Fall Garden Cleanup: Don't Prune These - An Excellent Article from High Country Gardens

I still consider myself a new gardener even after owning my home 20 years. My garden has changed so much over the years and I have learned so much but always feel I need to learn so much more. Gardening is my favorite pastime and I love that there is so much to learn from other gardeners, garden centers and these wonderful online shops. High Country Gardens has always been a favorite of mine. This morning I was out in my garden and wondering what exactly to cut back and what to leave. Then I found this wonderful article. 

Getty Images from House Beautiful Magazine. 

Here are some tips:

Perennial Plants & Flowers 

Why leave perennial plants & flowers standing over winter months? Like ornamental grasses, it's a good idea to leave perennials standing as well. These plants will often provide the same shelter to beneficial insects as the ornamental grasses. 

Seed bearing perennials such as Purple Coneflower (Echinacea), Joe Pye Weed (Eupatorium), Hummingbird Mint (Agastache), Lavender (Lavandula), perennial Sunflower (Helianthus), and others, also provide valuable winter food for songbirds. Additionally, species with stiff stems and ornamental seed heads, such as Yarrow (Achillea), Purple Coneflower (Echinacea), Tall Stonecrop (Sedum), and others with flat or cone-shaped dried flowers, add to the garden's winter beauty.

Plus, perennials are more cold hardy when their stems are left standing over the winter. This is helpful for overwintering perennials that are living at the edge of their cold hardiness zones. For example, when native Sage (Salvia), Hummingbird Mint (Agastache), and Hummingbird Trumpet (Zauschneria) are planted in USDA zones 5 & 6, this will help them survive the winter cold. This is especially true for young plants (in the ground one to two growing seasons).

• Wait until mid-spring to cut back perennials.
• If perennial plants are exhibiting some summer/fall disease or are infested with injurious insects, then in these instances, these damaged plants should be cut back, and scraps thrown away in the trash, not the compost, to prevent the disease or pests from spreading.

Deciduous Shrubs & Trees

Winter is an ideal time for pruning deciduous plants (woody plants that lose their leaves), because they are dormant.

• Most fruit, flowering, and shade trees all benefit from winter pruning. This will help to remove crossed branches, gently shape their branch structure, and, with shade trees, help to maintain strong non-forked leaders.
• Don't shear the branches of spring flowering shrubs (Forsythia, Lilac, New Mexico Privet, Spirea, Flowering Quince, and others). These shrubs produce flowers on last year's wood, so removing old growth will reduce or prevent flowering. These plants should be pruned immediately after they are done blooming. 
• Summer blooming shrubs like Russian Sage (Perovskia), Spirea (Caryopteris), and Butterfly Bush (Buddleia davidii and hybrids) should be left untrimmed over the winter months.
• Russian Sage should be cut back hard in mid-spring, leaving stems 12-15" tall. This should be done every spring to keep them blooming heavily.
• Blue Mist Spirea and Butterfly Bush should be cut back by 1/3 to 1/2 of their height every third year (NOT annually) to re-invigorate the shrubs and encourage blooming.

You can read the entire article here. 

Here is another article from House Beautiful on fall gardening that I loved. 

An Interior Designer's Guide to Bedroom Styling | How To Style Your Nightstand and Dresser Like a Pro

 When it comes to bedroom styling, our interior design clients are often stumped by what to do with their nightstands and dressers. It looks so effortless in the design magazines - a lamp here, a candle there, and then you have the perfect look. But many people struggle with scale, layering, and making your surface look polished, not bare or cluttered. 

Here are our top designer tips for styling your bedroom surfaces like a pro. 

How To Style Your Nightstand Like a Pro

• First thing to do: pick out your lamp. A good rule of thumb is that nightstand lamps should be around 30" from the top of the shade to the bottom of the base, but this can vary based on how large your nightstand and tall your ceilings are. Very tall ceilings (10-12' or taller) will likely need taller lamps; you might want taller ones if you have a bigger nightstand, too. Historic house with lower or sloped ceilings or small nightstands may be able to accommodate smaller lamps. If you still can't decide, think about hiring a professional designer for their opinion. 
• Designer Tip: Can you do a sconce or pendant instead of a lamp? Yes, but unless your walls and/or ceilings are already hard-wired for the electric, it will be expensive to install it. Sconces and pendants do save space on your nightstand, though! 
• Find a catch-all tray. These small trays are perfect to hold rings, chapsticks, hair ties, phones, and anything else you want to keep in one place instead of all over your dresser top. 

