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
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Your garden space is so beautiful. We don’t make much use of our outdoor space I summer as it gets too hot and the mosquitoes are awful. However, this year I seem to have got the gardening bug as I’ve been reporting and planting and trying to make things look nice. It’s a mess right now but I hope I will share some photos once I’ve cleaned it up and moved the plants I’ve left all over the place to their allocated spots.
HI Loree, Thanks so much! I know mosquitoes can be an issue. I hope you share your photos of your space ! Love to see a yard in Malta! xo
Such a great post Kim and thank you, … I need all the inspiration I can get!
My mum was an amazing gardener, who really loved her garden and was never happier than when she was working in it! I remember thinking her love and enthusiasm, had maybe skipped a generation! I wasn’t sure that I’d inherited it. Especially once we had children and started travelling during the Summer months.
You’re right though, being home over the last year has definitely piqued my interest….
I’ve enjoyed planning to have more outdoor furniture for different areas of the garden and only a few days ago, spent a lovely morning choosing new plants including climbing ones to grow along the fences and trellis. Also Jess bought me a gorgeous Lavender bush and pot for Mother’s Day which I love having near a seating area.
You’re also right about finding cushions in more muted colours for outdoors … they definitely tend to be brighter and more vivid.
You’ve suggested some lovely books Kim … especially the rattan one. I love rattan furniture and there’s never been a basket that I can’t find a use for!
I absolutely love your outdoor spaces and how you style them … the last picture taken in the evening looks perfect … so chilled and stylish, yet still comfortable and cosy.
Have a lovely weekend … although I totally empathise with all your feelings about Jackson’s move…
Rosemary xx
Rosemary love the story about your mum! It is great to grow up with a parent who is in the garden. I agree I still don’t have the green thumb nor skills of my dad, but I realize he’s been so long at it. I have only the last few years been more interested in it. I hope I’ll get better and yes being at home so much has definitely gotten my more into the yard! That is exciting you are changing yours and adding furniture. I hope you’ll share photos! I am laughing about the baskets- so true here too. Why do we love them so? Max is always ready to pitch mine! Another basket?! LOL. Thank you about Jackson! I know you know how I feel! Hope you have a great weekend. xo
My grandfather was a landscape architect in Fresno and he designed and planted the yard at the house where I grew up in SCal….all one acre of it. Your reminiscence of your dad reminds me of my dad faithfully mowing the huge lawn every week.
Your yard looks so inviting as is. I love the different spaces you’ve created and the uplighting along the back fence which gives a cozy feel at night. I’d like to pop in for a glass of wine and hang out (we are lucky not to have mosquitos in SLO).
Happy weekend, Kim~
HI Wren, How wonderful to have a dad that was so talented outdoors. Wow mowing that one acre must have been a big job! That reminds me of the weekend sounds as a kid when everyone’s dad was out there mowing! It’s what you did back then. Now, it’s rare to see people mow their own lawns..I wish you could stop by! Thank you about the yard..still a work in progress. Have a great weekend in SLO! xo
This post was just for me😂. I love Spring and everything it brings! Nothing is more satisfying than working in your yard all day and then sitting at your patio table with a drink in front of you admiring the fruits of all that labor! Thanks for sharing your memories, ideas and sources. This was so enjoyable to read❤️
Linda
Hi Linda! I could not agree more. That is why I love weekends- working outside all day and yes a drink on the patio at night to appreciate it all! Thanks so much Linda and enjoy spring! xo
You really do have such exquisite taste! I am currently starting from the front of my home and working towards the rear both inside and out. I’m trying to “update” without blowing the budget, so this article is quite inspirational. I love the look of the Rattan book, and may have to purchase it.. I have quite a bit in my home and would love to incorporate more 🙏🏻
Sarah, You’re so kind. I have been working on the yard after losing so many plants. I like it now, but I really hope to get back to a more green and lush looking yard! You will love the Rattan book. It is one of the best for history and inspiring photos. Good luck with your update. I am sure it’ll be beautiful!! xo
Kim, I love your outdoor spaces, So perfectly California casual, but sophisticated too! Many of those books are not even on my radar. So much inspiration!
xx
Thanks Annie.. I feel like there are so many plants that we need to add. I try to remember that your home and garden are never ‘done’ and especially the garden is such a great way to see all your work over the years. I love your yard and home too so much. xo
Hi Kim,
This has so much info to inspire. I;m going to order several of the books you recommended as soon as I finish this comment!
