The Velvet Boxwood

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

A Basket full of Boxwoods

I'm sorry I have been completely absent lately with getting clients planted for the spring and enjoying all these little moments with my sweet baby boy. Time just slipped past me, but I'm back and am I ready to talk about all the exciting things we have going on at TVB and sharing beautiful images along the way that totally melt our butter!!

Surprising as it might be to you, I'm totally whooped over boxwood's and I can tell you I just adore presenting them in basket's.....

I adore this large grouping....

How sweet is this?

I know, I know this is not a boxwood planted in this basket, but I'm telling you that rosemary looks pretty divine in that basket. Aren't you loving this look?

I do love the look of these boxwood's just so effortlessly cascading down these gorgeous steps. I think that is the thing I do adore about this look...it makes such a statement, but yet it's so extremely effortless looking.

Off to shop for more baskets I do believe!!

Love,
Laurie

Tuesday, April 21, 2015

Bunny Williams Trade Secrets

Victoria Magazine wrote the most beautiful story on this great event that was created by Bunny Williams and her gardener Naomi Blumenthal and how they came to make this amazing show called "Trade Secrets". This event supports a very important cause Women's Support Services - an organization dedicated to ending domestic violence. This amazing event is celebrating it's 15yr anniversary and doesn't look like it's slowing down one bit. Trade Secrets is a two day garden event that is held at LionRock Farm in Sharon, CT. The first day includes endless shopping for breathtaking antiques and rare garden plants. The second day entails a four-garden tour(the line up sounds amazing!). Which Mrs. Bunny Williams is one of the homes you will get the chance to tour.....

Doesn't this just look amazing. I'm telling you I would be a kid in a candy shop. Image Victoria Magazine

Image: Victoria Magazine

Oh how much fun would it be to run into this duo!!

Vendors come in from all over to share all their secrets and help you learn more about creating your own magical haven. Image: Victoria Magazine

Image:Victoria Magazine

Look at all these beautiful treasures! I think I would have to drive a truck to carry back all the great finds. I'm a plant junkie. I confess!! Image:Victoria Magazine

Finally the best part Mrs. Williams abode. So classy, but yet so inviting. I feel like that would be exactly how her personality would be. I do love this home. Image:Veranda

These Italian oil jars are perfection in the boxwood beds.

Isn't this service barn gorgeous?

Have you ever seen a chicken coop like this? My goodness I would stay here!

Perfection....

This terrace is the perfect place to unwind at in the evening , with your sweet tea in hand. I'm already there and completely laid out relaxing!

This koi pond is just magical

I just love this!! Two things I adore boxwoods and tulips. Ahhh simply heavenly. Once again, some more of those gorgeous Italian oil jars in the middle of these boxwood beds.

Stunning...

Are those hosta's not outrageous. Completely garden crushing.

I mean have you ever seen a pool house like this? Wow! This pool house was inspired by 18th-century French garden folly and built to the exact proportions of a classical Greek temple.

I didn't think Bunny Williams could be any more amazing. I have such a respect for this precious lady and what all she does for this great cause. I know this event has to be top notch and so much fun to attend. Oh I'm telling you I would be eaten up with every little detail.

I hope to one day to be able to attend this gorgeous event. Until then I'll just drool from afar and go dig in my garden.

Love, Laurie

If you would like more info on Trade Secrets...http://www.tradesecretsct.com/

Thursday, April 9, 2015

My Favorite Pineapple Poke Bundt Cake

Pineapple Poke Bundt Cake:

20 ounces crushed pineapple(reserve juice divided)

Yellow cake mix

3.4 ounces instant vanilla pudding

3/4 cup vegetable oil

4 eggs

2 tablespoons vanilla (divided)

1 cup powdered sugar

1 tablespoon butter, melted

Glaze:

2 tablespoons butter, melted

1 cup powdered sugar

1 teaspoon milk

1/4 teaspoon milk

Instructions:

*Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray 12 cup bundt pan generously with nonstick cooking spray.

*Drain pineapple juice from the tidbits. Hopefully you can get about 1 cup of pineapple juice from it

*Beat cake mix, dry pudding mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and 3/4 cup of pineapple juice in a large bowl with an electric mixer for 2 minutes. Mix 1 tablespoon of vanilla into the cake batter. Fold in crushed pineapple. Pour into prepared pan.

*Bake 40 to 42 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out clean.

*Combine remaining pineapple juice, 1 tablespoon vanilla, powdered sugar and melted butter in a small bowl while cake is baking.

*Remove cake from the oven and set on wire rack or dish towel to cool in pan. Right after removing it from the oven poke holes in the with a skewer at 1/2 inch intervals while still hot and in pan. Pour soaking mixture over cake so it will go into the holes. I used a big spoon and drizzled it over all the holes. Allow to cool in pain for about 40 minutes. Then invert cake onto a serving platter and remove pan. Cool completely.

*For glaze. Beat glaze ingredients together until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cake.

I'm telling you this cake is a slice of heaven!!

Now hurry to the kitchen and get to baking...

Try not to eat the whole cake at once, and if you do! There will be no judging! hehe

Enjoy,
Laurie

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

Blue & White = Swoon

The meaning of "Swoon" is to be overwhelmed by ecstatic joy, a state of ecstasy or rapture. Yes, yes, yes! I feel every bit of that way when I encounter Blue & White!! I know you are thinking my goodness honey child calm down. Oh but you don't understand there is something about Blue & White!!