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David Stark, Event Designer and 2015 Design Awards Judge

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We're delighted to share the news that the second of our guest judges in the 2015 Gardenista Considered Design Awards is David Stark—designer, author, artist, and event planner extraordinaire. 

David Stark, 2015 Gardenista Considered Design Awards Judge | Gardenista

Above: Through his company David Stark Design & Production, David and a team of nearly 40 plan some of the world's biggest and most fabulous events. Think: galas, fundraisers, and launch parties for the New York City Opera and world-class museums including the Tate and the Cooper-Hewitt.

For these events, David and his team create everything from concept to thank-you notes, but it's his floral design, table scapes, and product designs we like most. He collaborated with Haus Interior on a product line called Wood Shop; a paper sculpture series with Bergdorf Goodman called Paper Tales; and a simple, affordable DIY winter table setting just for us (see DIY: A David Stark-Designed Holiday Table Setting on Remodelista).  

We've dog-eared David's five books, including the most recently released David Stark: The Art of the Party. In honor of his book launch in 2013, David collaborated with us in 11 Ways to Look Younger Instantly (Hint: Light a Candle) and in DIY: Painted Runner Tablecloth by David Stark.  

For more from the designer, explore the party photos at David Stark Design and follow David on Instagram: @david_stark_design

7 Things to Know About David: 

1. Cities I've Lived In: New York City, Miami, Providence, and Oxford, England.

Poppies for Flower Arranging | Gardenista

2. Favorite Flower: Poppies. (Photograph by Sophia Moreno-Bunge for Gardenista.) 

3. Favorite Flower Arranging Tip: However many flowers you think you might need for an arrangement…double it!

4. Last Thing I Planted in My Garden: A new bed of rosemary at my Miami home.

5. On My Wish List: A dream would be to combine my new Brooklyn loft with the apartment above it to create a duplex. Also on my wish list—a pot of gold to pay for it!

La Noria Garden in France | Gardenista

6. Favorite Place to Be in Nature: The South of France. (Photo of La Noria in Languedoc-Roussillon by Clive Nichols.) 

7. Favorite Event of the Past Year: My own wedding last summer.

From The Art of the Party:

Magical Sheep's Garden by David Stark in The Art of the Party | Gardenista

Above: A wedding in The Art of the Party demonstrates David's often fantastical party concepts. Here, a band plays in an oak treehouse overlooking a "sheep's courtyard."

Golden Egg in Garden by David Stark in The Art of the Party | Gardenista

Above: Here, a golden egg—"as though a giant hen had left it in the vegetable patch"—adds an element of humor to a party. 

Strawberry Arrangement by David Stark in The Art of the Party | Gardenista

Above: David's designs can be grand, but they're often simple, like this strawberry arrangement featured in his book. 

david-stark-art-of-the-party-book-cover-gardenista

Above: David Stark: The Art of the Party is $27.19 at Amazon. 

Read our profile of fellow Gardenista judge Carolyn Mullet, and don't forget to enter our design awards—open to professional designers and novice gardeners—by June 22: 

Enter the Gardenista 2015 Considered Design Awards | Gardenista

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Sneak Peek: A New Issue of Garden Design Magazine

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When we got a sneak peek at the new summer issue of Garden Design, we were thrilled to see page after page of glossy photos of a grand Delaware garden that legendary landscape architect Kiley designed for former governor Pete du Pont and his wife, Elise. Take a look:

To see the whole issue, subscribe to Garden Design. Or preview the new summer issue here.

Photography by Roger Foley.

Garden Design Dan Kiley garden Delaware ; Gardenista

Above: Landscape architect Dan Kiley was "an infectious character, a hero for those of us who follow and care deeply about this art form," wrote our contributor Lindsay Taylor (a garden designer herself) last year. For more about Kiley, see An Ode to Landscape Architect Dan Kiley.

Garden Design Dan Kiley garden Delaware ; Gardenista

Above: In a career that spanned several decades, Kiley "worked with the great architects Eero Saarinen, Louis Kahn, and I.M. Pei. His design vocabulary was influenced by Andre Le Notre, the 17th-century French landscape architect and gardener to King Louis XIV," says Lindsay Taylor

Garden Design Dan Kiley garden Delaware ; Gardenista

Above: Says Garden Design editor Thad Orr, "These are really our favorite type of garden to do a story on. It was rich in design history, being a Dan Kiley garden with great lessons for readers at every turn. It's always a dream to showcase gardens that have such a fine balance of landscape architecture and horticultural authenticity."

Subscribe to Garden Design or preview the new summer issue here.

Enter the Gardenista Considered Design Awards 2015 ; Gardenista

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Expert Advice: 10 White Garden Ideas from Petersham Nurseries

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A white garden need not be wan and pale. Thomas Broom, horticultural manager of Petersham Nurseries in London, shows us that in editing color, your garden will have a stronger sense of shape and texture. It might smell more interesting too.

Here are 10 ideas—and his favorite flowers for a white garden:

Photography by Kendra Wilson, unless otherwise noted.

Shopping List: 13 Favorite Flowers

White Garden by Petersham Nurseries. Gardenista

Above: Photograph by Thomas Broom.

Petersham still life: Florist-in-residence Thomas Broom lays down his flowers of the moment (clockwise from top left): Solomon's Seal, peony, night-scented stock (and dotted around), clematis, allium, ranunculus, petunia, heuchera, sweet rocket, verbascum, bleeding heart, Ammi majus, Viburnum opulus.

Keep It Small

White Garden, Sissinghurst. Kendra Wilson for Gardenista

Above: Silver foliage of Eryngium giganteum 'Miss Willmot's Ghost' haunts Vita Sackville-West's world-famous white garden at Sissinghurst Castle in Kent. 

"A white garden should be relatively small," suggests Tom Broom. "It is a narrow exercise; often enclosed." The calm of a white garden offers respite, an escape from the rest of the garden, or the world.

Masonry Matters

White Garden, Sissinghurst. Kendra Wilson for Gardenista

Above: Lilium regale 'Album', on the other side of the wall at Sissinghurst, holds its own against brick (where smaller flowers would struggle to compete).

It is important to think about masonry, the immediate surroundings of the proposed white garden, advises Tom. A dark backdrop works best; yew is also useful here.

Before she designed her white garden, Vita Sackville-West already had made a purple border. Intrigued by the possibilities that a monochromatic garden would offer, she focused on a garden that glowed under the moon and would be filled with evening scent. See: Trend Alert: 5 Night-Scented Bloomers.

Add Other Colors

White Garden via Petersham Nurseries. Kendra Wilson for Gardenista

Above: Verbascum chaixii 'Album' and Oxeye daisy at dusk. 

White gardens are rarely just white. "You don't want a freshly laundered garden," says Tom. Other colors will insist on being included, like yellow in a daisy or lupin. For those who tend to steer clear of certain colors, a white garden is the perfect opportunity in which to go against the grain, knowing that the predominant color of white will keep the others in their place. 

Green Vs. Silver

Hugo Bugg garden, Chelsea 2014. Photo Kendra Wilson, Gardenista

Above: Anemone 'Wild Swan' against a rusted iron walkway at Chelsea last year, in a garden designed by Hugo Bugg. 

Rosie Bines, head gardener at Petersham House Garden, talks to us about different kinds of white and the best way to offset them: "Cool whites go with silver leaves," she says. "Creamy whites are complemented by warmer greens like euphorbia." 

Foliage and flowers for cool whites:

• Weeping silver pear (Pyrus salicifolia 'Pendula')
• Sea holly (eryngium 'Miss Willmot's Ghost')
• Artemisia (A. arborescens 'Powis Castle')
• Hosta 'Royal Standard', with its lilac-tinged white flowers
• Silver-leaved Dianthus ('Mrs Sinkins'), white lavender, white rosemary
• The felty gray of Lychnis coronaria 'Alba' and stachys (for instance S. byzantina 'Lambs' Ears')
• Darker leaves like purple sage or black elder (Sambucus nigra).
• Holly, yew, myrtle, privet, ivy

Foliage and flowers for warm/creamy whites:

Alchemilla mollis
• Euphorbia
Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle'
• Peonies 'Cheddar Gold', 'Duchesse de Nemours'
• Fennel
Ammi visnaga
• Pale and spotted foxgloves: Digitalis purpurea 'Pam's Choice', 'Dalmation's Cream'
• Hornbeam, beech

And obliging with with both cool and warm whites: box, ferns, bronze fennel.

