#yards Archives - Northern California Style

Hello, today a quick post about yards and gardens..I hope you all are enjoying spring. I’ve got gardens and outdoor spaces on the brain and I thought I’d share a few things that dropped on my radar the past week or so. Maybe you’re thinking that way too as we edge closer to summer? A few photos of the yard from last year…I have so many plants to still work on after replacing the back fence two years ago.

Yards and plants were something that has always been a big thing in my family. I grew up in a small tract house in San Jose, and my parents always took a lot of pride in the outdoor spaces making them beautiful. In 1972 my dad scraped together $5,000 to put in a big kidney shaped pool that he surrounded with cool plants and a meandering green yard of walled ivy. My mom would repaint and freshen up our wood chaise lounges each summer and dad would make sure to have her favorite impatiens and roses looking beautiful. My parents absolutely used the yard as an extension of the house and most weekends we were outdoors all day. So you see I naturally have an excitement that comes with the springtime and also a bit of anxiety about getting my yard pretty and tended to in time! I always want an inviting spot outdoors. Every year I have plant goals – to get more in, and furniture pieces I want to add..and others that need to go and are looking a bit worn.

As a Californian, it’s a given that we have and use our outside spaces as part of our homes. Nor more so than the past year as we were all grounded with the pandemic. As people are weary of being inside, the garden has sparked a lot of interest for those who previously had no interest and thought they had no skill. Many have also extended their spaces outside, as we did with our front patio.. We also have three neighbors who did the same! We could not have been more grateful to have done those things with the four of us being mostly home the past year. This was back when we first put the front patio in..

And now you can see the plants have taken off..

Many people have now created spaces for flowers and gardens where they previously had none. Some have found the ease of vegetable gardening- even from patio containers. It’s rewarding and also calming to garden! I also believe it’s good for your health. Gardeners seem to live long lives! I have another post with some gardening tips I have learned from my dad coming soon. I also know there is more inspiration on this wildly popular BBC series, Gardener’s World. Some is available free on Amazon with Prime. Newer seasons you need the BritBox which is $6.99 through Amazon I think. ( I can just see my husband complaining about yet another subscription, but so much to enjoy here.) I want to watch all of these episodes..

As it’s spring there is a whole lot of cool garden inspired items lately..

Target has a great collection for gardeners by Smith & Hawkins. I finally got myself a pair of proper garden boots..I like the low boots and pretty lining for mucking about and watering.

I also bought these great garden gloves– and I like the kneeler which I should have gotten.

Of course with the florals in mind, I LOVE these hand block-printed garden cushions at Terrain. They are meant to scatter about on benches or wherever. They aren’t sun resistant, so you need to have them in covered spaces or bring in when not in use as they are pricier, but have that vintage English garden feel. Gorgeous prints!

Also lovely are these Perennials (sun resistant) Rosemont Pillow from Serena & Lily which come in three colors!

And these Serena Perennials Palm Pillows which come in four colors.I think it’s not easy to find sun resistant pillows in lighter tones. They tend to be pretty bright.

Serena & Lily has new patio chairs and I love the shape. They come in white and natural. Great look with the small table. I’d like to have this little set for my front patio. The blue West Beach Pillow Cover on the chair is also outdoor friendly…Even the wall sconces match here! My white couch and chair on the top picture are S&L Pacifica.

I love, love, love wicker and rattan in any form. My husband likes to taunt me and say ‘wicker makes him sicker.’ MEN! I also just got the Rattan book and it’s 100/ 10..Great inspiration and historical photos. Plus the dust jacket has a rattan bit that will look fabulous on your coffee table.

If you’re into more colorful pillows these Vera for Anthropologie are cute..

The whole Vera line at Anthropologie is retro cool from outdoor tableware to dresses and handbags..Check it out here.

I’ve also ordered a few garden books. There are so many good one out now to inspire.. Under Western Skies is out in May and it looks wonderful with different new landscapes and yards that mix modern and traditionally pretty. There’s something for everyone in this book..

I love The Flower Yard for the smaller spaces and those who want gorgeous containers…

Arthur also has a beautiful Instagram to follow…

This book also is a good primer for those most interested in a kitchen garden.

If you are looking for living outdoor space inspiration, The Art of Outdoor Living by Scott Shrader is the absolute best. So many gorgeous spaces…

His garden spaces feel like real rooms. Mirrors are a wonderful outdoor addition…Love the walls!

Don’t be afraid to drag indoor furniture outside when you entertain. Do you ever do that? We like to bring out throws, poufs and pillows from the indoors out with us. I even have a vintage marble table as my outdoor coffee table. It’s been awesome. I just cover the wood parts with a tarp during the winter months. Bring the indoor pieces out and do what you can to create the feeling of real rooms outside!

One night where we dragged indoor chairs and blankets out..A bit messy, but you get the feeling.

I also ordered this California book..Lush Life, Food & Drinks from the Garden. I read about Valerie in Santa Barbara Magazine. She also has an Instagram EatDrinkGarden. It looks perfect for summer entertaining. Let’s think positive there will be more gatherings for us all this year!

I hope this was a little motivating for your spring yard and gardens. I know this weekend we will be working in the yard more and also helping my oldest Jackson move to his first solo apartment! It’s a big deal and he’s very excited. I am happy for him after finishing college and working a job from his bedroom for the past year. I am also slightly sad we are one step closer to being empty nesters. The years sure flew by fast.

Happy weekend !

Kim