Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Rancho Landscape Design

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In preparing for a birthday club celebration which was held at my house, I Iooked around the yard and tried to think outside the box (which is where my thinking lives most days anyway).

The ginger plant I bought at a local nursery reminded me of my daughter’s beach mat, so I placed them near each other.

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The window ledge on my back patio reminded me of a mantel, so I dressed it as one.

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The door to the little house needed something, so I made this from ‘found’ objects in my garden shed.

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I looked to the left of the little house door, and thought it needed something so I added a favorite cross.

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I wanted to hang this wrought iron candle holder on this old brick BBQ pit wall behind the little house, so I began a wrestling match with it and some garden twine.

(Picture a tug of war with me hanging on for dear life, inside the pit hanging on to my twine tied wrought iron candelabra that weighs a million pounds - shouting ‘John’ (my husband) to no avail.)

I tried my talavera here , but I can see that this is off and needs re-working.

I kept adding pieces, in the same way I keep adding bracelets when I get dressed.

Please know that I know this doesn’t look right.

I am going to remove the pitcher and the small sconce.

The broken lantern also needs a candle.

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I found a St. Francis statue at HEB of all places (a local grocery store) .

And I also found petunias there in purple, pink, and white.

Aside on petunias:  I am not a fan of their one hit wonder nature or the irritating concept of dead-heading, but the colors are amazing.

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In discussing my yard with my friend Anna- the evening of the party, I have hit upon a name for my kind of landscape design.

Rancho…

literal translation: ranch

my loose symbolic translation: country, imperfect, simple, humble, ‘dolled up’ for special occasions , a little shy

21 comments:

Glamorous Girl Gone Goofy said...

I love it! You are so creative. I would be oooohing if I was there.

Anonymous said...

HEB... that's a place/store I have not heard of before. Must be an area chain where you are?

Looks like you have been having fun!

Di

trash talk said...

Shy? I think not! Anyone who uses color and texture as fearlessly as you (with the most fantastic of results, I might add) I would call anything but shy...clever yes, shy no! El Rancho Grande!
Debbie

Deb said...

Laura...I love it....you are so creative...

Anonymous said...

Love your use of "imperfect" because, I believe, it gives one permission to be creative without the stress of trying to achieve perfection. I believe that's when ones talent truly shines. Beautiful touches around your home.

Rebecca Nelson said...

I would love it if you would come to Oklahoma and work your same magic in my backyard. It has SUFFERED this year and I wouldn't show it for a million bucks. Well...maybe a million but not a penny less. EMBARRASSING!

Haven't been by in a bit so I'm off to catch up on some of your back posts!

Love to you~Rebecca

Glenda/MidSouth said...

You did a great job decorating your patio/yard for the party. Thanks for sharing it with us.

Tanya said...

I really like the St. Francis and all of your pottery. Wish I had an HEB. Everything looks beautiful!

NanaDiana said...

Wow! What a great "tour" of yur place. I love all that you have done. You have a very good eye for putting things togetehr. Hugs- Diana

Kirby said...

Love all what you did, I have that same cross outside too!

Anonymous said...

You have so many interesting and creative looks,love it!Thanks so much for sharing,it really gives me alot of good ideas.
-Jo
-Lazyonloblolly

Olive said...

Splendid Lauria. Shy? I cut my petunias back and they bloom all over again. They really are one of the few annuals I bother with because they last a long time this way. ♥O

Theresa said...

Gorgeous!!!!! Love your outside/inside look! The garden candles are precious! Hope you have a wonderful day! HUGS!

June said...

You call it Rancho, and I call it wonderful! Your yard decor is so awesome Laura. I would have never thought of the zebra mat, and everywhere you look, there is something interesting to see.
I didn't see anything wrong with the iron trellis bedecked with your talavera. And I bet you are killer in all those bracelets!
hugs to you...

Tammy @BeatriceBanks said...

Love your Rancho style! Looks fabulous!

Anonymous said...

Hi Laura~~ You had me at the first photo! Lots of cool stuff. I agree Rancho sounds like my place too.

I've seen those mantel type shelves at the thrift store. With no inspiration, they remained un-purchased. Thank you for giving me the idea of attaching them below my outside windows. I'm going to be on the prowl now.

I'm curious about your book club. So I'm off to click on it.

CHERI said...

You should bottle and sell your RANCHO design...it looks good. I like people who think outside the box...makes life so much more interesting!

Unknown said...

G'eve Laura, What a lovely colorful garden & yard you have created. So inviting & relaxing.
Have a lovely autumn eve ~
TTFN ~ Hugs, Marydon

Marguerite said...

Your Rancho style is fab! Love what you've done here! I love to "think out of the box", too!

CHERI said...

That all came together nicely! Seems whenever I "try" to think outside the box, it winds up looking like it needs to be boxed up! I have no vision!!!!

Unknown said...

Thanks for taking the time to discuss this, I feel strongly about it and love learning more on this topic. If possible, as you gain expertise, would you mind updating your blog with more information? It is extremely helpful for me.
Landscape Designer Virginia

 

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