On this post, how to create an easy and luxe looking floral bouquet affordably, all about California Poppies and how to grow them, our new bluebird family in the yard, and some pretty things on my radar..
Thanks for popping by the weekend blog where Elizabeth, Juliet and I share what’s cool and happening!
Right now is prime California poppy season and I LOVE seeing them pop up in so many street corners, road cracks and lately, in many people’s front yard landscaping. They look especially great mixed in with other plants and peeking out from rocks and under mailboxes. I snapped these growing on a curb in front of a house in Menlo Park last week..
Did you know our state flower is native from Western Oregon down to Baja California? It was first ‘discovered’ aka named, by a naturalist aboard a Russian ship in 1816 visiting California. In the state, it can be hard to differentiate which flowers are planted and which have sowed themselves. The neat thing is that they close up at night, and with cloudy weather, so they really are sun lovers.
Did your mom warn you to not pick them when you were small? My mom said we’d get arrested as it was the state flower! Apparently, it’s only illegal to pick flowers in state parks. The funny thing is California Poppies drop their petals as soon as they are picked, so you have to enjoy them where they sprout.
These pictures are from a nearby trail, and in my neighborhood…
This week I am planting some poppy seeds in the yard. As the weather is still mild, this is a good time to do it. The seeds just need to be put in shallowly and pressed into loose dirt, not buried and kept damp for the first week or so. Don’t forget they love sun, like most Californians, so don’t put them in a shady area! They will last for many years and go dormant in summer here in California. In colder places, they act as annuals.
I love the idea of a wilder, less manicured garden, and letting volunteers grow and adding a seeds here and there also looks very wild English garden to me. Recently a volunteer lavender sprang up under another plant in our back. The bees, butterflies, and birds, like this hummer really seem to appreciate it. I’m trying for more of this vibe!
We have a bluebird nest!
The highlight of week has been watching a little bluebird couple build a nest in our birdhouse that has been sitting on gingko tree for many years. Finally, someone discovered it. This little couple, were over many times checking it out. Max kept wondering if it would pass muster.
Apparently they gave it the green light and began building their nest. Bluebirds build nests with pine needles and long grasses. They seem to be newbies at this nest building as they struggle to get the grasses into the box and many days long pieces were hanging out. There are shreds and branches all over the yard. Luckily we have no yard guys to come blow things away, as they have been taking their time to create what may be their first nest.
This is the two of them. All taken from my kitchen window..and I try and zoom in..
Apparently, she lays one egg a day when ready, but does not start incubating them until all are laid, so they will hatch at the same time! This is a real drama playing out in the yard. I never imagined we’d be so invested in these little birds.
Working on their nest. He’s the pretty one. She’s dragging material he brings in.
We also have hummers and many other birds since we have a bird fountain, and a few different feeders. We planted mainly native plants in both yards, which birds like, and use zero pesticides or herbicides that might harm them. Right now the yard is just filled with bird sounds all day and I love it. I’ll keep you posted and I hope I get to see little bluebirds in a month or so if all goes well.
On My Radar- quilted bags and puff sleeves
These quilted travel pouches by Pottery Barn have so much charm and bring me back to my favorite Pierre Deux bag I carried in my 20’s in an attempt to channel some of the Lady Di style. The two small sizes are so cute for your small purses or a travel kit. You can even monogram one for a great gift.
I love all my Rails shirts! This Jenae shirt in blue with a pretty shaped sleeve is on my list and would be lovely with white jeans too. I know I have a blue shirt issue, but if it is a cost per wear, this will be worth it. As an Instagram friend said, it’s forever clothing if it is staples and this is that sort of piece. Spend more on these things than one time wear dresses and your money will be better spent.
I also like this striped cutie and its puff sleeve. This is on sale at Anthro and feels like a good addition for spring and summer with jeans, shorts, and everything. I like the idea of wearing this in early spring with strappy sandals and a wide leg jean. It comes in petite and plus too, like so many of Anthro things.
An easy and luxe looking gift idea..
