Mardi Gras at Acorn Cottage: Blooms of Carnival

There’s something about the Mardi Gras season that draws me toward color—bold, joyful, and full of life. Each year, I find myself naturally gravitating to blooms that echo the iconic hues of Carnival.

From the vibrant purples of silk irises glowing in the sunroom to the cheerful pansies planted throughout the garden in shades of purple, yellow (gold), and white, these flowers feel like a celebration all on their own. They capture the spirit of the season effortlessly, blending nature’s beauty with festive tradition.

These blooms do more than decorate a space—they breathe life into it. Paired with my Carnival décor, they add softness, movement, and a sense of renewal that only flowers can bring. Whether indoors or out, they remind me that Mardi Gras isn’t just about parades and beads; it’s also about color, joy, and the simple beauty found in the season around us.

As Carnival unfolds, these blossoms serve as a quiet but vibrant reminder that celebration can be found in the smallest details—sometimes right in our own gardens.

Did you even guess that the blooms were faux? I like to mix the faux with live greens such as ivy. Faux blooms have come a very long way.

Blooms of Carnival, y'all!

Limelights from the Garden

 I shared the limelight hydrangeas in the front garden last month. Recently, I cut a few blooms and brought them inside to enjoy. The blooms were place in a blue and white chinoserie jar and look great on the dining room table. I love having fresh blooms inside.

Tablecloth: Sotre, New Orleans

Limelights in Bloom, y'all!

Flowers: Agapanthus

I adore the recent agapanthus (Lily of the Nile) blooms in the front garden. Although I planted the white variety, there must have been some "hanky panky" with pollination as the blooms have turned lilac in color. No matter what, they are certainly beautiful and have been in bloom for a couple weeks.

Agapanthus, y'all!

Flowers:Ginger Blooms

I am loving the ginger blooms in the backyard. The tropical plants multiply throughout the year and bloom every spring. I love the clusters of bloom and how they hang like wisteria.

What plants are blooming in your neck of the woods?

Ginger Blooms, y'all!

Uptown in Bloom

It is beginning to look like spring in New Orleans lately. Beautiful tulips and azaleas in bloom along my Uptown walk.

Spring does not officially begin until March 19, but it looks like spring has sprung around these parts.

Uptown Blooms, y'all!

Spring Blooms {Begonias and Caladiums}

I just love springtime temperatures and blooms. Our garden was recently planted with begonias (Wax white) and caladiums in white. The caladiums are the white Christmas variety.

In a few days, mulch will be added to the beds, and this will serve us well until fall.

What do you plant in your gardens for the spring?

White blooms, y'all!

Spring Blooms {Camellias & Hydrangeas}

I recently changed the blooms in the vase on the central stair parlor table. I love the soft look of the white camellias and the blue hydrangeas.

And yes, these great blooms are faux. Quality fauxs are quite expensive but worth it. It is really hard to tell the different when investing in quality silks.

Camellias & Hydrangeas, y'all!

I heart {Bougainvillea blooms}

I love the vibrant, summery color of these bougainvillea blooms.

Bougainvillea is one of the showiest vines you can grow. The large plant practically smothers itself in big clusters of papery bracts. These bracts appear in bold shades of pink, lavender, red, gold, or orange and create a display you can see a block away.

But the blooms in my home are faux, quality faux that I picked up earlier this spring at Hazelnut on Magazine Street. The color transitions beautifully to the summer months.

How does your bougainvillea grow?

Bougainvillea, y'all!

#tbt {Atlanta: Early Spring 2007}

This post first appeared on Uptown Acorn on March 23, 2012. I think it is perfect to revisit this post from my Atlanta home back in the early spring of 2017.

#tbt
One of the things I miss most of my Atlanta home was the huge, lush landscaped yard. Well manicured and abundant with flowers, trees, shrubs, and grasses, my Atlanta yard was well perched high upon a hill ready for passer-byers to witness her in her springtime glory.

Take a look back with me as I remember the beautiful early springtime blooms and plants of an Atlanta Spring circa 2007:

Happy Spring Planting, y’all!