AN INTREPID OCTOGENARIAN
When SY encountered old age her design career’s unique experiences became a guide to embrace change and shape an entirely new lifestyle; the adventure of being a resident with 800+ elders all heading to the backstretch.
In Post 8, copious foliage prances up, down & sidewards to generate a boutique container garden on her porch. Each plant grouping fashions its own crowd scene.
Please help SY direct those busy traffic patterns.
After downsizing,
we ferried former treasures to our new space in a sincere attempt to bring the outside-inside — albeit, a very diminutive garden room. But, I never expected it would offer such a happy tongue-in-cheek atmosphere. It’s verdant vibrancy showcases nature’s greenery amidst funky bibelots — a not-so-secret garden, that creates an extension of our apartment.*
(Full disclosure, it does not take a green thumb to grow succulents and cacti.) Plant food food and water and cacti and succulents grow grow anywhere. Plunk them anywhere, they don’t care.
Following the December arrival to our Retirement Realm, our audacious Christmas Cactus literally sang “Oh Christmas Tree” showering itself with blooms.
Plus, our porch has a few over-the-top “piece-de-resistance” art statements…two noble cranes — really noble — 5’ of nobleness and…a vintage wrought iron balcony stand from the Mayor of Atascadero’s, CA. office. (The complete small iron balcony was removed intact when the building was renovated and given to us by a cherished designer friend. We upended to create an attractive design structure.) Plus, it holds a place in our hearts because it is from our friend, Wayne.
About those two 5′ cranes , Clemmie & Winnie, two unstoppable historical standouts petitioned for a trial porch visit. They promised to offer that extra spark of porch panache and once they arrived, they would not budge. So here they live “Clementine and Winston” — Churchill, that is!
Clemmie, beside being quick-on-the trigger with unwavering support for Winnie was purposeful, stylish and beautiful, whereas, Winnie, known to be a bit rumpled with his ubiquitous cigar and homburg hat had a staggering vocabulary.
His articulation & phraseology took language to “stately and noble” stratospheric heights — a league of one! (As you see, he’s still articulating.)
And he was a staunch, unwavering patriot who rescued his country to bring peace to our world in 1945.** So happy he decided to join us!
Then….there’s Mozart,
(no slouch even at age six) who would not be left behind — nor would he stop serenading the Sago Palm that persists in poking a frond into his space/face.
Stay tuned, I’ll let you know who wins…
Amadeus? or Sago!
There’s more:
Comfortable furniture offers harmony and solace while those perky glass gazing balls add decorative touches that reflect bright colors. ***
Years ago, while driving to my family’s Missouri Lake home, we were barreling down the too narrow roads — (my father only knew “barreling down”) when we raced past a yard sale. He could decelerate in a nano second and behold, just waiting for the right Californian to arrive was a quaint day bed begging to go to California.
Guess where it is right now with paint, a new mattress and extra foam padding where my son-in-law loves to take an afternoon nap, but more importantly, it’s that memorable family extension of my Father, my Mother and their lake house.
The winsome small wooden gizmo in the bottom picture was made my Father in his late eighties. He created a mini-workshop in the garage after my parents moved to California late in their lives. With almost no tools or space, he created sweet plant stands and a gizmo or two.
How great was that?
SY’s SALIENT POINTS:
– The smallest Pocket Garden can create joyful moods and resonate with nature.
– Be inventive with cherished antique pieces.
– A garden amplifies air quality and nature to capture feelings of renewal & a sense of peace.
– A mix of architectural objects will integrate decorative history into reusable design.
*May AARP 2021 Bulletin: “Bring plants into you home. Plants not only look beautiful, but many of them…can improve air quality.”
**Eleanor Roosevelt said about Winston Churchill’s speeches….(they), “were a tonic to us here in the United States as well as to his own people.”————”Franklin and Winston:”….by Jon Meacham 2003
*** From Gazing Ball History by Mick Telkamk: “First introduced in 13th century Venice by artisan glass blowers, gazing balls are a common sight in yards and gardens as decoration. The reflective spheres have served many purposes over the years. Those colorful globes may bring an attractive bit of flair to the garden, but did you know the popular lawn ornament has also been used to ward off evil, bring good luck, spy on young lovers and alert a considerate host when guests might need attention?”
Happy Back to School, Blaire