Welcome to my site! Parsimonious Décor Darling is the moniker I have adapted to convey the sentiment you do not need to be extravagant to be fabulous! I love DIY projects, gardening, tablescapes, and incorporating thrifty finds and antiques with finery! My aesthetic is classic and traditional, with a touch of whimsy. Let's share!
If you enjoy this post, please visit the archives! You may also visit my full profile to view my other blogs. Connect with me on my Facebook Page, Parsimonious Décor Darling. You might like to visit my other blog hubs,
Hello, friends! I hope this post finds you in good spirits and in good health, especially during these uncertain and difficult times. This pandemic has been surreal, and it has been such a quandary trying to bode well and navigate these circumstances by attempting to be wise, cautious, and proactive!
I'm sure in childhood, most have heard the proverb 'April Showers bring May flowers.' A couple of weeks ago (see post here), I shared the happenings around my garden. When videoing the area, I included a shot of my Versailles-style deck planter box.
I have always been a fan of the well-manicured, overtly curated garden. One of the most famous and meticulous in the world is featured at the Palace of Versailles. There are paths, orangeries, statuaries, parterre gardens, and more. It is definitely on my bucket list to one day tour the fantastic grounds.
Isn't this stunning!!?
The garden is not only famous for its expansive, beautiful grounds; it is also famous for its distinctive planters, shown here in the orangery. These planters were originally designed during the 17th century by André Le Notre, the gardener of King Louis XIV.
A couple of years ago, when I was planning some of the landscape aspects of my backyard, I thought it would be a great idea to incorporate some of the elements seen in Versailles. I decided I wanted to add a deck-sized Versailles-style planter and fill it with a combination of topiary and white roses.
Upon searching for a planter, I must say I was shocked at how expensive a Versailles-style planter is!! There are varying types, and even the same ones officially used in the palace, all at different cost levels.
If you want an official planter like those seen in Versailles, you must fill out a form before you will even be quoted a price!! Serious gardeners, only please. Ha. These are manufactured by Jardins du Roi Soleil, and they are the official provider of the boxes seen at the palace.
A close second (a cheater brand to be honest), is the planter from Jardinier du Roi (note the closeness of the website name...however, these ARE NOT the official ones seen in Versailles). One of my favorites of theirs is the Ladurée vert. These are inspired by the famous Ladurée Pâtisserie in Paris. These will cost you a bit over two thousand dollars to start and upwards to four thousand or more, contingent upon size.
I found a site offering an insight into how much the official planters cost, which start at $3,100 and up to over 10k!! These were found at Eye of the Day.
One of my favorite sites to peruse is Accents of France, makers of fine French trelliage and planters. They make truly beautiful planters such as these.
Being the frugal gal that I am, I figured I could build one myself at a fraction of the cost. I am by no means a professional, but I love a challenge and usually take them head-on!!
If you would like to see a shortened video version of the step-by-step, you may do so here:
The written instructions:
To build your Versailles-inspired planter, you will need:
One fence section (I had a dog-eared one leftover from the prior building of my backyard fence)
Four 4X4 fence posts with attached finials (Cedar French Gothic Fence Post came from Home Depot)
Saw
L brackets
Decorative bracket hardware
Nail gun and Nails
Staple gun and staples
Wood planer
Two 1" X 3" X (? desired length of planter) wood boards
3/4" X 9" Wood planks
Metal Struts
Paint
Deck screws
Large 4X4 beam
Large plywood or thin particle board sheet
Level
Drill and assorted drill bits
Mold-resistant landscape fabric
I began by removing the dog-eared and uneven sections of my fence panel.
Next, I cut the fence into two even sections.
I used a planer to even out any flaws or uneven bits.
Using my fence posts as a guide,
I measured and cut a few board planks to be the sides of the planter.
Measure and cut the 1X3 boards to length of the two fence panels portions. These will follow the length of the planter. Please excuse my sawdust!! LOL
Using a nail gun, attach the 1X3 boards to the outer sides of the fence sections. This will act as an additional strut, as well as offering aesthetic appeal to the outside of the planter.
