Pick One…Any One
March 30, 2017
Easter and Passover are just around the corner and nothing makes a simplequietmodern statement than a classic glass cylinder vase filled with flowering branches. From your own yard, a friends garden or a trip to the market, this exercise is simple…pick a single type, fill your vase with water, grab your secateurs and give each branch a fresh clean cut. Done.
Top to bottom:
Pussy Willow,Forsythia,Yellow Twig Dogwood,Lichen Covered Branches,Quince,Tulip Magnolia
all photos: http://www.shopterrain.com/fresh-faux-flowers/?cm_sp=Homepage-_-week032717-_-Branches
Sorry…
March 5, 2017
I just drifted off. It’s March. It’s cold. And, a bunch of Daffodils can only do so much. Close your eyes and picture this. A tiny poured concrete casita in the Mexican desert. One bedroom, one bed, one bath, an indoor/outdoor kitchen, a pool and a private beach. Perfect.
photos via https://www.gardenista.com/posts/one-bedroom-desert-view-tiny-casita-mexico-swimming-pool-included/
In the blink of an eye,
January 26, 2017
five years has flown by. It’s hard for me to believe that simplequietmodern is celebrating another anniversary. As I look back I am always surprised that what interests me also interests you…and, keeps you coming back. The appeal of factory inspired windows and doors, black fences, the timeless work of Brancusi, simple landscape statements, and modern seating solutions topped the list. Thank you for regularly stopping by, for your comments, for your inspiration, your friendship.
Oh, you knew there’d be cake didn’t you? This simple chocolate cake with vanilla buttercream can be found here. Perfect for a celebration like this or any day when a little cake is necessary. http://www.marthastewart.com/254376/busy-day-chocolate-cake
Now on to year six.
Home Grown
September 25, 2016
It might technically be Fall, but it still feels like Summer. And, Summer’s bounty is keeping things green by the armload and basketful thanks to generous friends and neighbors. Until the leaves start to turn and the temps start to drop I’ll be good to go.
Top to bottom:
A tangle of Limelight hydrangea and hops thinned from a friends garden and casually dropped into a simple glass vessel makes a simplequietmodern statement that will last for weeks.
Another surprise package of homegrown heirlooms included these green zebra tomatoes…a welcome addition to a panzanella or caprese.
Taking advantage of the limited availability of Romanesco it was hard to pass up those locally grown.
I planted artichokes in containers this Summer for the color and texture of the foliage alone. Until the first buds appeared I had completely forgotten about the added bonus.
photos: gp
Putting the plan to paper,
August 20, 2016
starts with a little inspiration. This garden by Australian designer Peter Fudge totally embraces the simplequietmodern aesthetic. A beautiful composition of clipped hedges and hardscaping against the softened edges of natural treeline and massed plantings of native grasses. Dappled sunlight and gentle sounds of moving water. The perfect place to spend a late summer day. I’d start here in the morning with coffee, break here midday with lunch, nap here in the afternoon and finish here with dinner or cocktails. Close your eyes and take a deep breath. Are you there yet?
Photos: http://peterfudgegardens.com.au/
Secatuers
June 13, 2016
You don’t realize how much you need them until you do. Then, you wish you had these. Smart Scissors designed in 2009 by Japanese architect Hagino Mitsunobu. Chic anvil shears of stainess steel coated in matte flourocarbon polymer.
Top photo: https://food52.com/shop/products/1796-contemporary-japanese-shears
peony photo: gp
Gearing Up
May 30, 2016
The unofficial beginning of Summer is here. First up on this Memorial Day, and most importantly, fly your flag in honor of those lost. Then on to an early start. In my case it was a stop at the nursery for a little inspiration and a bit of immediate gratification until the bigger projects are complete. As long as you’re staying in town, and the weather is finally cooperating, you might as well get to it.
With so much color and texture available in trees and shrubs I can never figure out what all the excitement is about with annuals. Inspiration around every turn and not a geranium or Impatiens in sight.
I’ve never been a fan of Barberry, but this particular variety ( Sunjoy Gold Pillar) has appeal with its upright habit, bright color and tolerance to cold. Boxwood hedge replacement? Could be.
The sculptural quality of these stag horn ferns will be a welcome green addition to the porch. One may stay potted, the other mounted for hanging. Some artichoke thistle also made the cut to fill some vintage concrete saucer planters. Pics to follow once they get going.
A cocktail is definitely in order after a good day of running, hauling and yard work. So, while you’re firing up the grill you might want to sip on my Blueberry Bourbon Cocktail. Light, refreshing and a dose of antioxidants to boot. Grab a glass and muddle 8-10 fresh mint leaves in an ounce of home-made blueberry syrup. Add 2 oz. Bourbon and a handful of ice, give it a quick stir and top it off with a splash of Vernors Original Ginger Soda. You’re welcome.
Photos: gp
For everything…
May 22, 2016
there is a season. Now that we’re nearing the end of May, the time for tulips is coming to a close. There could not have been a more perfect simplequietmodern finale than these Parrot tulips…my hands down favorite…in my favorite tulip color.
What’s moving in to take their place through the summer months will be equally simple…a single (maybe two ) Monstera dropped into a glass cylinder. Cost effective at less than ten dollars a piece, this one has been going strong for over a month. Fresh…modern…sculptural. I can see this being my “go to” until Fall.
Photos:gp
Large or small…
May 19, 2016
hand knit or woven, I’m a sucker for a blanket. This Faribault classic, in wool and recycled acrylic fiber could come in handy over the upcoming Memorial Day weekend. Toss it in the car for a weekend road trip , spread it on the ground for a concert or picnic in the park or pull it over your shoulders for a nap on the porch. Did I mention it was made in America?
Additional whip stitch border colors: http://www.faribaultmill.com/collections/throws/products/recycled-throw-black
Hedged In
April 25, 2016
Or, so I thought. The last several winter’s extremes have taken their toll on all of my boxwood hedges. Gone. Time of death? Officially April 11, 2016. Where they once served as sharply clipped extensions of the house itself sits blank space in need of attention. So now what? Replace them as they were or start fresh with a new direction…and new plant materials that will be able to take on the bitter winters and always hungry deer. Now’s the time to jot new ideas, review old inspiration and perhaps even move into uncharted territory plant-wise. While I loved things the way they were, I can’t help thinking change might be good.
Top to bottom:
You’ve got to love the modern use of clipped layered hedges of boxwood and yew in the masterful garden designs of Luciano Giubbilei. More of his genius can be found here: http://www.lucianogiubbilei.com/
Maybe my solution is not more boxwood at all, but horizontal fencing and drifts of native grass Bouteloua Gracilis, Blonde Ambition. Napa Landscape by Scott Lewis Photo: via Gardenista
After a black and white Winter perhaps yellow Magnolia tucked into the woods would be a welcome sight come Spring, like this Magnolia Yellow Bird. Photo: gp
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