Southern Homes & Gardens Blog

Did you know…

Southern Homes & Gardens has a full servicelandscape installation division? 

Our designers, Sonny Hodges and Richard Woods, are degreed professionals with emphasis on horticulture and landscape design.  They have the  knowledge to choose the correct plants to use for the unique soil and climate conditions of Montgomery and the surrounding areas - allowing personal selections to be made in order to best suit each client’s needs.  And with over 50 years combined experience, our designers can customize your landscaping needs confidently. 

 FREE landscape estimate   Meet one-on-one with one of our landscape design professionals for approxiamately 45 minutes and receive a ‘ball park’ cost to upgrading your curb appeal.   There will be no charge for this estimate and you are under no obligation to contract them for the recommended work.

 Whether you are considering selling your home or just want to be the envy of the neighborhood, landscaping is imperative to making your home look more inviting!

 If you’re considering any type of outdoor planting, always remember that Fall is the most ideal time of year to do so!

 *plants are dormant

*the ground is still quite warm

*roots can better establish

*winter rains

 Protect Your Investment   Properly maintaining any well-landscaped space is critical to it’s longevity and success.  Our landscape designers can design and install an irrigation system to perfectly protect your investment – simply call them today to schedule an estimate!

For more information, or to schedule your FREE estimate call SH&G Landscaping at (334) 386-4060. 

View their portfolio, read client testimonials and more by visiting them online:

www.shglandscaping.com

Follow SH&G Landscaping on Facebook too!

Enjoy meeting Timothy Penland

author of 

The True Night Before Christmas

during a holiday book signing:

Saturday, November 3rd                10am til 1pm

Southern Homes & Gardens, Vaughn Rd.

Timothy Penland has been an author with 20+ years writing experience with a growing number of children’s stories and curriculum – 11 of which are presently in print.  Timothy resides inWestern North Carolina with his wife, Joyce, and together they enjoy their two children and three grandchildren.

In 1999 he wrote the poem, The True Night Before Christmas and dedicated it to his first granddaughter, who was about to celebrate her very first Christmas.  Several years later the decision was made to publish the poem as a children’s picture book.  Savannah (the very same granddaughter for whom the poem was written) became the illustrator – as a nine year old.  This book has become a best seller, and is cherished as a Christmas treasure in thousands of homes across the nation.   Timothy’s book entitled, The True Night Before Easter debuted in 2010, attracting a national audience.

The Night Before Series is gaining widespread attention from children and adults – and will have 60 titles in its entirety, including both Bible and American History stories.  Mr. Penland’s second series, the Lamplight Series, is a compilation that will include a retelling of 10 Biblical parables.

When not writing, Timothy often spends his time traveling across the country speaking to groups of all ages.  He has enjoyed speaking a various venues including churches, public and private schools, educational conferences and has had the privilege of speaking atFortMcHenryNational Monumentand Historic Shrine.

{ Sold nationwide, Mr. Penland’s other children’s book titles include }

The True Night Before Christmas

The Night Before Columbus Sailed on the Sea

The True Night Before Easter

The Night Before Noah Rode in the Ark

The Night Before Jesus Fed 5000 Men

The Night Before Francis Wrote a New Song

The Night Before Jonah Slept in a Fish

The Night Before Jesus Ate with a Thief

The Night Before Patriots Filled the Harbor with Tea

Dorothy and the Good Shepherd

Meet Mrs. Howard: Interior Decorator, Author & Southern Style Expert

Meet Phoebe Howard…a nationally known interior decorator, retail shop owner, columnist and author.  Oh, let’s not forget wife and mother too!  Whew!

If you’ve read Southern Living magazine lately, then you’d know her by her monthly column, “Ask Mrs. Howard“.  Each month in the column, Mrs. Howard addresses the most problematic decorating pitfalls and issues such as “How do I properly dress windows?”, or “How do I style open shelves?”.  Thanks to Mrs. Howard, we can all feel like a decorating expert after taking her advice!

Phoebe is known for her fresh take on traditional style and her work can only be characterized  by its timelessness (and her mantra of “keep it pretty”).  While she is recognized as one of the foremost authorities on Southern style, Phoebe is well regarded for her business acumen, catering to both homeowners as well as other members of the design community.  Through her own retail shops, Mrs. Howard and Max & Company (with multiple locations across the Southeast including Georgia, Florida & North Carolina) she was one of the first entrepreneurs in the Southeast to introduce unique domestic and international lines to the area.  And today, she continues to scour the globe for new products for both her stores and clients, as well as create her own exclusive line of products.

 Phoebe’s penchant for creating stylish spaces has evolved into her own brand of decorating, which has garnered praise from national media (as well her clients).  We’d have to agree…it’s fabulous!  Mrs. Howard’s own decorating projects are a veritable library of design inspiration, and have been published in House Beautiful, Coastal Living, Southern Living, Elle Decor, Veranda and Traditional Home, among others.

