Journal

Spring has arrived in Michigan and outdoors we have begun working with some of our favorite cold-hardy plants: pansies and hellebores.

Flowers have the power to invoke feelings among all. From a child picking dandelions to proudly take home and give to their parents, to lovers giving flowers to one another—reminding people how loved and appreciated they are.

Twenty years ago, I purchased a book of poems by Edna St. Vincent Millay to give to Joe on one of our first dates. I am fond of her work and wanted to share her genius. The inside joke with us now, twenty years later, is that he faked me out and pretended to read and enjoy the book back then. I have since learned garden and landscape books are the only books to be gifted to him.

It feels magical to see our Michigan gardens awaken in early spring with snowdrops, crocus and hellebores galore. Wildflowers and woodland hikes are not far behind. But have you visited Oudolf Garden Detroit on Belle Isle yet?

Faux bois, or ‘false wood,’ is an art form that replicates the look and feel of natural wood but is actually made of something else. While resin, iron, terracotta and other materials can be used, concrete with an inner structure built of iron rods and mesh is what started the 19th century French faux bois trend.

Heralding in the month of March and riding a free-born mustang both have a wild ride in common. Saddle up friends, March is here! What a burden the little month of March must shoulder—the rodeo between both wintery mixes and spring rumbles can leave the hardiest of souls bumped and bruised. Have faith! As all of us know, these four weeks eventually heed the call of Persephone. 

Whether it's a ladies brunch, a family dinner with the little ones, or a traditional intimate dinner for two—you can adapt your table setting accordingly. Applying the same design techniques but adjusting decor elements will allow for either a sophisticated or sweet Valentine's Day design.

Dish gardens are like cut floral arrangements—but with plants. Planting a dish garden is a great way to showcase plants with similar care requirements in an exquisite container to be enjoyed as they develop.

February chills give one ample time for planning additions to the gardens, reading, and binging TV.  January strolls in the garden were balmy comparative to the chills to come. I may be one of the very few that openly admits to loving a good Michigan winter. 

Each year, the Pantone Color Institute releases a color of the year. The process of assigning a color of the year includes bridging the relationship between culture and color. The color chosen is intended to speak to the state of the global econonmy. The 2023 Pantone color of the year is Viva Magenta - a joyous shade of red signifying strength, boldness and confidence.

The winter months are all about early nights and cozying up with a good book. Take a deep dive into the world of plants with our favorite botanical resources—from a detailed overview of plant species to houseplant care and maintenance to designing with plants—this collection has something for every level of plant enthusiast.

“Here we go!”, as Darin often proclaims when we are about to embark on a new project, event, or situation… A New Year certainly deserves this verbal exclamation! Here we go, 2023!