Mia Bella Passions

How a Floral Display Impacts The Decor....

What do Flowers bring to the home decor?

A painterly elegance...
Sometimes a floral perfume...
Instant mood lifting appeal...

And most definitely - visual joy.

What is in this arrangement of flowers?

Bright yellow roses...
(The perfect colour choice for cheering up a winters day).

Yellow and burgundy pinky mauve toned tulips...

And an unusual variegated chrysanthemum.

How was this display created?

A simple hand tied posy

Strip all the lower leaves...

Arrange in one hand crossing the stems...
Put an elastic band on to hold in place.
Then trim stems to place in the vase.

How was it displayed?

On the Table, a cloth with a french themed pattern was placed.
(This is actually a piece of curtain remnant that was the perfect table size, that I hemmed the edges. Cost $4 from the curtain shop remnant bin).

The flowers are in a glass vase that sits in a white French inspired pot.

The pot was then put into a wire basket.

In the front of the basket is a long sausage dog ornament.

Just look at that face - isn't it the cutest?

After a few days:

The rose buds and tulips opened up to let their beauty shine!

#posies #flowers #floralarrangement

Four Joys - Inspirational Quote...

Enjoy the things that make you happy?

#inspirationalquotes #quote #quotes

Let's Copper it!

At the moment I'm prepping for an Art Studio makeover.
It's long overdue...
I have my leather couch and french coffee table in storage,
and I'm gathering bits and pieces to pretty up the space.
I picked up this pottery vase at the 2nd hand shop for $3.

Love the texture of it, but not the colour.
Because I am having a little crush on copper at the moment,
there was no question what to do with it.
Let's copper it!
Oh my gosh let me loose with the spray paint!
At the same time I painted a plastic light shade too.

For as much as I would love a chandelier in my studio,
practicality and light requirement means that is not such a good idea.

The copper spray paint is fabulously easy to use
with instant coverage.
The brand I used is 'Plastikote'.

And the vase looks gorgeous in the studio...

I cannot wait for Spring when I can complete the Art Studio makeover!

Carpe Diem Quote.

Carpe Diem

The meaning of this is thought to be:
'Seize the day'.
After all today will be yesterday before you know it.

This Latin saying is originated from the Odes Book 1 by lyric poet Quintus Horatius Flaccus,
(65 BC - 8 BC)

(Did you know 'Carpe Diem' are the most Googled words)

So I am going to:
Carpe Diem today and every other day.
Will you join me?

#quotes #quote #carpediem

Growing Rhododendrons In Pots...

I have always enjoyed rhododendrons.

I love the garden varieties that grow into beautiful large shrubs and trees.

Fabulous if you have a large garden!

But then I discovered they are incredibly easy to grow in pots.

There are many varieties available now with dwarf or small shrub status which are the best for using in pots.

Vireya rhododendrons can become waterlogged planted in the garden,

and I have found these do particularly well in pots too.

I give my plants a spray using a general insecticide once in the spring,

and two or three times over summer to treat and prevent bug infestations like spider mite and mealy bug.

The beauty of growing Rhododendrons in pots is you can easily move them.

If you think it's not liking a certain position,

move somewhere new, until the plants happy condition and growth let's you know you've got right!

Rhododendron and Azalea Care List:
* Use a good quality potting mix
*Use a long life fertiliser pellet
*Water regularly
*Spray with an insecticide in Spring and summer.
*Repot every two years.

And to thank you,

you will have a profuse blooming season.

Azaleas also grow exceptionally well in pots too.

I treat them the same as the rhododendrons,
with a spring and summer insecticide spray.

They need a lot more watering in the summer months,
but once they bloom you will be so happy.

Follow Your Soul...

I have told y'all before I am a quote addict!
Why?

Because they are such wonderful nuggets of wisdom.
In a few words, a quote can inspire, motivate, touch your heart, build positivity or simply make you feel good on a bad day!

Enjoy today's newest addition to the quote collection.
XOX

#quotes #quote

Rake Head Bird Or Butterfly Feeder...

Let's create a rustic upcycled bird feeder...

I found an old rake head in the shed...
(you can source these at yard sales, or goodwill stores).

What better way to upcycle it than to use it as a bird feeder?
(Butterflies would enjoy this feeding station too...)

I positioned the rake head on top of the old picket fence...

Then used two large staple nails to attach it.

Added some tangelo orange halves dripping with sweet juice...

The bird life instantly approved!

It turned out to be a most popular addition,

to the many bird feeding areas in Mia Bella Gardens.

No butterflies yet as it's winter in Mia Bella Gardens...
but I hope they will come for a visit in summer.

#diy #rake #upcycle #birdfeeder

You are enough.

I'm quite fond of inspirationals...

there is nothing more inspiring than looking up at your mood board,

and reading your favourite quotes.

This one is extra special...

because we all have moments of self doubt.

You are enough.

Yes you are!

Just remember that my friends.

And to remind yourself of this,

print this floral pretty quote frame or pin to your mood board.

#flower #quote #inspirational

DIY Coffee Table Succulent Bowl...

As y'all know it's winter here in the southern hemisphere,

so I'm always on the lookout for some greenery in the decor.

Succulents in a bowl are a much needed pop of nature during the cold, bleak wintery days.

I selected two baby succulent plants from the garden centre.

This fish bowl was in the blog bit's and pieces I might need one day cupboard.

I gathered some stones from the garden path...
and placed those in the base of the glass bowl

The next layer was a quality potting mix,
into which the little succulents were planted.

This one is a baby plant off a succulent in the garden.

The next step once the plants were in the bowl was...

To add a layer of white decorative pot plant stones.
The bowl was placed on a wooden tray with a shabby green paper base.
(I got this from The Warehouse for $12 in a sale).
Just remember there is no drainage in a planter like this,
and the plants are succulents so minimal watering is required.
These plants get afternoon sun for 5 hours sited on this table,
so you need to move them in a sunbath area regularly if sunlight limited.

Some wonderful living decor for the winter months.

Dream Then Do It!

Oh, am I totally crushing on yellow roses at the moment.
Especially the beautiful 'David Austin' varieties.
I admit they are my ultimate favourite in rose varieties.
Scented, multi-petaled gorgeousness!
And beautiful to photograph.

Dream it - then do it...
The latest mood board inspirational features a yellow Austin rose.

This rose has been in the garden for years, but I am not sure of its name.
You might find it here on Wairere Nurseries list:
http://www.wairere.co.nz/Roses/Austin
I have bought mail order roses from them for many years,
with the rose plants arriving cocooned in wrap, ready to plant.
I would highly recommend Wairere online service to New Zealand gardeners.

Dream it - then do it...
I might create another rose garden!

#quotes #rosequote #quote #davidaustinroses