Southern Homes & Gardens Blog

2012 Camellia Festival….Onward!

rain or shine, let the festivities begin!

Despite the less than flattering weekend (ahem, Saturday!) forecast, our Camellia Festival will go on as scheduled!   Join us February 17^th, 18^th and 19^th at our Vaughn Road store location for a weekend full of exciting activities:

Free landscape design consultations*

Free seminars - schedule below*

Idea & Inspiration Gardens*

Live Music by Brendan Crimi*

Kids Activities*

Complimentary Refreshments*

Special Event Pricing store-wide

50-plus Camellia Varieties

Special Guests* 

& MORE

*Sat. Feb. 18th - Vaughn Rd. location only

Sat. February 18th Events:

9 am:  “Camellias:  Timeless Classic, Southern Tradition

Get acquainted with the basics of one of our southern favorites, and Alabama state flower

with Master Gardener Phil Easter, Southern Homes & Gardens

 For complete event details:

10 am:  “garden gourmet:  Bringing your Garden Indoors for Cooking & Entertaining”

Prepare to be inspired by the “elegant garden lifestyle expert” himeself as he showcases just how easy it is to utilize outdoor elements indoors in cuisine and interiors

with James T. Farmer, III , author and special guest

11 am:  Book Signing - “A Time to Plant:  Southern Style Garden Living”

Meet author and acclaimed garden lifestyle guru, James T. Farmer III during a book signing of his latest work

{copies of the book are available for purchase now inside the home store}

with James T. Farmer, III , author and special guest

Call (334) 387-0440

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Meet James Farmer:

The Elegant Garden Life Expert

Love leafing through magazine issues (past or present) such as Southern Living, Southern Lady, Harper’s Bazaar, and Traditional Home – or are you chronically enticed by design-driven home and garden segments aired by popular morning shows like NBC’s “Today Show”?  Well, then you’ve no doubt read/seen/witnessed the incredible talents of a young up-and-coming designer…who are we kidding?  He’s no up-and-coming anything…this Kathleen, Georgia native and resident southern gent arrived on the scene long ago.  He has been patiently watching, waiting and quietly honing his talents. 

Until now.

 “ Gardening is achievable, time-worthy, and life-enriching !  From the herbs that flavor our dishes to the flowers on our tables, your life should be touched by the garden as often as it can be !  Learn how to prune, when to plant, and that good soil is the base of everything! ” - James Farmer, Harper’s Bazaar  {September 2011}

James Farmer Designs:  est. 2005

Elegance . Comfort . Harmony .

James T. Farmer III, is the epitome of a true southern gentleman who possesses the uncanny ability to design his way from your landscape all the way to your tablescapes.  James grew up on a Georgia farm where the organic farm-to-table lifestyle abounded, thus igniting his insatiable appetite for all things southern and beautiful.

After graduating from Auburn University, James ventured out professionally becoming a licensed, board certified landscape designer.  James Farmer Designs was founded with the mission of offering landscape and interior design - for large and small scale projects alike.   Returning to his roots in Kathleen, Georgia to establish his namesake firm seemed like a natural notion – it was, after all, where his love affair with garden design began during childhood.  Influenced by classical European and Southern gardens, James’ portfolio and cache of clientele boasts an impressive range across the Southeast – from here in Montgomery to Cashiers, North Carolina and Sea Island, Georgia to Bluffton, South Carolina.  James’ interiors portfolio closely reflects that of his landscape aesthetics - combining  historically rich traditions with the sensibilities of modern life in every design.  James continues utilizing this Georgia-based epicenter to maintain his design firm’s daily operations in addition to other outstanding professional obligations.

James’ tireless efforts to nurture and grow his personal brand of elegant garden lifestyle certainly have not gone unnoticed.  In fact, James Farmer Designs has become synonymous with superior quality and design excellence – even romancing his growing fan base while simultaneously expanding brand locations to include a storefront right here in Montgomery.   

James remains in high-demand across the southeast and beyond – offering admirers generous helpings of his unmistakable charm and design expertise as if it were a divine peach cobbler – and always adding his trademark southern touch.

