TRICKS OF THE TRADE | BRING THE BEAUTY OF THE GARDEN INSIDE

There are people who adore the outdoors, hiking in the woods, cooking dinner over a campfire, and sleeping in a tent. And then there are those who think of the great outdoors as a place to relax, entertain and spend time with a wonderful book in a comfortable chair. Guess which one I am? You most likely guessed right. I'm not an outdoors type of girl, much to the dismay of my Mr. FrenchGardenHouse. HE loves camping, hiking, and sleeping on a rock. {Now that I have grandchildren, I might rethink that camping thing, especially since now there is such a thing as glamping.} I live in California, so our garden is a natural extension of our home about 3/4 of the year. But what if you live somewhere else where your garden is either too cold, or way too hot most of the year? Bring the garden inside! You can enjoy the benefits, the colors, and the fresh look of a garden inside. It doesn't take much to bring a garden view to your interiors. HERE ARE SOME EASY WAYS TO BRING THE BEAUTY OF THE GARDEN INSIDE. ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENTS: Old, weather-beaten architectural elements instantly bring a garden feel to a room. Chipped layers of paint, a little rust here and there, these all add to the ambiance, suggesting these pieces have survived many years outdoors in wind and rain.

Architectural Column

Old, antique pieces like this chippy capital bring history, and plenty of patina to your interior. Add a few green plants, and that garden feel is complete!

Antique Rose Salvage

Antique fragments of iron gates, or balconies, such as the one shown above, add instant garden personality to your home. Shown here next to an antique gardening book, and a vase full of beautiful flowers picked from the garden {or the florist!}, it reminds us that the outdoors is nature's sanctuary to enjoy. GARDENING ANTIQUES: Anything that reminds you of the garden brings the lush, green garden of your dreams indoors. I know this antique French child's wheelbarrow is set up for a party I had outdoors recently, but wouldn't this be just as charming when used for a table centerpiece for a buffet table indoors? Or perched on top of an antique sideboard, filled with flowering plants? It's old, quirky pieces like this that truly bring the whimsy of the garden inside, and create a home that tells your own personal story.

French Miniature Children's Wheelbarrow

POTS: Aged, old garden pots add a fresh garden feel to your home décor. You can use the terra cotta pots to hold a potted plant, of course, but try using these outdoor wonders inside to corral a collection of spoons, your antique seed packets in a display with some antique garden books, and more! Don't limit yourself, think outside the pot! {Sorry, couldn't help myself.} Antique French cemetery vases are fun pieces that add interest to any area in your home. A few flowers planted in moist floral foam, and the garden feel is complete! Don't be afraid to combine the rough, aged metal pieces with antique transferware platters like I did above. A nest and a few eggs instantly make you think of the outdoors and springtime in the garden! FLOWERS: Every garden usually has flowers. Adding even one small vase with a flower in it brightens and freshens up any room. An antique French jardiniere makes a big statement, even with a simple arrangement of a few roses.

Antique French Chateau Jardiniere

Don’t you love this aged French container that came from a French chateau estate?

Parisian Roses Wreath

Or how about this romantic rose-covered wreath? Hung on the mirror in your entrance hall, over your fireplace mantel, or simply laying on your French sideboard to ring a large glass hurricane, it makes an enchanting display....and softly whispers garden.

Boutiques des Fleurs Arrangement

Since not many of us can have a house filled with fresh flowers everywhere, don't discount little faux floral arrangements to bring a touch of the garden to your home. This petite Boutiques des Fleurs arrangement brings the joy of roses anywhere, and the best part is, these roses last for several years, not a week! As you can see, it's perfectly easy to add a touch of the garden to your home decor! And beautiful. A few of our antique botanical prints in a simple frame is another easy way to surround yourself with the beauty of the outdoors. Please come back Thursday when I'm announcing our May Reader Appreciation GIVE AWAY. Thank you for loving to enter these, I wish each and every one of you could win! Shop for the best in French Antiques, furniture with the patina of age, vintage accessories to delight you and your family & friends, and French Country utilitarian pieces. Treasures that make your home fresh, beautiful, inspirational and uniquely yours. Visit our shop FrenchGardenHouse.com.