One of my dearest friends in the world has been in the hospital the past few weeks. I think about her all the time, and I finally got a chance to see her and bring her some flowers. I made her a little arrangement and I thought I’d share what I did..
An easy way to elevate your flowers and make them look expensive and extra pretty is to put them in a ceramic pot. I have been collecting inexpensive pretty blue pots when I see them at Homegoods. They make great containers for an arrangement.
I had this blue pot I knew she would like. As they have drainage holes, I used a hard plastic drinking cup to hold the arrangement. Stuff the extra space around the cup with paper towels to hold it firm.
I like the idea of doing all one color flower, but sometimes you just have to see what is available. I knew she would like white, so I bought two bouquets- one of white tulips and another mixed and just used white flowers.
I cut the tulips on diagonal and arranged them, then added the mums and others in. It can help to tie the bouquet with a band to hold it in place. In this instance, they sit tightly and I didn’t need to. When the bouquet is done she can reuse the pot.
This would also be a fun idea for tables at a party, and other special birthdays and gifts. Keep your eyes out for pretty pots at good prices and save them for these occasions! Heck why not make one for yourself and enjoy the prettiness?
Imperfect Environmentalist
A great book and account that came on my radar last week, with Earth Day, is- Imperfect Environmentalist: How to Reduce Waste and Create Change for a Better Planet, by Sheila Morovati. I love the idea that making meaningful change, doesn’t have to be an all or nothing approach and if we all did these small changes, it would be huge, and we needn’t be perfect!
‘Sheila dispels the myth that to be considered an environmentalist, one must be all in, or live “zero waste,” …. ‘Small modifications, such as committing to eating eight plant-based meals per week or cutting out plastic utensils, can add up to a large impact. Each chapter shares ten action steps for readers to adopt in their daily lives.’
A sweet seaside home in Kent
I am addicted to the house tours on Homeworthy! This feminine English home by the sea was a recent one and so enjoyable. I love the taste of the owner and interior designer Sarah Rowell who used to be a fashion stylist. Parts of it are almost 80’s inspired with stripes, florals and pale pink walls. It really makes me want to add more pretty touches to my home.
On last weekend’s post, a day trip to Carmel and some of my favorite spots, and also Earth Day activities and how we can use less plastics.
Wishing you a sunny weekend!
Kim
Please stop by Juliet and Elizabeth’s blogs..
MAKE MINE A SPRITZER
PINECONES AND ACORNS
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Californian poppies grow wild on some of the dry river banks in New Zealand’s South Island. I always loved to see the blaze of orange in early summer as a child. We had Californian quail too, on Banks Peninsula – I think the climate and vegetation may be quite similar.
Laura, Really? I love that! I do wonder if our climates are alike? Quail are the neatest birds…I still have to get to New Zealand one day!
I love Homeworthy – I love watching while cleaning or working – the episodes are so interesting!
Colleen, I know great way to watch as they can be long, but so good!
Good morning Kim!
I too love Homeworthy, especially the collected, English homes they feature.
The poppies are beautiful! I had no idea that they close up at night or when there is no sun. Who knew. I am sure that they are going to look beautiful in your front garden.
We have a bird family too! They started building a nest in the wreath on the front door so we moved the wreath because every time we opened the door we were afraid they would fly in. I have no idea what kind of bird, I think a wren but I have seen a little egg in the nest.
It is so true, the littlest things in life bring the most joy. Enjoy your bird family!
Your flower arrangement is beautiful! I’m sure that your friend loved it. I hope that she is feeling better soon.
Quilted bags! Oh I love them, I am an old soul at heart and and remember having one in the 80’s too! Maybe I need a new one?
The shirts are beautiful! I am going to check these out too!
HAve a beautiful, relaxing weekend Kim!
xo
Elizabeth, How wonderful you have a little nest! I cannot imagine having it on the front door! I know I am very careful just now in the yard, as I have found other nests too. Nature is amazing isn’t it?
I adore quilted bags too.
Hope you have a beautiful weekend! x
Thanks for the show recommendation. You are a thoughtful friend….pretty flowers!
