Spring Bunnies, Rabbits & Hares in the Garden

The Easter bunny may have come and gone, but a classic garden icon can still be found this Spring - bunnies in the garden - whether a real rabbit, a stone sculpture hare, or as an animal topiary. Stone bunnies, (rabbits / hares) were first noted originating in the stories of Pompeii (read from exert in The Natural History of Pompeii) , so it's only fitting to see these stone sculptures strategically placed in a springtime garden. The art of creating topiaries has also lead to rabbits being sculpted from boxwood hedges for example in a garden, or from grass turf on an armature. Even the Channel Gardens at New York City's Rockefeller Center display one of the city's best Spring gardens, with a 12-foot-tall topiary of an Easter bunny made with ivy and moss, which is on display now through April 19. Both real and faux sculptures and topiaries can be purchased online or in home decor stores to add a little whimsy to your own garden this spring...

This regal rabbit was featured at Traditional Home - Garden Retreats

 

Cast-iron bunnies in Marjolein Bastin's garden at marjoleinbastin.com

 

 Proud Hare Garden Statue - Wind & Weather

British Artist Stanley DOVE - Pied Piper Hare

 

 12 Bunnies - Bronze sculptures by artist Yabuuchi Satoshi

 

Adorable - Rabbit Watch by Canis Major, via Flickr Anne Hathaway's Cottage & Gardens- perfect for this Tudor style home...

 

These terra-cotta-bunnies were available at gardeners.com, but I'm sure you can find something similar at a local nursery, garden center, or home decor shop - try also consignment shops.  

Great Hare by Mary Catherine Newcomb - an 8-foot long grassy sculpture, using turf over armature.

 

 Topiary animals, like this rabbit, can be grown on a topiary frame...

 

 Here's a link for How To Make Animal Topiaries

Besides these bunny topiaries being created for your garden, faux ones can be used too, indoors, for a Spring entry vignette - or for next year's Easter table...

Dear Lillie blog - Easter Bunny Table

 And now for the pièce de résistance for bunnies in the garden... The Easter Bunny Topiaries - Channel Gardens - Rockefeller Center - New York City... See these and more pics by following their hashtag in social media #ROCKCENTER - Plus also view this slide show at nbc.com

And as for real bunnies in your Spring Garden, here are some tips on How to Keep Rabbits Out of Your Garden, including a list of Rabbit-Resistant Plants...

 

Happy Spring Gardening!

Thanks for stopping by!

HOW TO MAKE A SPRING PICNIC BASKET CENTERPIECE

After a long harsh winter, filled with bitter cold, snow drifts and cabin fever, everyone is just bursting to get outside for Spring to enjoy some outdoor living! One way to kick off the upcoming outdoor living season is by dining alfresco, which can be a beautiful & casual setting for your family's Easter brunch. Although when we lived in Arizona, we didn't have family, the hubs and I still enjoyed heading outside for our Easter dinner. Arizona was a place I started collecting baskets, and one fun basket I came across while thrifting was a tall picnic basket. I may not have used it for picnics, but the basket became a great textured container to create a simple Spring centerpiece, which can be used indoors or out. Here is what I did...

 

It all started with a picnic basket I scored at the thrift store...

 

After adding the cylinder risers and daisies,  I used the textiles, and a few spare leaves to tuck into the back of the basket, making it appear as if Spring is just bursting to come out! The simple green and white color scheme is just refreshing after seeing a season of winter greys...

 

Since this home was a rental, we really couldn't do much to the unfinished divider wall, so I used another collected basket for a simple outdoor wall decor...

 

The green & white gingham table topper was another thrift find, I layered over linen fabric I had used as a table cover. Since we didn't have an outdoor dining set, I used a folding table (the one I'd frequently use inside for 'table for two settings), but to make it larger, I put a 42" MDF framed mirror on top of the 36" folded table - The backside of the mirror was flat, and you'd never know it was there after the table was dressed (simple small space solution!)

The weathered X back chairs were another amazing thrift find I had scored in Phoenix, (you can read about here, but have since sold!) and they worked great to create outdoor seating. If there is one good thing to say about being in a dessert state, it has to be that I was able to set this outdoor setting, without having to worry about rain -- just sun!

 

No trees either, so having an outdoor umbrella was a must - plus it gave me another place to layer in a shot of green color, to pick up on the centerpiece...

 

 Before & After Spring Spruce-Up in our small (drought tolerant) backyard in Phoenix - you can read in a previous post at: Rental ReStyle: Budget-Friendly Backyard Spring Spruce-Up

 

And if it's still too cold, or worse, snowing, where you live this Easter, you can still create a Springtime Alfresco setting indoors too, creating the same picnic basket centerpiece, plus layering woven chargers or placematts with gingham, checks, or plaid... and for Easter, don't forget the bunnies! (Remember these? A Florida thrift find & DIY fix, you can read about at: Hoppy Spring Bargain Bunnies)

 

Although I like to change things up, some holiday decor traditionally makes it's way to the table every year - like these birds nests from HomeGoods, but this year, they were filled with golden chocolate eggs... A great little compliment to the vintage Greek Key border table set I also scored thrifting, but up in Scottsdale... The vintage brass coupes (yes - another Phoenix thrift find!) made an elegant riser for the nests...