Paint all the parts of the planter.
Next, I added decorative brackets as an additional interesting feature.
Cut the 4X4 beams to the desired width of your planter.
I used brackets (in the corners) and struts (on the outsides) to attach the fence posts to the 4X4 sections. I used heavy-duty screws and deck screws.
Repeat until all of the elements are put together.
Next, I added the pre-cut and pre-painted wood planks to the sides of the posts using L-brackets.
Measure the bottom of your planter, and cut the plywood sheet to fit.
Use a spade drill bit to create irrigation holes in sporadic places throughout the bottom of your planter. Place inside the planter box.
Finally, cover the insides of the completed box with mold-resistant landscape fabric, and use a staple gun to hold in place. I doubled mine up. This will help to prevent roots or anything growing out of the sides of the planter.
Please keep in mind, I added a bottom so that the box could be moved if so desired. If you dig out an area prior to your build, it may not be necessary to add the bottom.
Just add nutritious planting soil and flowers!!!
I made a cutesy video of my adding the flowers. You can view it via my YouTube channel here:
Voilà!!
When it was all said and done, I believe I spent less than $100 on the project, most likely because I did not have to purchase the panel. I estimate it certainly will cost less than $150 if you are building one for yourself. I hope you enjoyed this little look into my garden!!
Please be safe wherever you might roam. Until next we meet,
--Y
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Good morning, friends. I hope this post finds you and your loved ones safe and well during these uncertain and chaotic times. It has been surreal, to be certain. Today, I am posting a video of my garden. You’ll have to forgive the sporadic tremors in the footage, I am still trying to master it! 😊 It’s been such a long time since I’ve posted I’m afraid...my children are growing and slowly leaving the nest, with the next one due to graduate this year (quite unfortunate in these circumstances), one finishing sophomore year, one finishing middle, and the littlest one with only one year left in primary. It has been a blur!
I hope you enjoy. Please take care and continue the practice of proactivity!
Video playlist:
1. Seven Sisters by Tori Amos
2. Bach Cello Suite #1 Prélude interpreted by Mischa Maisky
3. Excerpt: Tout Petit Moineau (Every Little Sparrow) by Igorrr featuring Laure Le Prunenec
4. Epona by Enya
5. Excerpt: Flower Duet from Lakmé by Léo Delibes featuring Sabine Devieilhe and Marianne
Crebassa
6. Excerpt: Aniron by Enya
If you enjoy this post, please visit the archives! You may also visit my full profile to view my other blogs. Connect with me on my Facebook Page, Parsimonious Décor Darling. You might like to visit my other blog hubs,
Follow me on Pinterest!! Please be sure to kindly follow the board guidelines, as it takes time and effort to find fabulous pins across the Internet and Pinterest! Thank you!
Let's wander slowly through the fields
Slowly, slowly through the fields....
I touch the leaves that touch the sky
Just you and I...
through fields of joy.
All trouble slowly fades away
Slowly, slowly fades away...
I hold your hand inside my hand...
Across the land...
through fields of joy
The sound of music that we hear
The blend of colors in the air
All cities, mountains disappear from view
All truth and beauty near to me and you...
With you through the fields...
With you through the fields...
With you through the fields...
The fields of joy.
Let's wander slowly through the fields
Slowly, slowly through the fields!!
I know our love will never die
Just you and I
Through fields of joy!
Through fields of joy!
Lyrics: H. Kamen, S. Fredricks; covered by L. Kravitz
I hope you are enjoying the beautiful springtime. We have had a wonderful abundance of growth and a plethora of different species blooming. The recent heavy rains combined with the cool (but not too cool) to warm (but not too hot) weather and a culmination of other factors have brought us the phenomena which is adeptly termed the SuperBloom in several areas here in California. It is truly a sight to see, and in the several years I have lived in this area, I have never seen such beauty.
I hope you all are enjoying the beautiful bounty of Spring!!
