Under the spotlight of the sun, landscapes enlivened with vibrant blooms, structural elements, and other delights impart a sense of utmost enjoyment in serene settings. Take cues from these creative ways to enhance and enjoy your garden at home.
Verdant Reveries
Bask in the quiet solitude of a picturesque garden with a charming spread of refreshments on a plush blanket by a water lily pond. Calming water highlights artistic statuary while inviting places to sit make this a haven of rest and rejuvenation. Amid the dulcet sound of a cascading fountain, surround yourself with a blended symphony of soothing scents—tea roses, lilacs, and peonies.
Fruitful Labor
British horticulturist Gertrude Jekyll once said, “The love of gardening is a seed that once sown never dies.” The verdant backdrops dotted with blossoms showcase not just the brilliance of nature, but the labor of love bestowed by those who tend them.
With a bit of imagination and a dash of whimsy, create clever accents that instill character, like statuary of darling furry friends. At day’s end, relish the grandeur of your personal retreat, a beautiful blend of both the efforts of your own hands and the gifts of the earth.
Peonies & Poetry
Though only a few steps from the back door, a garden in full bloom presents an Eden-like escape from everyday cares. While away an afternoon in this idyllic spot, allowing each of your senses to fully appreciate the delights of the day.
Tuck a couple of volumes of verse into a picnic basket and read your favorite poems while you enjoy your surrounds. See the intricacies of each flower and curling tendril. Feel the warmth of the sun on your face. Smell the richness of the earth, the fragrance of roses and sweet alyssum. Breathe deeply, savor every tranquil second, and experience the simple poetry of living in the moment.
Balanced Beauty
The most scenic oases borrow from the finest natural offerings, but the addition of inanimate elements like striking statues can infuse outdoor spaces with intrigue and individuality. Man-made objects lend enticing dimension to customized outdoor sanctuaries, and using these elements adds a unique and personal touch. Statues make for excellent focal points—they create a spot for the eye to rest and also ground the landscape visually. As with home interiors, garden design is intentional, and a well-cultivated spread will create harmony all around.
Alfresco Fellowship
Gracious hosting is effortless with the help of Mother Nature. Having guests over in the summer is simple: just toss a pretty cloth over an outdoor table, gather a handful of fresh-plucked flowers to top it off, and finish with a pitcher of ice-cold lemonade.
There’s something about relaxing in the open air that makes conversation sparkle, and a glorious garden setting is all the decoration you need. Revive your senses in the solace of this peaceful patio, where scented blossoms and lush foliage join in a lyrical dance set to the soothing rhythm of a gently flowing fountain. It’s Southern hospitality at its best.
Blossoming Oasis
A garden in full resplendence spans the color spectrum, from lithe stalks studded with purple to clusters of hot pink and orange interspersed with shades of green and white. In Jane Austen’s 19th-century novel Mansfield Park, leading lady Fanny Price explains, “To sit in the shade on a fine day and look upon verdure is the most perfect refreshment.” As the beauty of such Southern surroundings unfurls, be sure to spend time outside with a cool drink and a good book.
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