 

I hope you're inspired to create a simple Spring Centerpiece of your own to set on your Easter table, whether you dine inside or out! Afterwards, use this centerpiece on a buffet or entry table if it's still winter by you, for a taste of Spring indoors -- if not, layer it into your front entry or Spring patio decor!

Thanks for stopping by!

 

12 EASTER TABLE TOP TIPS

From basic black - yes black - to touches of gold or food inspirations, here are 12 take-away tips I've recapped for you from my 'speed styling' Easter Tablescapes I did last week. I call it speed styling because these tablescapes were set in basically one afternoon, one after the other. The key is to not only have inspiration, but to have a vision and a plan, personalize it to make it you own, don't set boundaries - experiment, and put that plan to action.

Seek inspiration from food to fabric prints, from magazines to blogs

and even your closet to calendar images.



You still have two more weeks to plan and gather-up your goodies. Along with some other inspirational posts, I'll be sharing more photos of full set tables this week and next. For now, here are some tips (and some sneak peaks) of some ideas for your Easter tables.

12 TIPS FOR YOUR EASTER TABLE

(just like a dozen eggs!)

Tabletop Tip #1

Live plants and fresh fruit bring life to a table

Add texture with a lacy runner to give it movement.

Tabletop Tip #2

Spot items out of season - these baskets I picked up back in

January in the Micheal's Craft store $1 bins.

Tabletop Tip #3

Refresh everyday accessories from around the house with a new color

and use those items on your table.

Tabletop Tip #4

When you spot something in a store, look past its color right to its potential.

I spotted these metallic pink eggs at BigLots back in February.

Repurpose egg cartons to hold eggs while you paint - BUT - be sure to cover with foil.

If not, the acetone in the paint will EAT the Styrofoam.

(unless it's Design Master brand spray paint)

Tabletop Tip #5

Create a cohesive look of seasonal decor in your home onto

your table through a finish or color.

Tabletop Tip #6

For added interest, pick up some patterned plates while thrifting.

I found these Wedgwood plates (set of 6 @ $3.79) to layer into

my everyday white and mix with other thrifted white plates.

Tabletop Tip #7

Find your balance and mix it up to avoid a catalog look!

Not everything needs to be all thrifted.

(Found candle holders & dishes thrifting)

Not everything needs to be all from one store.

(Found place-matts at HG & cylinders at Dollar Store)

Not everything needs to be all bought on clearance.

(green grass found after Christmas clearance)

Not everything needs to be all homemade.

(Fabric focal point wall art)

Tabletop Tip #8

If you can't find what you're looking for, make your own.

I wanted some graphic patterned napkins, but could only find packs of 12 at HG. Too many for what I needed so Fabric Quarters (usually for quilting) are a GREAT and affordable alternative - especially when they're on sale for $1.38 each. Just roll edges and top stitch for a finished look.

Tabletop Tip #9

Colorblock candy: Separate mixed bags of candy for stronger color impact on your table-setting.

E-Scape Tip #10

There's nothing wrong with mixing in faux flowers.

It's more economical, they last longer, and you can reuse for other seasons, tables, or rooms. Watch for 50% off sales & add coupons to save even more (ex: at Micheal's)

Tabletop Tip #11

Use what you have in new ways or color combos.

Remove labels from wine bottles to give shimmer & height to your tablescape.

Give tables added color pop by using colored stemware.

Tabletop Tip # 12

Be aware of the inspiration that is all around you...

even in your refrigerator.

Take some time to experiment. You may find out an original plan won't work - it's too cluttered for your guests. You may even come up with something totally different and it could be just what you needed. Folding chairs aren't the only means of extra seating - although you could paint an old one in a new vibrant color, you may also spot some cool chairs for only $5 while thrifting. Benches can also work for unconventional seating or give your table a modern look. And as I had mentioned, also seek inspiration from your closet...

This Friday, I'll be launching a new blog series:

R O O M   F U S H I O N   F R I D A Y S

Fusing Your Wardrobe To Room Fashion.

(yes - Similar to From Runway To Room - but more realistic.)

So stop back by. And speaking of wardrobe, I've got to go pack now because I'm taking a spontaneous ESCAPE (a two day trip - I need the break) down to Key Largo with an old girlfriend of mine - Rebecca. Her dad has a house there, and she mentioned there are some unique thrift shops to check out too!

So if you don't see a post for two days... you know where I'll be (on an ESCAPE!)

and keep on following Focal Point!

Thank You!!

LINKED POST TO:

The Charm Of Home - Home Sweet Home Party

The DIY Showoff - Project Parade

Under The Table and Dreaming - Sunday Showcase

The Tablescaper - Seasonal Sunday

Somewhat Simple - Spring / Easter Party!

Between Naps On The Porch - Metamorphosis Monday

A Stroll Thru Life - Tablescape Tuesday

Between Naps On The Porch - Tablescape Thursday

Hookin' Up With HoH

504 Main - Tickled Pink Friday