Pretty in Pink: Petunias in the Garden

 If you know me, you know my garden "uniform" is almost exclusively white and green. There is something so crisp, clean, and timeless about a sea of white blooms against dark green foliage. But this year, as I wandered through the aisles of Perino’s Home & Garden in Metairie—my absolute favorite local haunt for all things green—something caught my eye and changed my mind.

Among the rows of vibrant flowers, I found a tray of light pink petunias that felt like the perfect compromise. I decided to break my "whites-only" rule and let me tell you: I am so glad I did.

I got these beauties in the ground back in March, taking advantage of that sweet spot in the Louisiana spring before the real humidity kicks in.

Now that we’ve hit the peak of the season, they are putting on a fabulous show. They’ve filled out beautifully, cascading over the edges of my garden beds and creating a lush, velvet-like carpet of color.

For a "white flower purist," jumping straight into hot pink or bright purple can feel a bit jarring. This specific shade of light pink is the perfect "gateway color" for a few reasons:

• The Subtle Pop: It provides a soft contrast without screaming for attention. It feels sophisticated, not loud.

• The "Glow" Factor: In the twilight hours, these light pink blooms seem to catch the fading light just like white flowers do, giving the garden an ethereal feel.

• A Fresh Perspective: It’s just different enough from my norm to make the garden feel brand new this year.

If you’re looking to replicate this look (or just want your Perino's haul to thrive), here is what’s working for me:

1. Sun, Sun, Sun: These petunias are soaking up the sunshine and loving every minute of it.

2. Deadheading: I spend a few minutes each weekend pinching off the spent blooms. It keeps the plant focused on making new flowers rather than seeds.

3. Consistent Water: Especially as the days get warmer, I make sure they don't dry out completely, though I’m careful not to drown them.

Sometimes, a little change is exactly what the garden needs. My white blooms will always have my heart, but these light pink petunias have officially earned a permanent spot in my spring rotation.

 

If you haven't been by Perino’s lately, go take a look! You might just find a "pop of color" that surprises you, too.

Are you a garden traditionalist, or do you like to switch up your color palette every year? Let me know in the comments!

Pretty in Pink, y'all!

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!

October at Acorn Cottage: A Spooktacular Welcome

 October has arrived, and with it comes the magic of Halloween across New Orleans. From porch to parlor, the city is alive with festive displays—and of course, Acorn Cottage is no exception. I adore decorating seasonally, and Halloween offers the perfect chance to bring a bit of whimsy, mystery, and spooktacular charm to our home.

The front facade is dressed in full Halloween spirit: pumpkins, bats, and mummies create a festive first impression. Our porch greets guests with a hand-painted door hanger from Southern Antiques of Laurel, MS—a charming touch that sets the tone. Felt bats seem to take flight across the front of the house, while a dramatic black maple leaf tree makes a statement from its olive jar planter.

Standing guard in the windows are two towering five-foot mummies, keeping watch as curious neighbors pass by. Flanking the cottage, two cast-iron urns overflow with pumpkin topiaries, each stacked in place with nothing more than gravity. Along the walkway, boxwoods wear cheerful pumpkin accents, while a row of watchful crows perch atop the fence. A few playful metal ghosts round out the display, bringing just the right amount of spooky flair.

It’s always a joy to transform Acorn Cottage with the seasons, and Halloween décor has a way of making everything feel both festive and enchanting. I can’t wait to share the nighttime glow—the flicker of candles, the soft illumination of pumpkins, and the magic that only October evenings can bring.

Stay tuned—Acorn Cottage after dark is sure to be a Halloween treat!

Acorn Cottage at Halloween, y'all!

Snapdragons are Poppin'

 The snapdragons in the front garden were planted way back in November of last year, and they are still putting on a show. Green and white is always right says James Farmer, and I agree. The white flowers make for such a coolling effect at any time of year.

Thanks again to Perino's Nursery for offering such a healthy selection of annuals from season to season.

• Annuals!

The snapdragons really have put on a spectacular show.

Snaps are Poppin', y'all!

Fall Plantings

 At the end of October, the flower beds were cleaned making way for the winter annuals. This year, I added lots of snapdragons in white hues to the front garden. You know the saying, "Green and white is always right!" I totally believe it too. I hope that the snaps  do as well as they did last year.

Snapdragons in the garden, y'all!

Fall: Coleus in the Garden

 Come end of August, my sunpatiens are long and leggy, so after pulling them up, I love to plant coleus in the garden. The colors of coleus lend to the seasonal hues of Fall. 

My go-to plant nursery: Perino's

Coleus comes in an array of foliage colors, including red, pink, orange, yellow, chartreuse, green, burgundy and purple. Leaves 1-6” long can be pointed, oval or scalloped, many with intricate veining or patterns. Coleus flower in late summer, with blue flower spikes that are often trimmed off for a neater appearance. Though most are bush types, there are trailing varieties as well.  

Tolerant of sun, shade and heat, coleus is a quick grower that can be massed in the landscape, used as a filler element in a container, or allowed to cascade in a hanging basket or window box. With hundreds of different varieties to choose from, there’s a coleus to suit any garden style or color scheme.

2023 Halloween posts

It's Beginning to Look Like Halloween | Door Hanger & Flag | Pumpkin Stacks | Gone Batty! | Mummy | Spiders & Crows | Facade at Night | Living Room |

Coleus in the Garden, y'all!