I remember “back in the day”, the yard was our world during the spring, summer and fall. It wasn’t large but we spent a lot of time out in the back. My parents did so much to make it fun and cozy and colorful. My mom rescued plants from the sale table at the garden center and just plopped them in any old place on their sloping back hill above a retaining wall. Eventually that hillside was a patchwork quilt of color and texture. I loved it! Dad built containers and benches to sit on, and a shed to hold tools etc. He was always busy out there! They always had a few garden boxes and dwarf fruit trees, and I remember being asked to go out and pick whatever was ready. Produce would go into a salad or ratatouille or something, nothing went to waste. Flowers went right into a vase and on the table or in our bedrooms. They didn’t have a lot of money to spend in the yard,( my mom was a saver, she’d rather spend money on travel!), no fancy furniture or pool or anything but it was so nice and we always had fun. And the best egg hunts at Easter, because there were so many plants and nooks and crannies.
Thanks for sparking my memories of all this!
Also, I look forward to spending time on my deck and my own yard, just bought a beautiful apple tree and some more plants. The lilac is blooming and roses are just getting started. I’ll plant herbs, a few tomatoes, and want to try a strawberry pot on the deck, I think that would be fun. Need to work a few repairs and repaint my vintage wicker chaise, and get things ready for long summer days lounging in the shade with a book and iced tea!
I hope you can join me out there someday soon!
Xo Heidi
Heidi, What a wonderful way to grow up! Your home sounds like it was filled with wonderful flowers and plants. Your parents sound a lot like mine! I do think growing up in the 70’s and 80’s was a gift and things were simpler!! We are fortunate to have those days in our heads still and can try to create something similar in our own homes. I do look forward to having some tea on your gorgeous deck one day soon! Thank you for sharing this! xo
FANTASTIC POST…………..LOTS OF INFORMATION AND LOVE THE PHOTOS TOO!
I DONOT have any of those gardening books but I do follow that CHARLIE on INSTAGRAM!!!
The knee SAVERS we sold at the GARDEN CLUBS PLANT SALE!
I do use that A LOT!
LOVE YOUR WHITE WICKER SOFA!
SO NO SQUIRRELS eating the cushions?
XXX
Thanks so much Elizabeth. I love my sofas. So far, We keep the cushions put away in the winter, but never seen a squirrel near them. I have some lightweight throws that match over them to stop the pollen stains, bird droppings etc. Take them off when we are out there. I need one of those kneelers. Wish I made it to the sale! xo
Kim, your patio is a true oasis … those Pacifica sofas and chairs make my heart sing. Wicker makes me the opposite of sicker. Haha. I’ve only recently. discovered Monty Don and I’ve been enjoying all the available episodes of Gardeners World … it won’t be long before I’ll have to spring for the Britbox too. We’re on the same page with gardening and decor books … Rattan just arrived and I can’t wait to devour it. Looking forward to seeing more of your garden and outdoor spaces through the summer. xo
Juliet thanks. I feel like I still need to add more plants. I’ve been loving what you have done with your yard! Isn’t wicker the best?? The Rattan book is fabulous! Monty is my favorite with his dogs. Watching Gardener’s World is my form of zen at night with the bees and the flowers… I usually pass out and have two rewind, it’s so relaxing. LOL. Can’t wait until we can chat in person! xo