Happy Monday! I hope you’re enjoying the last days of summer and staying cool! It’s the third Monday of the month which means I’m joining my blogging friends to share some floral inspiration and Monday Morning Blooms.
You’ll find the links to my flower-loving friends’ blooms at the bottom of this post.
Our theme for this week’s edition of MMB was “travel.” I’m inviting you to escape the heat today and join me for a getaway to the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The High Country of North Carolina is a short two hour drive, making it a frequent getaway, where at a cool 4,000 foot elevation, the temperature drops a delightful 15 – 20 degrees, providing some welcome relief from our 90+ degree August weather.
Our visits and walks along the many trails provided the inspiration for a woodland centerpiece and table fun for this week’s Monday Morning Blooms!
To create a centerpiece, I used the same method as with my DIY Indoor Dish Garden. I started with a wood bowl and an assortment of indoor plants from Lowe’s. . .
🌿 Rex Begonia
🌿 Florida Ivy
🌿 Rabbit’s Foot Fern
🌿 Moon Valley Friendship Plant
For best results, when creating a dish garden, choose plants that have similar light and water requirements.
I started by watering my plants thoroughly before beginning and lining my bowl with a layer of plastic to protect it. Place your plants inside your container arranging them as desired.
As I had two pots of ivy and two pots of fern, I placed like plants on opposite sides across from one another, so the edges would spill over and soften the container. The begonias were added in the middle for height and friendship plant tucked in along the side.
I like to remove my plants from their plastic pots and place them in plastic bags, which allows room for more plants to fit in my container. Placing each plant in its own plastic bag also makes for quick and easy removal if you need to replace a plant later.
After you have your plants arranged, the fun begins! I used an assortment of moss~ sheet moss, reindeer moss, mood moss and lichen, to add different textures. Tuck the moss in around your plants, filling in the gaps and to add the finishing touch to your dish/container garden. I found my moss at Hobby Lobby. Download their mobile app to your smart phone so you have access to their weekly 40% coupon when you shop.
Our River Birch tree sheds bark so I collected pieces for an additional ‘woodland’ note, along with some pine cones for added texture.
I took my cue from mushrooms that can be found, sprouting along the mountain trails and forest floor. . .
And foraged for Gold Mushroom Planter Figurines from Smith & Hawken, found at Target. They’re tucked in among the lichen to add a little whimsy to the woodland dish garden.
The mushrooms were top heavy, so I cut a wine cork into thirds, placing the end through the lichen to conceal the cork, and then through the cork to support the weight and hold them upright. The mushrooms were then tucked in the top of the dish garden among the other moss.
Place your dish garden where it receives indirect light. Mist the foliage occasionally with a spray bottle of water to keep it fresh, adding additional water as needed. You can water directly through the moss, or remove to water the plants underneath. Moss is very forgiving so it’s easy to move it and piece it back together if needed.
Take care not to over water and remove any browning foliage, replacing individual plants as needed.
A mossy runner is layered over a beige linen-textured tablecloth to create a little woodland landscape for the table.
I cut some Kimberly Queen Fern fronds growing in the olive bucket on the porch of the Potting Shed. . .
They’re joining Japanese Maple leaves and are layered between a white and clear glass plate.
Tree slice chargers and twig flatware adding additional woodland details to the table.
A pair of cloches on opposite ends of the table provide a little woodland display. . .
Filled with a piece of River Birch bark, mosses, fern fronds and pine cones.
Woodland Table Details:
Tree Slice Chargers / Bed, Bath & Beyond, several years ago
Twig Flatware / Pier 1
Wood Bowl / Target, several years ago
Gold Mushroom Planter Figurines, Smith & Hawken / Target
Napkins & napkin rings / Pottery Barn, several years ago
Goblets / Mikasa French Countryside
Moss Runner (18 x 48) / Hobby Lobby, used here
Cloches / retail days
White plates / Mikasa Tate
Glass Plates / Anchor Hocking
Visit my talented blogging friends to see their blooming inspiration this week:
Pam at Everyday Living
Lidy at FrenchGardenHouse
Our friend Shirley at Housepitality Designs is taking a little blog break.
We look forward to her joining us next time. ♥
The displays are lovely as usual but I really like the leaves under the glass plates, great idea which can be changed with the seasons.
Thank you for sharing your creativity with your loyal readers. Beautiful photographs of nature just added to my enjoyment of your blog. Tired of the heat and humidity and now even more ready for fall.
Thank you Cindy, you and me both! ♥
Mary, how beautiful! I love flowers but this is just as striking. Thank you so much. My sister and I plan to visit Asheville some time; the mountains are another must do!
Thank you Pat! We’re overdue a visit to Asheville. ♥
A lot of great ideas there! Thanks for the beautiful scenery.
Just love, love, love everything!
This post was so refreshing! A beautiful sight for eyes that are sooo sick of the summer heat and humidity!! I couldn’t even escape it while hiking in the Alps in July – Europe’s heat wave really did a number on us. So thank you for giving me repute this morning!