You are sweet! Thanks Mary Ann. x
Good morning Kim,
Yes, my mother told us we’d be arrested if we picked the poppies! Ha. Thanks for your beautiful blog this morning. I hope you have a great weekend with no marine layer (like we do here in San Clemente!)
Karen, That is so funny you mom said the same! Aw thank you. We have been having marin layer so much this year. I can’t even believe it. Feels like we moved to the coast. Finally today we are supposed to get sun! Wishing you a beautiful weekend too!
Hi Kim
As we age, its ridiculous how fast bird watching creeps up on you. We might spend our whole lives 100% indifferent
to birds and then one day we’re like, “ oh my gosh! is that a rose breasted grosbeak?”
Thank you so very much for your inspiration and recommendations. I’m such a fan.
Hilarious! I can totally relate!! We live in San Diego and newly, Bainbridge Island and I have become the biggest bird nerd overnight! I have the Merlin bird app from Cornell University. It’s free and fun. Rock on , fellow bird nerd!
Jennifer, Aren’t they just amazing? I bet you see some great ones in both locations! We have the Merlin app too.. Max is always taking it out! Yay for bird nerds. xx
Deborah, Ha! This is hilarious and so very true. I can’t remember caring about birds before so much!
Aw thank you for your kind words. Happy weekend!
Loved your post. We have little tweeters that like our jasmine bush and I have enjoyed listening to them. Good luck to your blue birds.
Linda, I love hearing their little tweets. I can’t wait to open my kitchen window in the morning just to hear them all!
That is so funny. My mother told us we would be arrested if we picked poppies and my husband said his mother told him and his sisters the same thing. Was there some children’s jail in California where we would have all been sent had we ever picked a poppy?
Isn’t that funny? I swear I thought it was my mom only just being tired of us ripping all the flowers off everyone’s yards! Guess it was a real mom thing. It probably took up space in our little minds where we flowers criminals were headed!!
Hi Kim
Lovely post thank you ! Last year we had a native California bird ( l want to say a sparrow) built a nest right outside our kitchen door in a geranium pot and the male bird was so protective and would make a real din if we walked by, and the mother would fly around obviously distressed, so for the longest time we would use the kitchen door and just observed from afar. The day arrived when the birds hatched and left and then l went to see this beautiful cozy nest so exquisitely made, half hidden by leaves, just magical.
My son in law is fanatically about birds and has an Instagram post called Ned.Picket.Loves.Birds. and l have learnt so much watching him. Love your very pretty pot for your friend, such a lovely thing to do.
Happy weekend Kim take care xo
Francesca, how wonderful you got to see the nest after the birds flew away! I bet it was precarious while they were in it.. They get quite animated in our yard too when we are nearby…
The nests are so incredible. I just found a small empty one in my creeping fig and I am leaving it there, just in case someone comes back. It blows me away how intricately they are made! Oh I love Ned’s birds and follow him! He’s so fun and you learn a lot.
Happy weekend! x
Kim, I love everything about this post! I bought the blue-striped blouse from Anthro. Thank you! I too had quilted bags, I love them. Your blue birds are too, cute! You must make regular updates! Yes, on California poppies! They’re so iconic. I planted nasturtiums in my canyon, they too are wild and orange 🍊. Thanks for the Home worthy link. Looking forward! There’s also one you would like of a house in La Jolla, CA. Okay…off to Home Goods for blue/white pots! Your friend is lucky to have you! Thanks again, Kim!
Jennifer I love that blouse so much. I will keep updates on my bluebirds. I love nasturtiums and I bet they look great in your canyon!
I love the La jolla videos and am ready to move! xo
Kim, I love this time of year for many reasons and California poppies are at the top of the list. I have to laugh about the picking them being illegal. My mom told me the same thing and me and all my friends took this very, very seriously. Anyway, they are blooming all around the Bay and make me smile. Your little bluebirds are so busy and I’m sure watching this drama is fascinating. I love the little hummingbirds in our yard. They love our front fountain and the sound like make … like a Star Wars sword … as they buzz by is one of the best. I’m so sorry about your friend. I know that beautiful vase of white flowers made her happy. It’s beautiful. Homeworthy tours are an addiction of mine as well. It’s easy to loose a day taking in all the creativity and beauty. Have a lovely weekend, the wind’s dying down here and it looks like we’re in for sunshine! xo
Juliet, It’s all part of how much we want to be ‘good’ girls growing up!! It’s stuck in us. ha I love the hummer sound too. Whiz right by you..
