I'm awake! The Breakfast for Kids event was a great hit. Early morning on June 3rd, over 150 people helped get a healthy start to the school year for this breakfast program. Thank you Traci Allison of Image-N-That photography for taking these pictures for me. Just click my pic to check out her website!

An Apple a Day not only keeps the Doctor away, but its the main 'bite' in the Breakfast for Kids logo, and I wanted to theme their centerpiece with this subtle message. "Daisies are the friendliest flowers!", said Meg Ryan's character in the movie You've Got Mail. They bring a smile to your face, and last a long time!

Caledon Farmers Market is underway! I had a lot of fun creating this visual display. I've been asked to put a display by each garbage can along HWY 50 :) Thank you for the wonderful compliments, and yes, it will remain for the duration of the summer. I'm just going to change it up a bit each month!

Summer is "Officially" Here!

Time to 'slow down & smell the flowers!' Funny for a girl whose business is all about heightening the visual sense by 'accenting' it. But at this time of year, with a lot of help from Mother Nature, it's a lot easier, and our attention naturally turns to the outdoors. I know I'll be puttering in the garden a lot this summer as I prepare for the Bolton Horticulture's Annual Garden Tour this September. I am part of the tour, and a featured garden.

Barn Bored! The "Real" factor in certain areas can't help themselves but beg for "extra help". this is when 100% replica can easily steal the show!

Hardscape can enhance and add drama to an entrance, but the lack of softscape can be cold. Adding dramatic urns draws your attention while punctuating the beauty of the stones.

But working in the Garden is "work"!

It's pleasing work - at least it should be.

The essence of the Real:Replica Ratio isn't about eliminating the Real, it's about balance, and over the summer, my hope is to share a few tips & tricks from my own gardening to help you with yours!

First: Pour yourself a tall glass of Ice Tea. Take a seat garden side and take a good look at your landscape. Just "think" and mainly admire. If you break a sweat, slow down - your working too hard :)

Being in a relaxed state will draw your attention to areas that are just serving a function. Does that area need a perk up? Does this need an accent? Colour? Now, you can consider form.

Second: Function and Form needs a Focus! We placed these urns a few weeks back, which provided the homeowner visual interest while the rest of the garden and the patio entertaining area was developing. Now that summer is here, the garden is in full bloom and the rest of the furnishings have made it onto the patio.

The Real:Replica Ratio has now changed focus, as these urns are now a smaller factor in the "big picture". Where do you think the focus is? Dinner guests? The views? The house? The cottage? Let your imagination take you!

Hardscape is maintenance free, but it can also be texture free, and that's when dramatic urns help add the visual interest, whether you rent or own. These arrangements are an 8-week rental bridging Spring into Summer, allowing the client to figure out their seasonal focus.

Ice Tea or Lemonade, whatever whets your palate! Its about 'chill-axing!' and taking time to enjoy the Summer!

Third: Pour yourself another glass, stop thinking and relax. Garden work is not a task that needs to be completed in a matter of a few hours, its an ongoing adventure. Find time to play in the dirt, get dirty and sip summer tonics! As busy as I am, I make sure to find some time to sit and sip with family and friends in my own garden, but there is work to be done, especially as you are all dropping in come September!!!! :)

Happy Canada Day everyone! Make sure to get outside!