Pleasures of Perfume

White garden via Petersham Nurseries. Gardenista

 Above: Wisteria floribunda 'Alba' provides vertical scent whether it is grown the usual way on a wall or as a trained standard (shown here). 

Pots and Planters

Petersham Nurseries white garden. Gardenista

Above: The patina of Petersham is a wonderful foil for a battered planter. Texture in this miniature white garden comes to the fore.

White flowers to consider for pots: agapanthus (on their own), white scented pelargonium inlcuding the classic 'Attar of Roses', white brachychome, marguerites (agyranthemum). 

Petersham Nurseries white garden. Gardenista

 Above: The main elements of this container are petunia, the small euphorbia 'Diamond Frost' and Muehlenbeckia axillaris

Shapes and Textures

White garden, photo Kendra Wilson. Gardenista

Above: Allium 'Mont Blanc', against the purple leaves of Forest Pansy (cercis), espaliered viburnum and an understory of persicaria and ferns at Cottesbrooke Hall in Northamptonshire. Photograph by Kendra Wilson.

Foliage can be any variety of green, silver, purple; it's the flowers that need to be white, strictly speaking. Without the distraction of petal color we can focus on the contrast of shapes and verticals.

Topiary Backdrops

White garden from Chelsea Flower Show, photo Kendra Wilson. Gardenista

Above: The Topiarist's Garden at last year's Chelsea Flower Show was a favorite among visitors. Towers of white are particularly dramatic against the topiary shapes. Try also foxtail lily (eremurus), white hollyhock, Nicotiana sylvestris and Madonna lily (the latter two for scent).

Whiten a Meadow

White garden, photo Kendra Wilson. Gardenista

Above: A white garden-meadow. Shown here: Camassia leichtlinii 'Alba' in long grass. 

For more landscaping ideas for a white garden, see:

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Shades of Pale: 10 Favorite Patio Pots and Planters

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This summer, we're choosing a classic, unobtrusive color—that would be white, or perhaps the palest of grays—for patio pots and planters. If you use a monochromatic color scheme, you can mix and match size, styles, and materials without looking mismatched. And a white backdrop will focus attention on the plants that produced all that beautiful green foliage.

Here are 10 white patio pots and planters we're currently coveting:

white patio pots and planters and stands ; Gardenista

Above: LA-based Potted sells a selection of white pots and planters including Bauer Biltmore Pots ($150 for a pot with a 12-inch diameter) and cast stone Balls By Botanica ($45 to $50, depending on size); metal Leggy Stands are available in three heights from 12 to 24 inches and at prices ranging from $55 to $75 depending on height.

jamali-white-planter-gardenista

Above: From Jamali Garden, a lightweight, waterproof molded resin white Copenhagen Planter is available in three sizes at prices ranging from $38 to $78.

white-hanging-ceramic-pot-planter-gardenista

Above: A handmade stoneware Snowy Hanging Pot with a white glaze and 22-inch hemp twine hanger is $65 from LA-based TW Workshop.

White ceramic planter wood stand ; Gardenista

Above: A Modernica Case Study Ceramic With Wood Stand is $149 from Y Living.

NativeCast | Gardenista

Above: Neutral concrete colored NativeCast Alapocas Bowls come in 7-inch ($35) and 9-inch ($45) sizes. Each planter comes fitted with a drainage hole and coco fiber insert to diffuse water over the drainage hole.

Scribble hanging planter white porcelain ; Gardenista

Above: A porcelain Scribble Hanging Planter is available in seven colors and comes with a trio of leather hanging straps; $96 from Pigeon Toe.

Ikea white plant pot ; Gardenista

Above: From Ikea, a white earthenware Trosso Plant Pot suitable for indoor or outdoor use is $39.99.

White hanging planters leather straps ; Gardenista

Above: A set of Three Porcelain And Leather Hanging Containers is $135 from Farrah Sit. The strap is available in a natural, amber, or chocolate tanned leather. The planters can be ordered as a set or individually. There is also a rope hanging version at offer. 

White square planter Crate and Barrel ; Gardenista

Above: A white Large Square Planter is $14.95 from Crate and Barrel.

Ben Wolff white clay pots; Gardenista

Above: From Ben Wolff, white Clay Flowerpots with saucers are available in a variety of shapes and sizes; prices for the pieces shown range from $26 (L) to $62 (R).

For more of our favorite white pots and planters, see:

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Top Picks from the Gardenista Market at GROW London

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Our favorite UK-based floral artists, craftspeople, shop creators, and innovative publishers will be at GROW London Thursday till Sunday, conveniently concentrated in the Gardenista Market hosted by our own Christine Chang Hanway.

Here is a sampling of vendors and their brilliant wares (for more, click here and here): 

Gardenista Market at GROW London features Persephone Books

Above: Nicola Beauman's Persephone Books is out to publish "criminally neglected" early to mid-20th century woman authors. It's also bringing design bliss to readers everywhere: each book features gorgeous endpapers by artists who were the authors' contemporaries. Buy them in bulk.

Gardenista at GROW London welcomes Beggars Velvet

Above: Beggars' Velvet, a new effort by Kate Owen and Ros Badger aiming to "playfully engage with the onerous tasks of daily life," will be offering an array of profoundly useful items emblazoned with apt words and phrases from assorted literary giants. They've also created a waxed cotton working apron with deep pockets and a twine dispenser that should probably become the official Gardenista uniform.

Gardenista will be featuring Grace & Thorn bouquets at GROW London

Above: Grace & Thorn is bringing rustic English countryside style to London floral design. Founded by Nik Southern, Grace & Thorn's bouquets feature lush contrasts in flowers and foliage. We'll take one a day, please.

Gardenista features Home Address at GROW London

Above: Home Address offers a collection of items from European craftspeople curated by Celine Lynch. Take your pick from hand-made items ranging from Portuguese stoneware with winningly irregular edges to rush poofs woven by Catalonian donkey basket makers.

There's still time to secure your discount tickets using the code GROWGARDENISTA. Ticket offer is valid at all times except Thursday night's Garden Party Charity Preview. 

Enter the Gardenista Considered Design Awards 2015; Gardenista

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Before and After: Expat Gillian Carson's English Garden in Portland, Oregon

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When we moved our family of four from Bath, England to Portland, Oregon in 2012 little did we know that we would spend the next three years transforming a disused rose garden into an English kitchen garden, complete with vintage-style greenhouse.

It was a big move for me, not least in family terms but in gardening terms too. I was leaving behind a walled kitchen garden where I had carefully trained espaliered apples and fan-trained peach trees. I was looking for a place where I could re-invent my old garden and add more besides.

We found a house in Portland that stood on 0.6 acres. It was quite unusual to find a house with so much outdoor space close to the city, we were told! The problem was that the garden, though once beautiful, hadn’t been tended for roughly six years. The old rose garden was knee-deep in blackberries, the fountain was full of dirt and weeds, a crabapple sat sadly enveloped in Old Man’s Beard, and we found three ponds that we didn’t know were there. There was a lot of work to do.

Photography by Gillian Carson.

vintage greenhouse, box bushes

Above: The old rose garden became my new kitchen garden. We felled a dying tree and asked a local greenhouse maker (SturdiBuilt) to build a bespoke wooden frame (measuring 10 by 16 feet) to sit on a red brick base. I wanted it to look as much like an English greenhouse as possible to remind me of home.

Haws watering can, box bushes

Above: I brought this Haws watering can with me from England. It's quite simply the best watering can I've ever had. The design is called 'Peter Rabbit'. (N.B. A red Peter Rabbit Watering Can is $89.99 on Amazon.)