I hope you have a good weekend too! xo
Hi Kim! I didn’t know about California poppies. They sound similar to Maine’s lupine, which also grow wild in fields, highway medians, and roadside in early June. I was a huge Pierre Deux fan back in the 90’s. I even had a Pierre Deux diaper bag, which I loved so much! Those Rails blouse is beautiful. I am coveting that fun blue and orange floral! I am also obsessed with Homeworthy, and this sounds like a good episode. Your flowers are beautiful. I am sure they brightened your friend’s day. Enjoy the continuing bird saga in your yard!
Hi Molly! Lupines are really lovely too. Pierre Duex was so good! I wonder if someone will revive that brand? I like the blue and orange too.
Thanks so much and I hope your weekend is lovely too. x
Hi Kim,
Spring has definitely arrived in the Bay hasn’t it! I love the Californian poppies, I planted a few pale yellow ones in the garden last year but no sign of them this year.. I will try the seeds that you suggested.. may have better luck.
I watched that episode of Homeworthy with the English designer and enjoyed see her eclectic yet harmonious approach to her home. I love the pinkish plaster walls which created a serene environment. She would certainly get her steps in every day living in a 4 floor home!
That was a beautiful and thoughtful bouquet you made for your home… I will file that idea away for the future!
The bird life in the Bay Area never ceases to amaze me… I’ve yet to see a bluebird so will have my eyes peeled… Wishing you a happy week!
Bouquet made for your friend*
Hi Fiona! I hope you poppies come up soon. I know some come later too..
Weren’t those plaster walls lovely?? I know four stories! We are so lucky to have so many birds here aren’t we? I hope you have a great week too. xo
Hi Kim,
No, I did not know the poppy is a native from Western Oregon down to Baja CA. I don’t recall my mom warning me not to pick them or I would get arrested. Nothing like instilling the fear of God into you. I don’t remember ever seeing them pop up in our neighborhood or my grandparents. I always thought they were pretty. On our hikes in Marin County, Mt Tamp area and Stinson Beach hikes I remember seeing them. Nature is the best. The volunteer lavender looks so pretty where it sprung up. I hear you about liking the wild look, with that comes character. The pot above is such a pretty color, what is the plant called? I like it, so unusual, well at least to me.
The two Bluebirds are so sweet. It takes a lot of work building a nest. It’s fascinating to watch them. I hope you will get to see the little baby
Bluebirds in the near future. Out of our front door where we used to have two huge Geranium
pots had many Quails laying on their eggs over the years. The big JOY was seeing the little ones, they were the cutest.
Pretty old world quilted travel pouches. I have a small one a friend made me. It’s a treasure.
My thoughts are with you and to one if your dearest friends in the world that is in the hospital. I hope whatever is going on that she is treatable. It’s so hard when you become ill and have to be hospitalized. The pretty pot and flowers you created was so perfect . This hopefully lifted her spirits. YOU are a wonderful friend.
I looked at the Sarah Roswell’s home tour, and wow what a major demonstration she did. A talented lady. Sarah has collected some great art for her look, so enjoyable to listen to.
Thank you for your post. My response got long winded because there was so much to respond to.
😘
Katherine ha so funny about moms and the law!! I love the pot and I think it’s sort of a turquoise from a local garden shop! Wow that is neat the quails laid eggs by you. I think they are the prettiest birds and make a neat sound.
How nice you and a talented friend make you the quilted pouches. You are sweet to read and so appreciate the chat.