Meet James Farmer:

Saturday February 18^th

(Vaughn Rd. location only)

Meet James during our Camellia Festival, Saturday February 18^th beginning with his FREE seminar (10am, Vaughn Rd. location only), immediately followed by a book signing of his latest work, A Time to Plant: Southern-Style Garden Living.  This hard cover book boasts over 200 pages of gorgeous garden and lifestyle photography, exclusive James Farmer landscape designs, Farmer family recipes and stockpiles of inspiration – in other words, a book you’ll find hard to put down! 

A vital young voice in the gardening scene teaches a new generation of Southerners to love gardening and to make it a focal point of their lifestyle. James Farmer teaches respect for the age-old rules of flower and vegetable gardening in the Deep South (e.g., May is the time for pruning), in a fresh voice that resonates love of life and entertaining at home. Also included are delicious recipes for seasonal meals, as well as suggestions for floral arrangements and centerpieces.

Experience James Farmer:

Official online presence & additional press

Click below to discover the inspirational world online of James Farmer & enjoy his most recent press: 

Official James Farmer Website

Visit James’ Blog

Follow James Farmer on:

Facebook      Twitter

Pressroom

S o u t h e r n  H o m e s  &  G a r d e n s

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2012 Camellia Festival:

A celebration of a southern favorite!

Aside from loving sweet tea, time with our families, football, working hard and playing harder – we LOVE our southern climate!  It allows us to enjoy the finer things in life, such as our gorgeous winter blooming state flower, the camellia.

Camellias come in heaps of different varieties and colors – but just like southerners themselves, their diversity among a common family is just what we like about them the most.  Join us February 17^th, 18^th and 19^th at our Vaughn Road store location for a weekend full of exciting activities:

Free landscape design consultations

Free seminars

Idea & Inspiration Gardens

Live Music

Kids Activities

Complimentary Refreshments

Special Event Pricing store-wide

50-plus Camellia Varieties

Special Guests & MORE

So be sure to mark your calendars, set an alarm and be ready for a weekend full of inspiration!

For complete event details:

Call (334) 387-0440

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Merging February 2012:

Two is greater than One!

You may have heard through the grapevine that our original SH&G store location on the Wetumpka Hwy. is undergoing some pretty drastic changes….yes, that is true.  So drastic in fact, that it has prompted some of our customers to {panic} and ask us

“Are you all CLOSING?”

Absolutely not – SH&G has not only served as the River Region’s premier indoor/outdoor living store for more than 30 years, but has become a celebrated and nationally renowned shopping landmark here in Alabama by home and garden experts from across the world and those who are simply inspired to live beautifully inside and out.  Trust us…we aren’t going anywhere! 

Please Pardon our Progress

 Our Wetumpka Hwy. SH&G location has been undergoing the unflattering process of remodeling preparation lately – we apologize for any inconvenience this may have posed to your shopping experience.

Please note that both SH&G Wetumpka Hwy. location and Caffco Floral Outlet will be CLOSED Feb. 6^th – 10^th for remodeling/moving

(Vaughn Rd. SH&G location will operate under regular business hours)

We are working on a listing of helpful FAQ’s that will answer many of your inquiries regarding the merger – look for it to appear soon right here on the blog. 

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Do you see what I see?:

It’s BONUS BUCKS Redemption Week !

We’re a tad bit sad to have the holidays over with too, but our OTHER favorite time of the year is finally here – Bonus Bucks Redemption Week!  So gather up all those well-earned Fall/Winter Bonus Bucks (check old wallets & purses to make sure you got ‘em all!) and redeem them for ONE WEEK ONLY:  January 16^th – 21^st! 

What can I redeem Bonus Bucks for?

Any and everything!  Well, just about anyways…Bonus Bucks can be redeemed in every department of the store including:

Garden . Home . Bath & Body . Apparel . Gift

Baby & child . Outdoor Living . fountains

New arrivals & MORE!

Any exclusions?

Bonus Bucks may be applied towards any purchase with the exception of the following:

Vera bradley . sale items . pinestraw

Previous purchases . special orders

Purchases at Caffco Floral Outlet

The Fine Print . . .

(Promotional details are printed in full on the reverse side of all Bonus Bucks)

Bonus Bucks are a retailer’s coupon – NO CASH VALUE.  Bonus Bucks are redeemable for savings at Southern Homes & Gardens January 16^th-21^st 2012 only and cannot be replaced if lost or stolen.