• Add your favorite pretty candle. A pretty candle doubles as decor. 
• Layer in personal touches - like photo frames. 4x6' is usually the best size to start - if your nightstand is large enough, you can add a smaller round one. We love our Pigeon and Poodle Corinth frame. 
• Vary the heights with different decor like vases, pitchers, and book stacks. This keeps all of your decor from being on one layer, giving a more dynamic and interesting design. 
• Don't forget the coaster - you don't want to ruin the finish on your beautiful nightstand. 

How to Style a Small Nightstand: 

For nightstands 24" wide and smaller:

• Get a lamp that's lighter and airier. One with a base is especially helpful in easing up surface space. 
• Make your tray do double duty. Get a larger tray that serves as a catch-all and a piece of decor. 

How to Style a Large Nightstand

These can be deceptively difficult to style, since one long, blank piece of space can be hard to differentiate and can be hard to balance with decor. 

• Don't be afraid to use a larger lamp. A too-small one will look rinky-dink in the space. 
• Create two distinct vignettes instead of trying to cram all your decor in a row. This will make it easier to decorate. 

How to Style a Nightstand with a Shelf: 

What to do with the trendy double shelf nightstands? We like to put stacks of books, trays, and baskets. 

How to Style a Dresser: 

Dressers run into the same problem large nightstands do - it's too much decorating space for many people to know what to do with. 

Another dresser challenge is that TVs are usually above them or on top of them. If you don't have a TV on top of your dresser, it should definitely have a mirror (preferably mounted) or artwork for visual interest. 

Dresser Styling Tips:

• Cluster smaller decor pieces on a tray to avoid a cluttered look.

• Pair matching lamps on either side on a larger dresser. This is an easy way to create balance. 
• Display jewelry in glass jewelry boxes. This creates visual interest and keeps your favorite pieces on view. 
• Display pretty perfumes on a tray. 

Find your favorite bedroom furniture and decor at Lavender & Co. and get in touch with us for virtual design! 

Spotted in "Downton Abbey: A New Era" | Our Arte Italica Vetro Gold Stemware

We're so excited to spot our Arte Italica Vetro Gold stemware in the new Downton Abbey film, "A New Era." The Crawley family and friends sipped out of them during a scene at a French villa. 

Clockwise from top left: Vetro Gold collection | Hotel Flatware | Contact us to order this Art Deco fabric | Vintage Pewter Ice Bucket |  Antique Brass Coasters |  Dreammaker Chandelier | Delfern Bench

You can snag your own set of four of the same flutes on our site here. 

We especially love this film because it took place in 1928, giving us a sumptuous look at Art Deco-era decor, costumes, and set design! 

 

How to Throw an Amalfi Coast Themed Summer Party | Citrus Summer Party Inspiration

 This summer, we're all about the fresh summer citrus theme - it's the closest you can get to the Amalfi Coast without actually hopping on a flight! We've even put together our Summer Citrus collection with a roundup of our favorites. 

If you're looking to throw an Amalfi Coast themed party, here are our top tips for capturing this fresh summer style at your event. 

Clockwise from top right: Hibiscus Fluted Vase | Blue Pheasant Ariana Aqua Dessert Plate | Burano Dinner Plate Set of Four | Vietri Limoni Salad Plate | Blue Pheasant Roland Flatware | Blue Pheasant Grace Glassware | Mark D. Sikes Ojai Napkin Set | Mangiacotti Lemon Verbena Soap | This Round's on Me Cocktail Napkins 

Decorate with lemons on the table 

This is a super easy way to decorate your table. You don't have to add a full runner of lemons and greenery like in these inspo photos - that's a lot of lemons to buy! You can simply fill a crystal bowl or two with the freshest, prettiest lemons at the market. If you can't find the kind with leaves, fake it with some fresh peony leaves from the garden, or any smooth, deep green ones that resemble a lemon leaf. 

