june gloom

the foggy june gloom is just burning off here at the shop. everyone complains about it, but i say keep it coming because i know what happens after: sweltering heat! (the flowers and plants cringe as i write this you know...) besides my sanity, the gloom is also good for photo taking. there is an extraordinary light peaking through those clouds.

it's friday. have a great weekend everyone!

a venteux weekend

how excited was i when i got a call from two of my favorite clients telling me that they had purchased a vineyard in paso robles! i'm just thrilled for them, and even more thrilled to help them shape the outdoors into their dream space for their family and friends. the big hole being dug is for the pool. we are also adding an outdoor kitchen, play court, potager garden, and lounging areas.

venteux vineyards is about 10 acres of productive vines and 3 structures which house the wine making operations, the tasting room, the living quarters, and an active bed and breakfast. if you find yourself looking for an escape from san francisco or la (they are smack in the middle) i would highly recommend calling them. the site is gorgeous and their wines are truly top notch. and while you're at it, don't leave paso without eating at artisan! it was beyond...

a front garden favorite

yesterday i revisited two gardens that i designed a while ago. it's so important to do this as a designer. you can learn so much about how the garden maintains over time and how your tastes change. i was thrilled that i am even more in love with these gardens than i was a year ago.

the photos above are the front yard of one of my very first projects out on my own - about 3 years ago and i couldn't be happier with how it has taken shape. i'm working again with this couple on a very very exciting new venture for them in paso robles. i'm heading there this weekend to do a site tour and some very important research!

fruit and vegetable harvest

spring bounty is on at the shop. our 15 gallon fruit trees are filled with fruit! we have pomegranite flowering, plums ripening, figs galore, and persimmons which i am especially excited about. our vegetable boxes are turning over a nice harvest as well. my broccoli is beautiful and it is looking like a great heirloom tomato season. we still have a great selection of vegetable starts including some amazing french melons and squash which are perfect to put in the ground now. see you soon!

sunday evening playing catch up on design work at the shop. i look over and this little guy is keeping me company on the window screen! maybe the praying mantis is my spirit animal, i sure do run into them alot... i'm not too sure what that means for tomas, poor guy.

through the ups and downs of having your own business, it's really great work to get to share the process with your sister.

i started everything gardens 3 years ago this may. it wasn't long before i talked steph into moving from pittsburgh to help me on this adventure. we've learned so much, grown so much. i'm feeling very appreciative of her today... especially so when everyone coming into the shop is oohing and ahhing over her gorgeous floral arrangements. so, thank you stephanie for being my creative and kick-ass partner.

also, if you missed it yesterday, we contributed some of our tips for running a family business on design sponge.