One (1) unit of Bonus Bucks is equivalent to $1 US dollar and may be applied towards the purchase of merchandise, up to 50% of the total purchase price.  For example, if an item costs $10, one may use up to $5 in Bonus Bucks.

The maximum amount of Bonus Bucks that may be used to purchase an item can be no greater than 50% of the total purchase price. 

Bonus Bucks cannot be combined with any other discount, offer or coupon and must be surrendered in original form at time of purchase – no altered or duplicate copies accepted.

Returns on items purchased with Bonus Bucks will be given in the form of a Southern Homes & Gardens gift card only – NO EXCEPTIONS

Can I redeem multiple $$$$Ten dollar Bonus Bucks that were sent to me?

We love sending our Garden Rewards members special perks – that’s what being a member is all about!  We are happy to send members  “bonus” $10 Bonus Bucks to spend in addition to the amount they have accumulated on their own…however, please note:

Bonus $10 Bonus Buck may be printed, clipped & surrendered at time of purchase.  ONE “Bonus” $10 Bonus Buck may be redeemed per guest, per transaction, per day.  Multiple printings of the “Bonus” $10 Bonus Buck will NOT be honored. 

(Sorry, printing the “bonus” $10 buck more than once with the intent to redeem them all at the same time is not a method of redemption that we will honor)

What are you waiting for? Gather ‘em up and go SHOPPING !

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All Things Glitter & Glam:

It must be Ladies Night Out !

Woo hoo!  If you missed our last Ladies Night Out, fret no more – our Christmas soiree has arrived!  Put the hubby/boyfriend/significant other on notice, book that babysitter, put on your favorite outfit, grab the girls and meet us at the Vaughn Rd. store this Thursday from 4-7pm for Ladies Night Out!  We’ll have LOTS of goodies to delight in during the festive shindig…

Wine & tasty treats…

Oh yes, you read that correctly – we’ll have delightful wine compliments of Peppertree Steaks ‘n Wine, a delish olive oil tasting by our dear friends at The Vintage Olive, and even yummy sweet treats (calories definitely don’t count during Ladies Night!) to indulge in!

Mini Manicures…

 Busted up nails? Chipped polish? Bare to the bone?  Whatever the issue, fear not!  Bring those hands on over to get a mini makeover of their own – you’ve been hard at work catering to everyone else lately, it’s time to splurge on yourself…get holiday ready with a gorgeous mani courtesy of L’Esprit Salon Da Spa!

Door Prizes…

We know time is money, but don’t pass up your chance to win some pretty fabulous swag including Christmas, Garden, Bath & Body, Apparel, and Vera Bradley!  Register to win when you arrive on Thursday!

Exclusive meet & greet with Shelley Kyle…

One waft of any fragrance in The Shelley Kyle Collection and you’ll understand why Atlanta’s own Shelley Kyle is the connossieur of  everyday - divine pampering!  Shelley models her line of fragrances and skin-care products after European bathing rituals that enrich the spirit (hmm, is that how Duchess Kate gets such a pristine glow?).  Indulge in scents like Tiramani (a bold mélange of Blood Orange, Madonna Lily, White Nectarine, Cashmere Musk, & Night Bloming Jasmine), Sorella or “Sister” in Italian (Fresh Tuberose, Vintage Gardenia + hints of Red Roses and crushed Violet leaves), and Da Ma Mere or “of my mother” in French  (Linden Blossom, Amber, Acacia & Beeswax). 

Meet Shelley and we guarantee you’ll find your own new ‘signature’ scent! 

Receive a free gift with any Shelley Kyle Collection purchase too…Ooo la la!

One – night only shopping discount…

A one-night-only shopping discount on all of your favorite goodies?!  Yes, PLEASE!  As if the evening couldn’t get any better, we’re adding a fab 20% shopping discount from 4-7 only on Thurs. December 1^st !  Your husband already called and said it’s alright… so shop to your heart’s delight!

C’mon & get happy…join us for Ladies Night Out this Thursday!

Shop the latest new arrivals & more!

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Free Garden & Design advice:

Count us IN!

