Elizabeth Stuart Design » Garden

Way Over Due

Muffie — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 15:56:16 +0000

I can’t believe it has taken me this long but I finally pulled the long garden table out to have dinner looking over the top of the hill, across the marsh and water. I had a dinner party in mind. I have had a dinner party in mind on that hill for years…12 to be exact. Those who know me would think that I was “fool” for sure but I am finding a second chance and a connection to who I was a long time ago. And…a dinner party on the hill is an example of me finding my way back. I have always wanted to do it. You know, one of those things you dream of but never seem to get around to doing? This sounds like I am about to tell you about a fancy crystal and fan fare dinner but it was simple and it was real and it was happy. I had new friends all around and we all enjoyed the sun as it slowly crept over the marsh getting ready for bed. I had friends at the table NOTICING the light. What I didn’t notice was the 8×10 photo of me at the end of the table. They had, as a joke, taken a photo from inside of my long ago modeling days. The 80’s in all my glory. They wanted “her” to come to dinner. (I was just thankful they could see a resemblance)…It had to be pointed out to me. I didn’t notice. I was too happy to just be at a table, set by friends, eating a simple dinner, admiring the tomatoes from my garden and celebrating the evening together. How perfect.

Last one in…

ESD — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 18:59:56 +0000

This past Thursday we had a photo shoot at Muffie’s house. The pool house and pool were the main focus. It was a great day in spite of the heat. I can’t wait to see the article. Stayed tuned…

ELLE DECOR’s newsletter featured stylish celebrity pools. Below are some of our favorites.

The Best Blue

Muffie — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 20:45:40 +0000

The best blue has just arrived in my garden. Every morning I get a cup of coffee and walk around in the garden and give thanks. God is THE master painter, designer extraordinaire! Make sure you cut hydrangeas in the early am or early evening for them to last. Deep water is also important. If you think they are on their way out, soak them in water from the top and then you can get them to last a day or two longer.

Design Tip-Beauty in your own Backyard

Muffie — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 20:00:57 +0000

Spring is here and now is the time to bring flowers inside. Simple arrangements can bring so much happiness. It is the best therapy you will get from your yard. I don’t like to cut my own flowers but I am getting better. I will cut a few and mix it with greenery or buy some from Whole Foods and mix with greenery. I love Whole Foods! If you don’t have many blooming in your yard, go for shape and use just one. Go for interest versus volume.

Now is the best time to prepare your elephant ears(a hard stalk is best) and papyrus.

For the green thumb

ESD — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 13:18:03 +0000

Here’s a cute gift idea for the gardener in your life. These are vintage silverware garden markers that will make any green thumb smile.

Cool weather favorites

Muffie — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 03:33:30 +0000

It’s time for pansies! Last month I brought home a few flats of pansies. I couldn’t resist. My friend Beth, who is a great gardener, told me to march right back to Lowe’s and return them. She said it wasn’t cool enough yet and that she always waits till Halloween. Well, I couldn’t wait so last weekend I returned to Lowe’s and bought pansies, violas and arugula for good measure. The purple violas are so regal in a beautiful pot and the pansies are always my favorite picked and put in a tiny vase in the window. My mom always said, “the more you pick them the more they grow” that may be from the same book of “the more you trim your hair the faster it grows” but who cares…they are a happy touch in the window.

You better love it…

Muffie — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 09:09:46 +0000

Don’t plant this unless you really love it because if kudzu had flowers this is what they would look like.

Garden fairies

Muffie — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 17:57:55 +0000

Garden fairies or spun sugar candy? A pair of earrings or a beautiful serving dish for sushi? This was in my garden…isn’t nature cool?

Symmetry at its best

Muffie — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 10:36:41 +0000

Notice the symmetry. Safe and expected and in some odd way freeing. Don’t know how to describe it better except to say go with it.

Bahamas treat

Muffie — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 09:13:46 +0000

what a hummingbird sees

what I put in my hair

what only lasts one day

a tropical hibiscus for you from me