Tuesday, April 7, 2015

designing

When I was a little kid I would spend hours drawing houses and gardens.  Nothing has changed when it comes to this.  If I'm on a walk, I am constantly looking at peoples' yards and thinking about what plants I would add to their space to enhance it.  That is until one of the beans runs off and I am on the chase!  I'm currently working on a few design projects for people that have been keeping me busy at night.  This one is in the works right now....

 

I look for inspiration everywhere.  Colors and textures in interior spaces.....


Magazines when sitting in waiting rooms...



Simple things like messy easter eggs....


And music, there must be music!  Benny Goodman has been playing while I work....


All and all it has been a pretty busy start to spring.
Just wanted to check in and wish you all a creative week with bits of inspiration along the way!   
Happy Making, Baking, and Growing!  



63 comments:

  1. lovely photos and music! Have a nice week!

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  2. Lovely to dream and draw. I can do the first but not the second. Enjoyed hearing about your inspirations.

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  3. I wish I was a garden planner. I just stick stuff in the garden willy nilly and then pray!

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  4. Hey Nicole! I love this time of year, our brains are working at warp speed thinking, planning , dreaming.., I have been ripping up parts of my garden and maybe a bit of lawn
    too! And then there's the straw bales. Lol! I love looking at bright fabric too- reminds me of zinnias and asters. I wish you could walk over here and help me plan my gardens, you have such a super eye for design!! Have a great day tomorrow!!

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  5. I design houses in my head all the time so I certainly understand you designing gardens!! I hope you enjoy your designing and the finished garden, I am sure that it will be beautiful!!!! Happy gardening! xx

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  6. I agree inspiration for an outdoor space can come from anyehere and I too love looking at other people's gardens when out and about. Sorry I have not commented much on your previous posts for some reason my following list did not put up your latest posts, will be on the look out from now on xxx

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  7. That´s a really nice design, is it your own house and garden? That's the way to make it fun, reading garden magazines and books, watching gardens, looking for nice combinations of colour and textures. Your are very, very creative.
    Wish you lots of pleasure with your creativities and your lovely beans!

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  8. Beautiful drawing, Nicole! You have such an artistic eye! I love all of your inspirations. Your dream garden is wonderful. xo Karen

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  9. Hey Nicole,
    I really should do that. I have such a hap hazard approach to my garden. At the moment I spend an awful lot of time staring at a length of garden that always looks rather bare. I'm thinking of loads of annuals this year, and then some serious thought about what to put there. The problem is that I love planting annuals from seed in my greenhouse, raising them and then plonking them any which way in the garden! I am always inspired by other peoples gardens too.
    Have a great week.
    Leanne xx

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  10. What a lovely design you've created. You have such a good eye for gardens. I'm always on the lookout for pretty things as well, although very few of them seem to work their way into my garden - too many flying footballs. Maybe one day... I think when you're passionate about something, you're always on the lookout for inspiration. It's a lift to the day. CJ xx

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  11. Oooh the plans look lovely! I love this time of year, there is inspiration every where :) good luck with the project! x

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  12. Hello Nicole,

    We can totally identify with your view that inspiration can come from the most unexpected places. Indeed, in our gardening days, we often used to gaze in the shop windows of London stores for design inspiration. We used to find that their use of multiple numbers of the same thing definitely suited our mass planting approach to garden design.

    Gardens are tricky in that they are comprised of living things rather than rooms which sit still once they are finished. But, we see that you like to combine structural evergreens with more ephemeral plants in order to hold the design together whilst flowers come and go. Perfect!

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  13. When I was younger, I would keep keep a record/drawing of all the plants in our yard. I would spend hours browsing plant catalogs to choose a plant for a specific problem area. Cannot wait to see what you have growing! Have a great day.

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  14. I wish you'd come help me redesign my back garden. It's a funny shape and I am totally perplexed with it. Still it gives me a lot of pleasure just pottering around in it. Keep inspired and keep designing! : Dx

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  15. Ha! I was the same way growing up! I actually just found a portfolio of some of my sketches from high school when I was cleaning over the winter. It was so much fun to look back and see how my tastes in homes has changed.

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  16. Great design my dear, looks like you have found your niche! x

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  17. so happy for you that you can do what you love!

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  18. You sound very happy with garden design. I can't wait to get out and get some color in the gardens. First we have to cut down a tree, so I can replant one there. Maybe a sugar maple, or oak, for beautiful fall color.

