Bringing Nature Inside

This is the time of year that I really notice nature!  After a very rainy winter season in Birmingham, Alabama, I have been ready for spring since February! In the last month, the Red Bud trees first kicked off signs of spring with their brilliant fuchsia on their woodsy branches, along with the Jonquils that pushed up out of the cold wet ground. Following them began the Bradford Pears and Tulips. Here soon we’ll begin seeing Aazaleas, Dogwoods and my Granny Hatcher’s favorite, Gardenias.

Spring didn’t come early enough for me.  I was tired of the rainy, dreary, cold weather!  So did something about it!  I began spring indoors in February in my house.  I started decorating with bird’s nests, forced bulbs, live greenery, shells and dried and silk floral arrangements.

 Here is one of the bird's nests that I added to an end table. I used a stoneware bowl. I purchased the nest and eggs at a decorating shop.

Bird’s nests are a great way to bring spring indoors. You can use old stoneware bowls or crocks, baskets, terracotta pots or just casually add a bird’s nest on a table or shelf. When September rolls around, I put the eggs away as if the birds have hatched and flown away. Sometimes I even add a few fall colored leaves in and around them.

Above you'll see a different type of container used for forced bulb gardening.  Deer moss was added to give it a different look. 

Forced bulbs are fun to plant. They make a great live floral arrangement. last longre and cost less than your average bouquet of flowers. Also, you can plant them any time of year when you plant indoors! For spring, I chose white tulips. The trick is that you need to buy your bulbs in the fall or you'll have a harder time finding them. If you like the idea, I suggest you make a note in your calendar now to remind you later. I used a glass container and added a layer of rocks to the bottom. Then I added my bulbs. You'll want to put the whole packet in so they are close together and you'll have more of a chance of have at least 1 or more blooms at the same time. Next, I added my rocks between the bulbs to hold them in position. Lastly, add just a little water to the bottom of the container so that the water doesn’t touch the bulbs and place them in a sunny area of your home. Eventually, the bulb’s roots will reach for the water and begin to sprout. If you are wanting to time it for a special occasion, plant them about 6 weeks out from the time you'd like them to bloom. This year I planted mine around Valentine’s Day and I timed it perfectly for them to bloom for my Easter luncheon with family. They were a great centerpiece for my table.

Lemon topiaries are a beautiful live greenery to use in the kitchen. You can find these at specialty gardening stores.

Live greenery brings life to a room and creates a touch of freshness to the space. This year, I have focused on adding a small pot to each hard surfaced table top. I've used small urns, terracotta pots and ceramic pots. Anywhere I have a hard surface, such as a glass top table, granite counter top or painted furniture, I add a plant. I have found small plants at Wal-Mart but my best plants have been found at the more expensive nurseries. Succulents, ferns and herbs are fun to work with. It is amazing how a plant can soften the space and add a designer touch to your room!

Using tiered trays are a unique way to display a collection of shell. Adding deer moss in the arrangement adds interest to the collection.

Shells can be used in most rooms. We use to only see shells in a beach house or bathroom. Not anymore, you'll see shells used in living rooms, dining rooms and even kitchens. You'll see them cleverly displayed on bookcases, end table or even a dining room table. Having a young daughter has given me a renewed love for collecting shells.  As a child, my mother saved shells from our beach trips in a glass jar in her bathroom.  Following in her footsteps, I purchased a jar to put Adelyn’s shells in.  Adelyn has encouraged me to add shells in other areas of our house. We all need someone else to help bounce off decorating ideas, including me!  I have listened to the suggestions of my 8 year old and tried to accommodate her ideas into my decorating as well!



Custom floral arrangements are a great way to bring color to any
room. This is a custom arrangement made using a color combination
 that will work with most any pallet.

Silk floral arrangements are making a comeback with a new flair. If you don't have a green thumb, then this is an excellent way to soften an area and give it a designer look. Adding a moss ball to the top of an urn adds interest. Also, succulents are a big hit this year. You will find these large and small and you really can't tell they aren't real!  Dried arrangements are the rage in floral arrangements. You'll see magnolia leaves with lavender and fresh green hydrangeas.  There are some many ways to use silks.  Creating custom silk and dried floral arrangements is a passion of mine.  We have a number in Classic Home Decor and if you don't find one there, just send me a picture and I'll be more than happy to help create just the right design for you.

There are lots of ways to bring the outdoors in. Just look around at the season you are in. In the fall, bring in pine cones and large acorns. In the winter, add miniature evergreens or a stack of firewood. Regardless, bring some life indoors and enjoy the beautiful nature that surrounds you.

Sincerely yours,

 

Lisa