Plant Adventures Abroad

It's only been five months since our Honeymoon, but with all this extra time on my hands these days (ha), I figured it's about time I post some photos from our trip. This first photographic adventure is dedicated to my dear friend of Glass Gardens. He has traveled down many of the plant roads, but I think I found a few stops from our trip that would certainly impress him. From sidewalks to retail shops, the botanical scene wasn't easy to miss. Here we go!

Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither were some of these magnificent ivy walls. From top left, shrubs and bushes in terra cotta pots to make an "alley" into an apartment building (Rome); hotel covered in Ivy (Rome); flowers in barrels to create a wall between a restaurant and a street (Bologna); ivy having from powers lines (Rome).

City shops and residents made up for the lack of green space by adding it to their entryways. Left, garland and hanging baskets (Venice); Right middle, herbs planted in wooden boxes adhered to entrance gate (Madrid); ivy and herbs scattered throughout a wire hanging plant box (Florence); Right bottom, shrub-looking plant trained to grow over a door (Siena).

There were an abundance of florists and markets to do your flower shopping. From top left, everything shop (Florence); florist shop (Bologna); florist shop (Bologna); open-air street market (Florence).

I couldn't count the number of times I tripped or stumbled - and not because of the delicious wine OR uneven cobblestones - because of the beauty you'd miss if you weren't looking UP. From top left, stunning purple fence box gardens (Rome); terrace gardening (Siena); waterfront gardening (Venice); covering ugly, barred windows with plants (Madrid); window gardening (Venice).

Plants in retail. From top left, cactus in glass houses; cactus in bird cages (Rome); crates on wheels for easy shopping at a market - with plants (Madrid); hanging plants and bicycles from the ceiling in Toma (Madrid). 

More plants in retail. Left, hanging spider plant baskets INSIDE a food market (Madrid); Right top, clover plants in miniature pots (Rome); Right bottom, unique head pots with ferns and herbs (Rome).

A few curious plants. From Top left, algae and seaweed on steps leading into the Grand Canal (Venice); a giant plant fountain island in the Vatican (Vatican City); miniature green house at a botanical garden (Florence).

Potted: A Plant Pop Up Shop

 

I think I can say our Summer pop up shop was a complete success. John was awarded the 2,500 square foot space, along with local fashion designer, Melissa Gumley of ADHD Driven, for five days. Did I mention it was free? Yep!

We took two nights to set up our retail shop and opened Friday morning at 10am. Succulents, cactus and airplants. Sewing classes. Accessories. Artwork. Dresses, shirts and tanks. The most popular feature? Terrarium Classes. John probably taught more than 50 people throughout the weekend how to build a little (or sometimes big) plant home.

We also debuted the Glass Gardens Terrarium Kits and buttons! 

#6: Pop up shop  //  #33: Help a Friend  //  #83: Glass Gardens Buttons

I'm participating in the 92 Days of Summer challenge. Click here to see my 92 To-Do's for this Summer - and to see the brave souls tackling their own lists!

New Product Alert!

My latest creation is a collaboration of Glass Gardens, Small Acts Count and Fairview Place. And we couldn't be more pleased! We're offering two kit options: a single makes one terrarium about 4-6" in diameter, the double makes two that size or one larger one. The costs are $24 and $32, respectively.

Each kit comes with rocks, soil, moss and succulents. An instruction sheet is also included and the designs vary on the boxes to give you a little inspiration and learning opportunity. Kits can be reserved online, or are available to purchase at any Glass Gardens pop up or class. See the events schedule here.

#8: Terrarium Kits

I'm participating in the 92 Days of Summer challenge. Click here to see my 92 To-Do's for this Summer - and to see the brave souls tackling their own lists!

#48: Write Newsletter

Back in April I started offering Email Newsletters as one of my freelance social media services. Since John (of Glass Gardens) is my #creativepartnerBFF, he was of course the first one to jump on board. Around the first of the month, with the help of Heather from Small Acts Count, we've put out some pretty awesome informational newsletters - including todays! To be included in the fun, sign up here. 

Click the image below to read the full newsletter.

Number #48 is off the list.

I'm participating in the 92 Days of Summer challenge. Click here to see my 92 To-Do's for this Summer - and to see the brave souls tackling their own lists!

Flora

While meandering around Asheville, we stumbled upon Flora. It reminds me a lot of Studio Posy, here in Norfolk, but a bit bigger. The Asheville shop is a full service florist that does weddings and everyday bouquets, but also offers gifts, such as jewelry, cards and decor.

The shop is just gorgeous! I love the clean and simple, yet rustic feel of the space. There is a lot of stuff to look at, but it doesn't feel cluttered at all. All the furniture seems antique or vintage, but since it has all be painted white and weathered it matches so well. Not to mention the great use of chalkboards (and painted drawers and doors to make chalkboards) within some of the display pieces.

I was immediately texting Glass Gardens with lots of ideas for new creations, including these cutie egg succulents. Haven't heard the verdict if it's worth all the trouble of carefully breaking eggs to create the "pot", or what you do with the leftover eggs...?

I love this idea of "Build A Bouquet"! I think it would be a fun addition to my felt flowers for a craft show, pop-up or even an idea for a class. I didn't find out if those prices are per stem...if so that's a pretty expensive bouquet - but great for sales :). If you're in the Asheville area, be sure to check out this gem. It's on your way to the Riverwalk Arts District, so you can't miss it!