Have a great week! x
Yay for bird nerds, Kim. Blue Jays nest in one of our huge trees each year right outside my kitchen window. I have a bird cafe in my yard and love watching goldfinches come to feast. My hope is to see a hummingbird nest one of these days. Springtime is so lovely with bursts of poppies and birds nesting. Your sweet little bouquet will surely brighten the mood of your friend! Xo
Hi Kim,
Those sweet birds – I just love them. They work so hard to build a beautiful nest for their future family, and it is a privilege when we get to share in that experience by watching the daily progress. I hope everything goes well and they new babies before too long.
I love the Anthropologies puff sleeve blouse in the stripes. As I’ve said before, I’m a bit on the ‘plus size’ in clothing, and those stripes are VERTICAL! Love it when designers make smart decisions like that. Horizontal stripes just don’t work for me, which is sad because I think stripes on clothing are darling.
Here in Solano, the poppies have been blooming for a while already, and a lot of them I see now have that leggy, straggly look. They were sure beautiful a few weeks ago, though! Planting the seeds, they’ll multiply in droves in your yard, so it won’t be long before you have loads of them to enjoy in the springtime. My mom also used to tell me we’d be arrested if we picked them-haha! I now know it is only in the state parks, but I still just can’t bring myself to pick them, even in a garden.
The arrangement came out so pretty! I made some small flower arrangements for my daughter’s baby shower a few years ago. I did pretty well with them, especially once I got the first one done. Hope your friend recovers soon and it’s nothing too serious. 😊
Have you ever seen Linda Vater on YouTube? I have been watching her videos lately. She is inspiring me to get out in the yard more especially now that the weather is warming up. I am behind on some of my Homeworthy episodes. I admit sometime I skip one here and there if it doesn’t particularly appeal to me, usually the ones that are just too traditional for my taste. However, the door hardware we thought we wanted, we decided was too modern for our home since it’s a Cape Cod style. So we went to the hardware store today that has a huge selection and totally went with a traditional style knob. We are probably driving our designer crazy lol. Oh well a minor thing at least.
Have a nice weekend.
Linda
I’m living through the jet lag at the moment and awake when I should be sleeping and vice versa lol so its been lovely to read your post and watch your new neighbours moving in and making their special home. Thanks for sharing Kim.
We often have swans nesting by the river and they’re a joy to watch at a distance. This year , because of flooding one pair decided to move much nearer to the theatre and the road ( which caused me anxiety) but alls good so far and I noticed yesterday she’s still on her nest. I had the privilege to watch a little of the initial collecting of twigs etc and nest building which was so special. I also noticed we have a family of geese with baby goslings wandering by the river.
As always your clothes choices and suggestions are impeccable. I’ve recently bought a white puff sleeved blouse … not 100% sure it suits me but its lovely to wear and will be so cool on hot days as well as giving my skin some sun protection ( I so need to be practical on hot days! )
The house in Kent is just so pretty … I’m amazed at how well the many different fabrics work together. I’m only half way through it at the moment but I’ll definitely finish watching later.
So lovely to live by the sea … or by a lake with a backdrop of mountains lol 💕
The flower arrangement that you made for your friend is gorgeous! Both the pot and the flowers you chose especially… I would never have thought of this and now I’m excited to try! I’m sure that your friend appreciated how much thought and love went into her gift … I hope that she’s soon recovered and home from hospital.
Have a lovely week and thank you for my favourite Saturday read!
Rosie xxx
I think it’s interesting that Western Bluebirds look just like Eastern ones. I can’t tell any difference. It’s the Mountain ones that are all blue.
I have never heard of Homeworthy, so I will check it out!
Gray you will love Homeworthy! I was wondering about the bluebird difference!
I too was told by my mother that is was illegal to pick the poppies and that we could go to jail. There must have been some public service announcement way back in the day. We were in a small town in Burgandy a few years ago and I came across some California poppies growing in the cracks between the wall and ground. I was shocked to see them there. I live on a street called Poppyfields in the foothills of Southern California and a friend’s mother told me the street was named Poppyfields because the orange from the flowers could be seen from the sea 35 miles away.
We had pair of doves make a nest right outside our bedroom. What a racket they made during construction. But the cooing was lovely. They came back the following year.