That is respite NOT respute!!
So cool and refreshing to my summer weary soul Mary! Thank you for sharing your tips and beautiful photography! I love the idea of placing the leaves between the plates, something I can do!!
Your pictures are so wonderful and made me feel I was right there in the cool , green moutains. The arrangement for the table was so perfect. Do you bring the dish garden inside after its centerpiece life? If so how do you maintain it?
Looks like if we hang in there for a few more days our weather may finally cool down a little. Till then I will just go to the mountains in my mind.
Thank you Kathy! The dish garden is currently inside on a table in the family room. Follow the directions in the post to maintain it:
Place your dish garden where it receives indirect light. Mist the foliage occasionally with a spray bottle of water to keep it fresh, adding additional water as needed. Take care not to over water and remove any browning foliage, replacing individual plants as needed.
Enjoy your daylilies! ♥
The Daylilies arrived yesterday and have been planted in a holding bed till I figure out permanent spot. Very healthy looking. Thanks again. Kathy
I can feel the cool green forest looking at your tablescape, Mary. You are so talented at putting together gorgeous feasts for the eye. Thanks for inspiring us every day!
Thank you for your sweet comment and visits Sharon!
This post is a wonderfully cooling break from the relentless heat! So green and soothing, and you’ve generously shared lots of your best tips as well. I adore the tucked-in golden mushrooms. Love it!
Thank you Marie! Stay cool, I know it must be sweltering in AZ!
You’re so right–110 today, 113 Tuesday, 115 Wednesday…then it starts to creep down to 111, 106, 105…yikes! And not a cloud in sight. I might add that “but it’s a dry heat,” myth is just that…it’s still too hot! But your mossy, cool green post was so refreshing! Thanks, Mary
I feel cooler already by just looking at your pictures, table and woodland centerpiece, Mary. Although I love the beach, the woods and trails always speak to me. I’m going to try your ideas with a basket that I always keep on my coffee table. It could use some refreshing. I have done the clear plate technique and love that easy way of adding a pretty touch. I hope you have a wonderful week with your adorable pups! 😘
Thank you sweet Kitty, stay cool. ♥
Mary, your woodland table and mossy dish garden are so creative and beautiful. I love everything about this, just amazing. The dish garden certainly mimics the mountains and I would enjoy a respite to a cooler place now. The glass plates over the fern and maple leaves make the white plates look as if they are hand painted! The moss runner, cloches, and dish garden make for a stunning table! It is always a pleasure to share Monday Morning Blooms with you❤️
That is an amazing arrangement! What a beautiful woodland inspired tablescape. Love the cloche and the dish stack layered with greens and accented with the twig flatware. Beautifully done!
Delightful, Mary! I immediately felt cooler as I viewed the beautiful scenes from your respite to the mountains. This heat has been oppressive. I’m wishing we were closer to the mountains. We are close to the beach but this time of year it is hot there also.
I’m loving your ideas of putting the plants in a plastic bag for your dish garden. Great tips.
Your tablescape is full of creativity. Love the fern fronds on the plates and down the grass runner. Luscious texture everywhere and perfect napkins.
I love everything about this. My daughter’s favorite pastime is hiking in the woods with her Maltese Marley. I can’t wait to show her your design and the photos you tucked in with it.
Looks very cool and inviting!
That is superb, Mary! The mountains are calling me………
Just lovely! I love ferns and the woodland look. They surround my house, I just wish I had better luck growing them in pots.
What a lovely romp through the woods in the NC mountains! I feel cooler already! Not only is your container garden arrangement amazing Mary, but the whole table is magic! You have captured the cool feeling of the deep woods with the wonderful moss runner and the fern cuttings on the plate stacks…I swear I think I hear a babbling stream… your table definitely transports one to a fairy tale place! {love the little golden mushrooms too!}
Jenna
Good morning ! I was actually working on a woodsy centerpiece when I stopped to take a look at your beautiful design. We retired in north Georgia in the mountains, and our views everyday now are exactly like your pictures ! Simply breathtaking! Y’all come and visit . Blue Ridge is the most delightful little town! Great shops and restaurants . Come take a train ride through the mountains. Also, Lake Blue Ridge would make you feel right at home! The fun part now , I just went out back up the mountain to dig up the ferns for the centerpiece. Thanks, as always for your inspiration. I make multiple centerpieces for church , home , and events around town . It’s so nice to get new ideas! Again, come on down to the mountains….. we aren’t too far from Lake Norman😁
Mary, What a wonderful woodland arrangement! Your bowl is beautiful & I immediately thought you purchased it in the Smoky Mountains. A great Target find! The mushrooms are so cute & give an added punch to the arrangement. Your table is gorgeous and the pressed ferns under the clear glass is genius! I will be pinning for future use. Now if we could just get some cooler weather. Heat advisories again! Have a great week! Clara ♥️
Oh how this is so very special and beautiful….if given the choice of the beach or the mountains for a getaway, give me the mountains any day!….You so wonderfully created a table that is so reminiscent of your travels to the mountains of NC…Your table is so refreshing just the the incredible mountain air. The chargers, the flatware, the ferns on the dishes, all so incredibly curated to create that feel of being in the mountains. I felt as if I was at a 5 Star mountain lodge having the most memorable dinner of the trip! Miss being with the wonderful floral friends today. See you at the next MMB!!!