Before

overgrown kitchen garden  

Above: When we arrived, the fountain was in disrepair and full of dead plants. Weeds choked the old roses and blocked the pathways.

After

vintage greenhouse, kitchen garden

Above: Brick paths edged with box give the vegetable beds structure and provide evergreen interest during the winter months.

seedlings in greenhouse

Above: I raise all of the vegetables and herbs in the kitchen garden from seed in the greenhouse.

I planted some apple trees (Ashmead’s Kernel and Liberty) along an east-facing wall and trained them as espaliers. I also added a fan-trained Peach (Q18) which is resistant to peach leaf curl and does very well, even in our wet climate.

my tiny plot, Gillian Carson, kitchen garden, grape vine

Above: I like to shell peas outside my greenhouse next to a grapevine trained along the fence.

vintage tools, old tools, wooden handled tools, hand tools

Above: Luckily, I had decided to ship all my tools from the UK, even though I had to scrub each one with disinfectant to comply with US import laws. It was worth it because I felt like I could get started on the garden immediately. 

greenhouse, tomatoes, bunting, greenhouse style

Above: The first thing I added to my greenhouse was a length of Union Jack bunting. Since then I've added mirrors, antique boxes, and vintage terra cotta pots.

rhubarb forcer, vintage kitchen garden, victorian walled garden

Above: One of the pieces I brought with me from England was this rhubarb forcing pot. It's fantastic for making long, sweet, pink rhubarb stems. I've also used it to force sea kale in the past.

terracotta pots, galvanised tubs

Above: I love old terra cotta pots and galvanized tubs and try to use them whenever I can.

circular vegetable garden, patterned salad garden

Above: The design of the old rose garden lends itself well to growing vegetables. Each year I plant vegetables and herbs in a different pattern radiating out from the central fountain, which we cleared out and repaired. 

  secluded seating in kitchen garden,

Above: I mix vegetables with flowers. Here a delphinium mingles with the grapevine.

vegetable box, homemade

Above: The benefit of having a fully stocked kitchen garden is that you can use the produce to give as thank-you gifts. This is a vegetable box that I made for one of our neighbors who gave us a bike.

heirloom tomatoes, artichokes, peppers, summer harvest

Above: I love to grow the un-buyables: unusual or interesting varieties of artichoke, heirloom tomatoes, and peppers saved from seed.

pickles, preserves,

Above: Picking is a huge part of what I grow. Whatever we don't eat gets preserved for another day.

flowering vegetables, beneficial insects

Above: Each year I let at least one vegetable go to seed. I'm always surprised at how many beneficial insects the flowers attract. It's great for the garden and fascinating to my children.

Gillian Carson British expat Portland Oregon garden; Gardenista

Above: In the evening there's nothing better than taking a last look around the garden, closing the gates, and putting the tools away, until tomorrow.

Visit more of our favorite "gardeners' gardens" at:

Enter the Gardenista Considered Design Awards 2015 ; Gardenista

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Shopper's Diary: Bleuet Coquelicot in Paris

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It’s hard to miss Bleuet Coquelicot: Plants and flowers of all colors spill onto the sidewalk from a tiny storefront on a busy street in Paris's Canal St. Martin neighborhood. Most customers are neighborhood regulars. They stop by to say hello and share a cup of coffee (from Ten Belles next door, which serves the best in Paris) with the proprietor, who prefers to be known as "Tom des Fleurs."

Is Bleuet Coquelicot the sort of shop that could only exist in Paris? We sent photographer Mimi Giboin to take a look. Here is her report:

Photography by Mimi Giboin for Gardenista.

Tom de Fleurs of Bleuet Coquelicot by Mimi Giboin ; Gardenista

Above: Tom des Fleurs and his daughter in the doorway at Bleuet Coquelicot.

Florist Paris Bleuet Coquelicot by Mimi Giboin ; Gardenista

Above:  Tom says this will be his only shop. He knows his customers and they know him.

Tom des Fleurs paris florist ; Gardenista

Above: Tom has known some of his customers for a decade or more; he knows their children, and they leave their bags with him as they run errands in the neighborhood.

hydrangeas at paris florist Bleuet Coquelicot ; Gardenista

Tom even has a little wooden box where he keeps spare keys for neighbors.

Tom des Fleurs florist Paris by Mimi Giboin ; Gardenista

 Above: There are no employees at Bleuet Coquelicot—Tom says that would change the ambiance of the space and the work. In the evening, people stop by to share a glass of rosé.

Tom des Fleurs Paris florist by Mimi giboin ; Gardenista

Above: Though he studied art curation, Tom started working for a florist in his neighborhood after finishing school. Four years later he bought the shop, keeping the name and its spirit of selling simple country flowers.

Tome des Fleurs Paris florist by Mimi giboin ; Gardenista

Above: When he took over the tiny 100-square-foot space, Tom designed a new look for it with help from his friend Robin, a designer and carpenter. He worked night and day for two and a half months to build the space out. 

Tom des Fleurs paris florist by Mimi Giboin ; Gardenista

 Above: During the redesign, Tom literally dreamed about the space: the running water, the walls covered with frescos, the small loft where he could live, floating above the sea of flowers. He mostly built the space from materials he had already: old doors and boards and windows. 

Paris floris Bleuet Coquelicot ; Gardenista

Above: When Tom gets a new plant, he raises it for a year before selling it. He likes to experience each plant to know how it will react through the seasons.

Tom des Fleurs paris Florist by Mimi Giboin ; Gardenista

Above: Tom insists on finding good homes for his plants. He won't sell a plant to someone who he knows won't take care of it.

Tom des Fleurs Florist Paris Rose by Mimi Giboin ; Gardenista

 Above: The bouquets Tom makes are beautifully simple. He uses filler leaves to allow the flowers to "breathe."

Tom des Fleurs paris florist by Mimi Giboin ; Gardenista

Above: After her visit to the shop, Mimi told us, "You really feel that Tom is a poet. He expresses himself through plants and flowers, and also by creating a beautiful space for people to share."


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Above: Bleuet Coquelicot is at 10 Rue de la Grange aux Belles, 75010 Paris.

Visiting Paris? For another of our favorite florists, see Odorantes, a Parisian Florist Where Flowers are Arranged by Scent. And see our Paris Destination Guide for more suggestions.

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10 Easy Pieces: Architects' White Exterior Paint Picks

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At the risk of stating the obvious, it's hard to find the best paint color for your house's exterior. White is a classic, but choose the wrong shade and you'll end up with a very expensive mistake. 

We wanted to take the guesswork out of choosing the best white paint for your house, so we asked the architect and designer members of our Professional Directory to share their vetted shades of exterior white paint. They've painted countless houses over the years, and know what works. Here, they generously share their 10 favorites. 

What's your go-to shade of white paint? Tell us in the comments below.

Swatch photographs by Katie Newburn for Gardenista. 

10 Best Architects' Favorite White Exterior Paints l Gardenista

Above: Top row, left to right: Benjamin Moore Brilliant White; Benjamin Moore Simply White; Dunn-Edwards Crystal Haze; Farrow & Ball All White; Benjamin Moore White Heron. Bottom row: Sherwin-Williams Pure White; Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee; Benjamin Moore Linen White; Porter Paints Atrium White; and Benjamin Moore Cloud White

Best Exterior White Outdoor House Paints, Benjamin Moore Brilliant White, Gardenista

Above: On this house in Connecticut, Brooklyn-based O'Neill Rose Architects used low-luster Benjamin Moore Brilliant White, which principal Devin O'Neill calls "a standard that always looks good." The firm worked with Donald Kaufman on the palette for the house, and chose Donald Kaufman Color DKC-44 in semi-gloss for the porch and ceiling.

Best Exterior White Outdoor House Paints, Sherwin Williams Pure White, Gardenista

Above: Interior designer Meg Joannides of MLK Studio in LA recently completed this Brentwood Park home. On the exterior, she used Sherwin-Williams Pure White, a true white that barely hints toward warm. The charcoal gray shutters are painted in Benjamin Moore Onyx

Best Exterior White Outdoor House Paints, Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee, Gardenista

Above: Architect Tim Barber chose Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee for this new house in Santa Monica. The color is also a favorite of SF Bay Area–based designer Nicole Hollis.

