This ingenious “epergne” is something I saw several years ago and have thought of ever since. So simple and so charming. A sprig of grass, a few leaves, a blossom or two, and boom, you have a beautiful arrangement and a work of art.
There were two of these flanking the entrance to the Elizabethan Gardens in Manteo, North Carolina, where I visited a few summers ago during a trip to see family in Nags Head, in the Outer Banks.
A clever D-I-Yer could whip this up in a morning. It would be a wonderful project for children or adults, and a good learning tool. I am thinking now children are out of school and parents are desperate to find things to do with them until they go to camp eager for activities that are both fun and purposeful.
The gardens are a nod to the reign of Elizabeth I, who presided over what became here the “Lost Colony,” the theatrical reenactment of which remains a very popular attraction for visitors and locals alike. Despite the fact that you have to be tied to your seat in order not to be carried away by mosquitoes. North Carolina native Andy Griffith got his start in The Lost Colony production, eventually winning the role of Sir Walter Raleigh, Queen Elizabeth’s reputed (doomed) paramour and namesake of North Carolina’s capital. Griffith is buried in Roanoke Island, where the storied outdoor theater is located.
As usual I’ve gotten off the subject, so let me wrap this up.
The Manteo gardens, run by the Garden Club of North Carolina, are beautiful. Do see them if you’re there. Then go by the hardware store and get the stuff you need to make this epergne, and let me know how it goes.
Hey Missy,
Where have you been? I have noticed a lack of your charming posts. This “epergne” is genius. Would love to have it in a kitchen filled with fresh herbs. The smell would be divine each time you would pass it. I hope you are very happy and please give your Grace a big hug from me.
Lots of love,
Nancy
Dearest Nancy, Guilty as charged! Thank you for noticing. Now life is settling down a bit, and I’ll be a bit more, ahem, regular!… Your idea of putting the wall epergnes in the kitchen and filling them with herbs is genius! Thank you, and hugs back to you and yours, Frances
One of these days I’ll get there.
I just gave in my resignation letter, basically thinking and feeling older than dirt and not sure where to go from this point. I heard on the Today show recently about a woman who lived like Martha Stewart for a year. As I admire you so much, maybe I’ll follow your Blog and footsteps into Italy, France, and North Carolina and start eating and painting my days ahead. Now that sounds like a plan. Thanks Frances
Maureen, Congratulations on your resignation and beginning a new chapter. Something tells me you are going to figure it out, girl. Good luck and keep me posted. Love, Frances
I’m curious how does one live like Martha Stewart. Unless you have money, very creative people under your “command” and a ruthless drive to succeed.
Dear Meerah,
Maybe the thing here is to focus on the spirit of what Martha represents rather than Martha herself. To me this is about creating a home that is warm and welcoming, taking pleasure in the everyday tasks of domestic life, and taking the time to be conscious of their meaning in our lives. But the point of all this is to find joy in it.
Blessings to you, Frances
My dad grew up in Manteo, and many of my cousins still live there. I love that little town and the people. One of my cousins danced in “The Lost Colony” production. My dad lived in Nag’s Head until his death. I wish I could go there more often, but after I sold my dad’s home, I have not been back. Sad…
Wow Dianne, thank you for sharing that. Our families intersect again, it seems. xo Frances
Can’t wait to start building Wall Epergnes. Do you have a pattern? This would look fab in a winery
Kate
I too love the idea of being retired (just)and relearning how to live and enjoy domestic life. My wonderful husband of 8 years and I built a small home (with master bedroom on the first floor) in beautiful Chester County, PA and move in next week. Planning to enjoy every moment preparing healthy fresh food, decorating in a comfortable yet sophisticated style, and being sure the family is there often, especially all the little “grands.” Oh, must not to forget the large deck garden for flowers and lots of herbs!
Hello Frances. Love the indoor flower display. I bet you could make something marvelous from your garden out here in East Hampton. David and I send warm greetings and happy wishes your way. I would love to see that Rose Farm!
Wonderful idea for all of those single blooms in the garden.
xo, Lissy