TIP: Wait until right before your guests arrive to add the lemons to the bowls if your party will be outside. You don't want them to go bad - use them for cooking or baking when the party is over. 

Find fun Amalfi Coast themed party favors to share with your guests

We love these lemon-themed cookies for a tasty favor. Another idea that's a hit at our parties (and doesn't require any baking) is pretty bar of soap or a luxe hand cream for each guest. We love this Mangiacotti Lemon Verbena soap for an Amalfi Coast themed party favor. It also is great to add to your bathroom for guests to use! Our Michel Design Works Lemon Basil hand cream is a perennial summer favorite. and makes an excellent gift. 

Add blue into your Amalfi Coast themed decor

Blue and yellow are the perfect pair, and if you already have blue and white decor, you can incorporate it into your tablescape. 

Our Burano dinnerware is the perfect option for everyday dinnerware that works perfectly for an Amalfi Coast themed party. 

Adding gold flatware or candlesticks adds a little touch of glamour - try our Vetro Gold collection for a ton of options. 

Add some special lemon touches into the table, too

We can't resist these Vietri Limoni salad plates - we love layering them with our other dinnerware in the summer and creating different tablescape looks. Check out our Summer Citrus collection for more citrusy platters and dinnerware. 

Come up with a signature cocktail

Limoncello is delicious and you can find it at your local liquor store. Even something as simple as champagne with a splash of a fancy lemonade is fabulous. Belvoir has a tasty lemonade selection available at many supermarkets in the prettiest bottles - splash them in champagne (or sparkling water for a nonalcoholic option).

Shop the Summer Citrus Collection 

Shop our Summer Citrus collection and all new arrivals at Lavender & Co. com - and get free shipping with orders over $75! 

What Type of Bedding is Best for Summer? | Our Summer Bedding Guide for the Warm Weather Months

 When the weather warms up, many of our customers are looking to change out their bedding for lighter, more summery options. This is especially true for people in coastal towns who like to sleep with the windows open and the fresh air coming in - regular sheets can be too hot if you run warm at night and don't have the air conditioner on high. 

Luckily there's a wealth of good summer bedding options available, no matter your climate. Here's our guide to summer bedding.

What type of bedding is best for the summer?

You'll want something made from natural fibers - think linen or cotton, no polyester or synthetic materials. Natural fibers breathe more than synthetics, which means that airflow is better and warm air won't get trapped beneath the sheets.

What material should I go with for summer sheets - linen or cotton? 

While linen and cotton are both good options for summer bedding due to their breathability and light weight, they also have very different looks and "hands" - the name for the feel of the fabric. Cotton, especially percale cotton, is very crisp and can feel cool to the touch. Linen, which is made from the flax plant, is even more breathable and moisture-wicking than cotton but it does have a slubbier, more rumpled texture.

If you like a crisp, clean, polished look, cotton is for you. If you prefer the more shabby-chic, textured look of linen, or if you run really warm, linen is the best bet. 

Shop the Sferra Pettine cotton bedding collection here

Shop the Matteo Vintage Linen Sheet Set here

Shop the Keaton Linen bedding collection here

What can I use instead of a duvet in the summer? 

If your duvet is too warm, you can switch it out for lighter bedding that will keep you cooler. 

• A coverlet or quilt is a great option, with a throw blanket if you get chilly. Check out our coverlets here and our quilts here. 
• You can invest in a lighter weight duvet if you like that fluffy look and feel. This all-season weight one from Pine Cone Hill is a perfect option. 
• You can swap out your regular duvet cover for a percale or linen one. 

Check out the Pine Cone Hill Lodi Coverlet Here

Shop the Peacock Alley Chloe Percale Duvet Cover

What are other ways to switch out bedding in the summer? 

Get rid of your top sheet in the summer - that eliminates one layer. Even though top sheets are light, they can add up on a hot night. You can also switch out your regular pillowcases for crisp new percale ones. If you have heavy down pillows, they can trap a lot of heat - you might want to switch to lighter ones for the summer time. Try the Peacock Alley down alternative pillows. 

