NASHVILLE GARDEN AND ANTIQUE SHOW!

 

PART ONE

  

We are back!  The perfect time of year to escape and think spring while enjoying inspiring display gardens, eye popping antiques, extraordinary speakers and genuine southern hospitality. The grand entrance garden above is difficult to capture on film and was created by Ryan Gainey; designer of great merit and one of the featured speakers.

 

Mr. Gainey's structural elements included willow and in this case a 'wattle fence' and "grounding" with boxwoods.

 

Raised willow beds up close

 

Willow structure. Note the varying size of the willow used and the intricate patterns

ESPALIERS (pronounced;  'S PALL YEAH' ) the training of trees or shrubs onto a flat structure. Originally developed in Europe when space was limited, and primarily with fruit bearing trees. They were planted and trained against a wall, this method produces an over-abundance of fruit.
Here it is trained into a free-standing arbor.

An interesting display with varying levels, a water feature, spring and winter plantings, beautiful stone with creeping thyme scenting the pathways.

The greater the distance for falling water, the louder the sound.

Elements of a courtyard

A contemporary garden. Take note of the repetition of the "diamond" shape in this garden.
(not easily detected here but the limestone floor is laid in a diamond pattern)

Back "wall"

Up close. The glass block squares repeat the design, reflect light and provide some privacy while still allowing for cooling airflow.

The vendors come from all over the world. From the wildly...."what are they thinking" expensive to the affordable "I'll take twelve!"

These terra cotta pots are hand made, fired to 1800 degrees, are frost proof and reasonably priced.

Finds from Belgium

Having good taste..... is a curse......I slowly backed away from the lovely 18th century chest priced at $53,000.00!

Architectural elements still reign.

How many of these shows have you been to with a centrally located bartender?! 

PS

One of the best Bloody Mary's I have ever sipped

Two of the ladies on our excursion. Delores on the left and friend, Linda on the right

THE 'HAUNTING'

To walk this show I had to pass this booth with a pair of these GORGEOUS chalkboards, constantly. Note the hardware at the top and the three dimensional nature from not resting on the wall. These were the first thing my eyes landed on upon opening......

dealer;  "SORRY, SOLD!"

me; "how, the show just opened?" 

dealer; "Oh before the preview movie stars and country stars are allowed in for two hours. Martina McBride bought both."   
 

 

 Interesting display; white tulips, a few sticks and short handled brushes! Yes, brushes.....look closely at the photo above.

Another great display.....massive cutting board with a stack of small antlers.

PART TWO..........next post...............THE PEOPLE OF THE NASHVILLE TRIP

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Speakers;   Duchess of Northumberland

                  Michael S. Smith

                  Ryan Gainey

artisan:        Lizzy, jeweler to the stars

Hostess;      Joyce Scruggs and sisters

 

                                                MY FIVE FAVORITE PASSIONS FROM THE SHOW

                                          Creative use of REPURPOSED ELEMENTS

                                            In this case mossy drain tiles artfully arranged. Wouldn't this be
                                            great with a variety of succulents, set on pea-gravel?

                                                                     SIGNS!

Mad for vintage signs used indoors and out. The Dentist sign came home with me and can be found in the shop, for sale!

                                                            VIVID COLOR COMBINATIONS

As a whole we tend to shy away from orange, but.......give it a chance to brighten your borders or containers. Paired with blue and chartreuse is eye-popping

ESPALIERS

In all shapes and varieties

                                                               WEATHER VANE ORNAMENTS

They are silent storytellers. Who had a cockerel made and why? The upper class and tradesmen's ornaments spoke of a trade, family history or a passion. This lovely one caught my eye. The price?  $29,500.00

NEXT EVENT

 A treasured friend and record holding Pastry Chef,  Msr. Alain Roby,  has produced his first cookbook. Even I, the baking impaired, can produce beautiful and original sweets. Record holding???? Yes, multiple times and if you can, check out the Martha Stewart show thursday the 18th, Alain will be on the show.   Hope you can join us
xo
Debra