Monday, October 12, 2015

Olive Trees For Days!

Yesterday, Mr. A and I headed north to Sonoma to a very special place to hand select olive trees which will be the backbone of the landscaping for our new house.

We chose larger trees, but not too large.  I wanted them to look like they were always there.
There will be six multi-branch trees between the house and the street...

...and 8 standards in the courtyard.
Even though the standards are planted in huge boxes, their roots can be shaved down to fit in the narrow planting bed between the new brick patio and the stucco wall, providing privacy from the apartment building looming down on us next door.

It took forever for the brick to be finished, just because my mason put off the job for months.
Now that it's finished, the stucco can be painted and then I get to landscape!

 My inspiration for the courtyard has always been the Restoration Hardware courtyard at the San Francisco Design Center.
I plan to grow ficus on the wall, just like above and also add a mirror for reflection.

A bubbling fountain is also a must!  So you see, there is some progress!
However, after our vacation, we came home to the reality that we probably won't be spending Christmas in the new house.
My reaction?  Go "underground!"
At least on the blog.  
I've since come to terms and am keeping an open mind that just maybe the house will be finished by the first of December.

This is the longest I've ever gone without blogging since I started Vignette Design in November, six years ago.
Hopefully, I can get my blog mojo back.

Stay tuned for my next post:  The rooftop deck....
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14 comments:

Lori E said...

Ten steps forward and five steps back. You will get there.
So lucky to be able to grow olive trees. Looking forward to the next installment.

gme said...

Just glad to see you haven't forgotten all of us out here who wait anxiously for a new blog post. I'm sure you must be so frustrated. Was hoping to see how you were going to decorate the new house for Christmas but I guess we just have to wait till next year. Glad to see you're handling it all so well. The trees will look beautiful!

gme said...

Just glad to see you haven't forgotten all of us out here who wait anxiously for a new blog post. I'm sure you must be so frustrated. Was hoping to see how you were going to decorate the new house for Christmas but I guess we just have to wait till next year. Glad to see you're handling it all so well. The trees will look beautiful!

Angelina at Petite Haus said...

Hope you get your blog mojo soon.. I quite like all of your fabulous tablescapes you put together! I am sure those olive trees will look beautiful! Ours are dying as some beetle is eating them up, so sad. It would be nice to be moved in by Christmas, sure hope it gets done by then!

Unknown said...

-Missed your updates
- the plans for your home sound beautiful
- just a note of caution......mirrors in gardens may disorient birds , leading to serious consequences for our feathers friends!

Sarah said...

The olive trees are going to make an amazing statement! Can't wait to see them installed.
I can't deny that I've missed you, Delores. I know that it's hard to get inspired with all that you have going on, but I'm eager for you to get back with regular posting. I so miss your creative posts!
Good luck with the next phase of the project. Keep on thinking positively. '-)

Unknown said...

Delores, it is so nice to have you back! Love reading your posts. I love your flair for decorating, garden landscaping, tablescaping & dog loving!! We just bought a 5' topiary olive tree to replace a rose tree & are loving it! I know your new home will be gorgeous.

Patricia said...

Always happy to see a blog post from you - they are interesting and always beautiful to see ! Keep us updated as best you can - your great attitude is inspiring.....

Dianne said...

I have missed your blog. So glad you are back. Good to see house progress!!

Cyndy said...

We'll be here when you get back to it!

designchic said...

You have a lot going on, Delores, but I was excited to see you in my inbox today! LOVE the olive trees and they are going to look amazing...can't wait to see more!

sandy said...

Delores 'All things pass...' My husband is a retiring contractor, or so he keeps saying. I've lived thru several remodels and building two homes (literally! hands on}, the last was 4370 sq ft.(Constant decision making with seldom enough time) We will build once more, a much smaller retirement home and I know what's to come. My guy is one of the 'Good' contractors with an open mind and a need to get it done right but I can tell you the 'uprooting process'.... is about as much fun as being 9 1/2 months pregnant attending a beauty contest. You just want it to be over! But EVERY time, it has been so, so, so worth it when the last tool has been tucked away and we are surrounded by a home we truly love. You are going to be SO pleased with the results from all the fuss and fret you are investing right now. I PROMISE! For now, remember to 'breathe', enjoy that salty, misty San Francisco air, and don't lose the imagine in your mind of how wonderful your beautiful home is going to be. Your on the last mile now kiddo! And don't you dare stop blogging, you were my first and still my favorite.

Anonymous said...

The herringbone brick made me swoon a little -- very nice. Re-doing does teach one to be patient, doesn't it? We've been re-beautifying a Dutch colonial (by ourselves) for the past 3.5 years, + we're just now moving a few things over. May we all be very happy in our new homes!

Unknown said...

I love olive trees! I thing your house is stunning with the changes you are making! You have a wonderful decorating talent. Will you be showing us any of the indoor after renovations pictures?
Hang in there, it must be tough, but I think not moving in until it is done is better than staying at home and remodeling. We have moved furniture and boxes from room to room when each room is being remodeled. That is a real pain living with the chaos! The thing that has come out of it that's good is that I have gotten rid of a lot of stuff we don't need while each room is being done.
I am keeping my fingers crossed that you get done by the end of November! I am so excited for you, your house will be even more gorgeous when all of your beautiful ideas are in place!
Good luck!
Laura Marec

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