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The Wreath Coach

ORR LAKE COTTAGE


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When the salad is all done, don’t you dare throw a When the salad is all done, don’t you dare throw away those juices! 🍅🥒

The Italians call it la scarpetta — using a piece of bread to clean up every last bit of sauce or juices left on your plate. 🇮🇹🥖

While it usually refers to soaking up that delicious pasta sauce, I always think of la scarpetta when I make this simple tomato and cucumber salad. There’s no way I’m letting those juices go to waste! 😏

Anyone else’s Nonna teach them this? ❤️
My #1 question last year around this design was: W My #1 question last year around this design was: WHERE did you get that gorgeous cabbage?! 😂

And the answer was… my garden. 😏🌱

Cabbages can get pricey in stores once fall rolls around, but if you already have a veggie garden, you can easily pop a few cabbage plants in specifically for your fall decor!

I find they grow pretty quickly, too. I planted these seedlings in mid-July and already have large, stunning cabbages ready to use in this year’s planters. 🙌🏼

The other bonus? You can grow varieties you may never find at your local nursery. This gorgeous silvery-blue colour is one I don’t see very often, which means I can create unique fall designs that no one else has! 💙🍂

So if you have some cabbage seeds or seedlings, I’d try planting them ASAP and see if you can grow yourself some gorgeous cabbages for your fall planters! 🌱🍁

Would you grow your own cabbage specifically for your fall containers?
We had the million dollar question for TWO more am We had the million dollar question for TWO more amazing gardeners! 🌸👀

Pam from @sunshineladys_garden said YES 🌱✂️

Kayla from @gardeningwithdogs said NO 🙅‍♀️🌸

But WHY?! What makes one gardener cut back their petunias while another lets them keep growing? 👀

Want to hear exactly why they said yes or no? Watch the full video over on our YouTube channel or comment “WAVE PETUNIAS” below and we’ll send you the direct link! 💕🌸

So… are you Team Cut or Team Don’t Cut? 👇
We got to spend some time with some AMAZING garden We got to spend some time with some AMAZING gardeners on our trip with Wave, and of course we had to ask them the million-dollar question… 🌸

Do you or do you NOT cut your petunias?! 😂

And we could not believe how split the answers were!

🌸 Miranda & Michael from @guimondgardens = YES! ✂️

🌸 Thomas from @bythomasgeorge = NO! 🙅‍♂️

But WHY?! And what happens when you do (or don’t) cut them back?

Head to our YouTube channel to watch the full video and find out why these gardeners have such different approaches! 🌸

So… are you team YES or team NO? 👇
3 proven reasons cutting back your petunias can be 3 proven reasons cutting back your petunias can be beneficial 🌸

1. Leggy + sparse? ✂️
If your petunias are long, stringy and have lots of gaps, cutting them back encourages new growth closer to the base, helping the plant become fuller and bushier instead of sparse.

2. Pest damage? ✂️
If certain stems or sections are damaged by pests, removing that damaged growth gives the plant a chance to redirect its energy into fresh, healthy new growth.

3. Want MORE blooms? 🌸
If your petunias have slowed down and aren’t blooming like they were, a good trim can stimulate new branching and growth, which means more places for flowers to develop.
We had the chance to chat with SO many amazing gar We had the chance to chat with SO many amazing gardeners on our trip to Chicago with Wave, and of course I had to ask the million-dollar question: Do you or do you NOT cut your petunias?! 🌸✂️

And let me tell you… I was SO surprised by the answers! 👀

What do you think these gardeners said??

Watch the full video on our YouTube channel to hear their answers AND why they do (or don’t!) cut their petunias. 🌸 or comment ‘WAVE PETUNIA’ and we will send you the link! 
 

Make sure to check out my new gardeners friends as well! 

@guimondgardens 
@sunshineladys_garden 
@bythomasgeorge 
@gardeningwithbulldogs 
@averee_lynn 
@wexfordlane 
@newenglandhomegardens 
@kilbs_in_the_yard 
@auyannaplants 
@suburban.gardening.couple 

I want to know: Are you team cut or team let-it-grow? 👇
Nonna had the best garden – veggies, flowers, you Nonna had the best garden - veggies, flowers, you name it! 

