What's Hot is New Zealand.....

It's Home Base Collections. We mentioned this wonderful company late last year and how we fell in love with their fabrics. They have incorporated some new designs as well as a really luxurious wool rug.

The fabrics are made so well and the designs are so unique. You will not see anything else like this anywhere else. We are hoping to have some of the line in the shop by the Fall/Winter season.

Art in Australia....

Australia is quickly becoming one of my favorite places in the world and I have never even been there before. My love for Australia began years ago when I started buying my essential oils for my skincare line from a wonderful distiller in the Australian countryside. My love for the beautiful art and design coming out of Australia began to develop after opening my boutique six years ago.

The unique work coming out of Australia is just breath taking and so different than anything else I have seen.

One of the amazing artist I have recently come across is Courtney Brims, she is a self-taught artist based in Brisbane, Australia. She loves all things unusual and is inspired by fairytales, Victorian illustration, memories and dreams. As you can see from the illustrations above, this lady is amazing.

What a creative soul. I think I see a buying trip to Australia in the very near future.

West Coast Sytle!!!...............

While I pretty much do think my hometown New York is the center of the world when it comes to style and taste. I do have to give props and credit to various other places in the world once in a while. Portland, Oregon has in the last 10 years quickly become one of the premier locations for outstanding fresh and quite talented artist and designers. Kate Towers is someone who deserves much credit for her amazing design work.

Everytime I see her new work I want to just jump on a plane and find her and buy one of everything. Her designs are the ultimate grown up dress up. I really wish I had somewhere fabulous to where her line. But living in the desert doesn't offer much of an opportunity to dress this beautifully. Oh well maybe one day soon.................

Information on Kate Towers:

Self taught through experimentation, an artist's vision, and hands on execution, Kate Towers creates non-seasonal, one of a kind pieces. Kate often plays with contrasting themes and borrows inspiration from nature and romance. Piece by piece, everything is produced by hand in her Portland studio.

From it's conception in 2000 until spring of 2008, Kate was founder and co-owner of Seaplane, a renowned specialty shop in Portland, featuring local designers and an intriguing collection of hand-made clothing. It is here where Kate developed her own line and helped to inspire the fashion scene that is now Portland.

This site is a reflection of Kate's aesthetic and a portfolio of her past and current work. Before re-locating to Portland, OR in 1998, Kate studied illustration, graphic design, and fine arts at the New England School of Art and Design in Boston.

Kate currently sells her designs at Seaplane in Portland, OR and on katetowers.etsy.com.

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More Eco-Friendly Treats Coming to Botany's Desire.

I just love these bags for so many reasons. They are are stylish, lightweight, sturdy, fun, affordable and actually has a luxurious feel to them. They are made of hemp, organic cotton and bamboo. But best of all they are nice to the earth.

Fabulous Summer Finds......

Luxurious Gift Soaps.....Amazing Packaging. A must have for

for 2009. You might just find these soon at Botany's Desire Boutique.

Have you ever seen anything so beautiful?

Beach Garden in a Pot.

Well since I am stuck in the desert for now I will have to create my own lush beach experience at home. This is on my list of projects for the weekend.

Create a coastal feeling anywhere with a miniature sandy scene. Here's our simple

step-by-step

Photo:
Rob D. Brodman


Build a beach
Savor living by the sea ... in a corner of your backyard more
If you yearn for the beach but live miles inland, you can re-create the look easily in a pot.

What you’ll need:
Low, wide pot or bowl, approximately 14 inches in diameter
Potting soil
Three small, slow-growing plants in 4-inch nursery pots
Horticultural-grade washed sand (a 1-qt. bag is enough for a 14-inch pot)
Small pieces of driftwood or other found objects
Step 1: Partially fill bowl with potting soil.
Step 2: Set the plants (still in their nursery containers) atop the soil, adjusting their position as needed until you’re happy with the arrangement.
Step 3: Knock the plants out of their pots, gently tease apart any coiled roots, and plant; fill in around them with more potting soil up to within an inch or two of the pot rim. Tamp the soil to firm it; water to thoroughly moisten.
Step 4: Carefully pour a mulch of washed sand atop the soil. Finish with a piece of driftwood or other beachy treasures.
Step 5: Set the pot on a sunny patio (light afternoon shade in hot inland areas). Irrigate once a week or so using a gentle stream of water from the hose or a watering can with a narrow spout.
Gardening at the beach: Nine seaside stars
Kathleen N. Brenzel

Hot Fall Stuff coming soon!!

Wow! we could not believe we found this amazing hand created line of linen luxuries

and must haves. The work is done in the old European traditions but with modern feel and look.

These will take several weeks to arrive in our shop because they are custom hand made pieces. If your

on our email list you will be notified.

Hot Summer Days.....What to do?

I say nothing at all. Find a nice sleeping porch and just relax or take a long nap. It is 115 degrees today and I am not going anywhere or doing anything. Work can wait another day.

images from AT July 2009

Antique French Linens....

There is something oh so special about Real French Linen Products. In the last couple of years so many companies have been mass producing really bad trendy faux french products that are just shameful. Pretty much anything they can add the word Paris or some french phrase or image was showing up all over the place and in every other showroom.

It was so refreshing to finally find some authentic French goods; Products that use actual materials from France and manufactured and produced by actual French people. These pictures do not give these beauties any justice. You will be able to get your own piece of French Heaven next month as we begin to stock up and re-merchandise for the fall season.

Please email me or call the shop if you would like to pre-order any of the designs above. Lastly, the designer is presently working on some additional goodies so watch for more images of new items.