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  19. Wow! That is amazing Nicole!!

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  20. Oh- I knew we had things in common! I used to draw houses and gardens ALL the time when I was young! I wish I still had some of those old sketches. I would also take stones and lay out "houses with rooms" flat on the ground to "play house". Lovely post! Happy Spring Gardening! xo Diana

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  21. I love your garden planning, that's such a good idea to draw and plan it so carefully...I am certainly not so patient as you in that department! How have you resisted colouring it in?! Xx

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  22. I did not know you were designing gardens! That is wonderful and it puts your talent of design and creativity to work! Wish you were here to help with my new place. You'd be working overtime!!

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  23. My dear Nicole, you would probably throw your hands up in despair if you had to try and "fix" things around my yard and gardens! Your sketch is wonderful. I enjoyed checking out the different plantings you are planning. The Sweet Shrub caught my eye, especially, since it holds some sweet memories for me from the early years of our marriage when we lived in a mobile home on a lot behind the home of my husband's parents. My husband had returned to college after his stint in the USMC. I wonder if the Sweet Shrub you have in your sketch is the same one that my father-in-law grew in his garden back then. He had a wonderful vegetable garden and he and my mother-in-law both loved planting shrubs and flowers in their yard. I adored my father-in-law and he treated me just like one of his own children. When his sweet shrub was in bloom, he would cut off some of them and bring them to me to put in a vase. Though the flowers were not showy, the fragrance was wonderful. I can close my eyes and the scent comes back to me. He passed away not many years after at much too young an age(in his 50's). I have been thinking about planting at least one of these in my yard as a remembrance of him if I can find one in a nursery around here. It ranks high on my list of "sweet memory" plants! I also enjoyed the Benny Goodman video. Those were the days of great musicians and awesome and inspiring music!

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    1. Ah Lynn....that story was beautiful!! I love that you have these memories of the garden my friend!! I still can't comment on your blog. If I sign up for google plus it affects my picassa pictures....you take care Lynn...we will figure something out!!

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  24. Well, those "messy" Easter Eggs made this whole post for me, my friend...brought a tear to my eye, actually...I miss those days with my own "Beans". I see a new career in your future, you outdoor decorator, you!

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  25. Designing is such fun isn't it? Have a great week Nicole!

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  26. Why am I not surprised that your creative spirit was just as strong when you were a child Nicole! Your clients are certainly lucky to have you designing their garden spaces. I'm like you in that I like to find inspiration everywhere. I once went through a period of photographing nothing but puddles ;p

    Oh how I wished we lived in the same town as I would just love to photograph that beautiful garden of yours. You do pretty good job of it yourself though. The Chicago skyline is one of my favorites after New York. We visited a few summer ago and I'd definitely be up for a return trip :) Hope this week is treating you well sweet lady!

    Rowena @ rolala loves

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  27. I am always looking over fences at gardens and at front yards too. Wish I could draw like you can though.

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  28. Busy bee, indeed! All fun stuff, though, it sounds like. I do the same thing with yards and indoor spaces. I rearrange and redesign everything in my head. :)

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  29. You are so right to start with a garden plan and inspiration is everywhere! Those people are going to love what you're planning. You are so talented!!

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  30. Such talent! When the beans are grown, you will likely be a famous landscape artist! I love that for now, you
    are nurturing your beans along with your gardens. -Derrith

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  31. You have such a gift, Nicole. Love seeing your plans and what inspires you. I bet you can't wait to get your hands in the dirt :) Nothing is alive in my garden yet, at least that I can see. I snow a bit the other day--crazy weather. I'm still waiting for some crocus or tulips to peak through the ground. Hope the rest of your week is beautiful!
    Blessings,
    Diana

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  32. wonderful garden design Nicole, it's great when you see it all come to life :)

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  33. I would so love to be able to look at a garden and visualize how it could be. You obviously have great talent - that design is gorgeous. I hope you and the beans had a fantastic Easter. xx

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  34. I'm very impressed. I imagine your arts training is very helpful as well. I tall an intro graphics for garden design course but haven't been able to do any additional coursework for over a year, which makes me sad.

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  35. Love the music, Nicole :) I, too, have to have music playing when I am in my craft room or baking in the kitchen.

    You are such an inspiration, my friend. Happy Thursday! Hugs!

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  36. Such a lovely drawing. I am already curious what it will look like when you are finished!