Enjoy your nonni while you can 💕
When picking boxwoods became a never-ending battle When picking boxwoods became a never-ending battle… I decided it was time to take things to the next level. 😂🌿

Say hello to my little friend. 👋🔫

The caterpillars chose the wrong boxwood. 😈

Anyone else fighting these little garden criminals this year?!
POV: you went to McDonald’s International Headquar POV: you went to McDonald’s International Headquarters in Chicago and got to try McDonald’s from around the WORLD 🌎🍔

🇨🇳 Kung Pao Double McChicken from China
🇧🇷 Cheese Onion Burger from Brazil
🇲🇾 BBQ Shaker Fries from Malaysia — MY FAVORITE 🤤 They literally tasted like BBQ chips!

📍McDonald’s Global Headquarters — 110 N Carpenter St, Chicago, IL

Save this for your next Chicago trip because this is such a fun stop if you’re a McDonald’s lover 👀🍟

Which one would you try first?!

#travel #chicago #mcdonalds #internationalmcdonalds
A month of growth 🌸🌿 A month of growth 🌸🌿
Stunning color combos for planters at the Gardens Stunning color combos for planters at the Gardens at @ballhorticultural 

I love a deep burgundy moody planter. While it may not scream summer, the colors are still rich and vibrant and will perfectly guide you into the fall season. 🍂

Full garden tour on our YouTube channel - comment ‘BALL TOUR’ and we will send you the direct link!
It’s good 😬🫣🐛 It’s good 😬🫣🐛
Save this easy Fridge Pickle recipe 🥒 And let me Save this easy Fridge Pickle recipe 🥒

And let me know how they turn out!
Is your garden bursting with cucumbers right now? Is your garden bursting with cucumbers right now? I like making easy fridge pickles! 

Cut your pickles long ways for deli style
Each jar fit about 2 cucumbers (depending on the size of your cucumbers) 

Add to your jar : 
1 tsp mustard seed 
2-3 dill seed flowers 
2-3 garlic cloves 
Added your cucumber slices to the jar 

Brine: 
2 cups water 
1 1/2 cups white vinegar 
3 tbsp salt 
1-2 tbsp sugar 

Fill your brine to the top of each jar, seal and let them cool to room temperature before putting them into the fridge. You can eat them the next day or leave them in for a week before cracking one open. 

Step by step slides in next post! 

Have some fun with it and add other seasonings for a different taste! 🥒
Send this to someone who needs to slow down and en Send this to someone who needs to slow down and enjoy the pretty flowers before winter is here! 🌿🌸
Want your garden to look professionally designed? Want your garden to look professionally designed? 🌿✨
I just visited a professional display garden and noticed something: the most beautiful spaces aren’t necessarily the most complicated.

Here are a few things you can steal for your own garden:

🌱 Cluster your plants — stop spreading everything evenly! Large groupings of the same plant create a much more dramatic, intentional look (and honestly… less overthinking!).

🍃 You don’t always need flowers. Foliage, texture and different shades of green can create just as much interest.

🌈 But don’t be afraid of colour! A mix of vibrant colours can create an eye-catching display when you want your garden to make a statement.

🌿 Repeat, repeat, repeat. Using the same plant or colour throughout a bed can actually look incredibly chic and intentional.

💚 Use coleus like shrubs. Keep pruning off the flowers and they’ll continue to branch, grow fuller and create those big, bushy areas of colour. Place them strategically where you want that “mini shrub” effect.

The secret to a professional-looking garden might not be MORE plants… it might just be how you group and repeat the ones you already love. 👀

Save this for next year and send it to someone who is planning their garden! 🌱

Which tip are you going to try?
So many great planter combos at the Gardens at Bal So many great planter combos at the Gardens at Ball 🌿 

One of my favorite centerpieces is always the banana leaf. With dramatic height and large leaves, this one is a stunner! 

For the full garden tour, visit our YouTube channel or comment ‘BALL TOUR’ and we will send you the direct link!
A week away and the boxwood moth caterpillars have A week away and the boxwood moth caterpillars have taken over 😭 

This is why it’s so important to check your plants as often as possible. If something looks off investigate further. 

I’ve picked off about 50 of these guys so far. 😭 next up is some heavy duty spray action 🐛
Trying the iconic deep dish pizza is a must do whe Trying the iconic deep dish pizza is a must do when visiting Chicago! 🍕 

Must try spot - @loumalnatis ✨ 

What’s your favorite deep dish spot in Chicago?
Some hints of fall inspiration at the Gardens at B Some hints of fall inspiration at the Gardens at Ball. 

Something I haven’t tried before, but the Swiss chard looked fabulous in a planter! Bunny tails bring so much texture, definitely something to look out for this coming season! 

For the full garden tour video - comment ‘BALL TOUR’ and we will send you the link!
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