Leslie Pender has a penchant for historical homes and gardens—most notably her own. The Heights home she shares with her husband, Jim, has previously graced the pages of At Home in Arkansas, prompting us to wonder what was behind the iron gates of her garden. Pender took us on a tour to share how both the past and the present play a role in her beloved outdoor space.
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Low on maintenance yet high on style, succulent plantings are an easy way to bring a bit of nature indoors
During the often-dreary days of winter, the smallest pops of green can remind us of the seasons of growth that lay ahead. Succulents, a group of plants characterized by their thick water-storing leaves and minimal requirements for care, prove to be a perfect planting for this time of year. Floral designer Alex Hudson of Tanarah Luxe Floral created this combination by mixing varied styles, shapes, and sizes. “If you have small-headed plants that are very textural then you will want to add in some smooth-textured plants to provide balance and give the eye a rest,” he says of the process.
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Floral designer Chris Norwood of Tipton & Hurst teaches us how to layer colorful elements—many of which you can find in your yard—to create a seasonal wreath. Here’s his step-by-step formula to bring a little cheer to your front door.
1 Start with a Grapevine Base
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Silks A Bloom designers use a contemporary palette and textured cuttings to create a fresh-floral centerpiece for the season
Don’t let the name fool you—the professionals at Silks A Bloom are becoming one of central Arkansas’s hottest vendors for fresh-floral event design. “Our customers loved working with us and encouraged us to branch out to include designs with fresh-cut flowers a while back,” says co-owner and designer Dale Aldridge. “Now, many people are surprised to learn we’re more than just silks,” he adds of the shop’s event floral service.
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Jennifer Gibson at The Good Earth Garden Center provides all you need to know about planting mixed containers meant for Arkansas autumns
For transitional seasons with hard-to-predict weather patterns, container planting offers the appeal of low-maintenance landscaping. “I think people tend to be a little intimidated by doing containers, but it’s a matter of simple balance and contrast,” Jennifer Gibson of Little Rock’s The Good Earth Garden Center says. “The key is to bring contrasting foliage colors and textures together to maximize visual interest.”
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Defined areas for enjoying nature dot this Little Rock backyard—making it the perfect spot to unwind almost year-round
It’s often said that word of mouth is the best advertisement one can receive. In this West Little Rock neighborhood, perhaps the term should be altered to sight of garden. “There’s a group of sweet friends who all live in this mountaintop neighborhood. I worked with the homeowners across the street and the ones next door, and they led me to help this couple,” landscape designer Chris H. Olsen of Botanica Gardens says.
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Exterior designer Daniel Keeley creates a backyard retreat for a Fort Smith family that is equipped for any summertime occasion, from pool parties to weeknight barbecues
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The design of this classic yet cosmopolitan Little Rock rooftop garden proves to be as inviting as its view of the city
Rooftop venues have long been popular in cities such as Charleston and New York—places where space is often at a premium and must be maximized. However, while necessity may be touted as the mother of invention, it need not be present for one to enjoy the fruits of its labor. Space in Arkansas’ capital city runs rampant in comparison; however, the view is one that, in opinion, may only be fully appreciated from a perch. The owners of this Little Rock condo recognized this and decided to cultivate an exterior space that would allow them to enjoy the skyline, as well as each other’s company. With the help of three local experts, here’s how they created a rooftop oasis in the heart of downtown.
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Inspired by the season, three local floral designers share their ideas for front entry style
A seasonal planting welcomes guests
Container plantings, with their versatility and mobility, are a favorite among both gardening beginners and green-thumbed aficionados. As Arkansans can attest, fickle weather patterns can pose challenges when choosing blooms for the official arrival of spring. Here, Allison Griffin of Westwood Gardens shares a grouping ready to withstand today’s temperatures and beyond.
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At Home in Arkansas offers you a look inside the state's most inspiring homes. The magazine features monthly advice from the experts to help you plan your next remodel or redesign, entertain at home, or find Arkansas's best kept secrets. It is your definitive guide to the state's finest homes and gardens, design professionals, fashion and entertaining essentials, and premier shops and showrooms.