Acorn Cottage: Spring in the Garden

 There is a specific kind of magic that settles over New Orleans when spring arrives. The air softens, the humidity hasn't quite reached its summer peak, and the entire city seems to exhale in a burst of jasmine-scented relief. At Acorn Cottage, this season is all about renewal—and, of course, getting my hands back into the dirt.

The Timeless Palette: Green and White

If you’ve followed my gardening journey for a while, you know my golden rule: Green and white is always right. There is something so crisp, clean, and effortlessly sophisticated about a monochromatic garden. It acts as a cooling balm for the eyes and provides a lush backdrop that feels intentional and serene.

A Pop of Seasonal Pink

However, rules were meant to be (slightly) broken! This year, I decided to stray from my usual script. To create a seamless flow from the porch to out in the garden, I’ve introduced light pink petunias into the mix.

These soft, ruffled blooms are the perfect bridge between the garden and the decor of the porch cottage. By pulling those delicate rosy hues from my indoor accents and planting them in the soil, the entire property feels like one cohesive, lived-in space.

With Easter fast approaching, the garden needed a little extra personality. Scattered among the new plantings, you’ll find:

• Boxwood Bunnies: Sitting in each cast iron urn, each bunny is tied with a light pink velvet ribbon. 
  
  
  
  
  
  

• Weathered Metal Eggs: Tucked into the foliage for a sophisticated "hunt." 

  
  
  

• Stately Metal Bunnies: Peeking out from behind the petunias, adding a touch of vintage charm. 

  
  
  

These metallic accents provide a lovely contrast to the soft petals and vibrant greenery, nodding to the holiday without feeling over-the-top. It’s a playful, elegant way to celebrate the season of rebirth.

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Garden Note: Whether you stick to the classics or experiment with a new accent color, spring is the time to let your home's personality shine through your landscape.

 

Happy Spring Planting!

Easter Blooms

 There’s something magical about the way the light changes in Louisiana during the spring. As we trade our St. Patrick's green for the softer hues of the season, I wanted my front entrance to bridge that gap between our beloved St. Patty's traditions and the fresh hope of Easter.

The Floral Crown: A Mardi Gras Remix

If you know me, you know my love for Mardi Gras flowers runs deep. Instead of packing them away for next year, I decided to give them a seasonal "glow-up." By focusing on a palette of crisp whites, soft pinks, and vibrant greens, these blooms took on a whole new life.

The secret to a "grand welcome" is all in the texture. By mixing different sizes and shapes, the arrangement above the door feels architectural and lush rather than flat. And for that whimsical Easter touch? I tucked a mossy rabbit right into the center of a giant bloom. It’s a little hidden surprise that brings a smile to everyone who walks through the door.

The Details: Boxwood & Gold

Moving down to eye level, I kept the foundation classic with a lush boxwood wreath. But as we know, the magic is in the accessories:

• The Wreath Sash: I am absolutely obsessed with this sash! It’s a curated mix of spring-colored ribbons that adds movement and softness.

• The Source: For my local friends (and those who shop online!), this gorgeous ribbon was a find from Red Onion in Baton Rouge. They always have the perfect curated pieces to elevate a DIY project.

• The Gilded Touch: To tie it all together, a gold-gilded rabbit sits nestled in the sash, adding a bit of sophistication and reflecting that beautiful morning sun.

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Design Tip: Don't be afraid to reuse your high-quality decor pieces across different holidays. A change in color palette or the addition of a small thematic element (like a mossy bunny!) can completely transform your look.

Welcome Home

This entrance feels like a breath of fresh air. It’s a nod to our local culture while fully embracing the bright, blooming season ahead. Whether you’re stopping by for Easter brunch or just passing through the neighborhood, I hope this decor offers a "grand welcome" to spring!

An Easter Doorway, y'all!

Easter Around the Cottage

 J & I love celebrating holidays, and Easter is no exception. Bunnies, eggs, and tulips abound through our home.

Today is the first day of spring break. I love having some time off from the hustle and bustle of teaching young minds.

Easter Around the Home, y'all!

Spring has Sprung!

 Spring has definitely sprung here in New Orleans as the oak pollen has been filling the air and the sidewalks. As soon as St. Patrick's Day passed, the bunnies were ready to get outside. Around the front yard, bunnies, eggs, and carrots abound in all of their Eastery glory. The bunny doorhanger and mat also welcome guests to the Acorn Cottage.

I am most looking forward to the upcoming break for some well-deserved time away from school.

Sources:

Doorhanger/Mat/Carrots: TomTom and Company

Eggs: Nola Bee

Springtime, y'all!

Think Pink!

 Usually I plant all white blooms to go with the greens of my garden. This Spring, I decided to do it differently and "think pink!" I planted pink sunpatiens, pink geraniums, and used pink florist hydrangeas in the pots on the porch. I'm loving ho the pinks tie into my seasonal decor. Blush and a bit bashful, pink is a great seasonal alternative to white. Thanks again, Perino's for such quality blooms.

Cheers to you and yours! Happy Easter!

Think Pink, y'all!

Hippity, Hoppity the Easter Bunny is on his Way...

 It's always fun to decorate for the Easter season, and I have a number of bunnies here and there throughout the Acorn Cottage.

Hippity, hoppity.... take a look at the bunnies and eggs!

Bunny Love, y'all!