Have a fabulous week Mary!
Thank you dear Shirley! Looking forward to you joining us next time. Take care ♥
Nobody does it better.
Having visited Asheville, NC and Biltmore Estates this past April, I can attest to the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains! We stayed in a log cabin perched high upon a mountain with wonderful views! Loved the foliage with it’s various shades of greens & lovely shade plants! Thanks for sharing this tablescape and lovely photos of the area, brought back wonderful memories of our trip.
Mary, this is so refreshing on a hot summer’s day! Your arrangement is absolutely stunning, it has all the cool green charm and beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Everything is perfect, incredibly curated to reflect the very area you mentioned. I love being with you on Monday Morning Blooms, dear talented friend. xo Lidy
This woodland arrangement is definitely High Country! I so love this setting….so cool, elegant, and relaxing to the soul! You are one amazing lady at table settings!
I need a trip to the mountains! Honestly just scrolling through your images of the woodland visit, has made me feel much cooler. Your walk in the woods images are as appealing as this fabulous woodland tablescape. I’ve never bought any tree slice chargers, but each time I see some, I start thinking I need some.
Thanks once again for amazing eye candy!
Thank you all the lovely photos of lush woodlands. Also, thank you for the helpful tips (like the plastic bags). Nice late summer, pre-Autumn tablescape and center piece.
Delicious Mary, I’m so in love with begonia leaves in your plant selection. I have a Rex Begonia on the back porch and can’t wait to bring it inside for Fall decorating. So many wonderful tips in this post, thank you!
Your Blue Ridge Mountains are stunning and I really enjoyed our trip last spring to your great state. You have captured the essence of the woods, rocks and rills in your lovely tablescape today. The ferns under the clear plates are so awesome and I love the little gold mushrooms, which will also be great for next Saint Patrick’s Day! Your centerpiece in the wooden bowl on the wooden charger is like a minature forest, very cool and refreshing!
All green is so soothing to the soul!
Very cool and inviting!! BEAUTIFUL!!!
SOOOO READY for cooler temps/Fall!! I’ve been putting out a little Fall decor here and there just st to see if I can encourage cooler tempts!!! 😅🌿🌱🍄🍂🌾
The little mushrooms are cute Mary! I’m with you, bring on the cooler temperatures:@)
I am completely smitten with that wooden bowl and your chargers. I can feel the mountain breeze from here…
Thank you, Mary, for a relaxing and lovely virtual tour of the mountains!!! Your dish garden and table setting capture the theme perfectly. I always enjoy your beautiful and creative tablescapes!
Jolie création, très poétique ! On s’attendrait presque à voir de ce paysage…des petits lutins !
Vous avez beaucoup de talent.
Bonne journée
Lovely! What a gorgeous, serene setting which invokes a wonderful, peaceful feeling. This conjures up memories of years ago when my family would go up to the mountains during the summer to escape the dreadful heat. You are so talented!
Oooohlala! I love anything woodland. As much as I love flowers the natural greenery arrangements really steal my heart. I’m also blessed with 3 acres of woodland on a river at the coast complete with old growth trees and lots of wildlife. Now I have more inspiration…your seashell bouquets or woodland arrangement…which one do I do first? Thanks for always bringing inspiration and beauty to our lives Mary.
Always love your delightful pictures! Thank you for sharing. 😊
So lovely! this is a fantastic woodland table!
I cannot get enough eye candy from your creations. Keep up what you are doing. You are always a positive part of my day. Plus I get ideas from you. I look at things through new eyes.TY.
Unbelievable, I so enjoy Monday morning blooms! I just want to say your tips and tricks have helped me to Definitely improve my flower arrangements. So fun! Thanks for all the inspiration ladies.
Oh how I LOVE the mountains of NC and this makes me feel right there! I am going to copy this idea for my coffee table to usher in Fall…or PRE fall. The table is beautiful. We have had 5 “heat waves” now, which is 3 or more days over 90 degrees BUT tomorrow it is going to break. Thank God. Joe and I are going to the beach for a few days for my Bday on Sunday and the weather sounds great! LOW 80’s and LOW humidity. Perfect. Thanks for sharing your amazing talents with us Mary. Have a beautiful weekend.
Mary, I just love this posting! It looks so refreshing, and I like that your color is basically different shades of greens and browns with a little mauvy-plum added. Thanks for always giving us fresh ideas!
LUV THIS GREEN!!! franki
Gorgeous tablescape! I love everything about it!
Oh, how I wish I could be in the mountains right now. It is sweltering here in N FL. I must say your table is absolutely stunning. So very creative and inspirational. Carolyn