Shop the Taylor Linens Mason Percale Pillowcases

Shop the Sferra Corino Blanket

Shop the best summer bedding

You can find the best summer bedding brands at Lavender & Company - get free shipping over $75, and speak to our bedding experts to help you craft your perfect summer bedding look today. 

What is Cottagecore Style Decor? How to Decorate Your Home in this Cozy, Trendy Style

If you've long been a lover of cottage-inspired decor, you may have heard the term "cottagecore" pop up lately and wonder, "Huh? What does that mean?"

Around March 2020 when the pandemic began, everyone took to their homes and began baking bread to keep busy. People who'd never really been into the homebody life really got into it (and those of us who'd always loved this homey, cozy, cottage-y lifestyle were happy to keep on keeping on). With the rise of work from home, and the need to stay at home, the Cottagecore aesthetic took off.  

Clockwise from top left: Southport Chandelier | Hydrangeas Artwork | Polka Dot Matelasse Quilt | Giulietta Blue Pitcher | Pom Pom at Home Calypso Rug | Jacaranda Living Pippa Nightgown | Kate Forman Fuschia and Basil Fabric | Schumacher Toile Wallpaper | Farm & Sea Candle | Bella Bianca Plates

What does Cottagecore Mean?

Cottagecore essentially means the same thing a cottage-inspired lifestyle has always meant, just with a new, Gen-Z inspired name to it. 

Think a cozy home, surrounded by nature or gardens, filled with antique furniture and vintage linens. You spend your days reading books, drinking tea, and baking. You wear pretty smocked dresses and grandma-chic cardigans. If you're thinking, "Wait, this is cool now? This is what I've always done," - Congrats! You're officially a trendsetter ;) 

What is Cottagecore style decor?

 Cottagecore style decor leans to the romantic, shabby-chic side. Think a small cottage with rustic touches, white paint on the walls, wood floors covered in cotton rugs, antique furniture, floral fabrics, and flowers from the garden everywhere you look. 

How do you decorate a room in Cottagecore style?

There are a number of ways to incorporate Cottagecore decor into your existing space. If your home is already coastal, farmhouse, French country, or a combination of those, you can incorporate a cottagecore feel naturally into your home. 

• All white bedding (especially with a touch of something feminine, like our best-selling ruffled sheet set) 

• Bring the outside in - fill your home with flowers from the garden or farmer's market. Plants are a year-round way to bring in nature. If it's off-season, our faux hydrangeas are another perfect way to incorporate natural elements. 

• Botanical prints in fabrics, wallpaper, or artwork

• Vintage furniture or decor, like mirrors, vintage suitcases from an estate sale or thrift store, or vintage books. If you want to find vintage-inspired furniture, check out our furniture collection. 

• Don't be afraid of patterns - gingham, toile, ticking stripe, and chintz are all popular. 

• Cover the walls in artwork - we love art painted on wood, like our beautiful art by painter Debi Coules. It gives that natural, Cottagecore vibe. 

Roses 50 cents by Debi Coules

What is Cottagecore fashion?

Cottagecore fashion is generally cozy, comfy, and easy to wear. It's usually made of natural fibers (think linen, cotton, and wool). Smocked dresses in the summer are popular, and add a cozy sweater and tights when it gets chilly.

Remember the Laura Ashley dresses that used to be so popular back in the day? This is an updated version of that for the new generation. 

Where to Find Cottagecore Bedding

Cottagecore bedding is usually either all-white or has pretty botanicals and flowers on it. We usually love Pine Cone Hill, Designer's Guild, or Taylor Linens.

Pretty roses with Taylor Lines Pink Shore Rose Porch Pillow

Our best-selling Cottagecore bedding from Taylor Linens

Where to Find Cottagecore Rugs

When it comes to rugs, there's a wide range of options for a Cottagecore home.

 

You can opt for a simple jute or sisal area rug - the most modern option, and works well in both farmhouse and coastal homes.

The most classic Cottagecore look is a cotton area rug - soft underfoot, and gives that traditional cottage feel. 

Bunny Williams Bo Blue Rug