Best Exterior White Outdoor House Paints, Benjamin Moore White Heron, Gardenista

Above: Donald Billinkoff of Billinkoff Architecture in NYC rarely uses any other white than Benjamin Moore White Heron. Says Billinkoff, "In bright light it is warm and in low light it is bright."

Best Exterior White Outdoor House Paints, Benjamin Moore Simply White, Gardenista

Above: NYC-based 2Michaels worked with midcentury antiques dealer Larry Weinberg in choosing Benjamin Moore Simply White for this outdoor room on Martha's Vineyard. Interior designer Kriste Michelini also recommends this shade.

Best Exterior White Outdoor House Paints, Dunn Edwards Crystal Haze, Gardenista

Above: LA-based DISC Interiors painted the exterior of this Loz Feliz home in Crystal Haze from Dunn-Edwards. This shade has the deepest tan inflection of the paints recommended here. 

Best Exterior White Outdoor House Paints, Farrow and Ball All White, Gardenista

Above: SF Bay Area designer Nicole Hollis chose Farrow & Ball All White as her pick—the whitest white of our recommendations. In this image from Farrow & Ball, the door and metalwork are painted in Pitch Black.

Best Exterior White Outdoor House Paints, PPG Porter Paints Atrium White, Gardenista

Above: Nashville architect Marcus DiPietro chose PPG Porter Paints Atrium White for the exterior of this modern, Japanese-influenced home in Oak Hill, Tennessee. Next to Linen White (below), Atrium White is the second warmest of the bunch. 

Best Exterior White Outdoor House Paints, Gardenista

Above: NYC-based Steven Harris Architects painted this Upper West Side townhouse in Benjamin Moore's Cloud White. Photograph by Elizabeth Felicella

Best Exterior White Outdoor House Paints, Benjamin Moore Linen White, Gardenista

Above: SF Bay Area-based landscape architecture firm Pedersen Associates admires Benjamin Moore's Linen White, shown here on a house in Mill Valley. Says principal Pete Pedersen, "Here in Northern California, the quality of light is such that you need to take a little off of the whites to keep from too much reflective glare." Linen White is the warmest of the 10 whites shown here. 

Looking for a shade of white to paint an indoor room? See 10 Easy Pieces: Architects' White Paint Picks.

Gardenista also consulted architects for their picks for exterior shades of gray and black. For more color ideas, visit all of Gardenista's posts on Palettes & Paints.

This is an update of a post originally published September 11, 2013.

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Garden Visit: Lady Cholmeley's Modern White Landscape in Lincolnshire

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The classic English white garden is a romantic, old-world affair. We are reluctant to leave it behind. Yet Ursula Cholmeley, on creating one of her own at Easton Walled Garden in Lincolnshire, has drawn on the cosmos for inspiration.

Her ambitious and decadent gardens thrive around a ruined house. They have only been revived since the beginning of this century, having collapsed with the demolition of the house in 1951. The stables, gatehouse, and a few remaining outbuildings offer a tantalizing hint of what the (originally Elizabethan) house had to offer. These buildings were only saved because the machine with the wrecking ball ran out of gas.

Photography by Jim Powell.

White Space Garden at Easton Walled Garden. Photo Jim Powell, Gardenista

Above: People weren't really "doing" grasses in Vita Sackville-West's time and the wavy presence of blue oat grass (Helictotrichon sempervirens) is an early indication that this White Space Garden is a far cry from Sissinghurst. Not strictly white, the sandy seedheads are nicely pale.

Modern white gardeners also like to add subtle color. Here, Rosa glauca lends a spiky, structural presence, its auburn leaves and stems adding depth. Dog rose-like pink petals will be a further rogue element.

White Space Garden at Easton Walled Garden. Photo Jim Powell, Gardenista

Above: Try as we may to get away from Vita's Sissinghurst, Easton Walled Garden in Lincolnshire does have some similarities. The ruined house in each is not the focus but the foil to the gardens.The thriving atmosphere of this happy place is due to the efforts of the younger Cholmeleys, Fred and Ursula.

White Space Garden at Easton Walled Garden. Photo Jim Powell, Gardenista

Above: Cerastium tomentosum ('Snow-in-summer') makes a swirl with dwarf box. It's a cosmic swirl; the White Space Garden explores ideas of the universe and our place within it.

White Space Garden at Easton Walled Garden. Photo Jim Powell, Gardenista

Above: Has this spreading, mat-forming alpine plant ever looked so good? Cushioned between box it is buoyed up. It makes me think of the Milky Way.

White Space Garden at Easton Walled Garden. Photo Jim Powell, Gardenista

Above: The ghostly 'Broken Arch' stands to attention at the back of the white garden at Easton. Originally it was part of the formal drive leading up to the house. 

Old photographs show a mansion modernized for Victorian leisure, with vast windows facing out over the descending garden. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt spent some of his honeymoon here and wrote that Easton Hall was "almost too good to be true." Perhaps he was right.

White Space Garden at Easton Walled Garden. Photo Jim Powell, Gardenista

Above: Geranium pratense 'Galactic' (get it?) and a closer look at the red-leafed rose.

White Space Garden at Easton Walled Garden. Photo Jim Powell, Gardenista

Above: A galaxy of snowballs on a rounded Viburnum opulus 'roseum'.

White Space Garden at Easton Walled Garden. Photo Jim Powell, Gardenista

Above: The silvery shrub Eleagnus angustifolia 'Quicksilver' forms a backdrop with the tall grasses. At the lower story the flowers are—pure white.

For more inspiration and tips to create a white garden, see:

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Trending on Remodelista: City Summer

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The Remodelista editors are celebrating urban living indoors and out this week, finding beauty in dying daylilies, gritty glamor in a new Seattle hotel, and an urban-rustic vibe in the Kitchen of the Week:

Palladian Hotel Seattle bathroom sinks ; Gardenista

Above: Vintage inspired mirrors and brass fixtures lend Gritty Glamor at the Palladian Hotel in Seattle.

Dying lilies in a vase ; Gardenista

Above: Of his dying lilies, London-based artist Mat Collishaw says, "I don't agree with the cosmetic look flowers have been given. For example, if you look around and see birthday cards with drops of dew on the petals—this image has killed them." See more of his work in House Call: Artist Mat Collishaw's Converted Pub

Nate Cotterman glassware dimple glasses ; Gardenista

Above: LA-based glassblower Nate Cotterman is on a mission to "challenge low-end mass production with innovative design and handmade quality." His Dimple Glasses (shown) are a first step. See more of his work in A Glass Act.

Urban rustic kitchen UK ; Gardenista

Above: An urban rustic design that brings a bit of the woodlands to the city is Julie's pick for Kitchen of the Week.

Deck patio poland white hydrangeas pots planters potting table ; Gardenista

Above: Hydrangeas are happy in a courtyard in Poland. For more of this garden, see The Furniture Designer's Retreat: A Converted Forge in Poland.

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Awards Submissions Due Monday! (Plus, an Insider Tip)

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If you haven't uploaded your entry to the 2015 Gardenista Considered Design Awards, there's still time—but you only have three more days to submit your project! Entries are due on Monday, June 22 by midnight Pacific Time.

Insider Tip:

So far, we've received only a handful of entries in the following three categories, which increases your chance of winning:

  1. Best Professional Landscape (Open to Professional Designers)
  2. Best Edible Garden (Open to Everyone)
  3. Best Small Garden (Open to Amateur Gardeners)

Here's a sneak preview of some of the entries we've received so far, followed by a full list of Gardenista categories. (And remember, you can see all contest entries as soon as they're submitted on the Gardenista Awards Page.)

