Let's Fall In Love With: P. Allen Smith

If you're an avid gardener you already know this gentleman. Some of you may have seen him on his show or segments he does on other programs such as the Today Show. And, some of you may read his books or have attended one of his gardening lectures. I missed my chance in Charleston, SC  in March of 2009.

Boyish good looks and southern charm make him irresistible!
 Photo from his book Living in the Garden Home.

 My husband and I were there for the annual Festival of Houses & Gardens and the Charleston International Antiques Show. Mr. Smith was one of the featured luncheon speakers for the Charleston International Antiques Show. Had tickets, lost track of time, missed it. Sigh. But at least I can regularly peruse the pages of Living in the Garden Home.

The book has incredible pictures and also lots of inspiration  for
many manageable projects. The best for me? It's broken down by seasons!

For those of you who are unfamiliar with the name (the P. stands for Paul) P. Allen Smith, he is a gardening and lifestyle expert. It was exciting to see his house featured in this month's issue of Southern Living.

It's a new house that feels like an old house. A Greek Revival  in Arkansas! For some reason, I did expect Mr. Smith to live in Arkansas, but as he says in the article, even though he's located in the middle of nowhere, he has everything he needs and when you see the photos of his beautiful home and stunning views, you understand perfectly.

This is not a painting. This 650 acre estate is is where Mr. Smith has called home the past 6 years!
Photograph by Roger Foley



Come fall in love...

Welcome! I dream of foyers like this. Actually, I obsessively fantasize about having
a foyer with multiple pieces of furniture that is truly a place to receive guests.

The living and dining room.
His friends include the great Albert Hadley and the late Nancy Lancaster. Mr Smith says of furniture
 "if you sit on it should be new, and if you don't, it should be old". Could not agree more to do this whenever possible!
 He has exquisite taste in antiques, because each piece looks modern and yet the character they exude is undeniable.

Some kitchen huh? A lot of lights for sure, but he needs all that illumination to tape television segments.

Oh, he's also a very talented artist. Who knew!?
 Working on a piece in his studio behind the house with his cute dog, Lucky.
The paintings on the back wall of the dining room were also done by him.

A copper soaking tub with a curtain to pull closed. I hope it comes with a tub pillow,
 because I think I'd be lulled right to sleep on a breezy day!

The master bath.
Mirrors, mirrors on the wall, who besides me,  loves those aqua walls?
 A collection of interesting mirrors, aqua, white and hits of black...so much love!

The perfect way to kick off the month that celebrates love. I'll have a feature for you each week in February highlighting some of my favorites.

All interior photographs by Helen Norman.

Fall Planting...What to do?

I have such admiration for all landscape designers. I truly find such pleasure visiting the landscape blogs. Of course you all are very skilled at creating curb appeal, selecting just the right plantings that are suitable to the style of our home and the climates we live in. But it is truly so much more than that.

The beauty and artistry of what a landscaper or skilled gardener creates is a huge component of our stored memories. I can recall very specific moments with friends dining alfresco, tossing the ball to dogs I've owned,  pushing my kids on the swing set, and laying on the cool lush grass. It is much the same way interior memories are stored. Where you may associate a certain sofa, lamp, fabric or artwork with a specific memory, the same can be said about a beautiful tree in your yard, the scent of honeysuckle, or the potted flowers on your front porch.

I am not a gifted gardener. In fact for a time, nearly the opposite was true. For awhile, killing plantings became one of my specialties! However, my deep love of flowers and greenery as well as the need to constantly bring fresh cuttings indoors hasn't stopped me from experimenting. Over the years, I have learned to seek out the help of those who are knowledgeable, teach myself by reading whatever I can, and pay for services when I know I am clearly out of my range of capability. But, for the smaller tasks such as seasonal pots, I still enjoy having a go at it every season.

Since discovering double impatients, I have  used them quite a bit, with and without other plants in various pots. They look like miniature roses, love the shade and have proven "kill proof" with good soil and water. But, the fall sometimes gets me stumped. Often, I just shove a bunch of branches in these iron pots... never a shortage in our backyard! But, until it is time for pumpkins, I am hoping dear readers, you may have some suggestions and fresh inspiration?

All photos courtesy of A&A