Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Christmas Garden Inspirations...

Well, it unfortunately does not look too Christmas-y around here which is unusual for us...the weather outside is definitely not frightful.  Not that I'm complaining too muchHaving no garage means extra time cleaning off snowy cars.  However, snow does help to make the season feel festive.  But if I can't see some of the white stuff, then seeing some green and red make my season cheery and bright.  So I searched the web for some of the most beautiful Christmas garden displays I could find that would inspire visions of sugar plum fairies, or at least would help to satisfy the gardener "fairy" in all of us.

From conservatories to a nursery display to a Las Vegas style garden...these pictures capture a little bit of everything.  So grab your cup of favorite hot cocoa and take a quick trip to see some truly beautiful gardens without leaving your own chair...

W. W. Seymour Conservatory in Tacoma
 Our first stop is to a conservatory in Tacoma, Washington.  Built in 1908 as a gift from W.W. Seymour, during the time when conservatories were wildly popular, they really know how to deck the halls for a beautiful floral display that'll leave you seein' red.  I love how they blended in the narcissus with the poinsettias in this photo.  I can't imagine not feeling a sense of refreshment after taking a stroll down this little lane.

Conservatory in Tacoma

 There is so much to inspire here.  I love this mix and it could easily be reproduced in a smaller setting at home.  This is definitely Pinterest worthy.


Callaway Gardens

Now if we head on down south, to Georgia that is, we'll find another beautiful conservatory.  Open in 1952, "Callaway Gardens is nestled in the southernmost foothills of the Appalachian Mountains." (sourceI can't even imagine putting together this poinsettia tree, but I'm glad they have gardeners that don't mind doing the work.  I love the idea of the lawn inside too.  Very nice.


Phipps Conservatory

 Going back north, we stop at Pittsburgh to visit the Phipps Conservatory to check out their display.  This one was built in 1893 by Henry Phipps as a gift to Pittsburgh.  Nice gift...I wouldn't mind a small one I think!  I'm not sure what plant they lined the flower beds with, but they're perfect! The paths in this picture make me think this display was designed for the kids.  I can only imagine them running all around the paths...fun.  Check out more info here.


Phipp's Conservatory in Christmas


 The Christmas tree lit up in this photo is absolutely stunning!  This is definitely walking in a Christmas wonderland.


Cactus Light Display



Now this is making the most of what you have and I love the creativity.  Who needs snow or poinsettias to get into the Christmas spirit here?  "One of the best Christmas light display takes places at the Ethel M’s Cactus Garden in Las Vegas -  over half a million twinkling lights are put up! Each year, the cactus garden, at 2 Cactus Drive, decorates over 300 species of plants with Christmas lights."  Love.  Las Vegas Style Christmas.

Christmas Florals at a Gardener's Center

I have this photo here because you can find inspiration in a greenhouse too.  Like these croton houseplants mixed in with poinsettias.  This is fun and so cheery.  Hats off to a creative designer.

Longwood Gardens Christmas Display

I saved my favorite picture for last.  This "take-your-breath-away" display is downright beautiful.  Just give me a hammock so I can live here please.  I can't tell from the photo all the plants they used, but it looks like moss and ferns are included in this eye stunning creation.  It's "garden meets Christmas" at its finest and I think it's pretty spectacular!  This garden is located in Kennett Square, PA.  So if you're in the neighborhood, here's a place that screams "Christmas Cheer" to the fourth degree.  Pretty amazing stuff.  More information here.

Well, that's the tour.  I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.  I now have a new list of a few places to go and see and get a chance to breath in that Christmas spirit.  Blessings!

Shared with these amazing blog parties: Frugal Days, Sustainable Ways  
Seasonal Celebration Wednesdays  
Wildcrafting Wednesdays
Wicked Good Wednesdays
Waste Not, Want Not Wednesdays 
Homestead Revival 
Hello Monday 
Clever Chicks 

27 comments:

  1. Each of these is delightful and so different to anything in Australia with our hot summer Christmases.

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    1. They are really pretty garden spaces...I have to visit one now as we live with cold weather for a good 6-7 months of the year! They're a welcome sight after a long winter. :)

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  2. Hi Nancy,
    Great photos! I'd love to have you stop by the Blog hop I am now co-hosting, Wildcrafting Wednesday! Please share some of your wonderful gardening posts!

    http://www.theselfsufficienthomeacre.com/2012/12/wildcrafting-wednesday.html

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    1. Thanks for visiting and inviting me to the hop. I will visit and link up for sure...blessings!

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  3. So many gorgeous photos! So far, we are bah humbug outside. Gotta get things festive!! Have a lovely day.

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    1. Sending holiday cheer your way...with or without snow! Have a great week! :)

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  4. So gorgeous! I'm in love with the red poinsettia tree. I bet a lot of work went into that. I'd love to recreate it, on a much smaller scale of course :)

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    1. I know...it's gorgeous! I have no idea how they water them all, but I'm glad do. It would be neat to see a smaller one created. :)

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  5. Beautiful photos, Nancy!! Thanks so much for sharing them on Waste Not Want Not Wednesday :)

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  6. Oh my goodness the cactus light display looks AMAZING!!

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    1. It definitely is not lacking in Christmas spirit! :)

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  7. How delightful!!! I loved seeing all of these beautiful places! I wish that I had time to get down to Calloway Gardens! It would only be a few hours away, but just too much to do right now! Thanks for the tour!! And thank you for your kind comment about the crocheted slippers. Brought back some memories of one of my aunts as I was making them. Have a blessed holiday!

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    1. Thanks for visiting and you have a wonderful holiday as well...! :)

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  8. Wow...those are fantastic..love love love the gardens in Christmas color. I'm please to met you...I am signing in as a follower.

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    1. Thanks so much for visiting and following...glad you enjoyed the photos too. I would love to see them in person! :)

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  9. What a seasonal feast for the eyes- Thank you so much for sharing this with us at Seasonal Celebration! Rebecca x

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    1. Thanks for reading...happiest holidays to you!

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  10. Beautiful! Thanks for sharing this Christmas Cheer with Wildcrafting Wednesday #67!

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  11. Oh how gorgeous! Please share this one too at my Farm Girl Blog Fest: http://fresh-eggs-daily.blogspot.com/2012/12/farm-girl-blog-fest-13.html

    Happy Holidays!
    Lisa
    Fresh Eggs Daily

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  12. Thanks for posting this information on your blog!
    I'm a regular viewer of your blog..keep it up.
    Turf Supplies Sydney

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  13. Stunning photos Nancy! I am so into gardening and enjoyed the wonderful tour. I'm visiting from Wicked Good Wednesday and hope you will drop by to say hello. Have a great weekend.

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  14. A room with a glass roof and walls, attached to a house and used as a greenhouse or a sun room. It helps us to decorate our houses, offices and other things nicely. Thanks
    Conservatories

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