Better Block: Round 2

Better Block is happening again! This time on 35th Street and Newport Avenue, and it's the biggest event to date with 12 pop-up shops, seven food vendors, three parklets, food trucks, outdoor (and indoor) stages and so much more. Fairview Place isn't popping up this time, but my partner-in-crime Glass Gardens is, along with Intelligent Lushes and By TAlyse. I was super excited to have the chance to design another map for the event. Colley Avenue Printers donated the printing and they look fabulous! All the festivities begin tonight at 5 p.m., better see you there!

#42: Alchemy NFK

There is so much happening in the Arts District right now. Alchemy NFK is coming right along and is scheduled to open in September. They are asking for volunteers to come out and help do anything from painting to sweeping, so see what their needs are here. The home of Fairview Place and Glass Gardens has been rumored to be part of The Beauty Parlor's expansion, as a coffee shop (I noticed it got new windows in the second level)! The Zedd's building is set to be torn down any day, with hopes to relocate The Plot there. The Texaco Building has been purchased by The Hurrah Players for their new set- and prop-building location. A skate ramp is being added on Wilson Avenue and according to Norfolk Live, Magazine Lane Properties, LLC has purchased three properties on Magazine Street.

I took myself on a date this morning to the Arts District. With my Yorgo's coffee and camera in hand I spent about an hour and a half, walking around taking pictures. A lot of people just see buildings that haven't changed much. But if you take a closer look, there is change happening in every form - from entire buildings to rust on a lock. From lightbulbs to blooming flowers, it's all taking shape.

So, the big question is, how well do you know the Arts District? Can you easily identify the pictures below? Most of them are probably pretty easy, but go ahead, test your knowledge of the District.

top (1), left (2), right (3)

left top (4), left bottom (5), right top (6), bottom (7)

top (8), bottom left (9), bottom right (10)

top left (11), top right (12), bottom (13)

top left (14), top right (15), middle (16), bottom left (17), bottom right (18)

top (19), bottom (20)

top left (21), top right (22), bottom (23)

left top (24), left bottom (25), right (26)

left (27), right top (28), right bottom (29)

30 :)

Go ahead, take a minute to record your answers. We'll have a word from our sponsors...

#14: Take Myself on a Date, #42: Alchemy NFK, and #52: Photo Story, are off the list!
I'm participating in my third annual 92 Days of Summer challenge. Read about the project here.

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Alright here are the answers!

1) the garage

2) acclaimed events

3) 734 granby st. (next to zed's)

4) oj wholesale

5) new skate ramp

6) texaco building (with the moon!)

7 the beauty parlour by q

8) 112 wilson lane (the old horse stables?)

9) 142 west olney (next to the virginia ballet)

10) bob's gun shop

11) back of studio co-lab

12) norfolk printing company

13) virginia furniture company

14) studio co-lab

15) 801 granby, residences

16) top of zedd's (from wilson ave.)

17) parking lot behind the texaco building

18) parking lot next to alchemy nfk

19) the garage

20) alchemy nfk

21) 763 granby st.

22) virginia furniture company

23) exotic home

24) texaco building

25) stark and legum

26) daevid's floral

27) wilson avenue

28) hayne photography

29) zedd's (olney side)

30) 765 granby street or glass gardens/fairview place

Talley up your score and see where you rank!

0-6: Vacant Retail

Have you been to Norfolk before? Heard of the Arts District? Appears not, but if the dilapidated buildings down here have potential, then so do you! Come out and spend a few hours perusing the neighborhood, you'll be happy you did.

7-13: Starving Artist

We understand, life is hard for you. But you owe it to the Arts District, after all, walking is FREE! Better hit the streets and get a little more familiar with a place that is being created for you!

14-20: Better Blocker

You helped build some pallet furniture, you even told all your friends about 'this art thing happening in Norfolk.' Good job! Now, go to the next level and write your city council, contact Alchemy NFK to volunteer, or get a group of your friends to donate to The Norfolk Arts District today!

21-29: Alchemist

You are a forerunner of transforming dust and dirt into murals and skate ramps. Your attempt to convert medieval city laws into a universal zoning permit elixir is almost complete. Keep up the good work!

All 30: Mayor of Arts Districtville

Really? All 30? You deserve free rent for a year, a coffee shop named after you, and a bicycle lane with your face on it. Norfolkians should aspire to be just like you, an Arts District Rockstar!

#33: Make a Terrarium

Mike and I planned on making a pirate-themed terrarium, but I can't seem to locate any little pirate or sea creature figurines. I decided to go forth with a more traditional terrarium until we track down our perfect ocean scape. Glass Gardens gave me lots of advice, ideas and some succulents to get started.

I purchased the birds, moss and rocks from the dollar store, the cutest snail figurines from Eggleston Garden Center and the popsicle  sticks, rocks and glass vase I had laying around home.

Now, I am no professional at this so I would contact Glass Gardens for further information for your specific project. All containers are different, so what works for me, might not work for you! I actually over watered and made my terrarium into a dirt and stone soup, so I had to dump it all out. I also had much better luck with my second one as I pre-planned in my head a little as to what I wanted it to look like.

I was thinking that these would make the cutest centerpieces for a wedding, then guests could take them home at the end of the evening. In total materials I spent less than $10 and still have a lot of leftovers (the plants would be the most expensive part, but I know a guy ;). I had a fun couple of hours finding the materials and building the terrarium. Can't wait for the next one!

I'm participating in the 92 Days of Summer challenge. To learn more about it, click here.