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January 6, 2016 By Teri Speight Leave a Comment

The Presence of Winter Indoors-You Can Grow That

wp-1452025112158.jpegWinter has finally reared its frigid presence and is trying to spoil the wonderfully mild weather we have been experiencing. Not complaining, however, we should consider what we can do to bring winter indoors (without the chill in the air) …especially after the holidays. You Can Grow and most likely are growing plant material that will allow you to bring the presence of winter indoors.

Most of us think that we should go to the store or local florist to purchase items for indoor floral arranging.  Great idea, support your local florist, but also consider something a little more unique and curiously creative. Freshly filled vases are an integral part of my home decor, at any time of the year.  I pay special attention during the winter months, as I walk outside for inspiration from Mother Nature enabling me to think outside the box.

Keeping in mind that all indoor arrangements do not have to include blooming plants.  Here are a few suggestions on how to bring winter interest into the home.Image result for Free images of Nandina DomesticaGather a few branches of Nandina Domestica, add at least one branch that has a cluster of the berries, insert this into a container that picks up the green and burgundy blushed leaves and you have a great simple, natural, as well as seasonal  arrangement. For a more daring creation, gather a few golden blades of an attractive ornamental grass.  Strategically place them in your arrangement and embrace the feel of winter.

Try Golden Deodar Cedar in a medium cylinder or short, wide clear vase. Add a bodacious amount of lemons in the vase, add greenery and water.  The texture and color play is wonderful. Lemons in a bowl during the winter months can uplift the spirit.  A visual citrus treatment for the blues so to speak.  You can also add colorful berries on a stem to add a red or orange spark to this arrangement.wp-1452025209451.jpegLet’s take a fresh look at boxwood. Boxwood is not just for kissing balls and arrangement filler anymore.  Boxwood can be clipped, snipped or just left in its natural state.    The beauty of boxwood is you can soak it in water after freshly cutting it, arrange and leave it so it can turn a wonderful wheat like color upon drying. You can use all sizes and shapes of vases or creative containers, to make simple green arrangements that can be placed just about anywhere.  Boxwood wreaths are s easy and such a joy to make year round you can even add creative touches as the season progresses. Removing some runaway grapevines from your garden???  Use that grapevine to make a circle or a swag (size does not matter), use leftover ribbon from the holidays or green floral wire to attach bunches of boxwood around the form. Decorate with a different texture of leaf-like holly, variegated holly or Osmanthus, cotton seed pods, forsythia or winter jasmine that has buds.  If you use the winter jasmine or forsythia that has buds and keep it moistened, at the right time and unexpected spark of yellow will liven up your room.  Using floral tubes carefully tucked in and concealed by greenery so they are not seen is a terrific idea as well!

Other quick ideas…

Magnolia seed  pods in a vase. Tuck in a few small leaves or perhaps place on top of fresh potpourri – simple!

A tall urn with boughs of magnolia branches, so Southern and elegant!

Gum ball seed pods, spray paint or not, in a shallow container with soft edges – the contrast in texture is amazing!

Use branches of red, coral or yellow twig dogwood to prop stems of Amaryllis…just beautiful!

Curly willow branches  with mixed findings from the garden.  The willow branches will easily root and the water can be used as a rooting agent….sharing an old tip!

Paris Willow (744x800)

The presence of winter, You Can Grow That….and bring it indoors.

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The Flower Show in my Mind was appreciating Nigell The Flower Show in my Mind was appreciating Nigella yesterday. A quiet flower until you become entranced with the bloom. Once you notice it, the realization of the term quiet fireworks takes on a whole new meaning. It is like a sparkler, lighting up anything you add to the vase. 
What flower adds sparkle to your life?
#theflowershowinmymind #allthingsbeautiful #allaboutthegarden #alwaysthinkingaboutthegardenlife #nigella #flowers #springinspiration
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Do you have 'In Full Bloom' moments? Are you going to The Flower Show?
#allthingsbeautiful #alwaysthinkingaboutthegarden #allaboutthegardenlife #theflowershowinmymind #theflowershow #phs
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I am going to enjoy this bowl of bodacious goodness for breakfast. Better than a bowl of cereal and no milk required.
Are you beginning to enjoy the fruits of your garden labor? Is healthy eating a part of your 'why', when gardening?
#allthingsbeautiful #alwaysthinkingaboutthegarden #allaboutthegardenlife #passthepeas #gardengoodness #gardeningforhealth #sweetpeas #springbliss
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Have you captured a moment lately? #allthingsbeautiful #alwaysthinkingaboutthegarden #allaboutthegardenlife #springinspiration #springbloomers #gardenbliss #flowerfriends
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Do you have storm rations? Do you have bases for an abundance of blooms?
#allthingsbeautiful #allaboutthegardenlife #alwaysthinkingaboutthegarden #stormsdontstealmyjoy #gardenbliss #nidodc #hummus #seasonalbliss #blooms #peonyparty
Gardening...should be like medicine. Best taken in Gardening...should be like medicine. Best taken in small doses, know when to pause , and realize when it's time for a break.
It is a great afternoon to step back, sip, and reflect on an unexpected year of adventure. Thanks @nidodc for a scrumptious bottle of Secondome vino bianco and the cutest bottle opener ever.
Do you make time to pause in the garden, or is it all work? 
Reassess if you think the garden is all work and no play! #allaboutthegarden #allaboutthegardenlife #allthingsbeautiful #nidodc #ambassadorofallthingsbeautiful #pausinginthemoment
It is a Disco and Dirt kind of morning! Have a gre It is a Disco and Dirt kind of morning! Have a great day!
What an exciting year of books! I received a copy What an exciting year of books! I received a copy of Cut Flowers by Celestina Robertson in England. I cannot wait to delve in a see this perspective on growing. 
It's amazing to see other people who look like me growing flowers and creating beauty in such an unexpected way. 
Just like in my book, Black Flora, we grow from our heart, reflect from our genetic memory, and most people aren't  even aware of all we are capable of. We are not a monolith by any means.
Looking forward to this Cel! 
#wegrowmorethancollards #webeokinthegarden #allthingsbeautiful #allaboutthegardenlife #alwaysthinkingaboutthegarden #blackspecialtycutflowergrowers #africanamericansinthegarden
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When you think about it, it has to be tiring knowing you have to stand tall, so all can appreciate your beauty.
Do you love peonies as much as I do?
#allthingsbeautiful #allaboutthegardenlife #allaboutthatgardenfeeling #alwaysthinkingaboutthegarden #peonybliss #springinspiration #springbloomers #seasonalbliss #peonylover
Iris Sibirica. It's a perennial worth remembering. Iris Sibirica. It's a perennial worth remembering. The slender leaves caress a slightly taller stem which holds a beautiful bloom. Great for the low maintenance garden, once established. Deer walk right by it, it is easily divided to showcase in other parts of the garden, and it is a great cut flower.
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#allthingsbeautiful #alwaysthinkingaboutthegarden #allaboutthegardenlife #iris #springbloomers #springbliss #pausinginthemoment #gardenbliss
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I sat and reminisced about some songs she sang, how she adored her daughters and how she was honest about her mental health struggles.
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How many people are struggling and have no one to turn to? As we navigate life as we know it today, how many are not sure how to keep it together? How many people know the number to the Suicide Hotline or know how to respond when a friend or family member is in trouble?