Entries to the 2015 Gardenista Considered Design Awards | Gardenista

Gardenista Awards Categories

  • Best Garden/Amateur: Best overall outdoor garden designed by an amateur gardener.
  • Best Small Garden/Open to All: Houseplants, indoor gardens, window boxes, fire escape gardens, container gardens, vertical gardens, etc. open to both professionals and amateurs. 
  • Best Edible Garden/Open to All: Kitchen gardens, vegetable patches, raised beds, outdoor herb gardens, etc. open to both professionals and amateurs.
  • Best Hardscape Project/Open to All: Stairways, decks and patios, driveways, pathways, fences, swimming pools, garden gates, trellises, etc. open to both professionals and amateurs.
  • Best Outdoor Living Space/Open to All: Outdoor sitting rooms and lounge spaces, outdoor kitchens, outdoor dining rooms, outdoor showers and baths, etc. open to both professionals and amateurs.
  • Best Professional Landscape: Best overall outdoor garden or landscape designed by a professional.

Prize

Every winner will receive a $200 gift card from prize sponsor Terrain, and every winning project will be profiled with a full post on Gardenista. Winners will be announced on August 8.

Interiors Enthusiasts and Designers

The Remodelista Considered Design Awards has six categories this year, with separate contests for amateur designers and professional work. Head to Remodelista for details. 

How to Enter

Our contest is open to everyone living in the US, UK, and Canada (except Québec), and there is no entry fee. Submit up to six photos of your space along with a descriptive caption for each photo and a design statement explaining your overall project. You can submit one project in each category for which you qualify. All projects will be published live on our Awards Hub Page within minutes of submitting.

See our Official Rules and FAQ for more information, and Enter the Contest here.

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Current Obsessions: Bound for the Outdoors

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Here's a look at our recent obsessions:

2015 Gardenista Considered Design Awards Submission, Brooklyn Terrace

 

Kaufmann Mercantile Tree Swing | Gardenista

Abandoned Village in China, Photograph by Jane Qing | Gardenista

  • Above: Photograph Jane Qing captured an abandoned Chinese city, taken over by the surrounding landscape. Photograph courtesy of Arch Daily. 
  • Blueberries grown in pots? It's possible. 

Leaf Typography | Gardenista

Instagram and Pinterest Pick of the Week

Gardenista Instagram Pick of the Week: @bloominggayles_marin

Gardenista Pinterest Pick of the Week: Marie Viljoen

  • Above: For dinnertime inspiration, follow Gardenista contributor and blogger at 66 Square Feet Marie Viljoen's Wild Foods board. 

Read more Gardenista in our White Gardens issue and head to Remodelista to posts dedicated to City Summer. 

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Table of Contents: Vacation House

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Roses on the arbor. Strawberries in the garden. Live like you have a summer house (without going anywhere). This week we've got tips for how to make staying home feel like a vacation:

Table of Contents: Vacation House; Gardenista

Above: Justine spends the summer on Cape Cod in a cottage built in 1807. Tour it at The Soulful Side of Cape Cod: Justine's Family Cottage on Remodelista.

Monday

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Above: The ultimate escape? Michelle takes us dockside, to tour a summery Swedish captain's villa and boathouse in this week's Garden Visit. Seashell front walk included.

Tuesday

10 Easy Pieces: Outdoor Dining | Gardenista  

Above: Erin is picnicking in the park every chance she gets; she rounds up her favorite outdoor dining essentials in this week's 10 Easy Pieces.

garden-ideas-south-africa-outdoor-dining-marie-viljoen-gardenista

Above: Marie goes home to South Africa to visit her mother's garden and comes back with 10 secrets to share in this week's Garden Ideas to Steal post.

Wednesday

Adirondack chairs on a dock at a lake ; Gardenista

Above: Megan reveals everything you ever wanted to know about how to choose an Adirondack chair (and the evolution of its summery style) in this week's Outdoor Furniture post.

Thursday

Seashell Path, Hollander Landscape, Gardenista

Above: Seashell paths and driveways crunch underfoot satisfyingly. Find out everything you need to know about this versatile paving material in this week's Hardscaping 101 post.

Gotland summer house garden Scandinavia ; Gardenista

Above: We visit an idyllic summer house in Gotland for a dose of midsummer magic in this week's Summer House Visit.

Friday

Renishaw Hall, Derbyshire. Kendra Wilson for Gardenista

Above: Renishaw Hall, follies included, is a very special country house in Derbyshire, England. Kendra tromps through the grand landscape and discovers tips and tricks to use at home in this week's Landscaping post.

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From Sweden with Love: A Romantic Captain's Seaside Villa

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Real estate moment: We recently spotted for sale a renovated white clapboard captain's villa and boathouse on the harbor in Fjällbacka, a remote resort town on the western edge of Sweden known for its fishing and its pull on Ingrid Bergman's heart (she summered on a nearby island just off the coast).

The details: The compound consists of a main house, a boathouse (with total living space that includes 10 bedrooms and 2,700 square feet), a private jetty, a sauna, and possibly the most charming seashell front gate we've seen. 

Asking price: Nearly $3.1 million. (You knew there had to be a catch.)

Our budget allows us to enjoy the views vicariously. Let's take a look around:

Photography via Anna Ski.

Swedish boathouse fence and gate ; Gardenista

Above: Built in 1924, the complex recently underwent a complete remodel, getting a new facade and windows, a new roof and gutters, a sauna, and new patios and fencing. 

Once owned by former Volvo chairman Håkan Frisinger, the house is landmark in Fjällbacka, where it sits on a prime waterfront lot.

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Above: The front gate is decorated with seashells collected locally.

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Above: A covered front porch has stained glass windows and a double entryway door.

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Above: Indoors, a wall of full-height window open onto the dock to connect the living and dining rooms to the outdoor space.

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Above: From the water, a view of the red-roofed house and its adjacent red-stained boathouse.

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Above: The boathouse's private dock ; swimming and watching seagulls are two popular local pastimes.

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Above: The boathouse has a kitchen, bathroom, and three bedrooms.

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Above: Built-in seating is sited to take advantage of the sunset.

seaside-garden-swedish-boathouse-gardenista

Above: Inside the boathouse, a large seating area is also suitable for dining.

seaside-garden-swedish-boathouse-gardenista

Above: A sauna on the ground floor of the main house is adjacent to both the dock and a hot tub.

seaside-garden-swedish-boathouse-gardenista

Above: In the kitchen is made-to-order cabinetry from family-owned woodworkers Lidhults, appliances from Aga and Gaggenau, concrete countertops, a Corian-topped center island, and an apron front farmhouse sink.

seaside-garden-swedish-boathouse-gardenista

Above: During the recent remodel, a custom fireplace was added to the main floor of the house.

seaside-garden-swedish-boathouse-gardenista

Above: Watery green tile and whitewashed shiplap cover the walls in a bathroom in the main house.

seaside-garden-swedish-boathouse-gardenista

Above: Green paint in an upstairs bedroom echoes the watery color of the bathroom tile.

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Above: Bedroom windows over the harbor, sea, and an archipelago of nearby islands.

seaside-garden-swedish-boathouse-gardenista

Above: The house fronts the town's main waterside street.

For more Scandi summer style, see:

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10 for 10: Best Garden Picks on Etsy's Tenth Anniversary

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When three college friends created online crafts marketplace Etsy in 2005, their inspiration was Grandma's clutter. "When I was a kid, one compensation for visiting my grandmother in Buffalo after an eight-hour trip was that I got to root around in her basement,” said co-founder Rob Kalin.

A decade later, the site is so big that it would be impossible to root through everything on your own. A search for "garden tools," for instance, turns up 45,939 results. There are 65,238 planters for sale. And 11,057 garden books. 

In honor of Etsy's 10th anniversary this month, we've cut through the clutter for you. From some of our favorite Etsy makers and craftspeople, here are our top 10 Etsy picks for gardeners:

Etsy heirloom seeds ; Gardenista

Above: Avid gardener Chandra Hartman "wanted to satisfy her itch to grow things, but had very little land. Knowledgeable of urban permaculture, she went about turning her small space into a mini growing area by focusing on the tiny and humble seed." A collection of 10 Packets Of Organic Heirloom Seeds includes such varieties as Black Valentine Beans, Clemson Spineless Okra, and White Scallop Summer Squash; $27 from Moonlight Micro Farm.

