My Garden Retreat

My Garden Retreat
photo Gridley Graves for Country Living

Last of the Summer Fruits

It has been unusually warm lately. Temperatures in the mid 80s!
I have spent most of my free time out in my garden...
Putting it to bed so to speak.
This was the last basket I was able to gather from the potager this weekend!



There is nothing more wonderful to me than a Salad...
Made fresh from our very own garden!
This year... we were so blessed to have cucumbers and carrots this late in the season.


The okra is my hubby's favorite! It's such a treat for him...okay, me too!
I love fried okra!
Even though I really love the warmer weather...
This little Indian Summer has made it difficult for me to focus on my job.


What you might not know is ..I had taken a sabbatical from my job...a short break.
Well, a 10 week long break!
I needed sometime to work on our home...finish some of the loose ends before we start other projects...



But now...32 days until the Christmas Open House... I am back at the store.
Focusing my attention on the event.
As Creative Director for Horton's...It is my job to create a dreamy Christmas environment .


A shopping experience for our customers. This will be the 9th year I have done this for the Horton's...My 25th in the design industry~makes me a little tired just thinking about it!


Each year...Brand new challenges await us.
This year, we have a whole new store to work in!
I will be keeping you up to date on the process as well as any new developments here at home!
So have a wonderful week and see you soon!



18 comments

  1. Donna- What a beautiful post. I took a few days off this Fall too. I needed the break...and now must go back to work this week too. Well, it was fun while it lasted.

    You take the most gorgeous photos, Donna...and I LOVE your header. xo Diana

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  2. I cannot wait to see what you come up with for your customers. I am sure it will be very inspiring.
    Our little garden puttered out long ago, but now we await the cabbage and all the wonderfull fall veggies.
    Have a fabulous week,
    Melissa

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  3. Hi Donna!!!

    Oh I do adore that basket full of garden veggies!!! Reminds me so much of home...my dad was an avid gardener/farmer and we grew all of our vegetables to eat!!! And oh my - it looks sooo scenic over there in the fall...just BEAUTIFUL!!! :) Hope you are having a great week!


    Best,
    Jessie

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  4. I see why you are creative director!!! That is amazing!
    Eating food you grew yourself- perfect.
    Have a pretty day !
    Kristin

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  5. It all looks delicious. Tipton's is sure to look gorgeous for Christmas with you as their Creative Director!
    Enjoy,
    Mimi

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  6. C'est toujours aussi magnifique chez toi ! Ces arbres sont absolument superbes avec leur couleur automnale!
    Je fête mes 2 ans de blog moi et je suis toujours heureuse de rencontrer des blogs aussi beaux que le tien!
    Belle journée
    Solène

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  7. Your basket of fresh veggies looks wonderful.

    Being the Creative Director sounds like a great job and I'm sure you'll do one fantastic and lovely Christmas display.

    Love your autumn colors, wish we had them down here, but alas.

    Enjoy life each day ~ FlowerLady

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  8. What a totally scrumptious post!!! It appeals to every one of my senses, the fresh veges are out of this world and prettier than a postcard! I bet you are one heck of a creative director....must be such fun to reinvent ideas every holiday season!! Beautiful shop..cannot wait to see what you do!

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  9. Lovely! Oh how I wish I had a green thumb and good dirt.

    I can't wait to see your stunning displays!!! But really, I'm not even remotely thinking about Christmas yet.

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  10. Donna,
    I'm slowly getting back into the rhythm of "Normal" after spending two weeks at Zapp. I see I have a lot of catching up to do.
    Good girl...I'm glad you took the time off. Even if it was a working "vacay"...you still needed that time.
    Sure wish you could show what you've got planned...hint, hint. I'm in dire need of some great inspiration!
    Deb

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  11. Hi Donna! Your potager was a productive one this summer~I wish I had space to have more than a couple of tomatoe and basil plants. Back to the grind of creating incredible environments for everyone's enjoyment I see~you do create such lovely spaces! In the last photo I was wondering if the garland was faux greens or real? I hope you will do a post this year on how to make lush looking garlands for the mantel and staircases for Christmas!!! please!

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  12. Hi Donna, Your veggies look good. I know fresh taste better too. I don't know if your displays at Hortons can get any prettier than last year....but I am going to come see.Smiles, Susie

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  13. Such a sweet and fun post......the last picture motivates me for the holidays - to prepare early this year LOL :)

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  14. love your blog--just found you and cant wait to follow :) Your images are spectacular and so inspirational! best barbara

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  15. Oh my goodness, did you do those designs in the photos? They're stunning! I would love to watch you work.
    The vegetables in the basket are gorgeous. i love the carrots with the dirt still on them. Such bounty from your garden!

    Cindy

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  16. Even your late summer veggies are beautiful. You certainly have the magic touch when it comes to decor and everything home! May you have renewed vigor and creative spirits to do the decorating you do so well! Blissful inspiration dear...

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  17. Horton's is very fortunate to have someone like you! Wish I lived closer and could visit the store. It always looks marvelous!

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  18. yeah, it's time to say goodbye to summer and hello fall days :)

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~Donna Reyné