Hibiscus at The Orchard

 

The Orchard, a french style chateau in Newport, Rhode Island just steps from the cliff walk, played host to an estate sale this past weekend. The owners enlisted Tresor Estate Sales to sell the remaining items in their garden and carriage house. From the moment I saw the online posting, I had my eyes on the potted hibiscus and an instant vision of admiring their tropical blooms amidst summer cocktails. Tended to for over twenty years by the property's caretaker, the hibiscus are rather substantial in size and were just begging for a new home. I'm happy to report I am the new proud nurturer, thanks to my handsome beau who helped get them home safely.

This coming weekend, the property will be open again for an estate sale, to include interior items from the carriage house. Arrive early and bring your coffee in tow! See here for details.

Gardenia! Gardenia!

Thanks to a C Magazine read at SFO, I discovered a lovely company called High Camp Supply. The company, ships an elegantly sorted arrangement of gardenia, greens and Laurent Perrier Brut champagne (how lustful!) to your recipient in a beautiful box (white or black). The “Vine and Bloom” box for example (above), includes a nest of loose blooms surrounded by budding “vine” gardenias on 8-10 inch stems. After initial due diligence, it seems Oprah has included this gift on her annual "Favorite Things" list. Perfection, if I must say! See more here. 

Summer in Bloom

It sure does feel like summer has officially commenced on the east coast. The harbor filled up considerably this weekend, neighborhood children are playing in their yards until sundown, and the Sky Bar in Newport was in full force Saturday evening. I'm loving these blue delphiniums in my Mother's kitchen bouquet. Nothing makes me happier than fresh flowers and I just love a fresh summer bloom!

A Flora Flop

Behold, the catalpa tree. Very few gardeners have planted one since the financial crisis (the one in the 1930s), perhaps due to its messy nature. The seedpods it drops are abundant and pesky and its blooms are shortlived. The catalpa has company though. According to Wednesday's article in the NYTimes, American homeowners have stopped spending money on all types of trees and shrubs. In the four years after 2008's financial crisis, landscaping purchases dropped by 46 percent. Among other floral flops? The Poppy, the Firethorn, the Fig tree and Crinum. I highly suggest reading the article and skip to your nearest garden shop.

A Table in the Making

      We are hosting an intimate dinner at our house this evening and I've been thinking about the tablescape for days. I've had visions of greenery, soft candlelight, Spring blooms and anything outdoors on the brain.  I've curated a collection of inspiration above to help me design our tablescape. Now I have to get working on the playlist and chill the rosé... Images via here & here.