Etsy white pot planter houseplant ; Gardenista

Above: Made to order, a porcelain Graphyne Planter in a matte finish has a glossy interior and comes with a hexagonal drainage tray.  "Cutaway shapes play with shadows updating the conventional drainage tray to become the design focus,"says Brooklyn-based designer Farrah Sit; $300 from Light and Ladder.

Klein canvas garden tool bag ; Gardenista

Above: A canvas Klein Tools Zipper Bag is 13.99 from In the Hands of Professionals. For more Etsy-inspired storage, see 10 Easy Pieces: Etsy's Best Canvas Carry-Alls.

Etsy bentwood hanging planter ; Gardenista

Above: A Handmade Bentwood Hanging Planter has a shelf for a plant and is $65 from Ethanollie.

The English Garden William Robinson ; Gardenista

Above: "Before Gertrude Jekyll, there was William Robinson, a Victorian iconoclast who invented the idea of the 'wild garden,' " Kendra tells us. A hardcover copy of William Robinson's classic The English Garden with a dust jacket is $26 from Forsythia Hill. And for more of William Robinson's work, see The Ultimate UK Getaway: 1 Hour from London and a World Away, at Gravetye Manor.

Waxed canvas half apron-gardenista

Above: Above: The Volcano Store's Waxed Duck Canvas Half Apron ($42) is a favorite of Justine, who calls it "an efficient and elegant way to carry your tools as you work."

Etsy curtains Gardenista

Above: Artist Liane Tyrrell used plant-based dyes to make a pair of hand-stitched Hand Dyed Cotton Curtains ($65). For more about her Enhabiten shop, see DIY: Black Walnut Tie-Dye Napkins.

Etsy crocheted plant pouch ; Gardenista

Above: Made of jute twine, a Crocheted Plant Pouch from Australia-based design shop My Very Own Goggles is $32. For more about My Very Own Goggles, see Etsy Find: Hanging White Cloud Planters.

Handmade trowel and cultivator tool set ; Gardenista

Above: Made in the US, a handmade trowel and cultivator Garden Tool Set from Ashfield Tools in Massachusetts has birch handles ; $90.

Vintage gardening books Etsy ; Gardenista

Above: We're inveterate collectors of vintage gardening books. A collection of 5 Vintage Garden Books is $30 from The Vintage Decorator.

For more from our favorite Etsy shops, see:

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11 Garden Ideas to Steal from South Africa

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South Africans love the outdoors and are as at home out as they they are in. Inspired by gardens from the suburbs and farmlands around Cape Town, we've rounded up 11 garden ideas to steal to refresh your personal botanical hideaway:

Photography by Marie Viljoen.

See-Through Security

garden-ideas-south-africa-outdoor-dining-marie-viljoen-gardenista

Above: South Africans are security conscious. Transparent steel screens are safer than solid walls because they do not obstruct sightlines, but do provide a deterring barrier between the street and the home. And they can double as trellises. Here, in a suburb of Cape Town, a raised bed below the screen's brick footing allows good soil to be contained above street level for rose bushes and a spring planting of screen-climbing annual sweet peas.

Feline Friendly

garden-ideas-south-africa-outdoor-dining-marie-viljoen-gardenista

Above: Garden with friends. Grow organically so that your furry companions can eat grass with pleasure and indulge in worry-free catnip. And always keep a litter box indoors, cleaned daily and well-stocked with fresh litter in order to discourage the feline from using the vegetable beds as his local loo. 

For more ideas for organic gardening, see Dirty Secrets: 10 Ways to Improve Garden Soil.

Shady Discovery

south africa garden shade path hydrangeas marie viljoen ; Gardenista

Above: Underplant trees with shade-loving shrubs and perennials, and make a walkway in an unused space. Here, at the Relais & Chateau Cellars Hohenhort, lush plectranthus and mophead hydrangeas flank a narrow mulched path, creating a sense of exploration and discovery in an otherwise forgotten and negative part of a garden.

Invite The Neighbors

South Africa garden bird Marie Viljoen ; Gardenista

Above: Birds bring enchantment to a garden. Lure nectar-loving birds with the plants that delight them. At Kirstenbosch National Botanic Garden, this lesser double collared sunbird sips from native agapanthus.  Read up on indigenous plants for your region to discover what your local birds love (in New York City hummingbirds are partial to jewelweed), then wait for the feathery party to begin.

Pack Away the Mums

South Africa garden plectranthus Marie Viljoen ; Gardenista

Above: Think ahead for fall planting. There really are alternatives to mums. South African plectranthus has spread its wings and has flown to the rest of horticultural world, performing in most climates as an annual. Plant it now for a gorgeous late season show in semi- and full shade. 

Beat the Heat

garden-ideas-south-africa-outdoor-dining-marie-viljoen-gardenista

Above: Gardens are for living. Shake off your shoes and set up a table in the shade. Perfume the table water with garden herbs and bring the flowers, too. Your friends won't want to leave. We assume that is a good thing. 

Water, Water, Everywhere

garden-ideas-south-africa-birds-marie-viljoen-gardenista

Above: Better even than feeding birds is providing fresh water. Would you want to drink out of a city sidewalk puddle? If you have space for a small circulating fountain like this one where these cute swee waxbills are cavorting, all the better. But even an abandoned terra cotta saucer can double as a birdbath. Be sure to wash birdbaths weekly and refresh them daily. 

For more ideas for adding a water feature, see Ultimate Luxury: 10 Favorite Fountains and Water Features.

Succulents Story

garden-ideas-south-africa-pots-succulents-marie-viljoen-gardenista

Above: Instead of planting one high impact succulent pot, plant six. The range of texture, form, and color in succulants is vast. Pair sharp with smooth, round with long, drape-y with stiffly upright, glaucus with lime. Sync up all of them in a series of same-size pots. And when you come from a week on the road they will still be there, smiling. Happy to see you.

Wondering which succulents to plant? See 10 Easy Pieces: Best Succulents.

Fragrant Foliage

garden-ideas-south-africa-outdoor-dining-marie-viljoen-gardenista-furryfriends.jpg

Above: In a Cape Town suburb indigenous coleonema (confetti bush) and Artemisia afra—fragrant and generally unruly shrubs—are kept clipped in a formal border. The shearing tightens their loose structure, emphasizes the fine grain of their leaves, and releases a cloud of scent during the process. Every region has local plants that can be used in new ways. Study your local flora and choose unusual plants to use in old ways. 

Practical Beauty

South Africa woven plant support stands Marie Viljoen ; Gardenista

Above: At Babylonstoren near Paarl, vine clippings are woven into baskets that help to force the stems of rhubarb. Limiting the light allows rhubarb stems to grow taller and to stay paler (and to taste less bitter). After the plants die back, the baskets are objects in their own right, lending rustic structure to the kitchen gardens. 

For more of this garden, see Babylonstoren Greenhouse: An Idyllic Garden.

Society Garlic

garden-ideas-south-africa-outdoor-dining-marie-viljoen-gardenista-furryfriends.jpg

Above: Native to South Africa, society garlic (Tulbaghia violacea) is a worthy addition to the herb garden and is not that genteel. It is very pungent and makes an excellent substitute for the culinary garlic we all know. Use the leaves and flowers in salads and pestos (eating the tubers will announce your presence a day before your arrive). The pretty flowers bloom even under duress; this is a waterwise plant and is beautiful planted en masse.

For more landscaping ideas from South Africa, see:

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10 Easy Pieces: Outdoor Dining Essentials

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I'd argue that the only essentials needed for outdoor dining are fresh air and something delicious to munch on. But if you’re in the mood to elevate your outdoor dining experience, here are 10 ideas for adding creature comforts to picnics and dinners under summer stars.

