

...and unique specimens like this zombie palm (Zombia Antillarum), native to the island of Hispanola:

Exploring the mangroves that surround the property, there's no telling what fun things you might find, like this new momma racoon escorting her young kit through the roots:

Before you leave, botanical art is often displayed in the Christy Payne Mansion, located on the grounds. Be sure to check it out. One example:

Click the logo to visit their website for more information. It's a wonderful and educational way to spend the day.