Greenhouse Inspiration

Part of my preparation for each sale at the shop is finding the plants I'm looking for. A lucky side effect is that means I get to visit a lot of local nurseries. One in particular provides me with so much inspiration. Green Valley greenhouse in the north western suburbs of the Twin Cities is always a place for unique displays and creative outlet. On this particular visit the designer was actually in the middle of working up some of the spring displays. I made sure to compliment her extensively as I ooh'd and awed. 

The designer was actually in the middle of tying the pots to this giant wreath when I furst arrived. I have already rendered a mini version myself, and will have to get a picture of it for the blog.

There may be nothing more trendy right now then pallet creations, and this one definitely works to sell succulents. Not to mention and old tools, cinder blocks and old hoses. I don't know about you but I want to go tie an old hose to my shed right now. 

every year they do something pretty great with a bathtub. Last year they had some plants in it and a great big dog statue.

They usually have at least one structure that I want in my backyard. Last year it was made of birch logs this year it's made of old windows, metal and lattice. I walked right in here and said this needs to be my office.

I can't say that these colors are my favorite, but I love everything about the placement of the umbrellas in the tools for merchandise purposing.

And it doesn't hurt to have my very favorite giant yellow lilies in full bloom to stink up the whole place in a glorious way.

And I always love a little mini greenhouse made of old windows, if my Pinterest boards are any indication. This one is pretty perfect

So even if you're not ready to start gardening, and there's still overnight lows in the 30's, I strongly encourage you to go visit a greenhouse. More than likely their workers are gearing up for spring doing all sorts of inspiring things. And you can always leave with a wind chime if you're not ready to buy a plant.

Happy gardening!

Jamie

Spring Plantings at The Porch/Atelier

Now that I've got a few sales under my belt I am really enjoying my new gig as the plant lady! I had to shake off those beginner nerves, and now its all joy. Here are a few of the recent plants and plant creations I've brought in, many of which have sold already. It's really difficult NOT to feel very inspired in the shop, as the shop owner and all of the designers who contribute are so extremely talented. My plants are just the cherry on top.

Happy spring to you all!

Jamie

New Adventure

I've taken on a new adventure selling plants (and vintage finds) at one of my favorite local shops: The Porch & Atelier. Atelier is open weekends here in Buffalo, MN selling all sorts of wonderful vintage and vintage - inspired finds, and Miss Mustard Seed Milk Paint.  The Porch is in the lower level and is open one weekend a month (first Thursday-Sunday). Both levels of the shop are so inspiring, I still can't believe I'm selling there. I feel like someone needs to pinch me!

I'm having the most fantastic time getting my hands in the dirt to put some green in the shop and customers/clients homes. My plants are nestled in other vendors finds as well as my own in the pictures here from my first weekend:

What I'll Do Again; reflections on last year's garden.

Just realized this never published- so I'm adding it now. 

I always go through last seasons pictures when it comes time to plan the next season. I love the ability to actually see how various varieties faired, the space they took up, the bloom time, what they clashed with, etc. I hope to sell some cute flowers at our local farmers market this summer, so my emphasis has been on some of the best cut varieties from last year. 

Looking at this image above I am reminded how much I enjoyed the cactus zinnias. They did come into their own too late for my tastes, so into plan to remedy that by starting the seeds a bit earlier. I also grew annula asters for the first time last year, and the big fluffy pink ones in this bouquet were my favorites. I've placed orders for similar styles already. 2014 was the first time I ever grew Mexican sunflower, also pictured here, and it will be invited to the cutting garden for years to come. 

This bouquet reminds me to plant as many snapdragons as I can squeeze in. The giant dark dahlia and it's tubers are also invited back. 

I plan on putting the night blooming cactus in a higher location, as something has come by and eaten the flowers two years in a row. I saved this last one by moving the entire plant higher towards the end of the season. 

Ice cube dahlias, pictured above with dahlia Arabian night, did grow on my by seasons end, but I missed my cafe au laits, which I mistakenly planted in another garden where they were not dug in time for winter. 

I had to look far and wide for this monster, "marshmallow" nicotiana. The seeds from last season were from burpee, and they were sold out this season. While I know I can count on eventual reseeding, it often happen too late in our short season for good blooms, and I strongly recommend starting nicotiana indoors. I did find some seeds online and ordered. The bloom time on these was so very long... months. I didn't have to deadhead, and the impact from all the way across the garden was immense. They dwarfed me, going way above 6 feet tall. The delightful mix of colors was surreal. This here: one plant!!!

I also made sure to order more rudebeckia triloba. I enjoyed the tiny flowers, each stem like an individual bouquet. I will be starting them early as well,as they did have a good deal of punch still in them as hard freeze came. 

Pictured above is zinnia aztec sunset. I still have some seeds from last year. These plants offer a variety of color combinations in the sunset hue range, and they bloom like their lives depend on it. Great cut flowers too. 

Finally, this Botanical Interests Salvia "early bonfire" was a pleasant surprise. I didn't expect it to be so tall, or bright, so it clashed with some of its surroundings, but the impact was unmatched, and the hummingbirds absolutely got drunk on it. I've ordered more seeds and plan to match it better with some more friendly colors. 

Seed Season

Having such a wonderful time planning our garden. I get through winter with my blank journal, notes and dreaming. We've got almost all the seeds ordered, and this weekend I'll be starting rosemary, lavender, coleus, pansies, violas, petunias indoors. I ventured to one of my favorite nurseries this week to simply soak up the warmth and scent of their greenhouse. I bought some seeds and succulents and replaced the frosty fern I carelessly let dry out last month. I'm excited to try some new seed websites and varieties.

Happy gardening!

That taking-down-the-Christmas-stuff feeling!

I spent my whole New Years Eve day cleaning my living room and entry hall... puting away all the Christmas stuff and dusting. Such a great feeling to ring in the new year, and it grabbed me some more steps on my new fitbit. 

I love when the plants dominate the house. 

Finally moved my favorite black chair into the living room, too. Best $5 I've ever spent at a goodwill.

I started a cluttery gallery wall above our desk. I've since finished it and will post a new picture. 

I am so happy to finally have my great aunt Eva's wall hanging out in the living room. Its been in our bedroom foreverand I have decided it needed a more visible spot. 

These houseplants keep me busy all winter, and makes the Minnesota winter feel less isolated. Happy indoor gardening!