10 Easy Pieces: Outdoor Dining | Gardenista

Above: A canvas painter's dropcloth can become a humble tablecloth in a pinch, but if you're after a little color, I like the punch that a classic red tablecloth packs on a summer table. A subtle Red Seersucker Tablecloth from Fog Linen comes in three sizes, starting at $64. Accompanying Square Cocktail Napkins are $9 each.

Stainless Steel tablecloth clips ; Gardenista

Above: Stainless Steel Tablecloth Clips are one product that has thankfully avoided much in the way of improvement or embellishment over the years. A classic set of 6 clips is $8.45 from Amazon.

10 Easy Pieces: Outdoor Dining

Above: When it comes to drinks, I say trust your guests to drink from glass on the patio, but help out the host with a set of glassware that's easy to carry. Durable Stackable Glasses from Schoolhouse Electric would be as good for glasses of milk as for rosé. (And if you're really into multifunctional dining items, it doesn't take much imagination to see these as adorable candle holders, too.) A glass is $6.

10 Easy Pieces: Outdoor Dining | Gardenista

Above: A stack of shatterproof wooden plates is useful for outdoor dining. The 6-inch Tondo Plates from Crate & Barrel are made from responsibly harvested acacia wood; $4.95 each. If you're looking for something manufactured domestically, Vermont Bowl makes Wooden Plates from Yellow Birch, Cherry, and Black Walnut, starting at $25 each.

  flatware-outdoor-entertaining-gardenista

Above: If your flatware is built for durability indoors or out, you only need one set. Pop your flatware into a glass jar for easy transport to the garden (and self-serve table settings). A set of stainless steel and nylon Fantasia Flatware in Tobacco (also available in Black, China White, Red, Cobalt, Sunflower, and Turtle Dove), made in Italy by family-owned Mepra, is $75 from March.

10 Easy Pieces: Outdoor Dining | Gardenista

Above: Endlessly useful, a tall, straight-sided glass Weck Canning Jar can serve as vessel for stainless steel utensils (see Above) and as shelter for tea lights (see Below). If you're taking your picnic on the road, a large jar can even hold your dinner. A six-pack of 3/4 liter jars is $27.90 from Kaufmann Mercantile.  

10 Easy Pieces: Outdoor Dining | Gardenista

Above: I try to keep a boxful of simple beeswax tea lights on hand for indoor and outdoor dining. No fancy candleholder required: a glass jar will do the trick to reflect the light and protect the flame from the elements. A set of 6 Handmade Beeswax Tea Lights is $11.95 from Kaufmann Mercantile.

Outdoor lantern candle holder Eva Solo glass ; Gardenista

Above: A Smokey Grey Glass Lantern from Danish designer Eva Solo hangs from a sturdy metal wire and holds a tea light. It comes in two heights—20 and 25 centimeters—and is available at prices ranging from €49.90 to €59.90 depending on size.

Domed food cover ; Gardenista

Above: Keep flies off food with a fine mesh Stainless Steel Domed Food Cover; £6.36 from Divertimenti.

10 Easy Pieces: Outdoor Dining | Gardenista

Above: More pest prevention in the form of a Hammered Glass Citronella Candle; $48 from Terrain. If you have time on your hands and an empty glass bowl, you also can make a DIY version. See DIY: Scented Candles to Repel Insects, Not Humans for inspiration.

10 Easy Pieces: Outdoor Dining | Gardenista

Above: Too much sun can drive diners indoors; encourage them to linger by hanging a canvas sail cloth overhead. If you’re not up for a DIY-version, Ikea sells both Rectangular and Wedge-Shaped Dining Canopies for $24.95 (available in Ikea stores only). According to the manufacturer’s website, the canopy has an Ultraviolet Protection Factor of 25-plus, meaning that it blocks 96 percent of the sun's ultraviolet radiation. 

Scaling up your outdoor dining experience? See:

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DIY: Razor Clam Pendant Light

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One sure sign of summer in my family: Aunt Sheila coming in from the flats carrying a bag full of razor-clam shells. These she employs to add texture throughout her house, most famously on a living-room shelf (seen here and in Remodelista: A Manual for the Considered Home).

I suppose it was inevitable, then, that the rest of the family would get into the game. Recently, I decided to try my hand at making a pendant lamp with a razor-clam shade, inspired by the porcelain sculptures I spotted at Parma Lilac. The next time Sheila headed to the beach, I tagged along.

Read on for a list of materials and step-by-step instructions:

Photography by Justine Hand for Gardenista.

gathering razor clams for pendant light, Gardenista

Above: First, go to the beach and collect many razor clams. Here, Uncle Mon holds a day's haul. This is about as many as you'll need.

To avoid confusion, let me clarify: On the East Coast, what we call razor clams (because their elongated shape resembles that of an old-fashioned razor) are actually Atlantic jackknife clams, Ensis directus. These are to be distinguished from Pacific razor clams, which are more oval in form. Atlantic jackknife clams are found all along the East Coast. Or you can buy the clams fresh, cook a nice meal and save the shells.

Materials

bleaching razor clams in the sun, gardensita

Above: If the shells you find are already bleached by the sun, great. More than likely, though, they'll need some help. Luckily, all this requires is time. I laid out mine for a couple weeks on my sunny deck until the brown bits had dried up enough to be easily scraped off, leaving pristine white shells. If you don't want to wait, use bleach and a scrubbing brush.

making a razor clam lamp, supplies, gardenista

Above: Supplies: drill, scrap board, wire, clams.

drilling hole in shell, gardenista

Above: You'll need a diamond-point bit to drill through the thick shells without shattering them. I bought a Dremel 7134 Diamond Wheel Point ($5.03 at Ace Hardware). Get two, in case one wears out.

I set my drill at Level 3, then placed the bit about 1/4 inch from the end of the shell. I didn't bother to measure, because I wanted a random look.

drilled razor clams, Gardenista

Above: Make sure your shells are all facing the same way when you make the holes so that the finished lamp will lie right. Drilling all the holes took no more than 10 minutes.

threading wire, Gardenista

Above: Cut a 2-foot section of wire and thread it through the holes one shell at a time, making sure they're all facing the same direction.

threading the razor clam shells, by Justine Hand, Gardenista

Above: A few shells done; many more to go.

strung razor clam shells, by Justine hand, Gardenista

Above: I strung two sets to make a double-layered pendant. You can also make a single layer.

Hammer and Heel light, Gardenista

Above: Though any old fixture will do, I chose a vintage-style bare bulb pendant with a cloth cord from Etsy seller Hammers and Heels. You could also choose a Cage Pendant Lamp ($40) for this project. 

finished razor clam lamp by Justine Hand for Gardenista

Above: Spread the shells along the wires so they're evenly spaced. Wrap the first layer around the light and twist the ends of the wire to secure them. Fasten the second layer so it sits slightly higher than the first. Trim the wire ends and hang near an outlet.

razor clam pendant by Justine Hand for Gardenista

Above: My finished lamp emits a soft glow.

finished razor clam light Justine Hand, Gardenista

Above: Fittingly, I gave my first razor clam lamp to Aunt Sheila. Here it perfectly complements the shiplap siding in her guest room.

razor clam lamp shade detail by Justine Hand, Gardenista

Above: A detail of the textured clam shells.

Want more ways to turn foraged beach finds into home decor? See my DIYs on How to Turn Flotsam and Jetsam Into Wall Art and Pressed Seaweed Prints. Over at Remodelista, Julie shares her favorite ways to use Beach Stones as Decor.

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Landscapes of Cornwall: The Real-Life Inspiration for PBS Series Poldark

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Peaceful, unchanged and hidden, the gardens of Trerice are tucked away in a quiet valley three miles from Newquay, a beach town in Cornwall, England. Built in 1571, the great estate with its decorative Dutch gables is the inspiration for Trenwith House, featured in 12 books by author Winston Graham made into the PBS television series Poldark, which airs this week.

Photography via National Trust, except where noted.

Trerice, Cornwall, Poldark

Above: The back of the house at Trerice (pronounced Tre-rice) is more akin to a collection of farm cottages than the rear of a grand house. The stone yard features a lawn and turret with climbing vines.

