A Pumpkin Windowbox

Our local grocery store has such lovely and interesting pumpkins for sale. So of course, I went a little crazy buying all the varieties and sizes to decorate our home for fall.

Inspired by the pumpkin window box in the previous post, I attempted my own version with all the new pumpkins I bought.

The window box is by our back porch, under the kitchen window. Ivy geraniums are already growing there, so I just tucked little gourds and pumpkins among the vines.

Then I added fall leaves, bird's nests and a couple of candles for good measure!

Not exactly like my inspiration photo. Right?

Hey, I tried!

I'll leave it all there for a few days, but probably will end up just filling in with new plants for fall color. The pumpkins will find a better home elsewhere.

Like the fireplace mantle!

I did plant new ivy topiaries for the urns though, and found a nice variety of heirloom pumpkins to display on the porch.

Enough for today....Will resume tomorrow!

I'm joining Laurie at Bargain Hunting with Laurie for Favorite Things Saturday!

I'm also linking up to Southern in my Heart for Inspiration Friday and Color Outside the Lines for Vignette Friday. Better late than never....!

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Decorating With Pumpkins

I can't believe it's October already! Time to think seriously about decorating for fall.

I went to Half Moon Bay this week to buy pumpkins, mums and topiaries to decorate our home for the season. I'm not quite ready to show the final result yet, but here are a few of my inspiration photos.

I love this fall arrangement above with the dried flowers and pumpkins. No need to even plant this flower box.

Same for this flower box. It's just a simple collection of green pumpkins, which I love, and gourds.

An old wheel barrel with stenciled pumpkins is perfect for greeting guests on the porch.

I like this one because of the variation of pumpkins. I'm not a fan of orange, so white and green pumpkins are a nice departure from the traditional orange pumpkins. Besides, I think they look more elegant!

An old bird bath becomes a gorgeous centerpiece for this collection of heirloom pumpkins.

How beautiful is this!

I like how this urn has become a pumpkin lantern.

And finally, just putting a collection of gathered pumpkins in all colors by the front door with dried branches and leaves is enough to greet your guests.

Happy October!

Now go out and get some pumpkins!

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The Autumn Garden

Even in the Fall the garden can be beautiful. Here in California, Fall comes late. The roses are still hanging in there and producing a few blooms. The hydrangeas are turning a lovely red and are perfect for drying. And the Japanese Maples are gorgeous with their red and gold leaves. It is hard to believe it is December here!

The importance of garden structure really stands out now. A fountain, birdbath, obelisk or even a hidden St. Francis at the base of a tree plays an important role in the garden when it starts to fade.

I particularly love this St. Francis statue. He is hidden at the bottom of a 100 year old redwood at the edge of our house. I like to think he is watching over the squirrels and birds that live in that magnificent tree.

The glorious Autumn Garden complete with it's own "cast of characters"! The wall fountain is one of my favorites as it attracts a lot of hummingbirds. Look closely: there are two yellow finches perched on the ledge!

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Tablescape Thursday

I'm joining Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday for the first time!

The plate is Johnson Brothers Windsorware in the Harvest pattern. I love this plate! It goes with everything: from velvet to burlap placemats, plaid to toile napkins, formal and rustic. I love putting purple wine hocks with it to bring out the grapes--a favorite theme of mine. I have used this plate three times for staging a table setting in various kitchen tours and it looks different each time. Hope you like it as much as I do. Happy Thanksgiving!

I'm fortunate to have the huge platter!

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The Pool House

The pool house in Asti. This separate building anchors the pool and gives a place to sit by the fire, barbeque, sleep (upstairs) or use the jacuzzi. There is also a bathroom with a lovely shower for overnight guests, etc. It is wonderful in the summer for shade when temperatures in the upper Alexander Valley can peak around 100 degrees. But also in the winter because of the fireplace and shelter.

A cool place to sit in the heat of the summer. The pool is to the right.

Above, the stairway leading up to a small bedroom. Only for the adventurous as there isn't any heat. It is like sleeping in a treehouse. The bathroom is to the left at the bottom of the stairs, the spa to the right.

The spa bathroom waiting with robes and slippers.

The spa overlooking the neighbor's vineyard (Rodney Strong) in the Fall.

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