Monday, October 4, 2010

Accessorizing with Ivy Topiaries


Last week, I took a trip over the hill to Half Moon Bay for ivy topiaries. It was time to replace my outside topiaries that flank both the front and back doors, as well as a few for inside for some fall decor.

The first place I went to is Schickenberg Nursery. They specialize only in ivy topiaries, and have been around for many years. As you can see, they are ready for Halloween with their pumpkin and witch topiaries.

They are already stocking up for the holidays too. Wouldn't this ivy reindeer look cute on the front porch for Christmas?

Next door, is Nurseryman's Exchange, a wholesale nursery catering to florists in the Bay Area. They have everything one could need! There is a $150 minimum purchase here, and at first you think there is no way you can spend that much since all the plants and flowers are so inexpensive.

There are so many wonderful plants to choose from though, that $150 adds up quickly!

I always feel like a kid in a candy store here!

So, I filled up the Suburban with flowers and ivy topiaries, brought it all home and have been slowly planting the urns and pots around the house.
Mums for the back yard urns....

Ball topiaries for the back door.

Larger ones for the front door. I'm not quite finished decorating this area, so stay tuned!

Inside, I put little circles of ivy in these red urns, which also came from Nurserman's Exchange a couple of years ago. They are perfect on the kitchen table grain sack runner.

The family room mantle also got a couple of new topiaries.

I bought a few large circles too. One for the confit pot on the kitchen island....

....and one for the sunroom.

I even put a little ivy ball on the master bath vanity.

Ivy topiaries last forever outside, as long as they are watered regularly. Inside, is a different story. They like to be cool, so in the winter they may not do so well when the heat is on.
I sometimes refer to them as my victims, because eventually they will die inside. When they start to look a little stressed, I move them outside for a while in an attempt to keep them alive little longer.
Hopefully, the new topiaries inside the house will last until Christmas!

I'm joining Marty at A Stroll Thru Life for Table Top Tuesday.

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36 comments:

g.suzie said...

Oh, it looks like topiary Heaven!
How fun, you are very lucky to have access to such creative nursery. . .Love them all!

southerninspiration said...

Everything looks so pretty! I'd love a trip to those nurseries! What gorgeous things!!!!!!!!

Suzanne

Lila said...

I love them! I put mums in my backyard urns as well and they have been my pride and joy! I love the colors!
xoxo
lila Ferraro

Scribbler said...

Great examples on how to use them.

Unknown said...

I want to live at your house! So elegant!

Mariette VandenMunckhof-Vedder said...

Dearest Delores,

Wow, you made me feel like a kid again, inside my Dad's greenhouses! Thanks for this lovely blog. The nursery name Schickenberg must reveal that they are of German descent, I bet.
Would love to stroll there, very dangerous indeed for loading up way too much for keeping alive. But, that's what our economy needs more of right now! Hope that after November 2nd things will start moving again; changing owners...

Sunny greetings from Georgia,

MariettesBacktoBasics

Babs said...

I love, love ivy topiaries and always felt guilty that mine didn't last long. I feel better now, knowing that yours do the same thing. Thanks for sharing your beautiful topiary photos. I can't wait to see your pumpkin "project".

Olive said...

I love them in the urns by your doors.

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

Delores, love the topiaries and you probably have weather at Christmas that they can live in. They would die here. Too cold by then. Those deer ones are so cute. Love all your new topiary vignettes.

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Oh my all the topiaries are unreal. I've never seen the ones made into pumpkins and witches hats. How fun. Yours are unreal. I love the way you have used them inside and out and all of your urns are fabulous too. Stunning. Hugs, Marty

Marlis said...

Lucky you to have such wonderful places to shop and to have such a great eye for knowing what to do with it all. Beautiful arrangements.

Glenda/MidSouth said...

Love your decor with the topiaries, and those purple mums are so pretty. I almost bought some that color today, but most of them had already boomed out, and I knew they would not last long. Picked up a pot of yellow mums and a pumpkin today to go by the back door as I have family for dinner tomorrow night. Thanks for sharing your beautiful home.

Carol S. said...

All your "victims" look so lovely right now! Thanks for the giggle. Lookin' good all around. Also looks like a good workout getting those all around. You've got an excellent eye. Thanks for sharing the beautiful inspiration. I'm feeling all domestic...have a bunch of limelight hydrangea on my kitchen table. They are lovely, it's my first time cutting this new garden bush of mine, and will now see if they become victims or not. Hoping for beautiful dried babies I can use for awhile. As you say (and it's one of my standby comments as well), stay tuned.

