Fall Fun

Yesterday afternoon I had the pleasure of spending some quality time with three close friends at Soergel Orchards in Wexford, PA about 12 miles outside of Pittsburgh. This weekend marked the beginning of the Fall Festival and the line of traffic getting off 79 attests to the popularity of the orchard. We had gone in hopes of apple picking but unfortunately only pumpkin picking was available but we were able to buy some apples in the well stocked market. Food stands boasted delicious fall foods such as caramel apples, roasted corn on the cob and apple cider, and children were able to enjoy the many games and activities including pony rides. My friends and I visited the animals in the petting zoo but we mostly enjoyed going into the gift shop and market. Along with pumpkins and gourds (I got some little ones to display on my window sill) the garden center hosts a whole variety of flowers and trees for sale. Hope you have a chance to go enjoy some fall fun this autumn!

Nothing says fall as much as pumpkins and sunflowers

Display of the flowers for sale at the garden center

Colorful mums line the stairs leading up to the gazebo; a prime picture taking spot

For more information about Soergel Orchard click here.

Katie's Wedding Flowers

So on Saturday night my friend Katie got married in the beautiful Landis Valley Museum. I must begin by saying that this was one of my favorite weddings that I have ever attended. It was in a great location, the set up was beautiful, the bride was gorgeous and the whole thing was very Christ centered. The flowers were all very natural and set around the ceremony and reception in really interesting containers. Giant hydrangea were added to the grapevine and white lights that surrounded the trellis the couple was married under. The father of the bride did all the decorative flowers, which is a huge money saver but also added to the more personal feel of the wedding. Katie carried a huge bouquet of sunflowers and wildflowers made up the boutonnieres and bridesmaids bouquets. I took a  lot of pictures that night but here are a few of my favorites.

Ceremony set up in the Firehouse

Different bottles make great vases

Snap dragons

 Buckets of flowers were placed at the end of every other row of chairs along the aisles. By using the same type of flowers in each container a look of abundance is created.

Baby's Breath

Beautiful Katie walking in with her sunflower bouquet.

Centerpieces at my table.

 Using a mix of buckets, fun containers and old books really gave this reception a personal feel; capturing the personalities of the bride and groom. I was told all of the different containers were found at a local farmer's market in Lancaster; I always love being able to help support the local economy.

I love the small green bottle; the mother of the bride actually let me take it home!

Head table

Wildflower Bridesmaid Bouquet

Katie's Bouquet with the K.

One of the groomsmen boutonnieres

Watering cans make a great way to display flowers

Another cute watering can on the guest book table

 Hope you thought of some new way to display flowers and create centerpieces!

Chanticleer, Gardens of Green

Friday afternoon I walked around Chanticleer Gardens with my parents which is located right in our town of Radnor, PA. Since it is the end of summer most of the flowering plants are on their way out and the different shades and textures of green plants really stood out.  To learn more check out the website at http://www.chanticleergarden.org/visitors.html
Here are some pictures of some of my favorite things I saw.

Interesting potted plant with white leaves along the courtyard of the house

Sunflower tree

Great lawn, the chairs were painted to look like giraffe

Trail through bamboo in the Asian garden

Potted plants are used to fill in gaps along the walkway

Field of yellow lilies

 What local gardens do you have around where you live?