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At Home In The Garden


Pottery Barn and Back to Natives

What does a trip to the Apple store have to do with being at home in the garden? Everything if you were in one of Orange County, California’s premier malls this past weekend. Arguably one of the most sought after designer destinations, South Coast Plaza sports stores like Prada, Tiffanys and Loubitan.

It also has my fave Apple Store employees. The camera in my phone was giving me fuzzy pictures. While I waited for my (yay!) in-warranty fix, I had to go back into the mall corridors to check out this year’sSouthern California Spring Garden Show. It’s always a surprise to me every year. No. I just happen to be in the mall every year when

it happens.

What first caught my attention was the zen experience that The Pottery Barn and Santa Ana’s Back to Natives nursery created with aptly titled “Taking a Break” vignette. Candles and Moroccan influences immediately drew me into a space that would be mesmerizing at a summer outdoor soiree. The seating area on the other side of the candle display was a destination worth thinking about being at home in the garden.

What I found most fascinating, and oh so creative, was the display by Williams Sonoma and The Potting Shed of Orange. Jack Carlisle, horticulturist, focuses on found materials. He repurposes them and juxtaposes them with nature. Their focus was on “The Freshness of Spring.”

Look what they did with his piece of Massey-Ferguson farm equipment repurposed as a table surrounded by plantings. And the dual purpose workbench and serving hutch has been backed with tarmac from a WWII airfield surrounded by an original 100-year-old gate from Old Town Orange. Genius!

Are you ready to throw that garden party. Visit your local nurseries for gardening and your favorite furniture haunt for backyard lounge ideas. Invite a few friends over for drinks and appetizers. Keep it simple. Create some memories. Spring is just the beginning of outdoor party season at home in the garden.

The show ran April 23 – April 26. Other show participants included: Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, West Elm, Crate and Barrel, Room & Board, Sur La Table, Z Gallerie.


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