Chrissy...The Apothecary Shop said...

LOVE it..every photo..your front porch is my favorite!! All the best,Chrissy

Donna (Timeless Settings) said...

What a beautiful post! I love the pumpkins at the back door and your vanity is AMAZING!

Donna

xinex said...

Oh how I would love to go to that topiary store. I love everything you bought and they are just perfect in your urns...Christine

Dining Delight said...

Love the different topiaries you purchased and where you've placed them. It was fun to see all the different kinds they have available too! The teddy bear one is great!

DD

Sherry @ No Minimalist Here said...

Delores, Wonderful mums and I love the topiaries. Ivy planted indoors tends to get bugs that eventually kill the plants. Put them in your sink or take the plants outdoors once a week and spray them with the water hose. My aunt does this weekly and she has had ivy topiaries inside for several years and they look very healthy. Hope this helps.
xo,
Sherry

Sarah said...

Delores, I'm envious of your wonderful nursery sources. It's most difficult to find topiaries here. And I'm mourning the loss of my rooster that I've had for many years. It's outside and has aways thrived. Somehow with all the recent rains, the pot got water logged. I didn't notice it till the ivy was beyond saving. I hope to grow more on the form, but it will take a long time to get it looking full and pretty.
So thanks for sharing all the topiaries around your home. They make a wonderful statement.

NanaDiana said...

You look like you went to Topiary Heaven. I would LOVE to go to that place. I even thought the bunny ones were cute! OH MY! I'll bet you could run up a big bill fast there! I know I would!

I have not had much luck with ivies in this house in the past couple of years. I don't know what it is...I move them a bit and then when I turn my backs..the little suckers die on me. I think I am IVY Jinxed!

Yours are oh-so-beautiful and I do hope they last through the Holidays! hugs- Diana

Kathy Walker said...

Wow! A whole store dedicated to topiaries! That would be a fun place to visit.

Linda @ Life and Linda said...

Quite stunning. Your porch looks fabulous! I wonder what you are going to add next. A pleasure to come and visit. Linda

Lori E said...

I would have to rent a truck to bring all the cool stuff home from there. Wow.

savvycityfarmer said...

your shopping sprees leave me speechless!

your home is just plain enchanting!

Tamra said...

I know this post was all about the topiary, but I couldn't get past that gorgeous mirror on you master bath vanity!! Beautiful!

Table Escapes said...

Delores, thanks for sharing the fun visit to the nursery..I would love to have access to wonderful stores like that...here in Cache Valley, we're about an hour & a half from Salt Lake and what their stores don't have, we get online. LOVE the swinging bear. Have a great week. Sharon

Donna@Conghaile Cottage said...

Your selections are perfect! I liked the cute witch BUT that season is TOO SHORT for her, BUT LOVED the deer and he could stay a long time, even summer wouldn't chase him away. AND I would have HAD to bring home a HARE or two or even three!!! Loved ALL your urns, Your home is beautiful!
Donna

Lakeshore Cottage Living said...

Really beautiful. I just love your front door.

Blooming Rose Musings said...

Oh, your topiaries are absolutely splendid! And, I love the different varieties of pumpkins that you have found. We've come along way from just the plump orange ones. The different varieties add so much character to fall decor. Your home looks so inviting and welcoming.

Allison said...

You've decorated beautifully, Delores. I love all the topiaries. Thanks for the tip on these nurseries. I will have to make a trip down soon. I am eyeing that deer for our front porch for Christmas.

Room Service ~ Decorating 101 said...

simply perfect

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

Just beautiful girl...I love the one in the bathroom...they all are great...Hugs and smiles Gl♥ria

bj said...

You have such a lovely home and every single thing you do makes it even prettier.
I love all your pretty greens! :)

La Dolfina said...

Everything looks beautiful Dolores.
I was thinking I could use an ivy topiary and then bam you show me this post on topiary heaven!!!

Kim @ Touch of Nostalgia said...

I'm envious you can have the ivy outside year round. They would die here quickly. I'm thinking our first frost is right around the corner. I love everything you bought. I never have a hard time spending a $150...lol

The Tablescaper said...

Your touches are masterful. Everything looks perfectly placed. I'm inspired to see where I could tuck a few topiaries in and about my home.

- The Tablescaper

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