    WritingMonique.com

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  37. You are very talented and your clients are lucky to have you designing their gardens dear Nicole.

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  38. Hi Nicole,

    such a wonderful design of the garden and you have a real talent there friend. I always enjoy peeking over the fence to see people's gardens when I am out walking.
    Have a happy weekend
    Hugs
    Carolyn

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  39. You are so talented my friend. And your love of plants and the Earth is just flowing through that amazing sketch of yours. So glad you can't see my pathetic garden.
    Hugs,
    Meredith

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  40. great design, Nicole! Such an interesting magazine!

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  41. I don't have talent with gardening or decorating. I wish I did. I just don't have an eye for it. I'm hoping to make enough writing that I can pay people like you who DO have a talent for it to do it for me! If I can pay someone, then write enough during the time they're working on it to pay them, I feel I'm doing something I love, they're doing something they love, and it's a win-win. Unfortunately, I have to be able to earn enough to pay the bills, THEN have money left over to take care of having a beautiful yard.

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  42. There can hardly be much better than to go through life with Benny Goodman music for inspiration and peace.

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  43. love the house sketch :). I used to make up floor plans for houses all the time when I was a kid....that was fun.

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  44. Nicole, I wish you could come round and sort out our garden! I love your sketch, you're such a creative soul! Enjoy your weekend, lovely lady xx

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  45. It sounds like a very fun kind of busy! You definitely have the gift, my dear!

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  46. Looks like a beautiful design! I've learned to design but I think it's more of an acquired skill than a natural talent. I have discovered that texture, both visual and tactile, are hugely important in the garden.

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  47. Oh my what a beautiful design! I can't wait to see it in real life! ;) This is my first time on your site and I think your blog is really cute, Nicole!

    <(') hoda | joojoo azad

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  48. I see your creative ideas are in overtime for spring! I took a design class in college but just didn't have the talent for it. But you sure do! I am pinning the BHG picture. Trying to figure out a design for round flower garden with bird feeders in the middle! Hope you and the family have been enjoying these warmer temps!
    Liz

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  49. Lovely, Nicole, isn't this such a promising time of year? I note that you are planning to plant 'Solomon's seal'. I've always had trouble with it being eaten by grey caterpillars that the birds don't want to eat. They strip the leaves to the bare stalk. I hope you fare better! I've got the book of Rosemary Verey's garden plans and it is fascinating to see the lovely coloured plans alongside the finished planting. The front cover makes me drool!

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  50. Forgot to say that I'm also a Benny Goodman fan and we often listen to him in the car when we are on a long journey.
    'Sweet Lorraine' is a favourite.

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  51. I love seeing the garden plans you draw- very inspiring!

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  52. Nicole I think that is wonderful!! You have such talent and I love that you are sharing it with others! Your sketch alone is just beautiful! You really find inspiration in all the right places, that is what life is all about! I hope you are having a wonderful week friend!

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  53. I'm so behind on visiting. I have to have music on to really get the creative juices flowing. I love strolling and looking at other people's gardens and houses. There is one particular street I would love to live on one day as everyone has charming cottage gardens.

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  54. Looks very promising! Isn't it amazing what sticks in our minds and where we get inspiration from! hope you had a great Easter and school holidays xxx

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  55. Nicole you're so creative and talented. I'd love for you to design my garden space

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  56. Nicole, wish I had your talent for gardening. I must come back here for inspiration when I get ready to plant. I'm waiting for some motivation!

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  57. I haven't called in for ages, do forgive me, holidays and all that. Great to hear your thoughts. Jo x

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  58. It's good that you can grab inspiration everywhere.. Me too.. I see things and I start thinking a bunch of things.. lol.. Now that I have mama's house I wish I could do all the magic myself.. but I pretty much know what vintage cabinets I want where and what.. Your sketch is lovely. with love Janice

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  59. On the radio this morning they were talking about gardens and I immediately thought of you and had to swing by to catch up! Your sketch for the house looks fab and I love that you can find inspiration in the everyday! I always love you posts Nicole.. you provide your own amount of inspiration to those not so green fingered!! have a super weekend my friend! Hazel xxx

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  60. Love the sketch and your prowess. The garden you are currently designing, will be so beautiful!
    Very interesting layers.

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  61. Love how inspiration comes from everywhere and anywhere! We just need to open our eyes and minds to the possibilities around us. Thanks for sharing some of the things that inspire you and your beautiful gardens!

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