Keep the National Suicide Hotline number handy, 1-800- 273- 8255. You never know when you might need it.

I mourn for the family Naomi Judd left behind. Their lives have been changed forever in a most unimaginable way.

This is a book that I will always have in my collection. Just sharing...
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Do you tune out of the world and tune into your garden?
It is the best way to clear the mind, soothe the heart, and be at peace...if only for a little while...#backinthegarden, #springinspiration #springbloomers #allthingsbeautiful #alwaysthinkingaboutthegarden #peonypassion #anticipatethebloom
Enjoy the day! I will...Happy Mother's Day to all! Enjoy the day! I will...Happy Mother's Day to all!
I bought The Cottage 18 years ago this August. I c I bought The Cottage 18 years ago this August. I carried my plants in my truck for safe keeping, as I relocated and set up my new home. One of those plants was a dogwood seedling from the Biltmore Estate in North Carolina. 
Last year I began to think about cutting it down since it had not bloomed. Then, I noticed a cluster of three blooms. I was ecstatic...and decided to keep the tree. It was a memory of a wonderful bus trip, with wonderful ladies, when I lived in Fredericksburg.
Today when I looked out the front door...I simply burst into tears. It is so full of starter blooms that will evolve into beautiful white blooms. The words starry starry night came to mind...and I began to hum. 
This garden thing is in my blood, in my core, and I appreciate the gifts from the garden.
I wish my ancestors could have had time to simply enjoy the garden...perhaps they did...
Did you receive a gift from the garden today?
#allthingsbeautiful #allaboutthegardenlife #alwaysthinkingaboutthegarden #seasonalbliss #springinspiration #springbloomers dogwoods
So I'm looking at the Local Living section of the So I'm looking at the Local Living section of the Washington Post, page 8 and can't stop giggling! What an exciting year and AH-MAZING journey...
Thank you for the coverage Washington Post, Jura Koncius, and all who helped make this happen.
I need to find a new place to pinch my arms...lol!
Instructions for a delicious meal: 1. Go to #nido Instructions for a delicious meal:

1. Go to #nidodc 
2. Purchase 1 (or two) tubs of Elysian Fields Lamb Meatballs in Picada Sauce
3.Heat and serve with Ancient Grain, Wild or Seven Grain and Rice blends
4. Don't forget to pick a wine to complement the dish 
5. Thank me later 

The flavors of this dish was like a party in my mouth. I enjoyed every bite and can't wait for dinner time tonight so I can devour what remains.

This dish was quick, easy, and well I have another tub in my freezer...so I sm good!
Thank you Nido for knowing what I need, when I don't know what I need...giggle!
#nidodc #readymademeal #smallbatchfoods #allthingsbeautiful #threewomenandawineshop
Every morning I look forward to the daily gifts fr Every morning I look forward to the daily gifts from my garden. Its like a birthday present every day. Remember when you opened that gift and you wondered how it worked? How many batteries would it need, if any?
When I see a bud, I wonder...will it unfurl today? Can I cut it? How long will it last in a vase? Whatvither foliage is available to compliment it? 
When we receive a gift f ry om the garden, the first thing we should be grateful. Grateful that it felt welcomed enough to return for another season 
Do you make sure your plants feel welcome in your garden?
Feeling grateful for my gifts from the garden.
#allaboutthegardenlife #giftsfromthegarden #allthingsbeautiful #alwaysthinkingaboutthegarden #springspiration #springbloomers #seasonalbliss
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@wdcgardener ...there is a chapter in our book on considering those recycled items as garden decor, correct? 
Do you sometimes overlook the gifts of the season? #allthingsbeautiful #alwaysthinkingaboutthegarden #allaboutthegardenlife #springinspiration #springbloomers #recycleandplay #letsplayoutside #makingdo #springshrubsforflowers
When you realize that floral wire AT HOME would be When you realize that floral wire AT HOME would be useful right now...sigh
#makingdowithwhatsonhand,
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