Ross Poldark and Demelza, Poldark

Above: Photograph by Robert Viglasky/Mammoth Screen for Masterpiece.

No stranger to the wild Cornish moors, Ross Poldark is the main character of this swashbuckling romance which features epic coastal scenery. Poldark returns from the war to find his sweetheart engaged to his cousin. He then decides to resurrect his father's coastal mine, and the show follows his fortunes.  

Trerice, Cornwall, Poldark

Above: The imposing front gates are softened by the moss-covered untidiness of the stone wall. Trerice is typical of the manor houses of the rich mine owners in Cornwall. The house and gardens offer a secluded and welcome retreat from everyday life.

Trerice, black and white

Above: The front of the house wasn't always as open and friendly as it is today (in this early photo, a game of Kayling—Cornish bowling— is set up on the gravel pathway). When Winston Graham took inspiration from Trerice in the 1940s and '50s, it was a daunting and dark manor house with huge evergreen trees in front.

kitchen garden

Above: Photograph by Aaron Elkiss.

Today the kitchen garden is small but has an Elizabethan feel to it. Hurdle fencing is joined by open beds and wooden raised beds while a small well provides water.

robin

Above: A friendly robin outside the Barn restaurant. Trerice remains little changed thanks to long periods under absentee owners; the orchard is a particularly tranquil area much frequented by the local wildlife.

yew, raised long border

Above: There are still some yews flanking the main gates, and access to a raised walkway with long borders is via lichen-covered stone steps.

kitchen garden, bench

Above: There is an upper terrace to the front of the house. This is thought to be the site of a bowling green created in Tudor times. It is overlooked by a mound, perhaps a viewing mound.

coldframe

Above: A cold-frame in the yard houses plants for the regular plant sales held at Trerice. Photograph by Esther Westerveld.

A survey commissioned by the National Trust (the custodians of Trerice revealed a mid-18th century landscape park containing walks, pleasure houses, dammed lakes, islands, and stepping stones in a nearby field.

elizabethan knot garden

Above: A new knot garden was recently planted with 800 yew trees to create this 30-by-30-meter garden. Traditionally, knot gardens were created by training and trimming box hedging but since box blight is so prevalent in England, yew has been used here instead.

Swiss Chard

Above: Swiss chard grows in open beds in the Elizabethan kitchen garden.

peg, daisies

Above: Visitors can get their own slice of Poldark-inspired scenery as Trerice is open from February through October via the National Trust. For hours and information, see National Trust.

For more of our favorite cinematic British gardens, see:

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DIY Climbing Roses: From Trellis to Vase on Cape Cod

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When my husband and I lived in Manhattan we'd often question, as we beat our way through endless traffic on the Merrit, why we bothered to make the four- or more frequently seven-hour trip to Cape Cod. Finally arriving some time after dark, we'd open the car doors to be greeted by an intoxicating wave of sea air mixed with honeysuckle and roses. There and then, before we even caught a glimpse of the sun dancing on the water, the stress of city life melted away, and in less than a New York minute the trip all became worth it.

Today, even though our journey from Boston is a good deal shorter, the pure magic of that cocktail of beach cottage aromas never wanes. This time of year, when the New Dawn roses that climb the porch are at their finest, I like to harvest them along with honeysuckle and grapevines. I created an homage to Cape Cod for the inside of the house, so the salubrious fragrance follows me wherever I go.

See below for step-by-step instructions for a DIY arrangement with climbing roses.

Photography by Justine Hand for Gardenista.

New dawn bouquet, Salt Timber Cottage covered in roses, by Justine Hand for Gardenista

Above: My rose-covered cottage in June, when blooming New Dawn roses and honeysuckle frame the porch door.

New Dawn Rose Bouquet, rose detail, by Justine Hand for Gardenista

Above: A rugged Cape Codder: though most rose are finicky about Cape Cod's sandy soil and salty air, this hearty climber seems to love the less-than-ideal growing conditions here. (For more, see 10 Easy Pieces: Perennials for the Seaside Garden.) Organically grown New Dawn Roses are available at Stargazer Perennials; $19.

New Dawn Bouquet, honeysuckle, by Justine Hand for Gardenista

Above: For me, the sweet smell of honeysuckle is synonymous with the Cape. Even though it's an invasive species, I can't bare to remove the four plants that wind their way up the trellises of our porch. In my defense, I will note that this honeysuckle has been here since the 1960s, so was not planted by me. In fact, you can't get Japanese honeysuckle in nurseries any more. When one died, I replaced it with a non-invasive alternative: Lonicera X Heckrottii Gold Flame, which is a similarly fragrant, climbing honeysuckle and available at White Flower Farm; $24.95.

New Dawn Rose bouquet, roses with honeysuckle, by Justine Hand for Gardenista

Above: The inspiration for my bouquet is the way New Dawn roses and honeysuckle intertwine above the door of my cottage.

New Dawn Rose Bouquet, grape vines, by Justine Hand for Gardenista

Above: Another feature of a Cape Cod landscape: grapes often grow wild by the shore. Here an unknown cultivar grows on the arbor near my children's play house.

New Dawn Rose Bouquet, supplies, by Justine Hand for Gardenista

Above: For the DIY arrangement, I cut long stems of each of the roses, honeysuckle, and grapevines. (Thick gloves are highly recommended when handling roses.) For a vase, I picked my grandmother's old pitcher. An "ole Cape Codder," my grandmother is responsible for instilling in me a love of flowers. I also employed her vintage frog useful for anchoring the long heavy stems of this sizable bouquet.

Shopping for an old-fashioned flower frog? See our favorites at Vintage-Style Flower Frogs.

New Dawn Rose Bouquet, cutting grape stem, by Justine Hand for Gardenista

Above: I absolutely love the expressive form of grapes, with their leggy stems, broad leaves, and grasping tendrils. Sometimes I will simply place a single cutting in a long vase. But after they're cut, grapes tend to wilt rather quickly. To prolong their shelf life, I either use a knife to make a long diagonal slice to expose the center of the stem, or I smash them with a hammer.

For more tips on smashing stems to prolong the life of cut flowers, see DIY: Hydrangeas Gone Wild.

Step-by-Step Instructions

New Dawn Rose Bouquet, base of grape leaves, by Justine Hand for Gardenista

Step 1: Make a base with the long grapes. I like to use one stem that brushes the table on one side, by a bushier sample placed a bit higher on the opposite side.

New Dawn Rose Bouquet, cutting rose stems, by Justine Hand for Gardenista

Above: While wearing gloves, prep your rose stems in the same manner as the grapes, with a long cut. I also like to remove the thorns because they catch on other stems, which can disrupt the whole arrangement if you attempt to move them.

New Dawn Rose Bouquet, adding roses, by Justine Hand for Gardenista

Step 2: Focusing on the center of the composition, place an abundant grouping of roses. But you also don't want to lose informality of the New Dawn, so don't pack them too tight.

New Dawn Rose Bouquet, detail right, by Justine Hand for Gardenista

Step 3: Finish off your bouquet with a few strategically placed pieces of honeysuckle. Structurally, these demure flowers add a sense of height and airiness to the arrangement. Their bits of yellow also complement the sunny center of the roses. Not to mention (again) that smell.

New Dawn Rose Bouquet with grape leaves and honeysuckle by Justine Hand for Gardenista

Above: That's it. My finished bouquet has an abundant but wild aspect that captures the rugged beauty of the Cape.

New Dawn Rose Bouquet, detail roses, by Justine Hand for Gardenista

Above: A detail of the bouquet shows that expressive power can be achieved with a very simple palette.

New Dawn Rose Bouquet, detail left, by Justine Hand for Gardenista

Above: In this detail of the lower part of the arrangement, you may note that I didn't try to tame the drooping forms of the grapes and roses, but rather let them inform the structure of the bouquet.

New Dawn Rose Bouquet, finished, by Justine Hand for Gardenista

Above: Now my cottage smells as sweet inside as it does out.

N. B. Take a walk on the wild side with these other foraged arrangements:

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