The Nashville Garden and Antique Show Part two..........'The People of Nashville.' Sorry for the silence, have been away on business, a landscape conference in California (wait until you see those pictures) As promised I wanted to share with you the individuals that made the trip so worthwhile. Those that inspire both creativity and generosity. First presentation; ALNWICK CASTLE. (pronounced ANN-ICK) Construction began in 1096, was purchased by the current family, the Percy's in 1309 and later honored as the Duke and Duchesses' of Northumberland, it's region. Many films including the Harry Potter series have filmed here. Her Grace, the Duchess of Northumberland and family moved to the castle upon the unexpected death of her husband's brother. The once proud gardens were long since abandoned and derelict. This one-woman force possessed a dream; revive and re-create the gardens beyond all expectations. Within 13 years the Duchess has displayed a steel reserve, rebounded a suffering local economy, her design collaborations included unimaginable forethought for children, the elderly, handicapped and the "down-trodden".............all typically excluded from garden visiting, a national past time in England. Notice children and the elderly interacting. All funding was from private and public fund raising efforts plus a nice stipend from her reluctant but supportive husband. The Duchess does not earn a penny from this legacy. Visual beauty is an equal component Her "safely dangerous" poison garden. A collection of plants that kill and cure. Carefully monitored and guarded, children in particular learn about the dangers of drug abuse and the miracle of drugs. This extraordinary woman could merit several posts, her story is amazing. for additional information go here. Presenter number 2 Renown Interior Designer Michael S. Smith. of Southern California You may recall his recent commission, The White House and found your interest peaked. An approachable demeanor with a self-deprecating sense of humor brought him down to earth despite being the designer "to the stars". Bedroom with hand painted mural in the tradition of Msr. Zuber. I was stunned to learn that his first commission was from the first female head of a film studio and he was twenty three years old! How does that happen?! Some of his shared thoughts; -Prefers his rooms to develop a "layered" look; mirrors on tapestry, sea grass over orientals... -Disdains wall to wall carpeting -Bigger is NOT better in regards to home building (YES!!) -Major influence is Albert Hadley -Define the architecture and spirit of the house, let that be your guideline Presenter number 3 Slightly eccentric garden designer extraordinare Ryan Gainey of Atlanta Designs landscapes with great depth and in the English tradition of "rooms" versus expansive lawns. His mentor was the late Rosemary Verey. Structure is a key design component; stone, wood and boxwood are his primary components. A glimpse of his rear garden in Decatur, Georgia. Notice the neatly clipped climbing ivy framing the greenhouse windows. Seemingly strong willed he admits that his clients must.......... "understand the force of HIS nature." Visit him here. The lovely Lizzy, a friend and amazing jewelry craftswoman. Displaying at the venue, Lizzy's jewelry transports me to a time of elegance but with a contemporary edge. Visit her here. All pieces are utilizing "found" objects but it's the assemblage that takes her art to an inspiring level. The favorites in my personal collection are from Lizzy and they are the bits that spark liveliest conversation Joyce Scruggs, one of my blog subscribers, former home builder......over 60 homes! (I happen to think more homes should be designed and built by women), hostess extraordinaire, tremendously fun and energetic. Joyce, originally hailing from Illinois read that we were coming to Nashville for the show. This darling woman called her sister Shirley, one of our clients, in Illinois, Joan a sister from Colorado and Trish, a local friend of Joyce's in Nashville to gather and welcome us. They wanted to invite my group to her home and demonstrate true southern hospitality.I am still amazed! Never have I been more welcomed into someone's home. Check this out....a pastry covered baked brie. See what I mean about welcoming....my company's initials in puff pastry! The perfectly set desert table with individual banana puddings in the handled basket. Our hostesses and tour attendees Having lost 6 camera's in 2009, yes...6....i was down to a low level point n' shoot which is a shame as the details of this gorgeous home are lost...and half were too blurry for use. L to R; Shirley (sister), Sally, Joyce (our hostess), Susan (Sally's sister), Ardie and Carole At the door upon saying our "good-bye's" was a platter with these parting gifts! Back home with a better camera...........glassine containers filled with three mini muffins. Friend Trish, made the charming wrapping with a die-cutting craft machine.