We’ve been pretty darn excited about Christmas and the holiday season in general coming, much like many small children we know!  The difference is that we have been anticipating this seminar like kids who wait under the Christmas tree for Santa Claus on Christmas Eve!  We’re talking about Aaron Shiver, Monrovia’s head Boutique Designer (and Alabama native!) coming to our Vaughn Road store location on Saturday (Oct. 29^th) to share his garden and design expertise on unique containers, indoor displays and landscapes with gorgeous holiday and winter interest.  Aaron promised to even tell us how to  incorporate the season’s yummiest flavors & colors into  the mix….or as he put it,

“ . . . a Martha – in –t he – garden at the holidays ! ”

Ooo, la, la!  We simply cannot wait!  Catch Aaron in action tomorrow (Friday) as he transforms the Monrovia Plant Boutiques at our stores into something truly magical! 

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Rich blends of turquoise, silver, white, mercury glass and more make a grand entrance at our Vaughn Road location

Save the Date…

Christmas Open House

November 4^th – 6^th 

{ both store locations } 

Enjoy storewide specials, tastings, door prizes, special guests and much more!

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Christmas Tradition:

A holiday decorating seminar

If you have shopped with us recently, then you have noticed that despite us being only half-way through October, we are completely decked out for the holidays!  As you were vacationing at the beach, we were busy little elves processing all of the gorgeous goodies that were arriving daily at our back door – we could hardly wait any longer to show you!  Now that our designers have completely “set” our stores with beautiful, awe-inspiring themes and magical displays, they’re going to show you just how they achieved it!

Get in the know. . .

Each year, we offer what’s become a customer (& staff!) favorite seminar – ‘Holiday Decorating’.  Our designers, Jerry Thrash and Phil Easter, show you just how to create show-stopping trees, centerpieces, mantle displays & more…all with items found in our stores.  It’s time to get brave, take the plunge, and try something new this year with your holiday decorating, right?  Of course!  Our experts will even show you how to seamlessly transition from the fall & harvest seasons into Christmas too…

Who, what, where, when & hOW much?

Fall Farmers Market:

Plethora of perfection

We all love the summertime – the bright and warm days usually mean vacation, pool parties, lazy lake days and the Summer Farmer’s Markets, right?  We do too.  But what happens once the pools become to chilly with the weather, the lake waters recede and vacation is over?  The tough get going?

Nope! They head to the FALL markets!

Last year, we brought you our own SH&G Fall Farmers Market with exclusive products that were homegrown or homemade – right here in Alabama.  It was such a success that we brought it back this year!  Go ahead and bring the kiddies too…we’ve got a fun inflatable bouncehouse for them to burn up all that energy in (Vaughn Rd. location only)! 

Got questions?  Just call us at (334) 387-0440 for details…we hope to see you there!  

And while you’re shopping the market, don’t forget that it’s our BIGGEST sale of the year going on through Sunday Oct. 9th (both store locations)!  It’s your chance to save up to 86% off on selected trees, shrubs, bedding plants & more - shop early for the best selection!

 { All prices valid 10/7 - 10/9 with Garden Rewards card only - excludes previous purchases & special orders }

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Perfect Pansies:

A fall planting favorite

Pansies are the cold weather plant of choice for fall and winter – they’re known for being exceptionally hardy, thriving in our area during our southern winters.   Pansies are multi-purposes as they can be planted in the landscape as full beds or borders and also bring fabulous color to our outdoor fall & winter containers. 

Thriller & filler. . .

Standing alone, it can serve as the ‘thriller’ element in container gardens, or it can be planted under upright shrubs (‘thriller’) as the ‘filler’ element too.   Got a mixed container that you just want to add a dash of pizzazz?  Toss in some pansies & voila! 

You can eat THAT?

Did you know that pansies are edible?  Sure enough, pansies make a beautiful garnish for fruits, salads and desserts!  Just add them to your herb garden or plant them with lettuce and parsley for a nice combination of texture and color – but please make certain you’re using only food-safe insecticides if you plan on indulging in these edible blooms!

Shop our gorgeous selection at both store locations – use your Garden Rewards card and get a flat of pansies for just $9.96!

(an $11.96 value)

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