Until next we meet,
-Y
If you enjoy this post, please visit the archives! You may also visit my full profile to view my other blogs. Connect with me on my Facebook Page, Parsimonious Décor Darling. You might like to visit my other blog hubs,
The punishing heat of Summer's days are soon at an end.
Another year begins; to school, the children I will send.
God changes the trees, the weather, and all of the land.
No more swimming, surfing, or running along hot sand.
Glorious Fall arrives, over Summer ne'er shall I weep.
In my heart, its memories shall I cherish and keep.
It's almost Fall, Y'all!
-Until next time
Clumsy attempt at poetry, yours truly
Flowers, local grocer, not bad!
Little bucket, bought plain from Tai Pan Trading. French detail and lettering was added by yours truly. You may view the tutorial of how to add lettering to a galvanized bucket in the archives here.
If you enjoy this post, please visit the archives! You may also visit my full profile to view my other blogs. Connect with me on my Facebook Page, Parsimonious Décor Darling. You might like to visit my other blog hubs, The Marvelous Maison, a lifestyle blog hub and
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Hello, sweet friends in blogland and beyond! I am so happy for the Spring and wonderful weather, aren't you!? The beauty of Spring can be found all around; in the fragrant breezes, the beautiful blooms, and the twitter of God's children great and small. The weather has been so fair that I thought it would be the perfect time take a tour of the UCR Botanical Gardens. It made for a lovely morning, for certain!
The garden boasts four miles of wonderful hiking trails, conservatories, and ponds, just to name a few of the attractions. During my visit, I was able to tour a portion of the gardens, and it was really gorgeous.
Upon entrance, I took notice of several types of Cacti, the website states there are hundreds, in fact; I was most intrigued by the cacti with blooms or ones of interesting color.
Gorgeous blooms of a Yucca.
Lovely pink petals of a Easter Lily Cactus, with buds that are just opening.
Closer look.
Wonderful purple. Echinocereous Stramineus (No common Name).
I love the vibrant color and delicate blooms of this Coral Yucca.
This "Traveler's Friend" cactus appeared more prickly than friendly. ;)
I found the flowers of the Twistpine "Prickly Pear" quite interesting, they almost emulate roses.
Closeup.
Speaking of roses, one of my favorite areas of the tour was the extensive rose garden. I could sit here for hours taking in the sweet aroma of the beautiful flowers, of which there were over 300 types!
Here are a few of my favorites.
Wild Blue Yonder Roses
Eureka Roses
Handel Rose
Friendship Miniature Tea Roses
Little Jackie Miniature Roses
New Beginning Miniature Rose
Beauty Secret Miniature Hybrid Roses
Dream Come True
Memorial Day Rose
They were all so unique and fragrant!
There was a section of irises,
and a wonderful butterfly garden
full of attractive blooms such as this Adonis Blue English Butterfly Bush (Buddleia)!!
Hello, little fellow.
The trails were laced with wonderful trees, such as these incredible Italian Cypress
that climb into the sky
and beautifully fragrant California Buckeye.
So wonderful smelling!
Among these beauties were lots of wildflowers indigenous to the area...
sweet purple mallow growing wild on fences,
a sprinkling of vibrant California poppies,
prettiness spilling over walls,
and even a gorgeous sitting area trellised with white prickly poppies!
Closer look.
All-in-all, it was a wonderful tour, and I hope to return soon to see more!
Thank you for touring with me! Until next we meet~ ❤️❤️
If you enjoy this post, please visit the archives! You may also visit my full profile to view my other blogs. Connect with me on my Facebook Page, Parsimonious Décor Darling. You might like to visit my other blog hubs,
Follow me on Pinterest!! Please be sure to kindly follow the board guidelines, as it takes time and effort to find fabulous pins across the Internet and Pinterest! Thank you!
Thank you for stopping by! ❤
If you enjoy this post, please visit the archives! You may also visit my full profile to view my other blogs. Connect with me on my Facebook Page, Parsimonious Décor Darling. You might like to visit my other blog hubs,
Follow me on Pinterest!! Please be sure to kindly follow the board guidelines, as it takes time and effort to find fabulous pins across the Internet and Pinterest! Thank you!