Photo courtesy of Phoebe's blog, www.mrs.howardpersonalshopper.com

   Early Beginnings:  Life with Aunt Myra

{ excerpt from The Joy of Decorating, Introduction }

“I always loved to listen to stories of Aunt Myra and the house she decorated as a newlywed…I was intrigued by this vision of dark floors, white slipcovers and lilies.  It seemed so basic and simple, yet so elegant.  I realized that anyone could live surrounded by beautiful style if they chose to do so…

…Aunt Myra affected my life more directly when I was the delicate age of thirteen.  My parents had divorced, and we’d moved from Florida to Alabama for a year.  I was having trouble adjusting to the move and fitting in at my new school.  My sweet Alabama relatives could see that I was struggling and did what they do best:  They fed me!  Chicken and dumplings, fried green tomatoes, ham and gravy, biscuits –the food was incredible, and I consoled myself with it.  I also gained thirty pounds almost overnight…

I was struggling and everyone was at a loss about what to do.  But not Aunt Myra.  She decided to decorate my room….I can still close my eyes and recall every detail of that room.  It embraced me and allowed my wounds to heal.  When I think back to the impact the room had on me, I realize how powerful our environments can be.  They affect us far more profoundly than we realize.  In every room I decorate, my goal is to re0create the same sense of inspiration and comfort I felt in that bedroom.  I want to make a difference in my clients’ lives – to give them what they hope for and dream of in their surroundings.”

 We love Phoebe Howard around here so much she’s considered family.  No, really.  Sweet Aunt Myra just so happened to have married a man by the name of Jimmy Thompson…the founding father of Southern Homes & Gardens.  Southern Homes & Gardens is still family owned and operated, which makes having family like Phoebe back to visit (and for her first book!) is a real treat!

We couldn’t be happier to host Phoebe and celebrate her very first book, The Joy of Decorating, and know you’ll love her just as much as we do…

Please join us to welcome Phoebe back to Montgomery and celebrate with an evening book signing!

The Joy of Decorating with Phoebe Howard

{ Book Signing }

Thursday, November 1st

5-7 pm, Vaughn Road store location only

{ complimentary refreshments served }

{  Join Jerry Thrash of Rosemont Gardens, as he demonstrates how to decorate for the holidays utilizing various themes and materials – all while offering helpful tips, tricks & techniques to making an effortless transition from Fall to Christmas!  Holiday decorating inspiration abounds in this annual favorite seminar, so be sure to bring a camera, notebook…or both!  Free admission – Arrive early for best seating }

Deck the Halls { like a pro }:

 Early starts, Inspiration, Learning Curves & Devising a Plan

It’s October.  You might be wondering how on earth anyone can begin to think about decorating for the holidays – before those sweet ghosts, goblins, princesses & fairies come trick or treating, right?  We know.  However, after the holiday rush (somewhere around New Year’s perhaps?) you silently vow to yourself . . .

“ I’ll start much earlier next year! ”

So – let’s make it happen this year…start early.  Start now.  Start by finding inspiration -  just stop into our Vaughn Road store to browse our ‘living’ look book (catalogs are so blah anyways!).  You’ll find a store full of various themes, decorations, colors, textures –  all things merry & bright!    As you browse, you’ll notice we tend to break tradition using unconventional items and materials in our looks – we love being inspired by various avenues and we hope you are too!  We love hearing customers’ reactions to  the different looks and themes each year – some are decidedly bold enough to replicate an entire look at home, others are not.  Many customers love certain aspects of the look and want to incorporate it at home, but are unsure how to work it into what they have already.   Finding your decorating ‘comfort zone’ and learning curve is when the real magic happens {we love this part}:

Decorating is as individual as you are – be inspired by what you love!

Needing a little more structure?  Someone to show you the ‘how-to’ part of it all?  We’ve got it your secret weapon right here…

  Meet Jerry Thrash, our talented creative designer, beloved by many here in the River Region (including many First Ladies’ ofAlabama!) and instructor at our FREE seminar this Saturday (“Holiday Decorating”, 10am – Vaughn Rd. location only): 

Jerry Thrash started his career in the floral industry at Rosemont Gardens Florist & Gift Shop in 1980 during his tenure atAuburnUniversity inMontgomery.  Post graduation, Jerry and his family opened Sylvia’s Flowers inPrattville,Alabama – operating until its closing in 2001, after which Jerry forged ahead in freelance floral design.  Jerry re-joined theRosemontGardens family in 2003 as the creative designer responsible for seasonal floor designs in addition to implementing and executing special event designs.  Jerry’s 30+ year career in the floral industry includes creating thousands of unique floral designs for weddings, receptions, and various special events includingAlabama’s Governor’s mansion.  Jerry’s expertise has also driven him to lead various workshops for hundreds of community-based groups and organizations as well as teach continuing education classes at Auburn University Montgomery.  

Got a design question for Jerry?  Contact him by calling Rosemont Gardens at (334) 834-7731.    

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

Facebook  &  Twitter

Memorial Day Weekend Sale

May 23 – 28, 2012

 We’re celebrating the start of the ‘unofficial’ summer season with great sales throughout the entire store on all your favorites…through Monday, Memorial Day (5/28)! 

Shop our wide selection of gorgeous Outdoor Living Furniture Collections – all at 30-40% off! 

For a limited time only, receive FREE COVERS with the purchase of selected outdoor living furniture collections!

Choose from dining, deep-seating or occasional furniture – we promise they’ll be perfect additions wherever you may call ‘home’.  Crafted of the finest materials and to withstand the elements – our stylish outdoor living collections were made for living.

 Our garden centers are brimming with beauty – and incredible savings!  Save with fabulous prices on everything from special plant collections (including Monrovia, Encore Azaleas, & Southern Living Plant Collection) to gardening staples!  Whether the weekend plans call for a seasonal spruce-up, or just to bring a little something ‘extra’ to paradise, our garden centers are stocked with the plants you want at the prices you need.

 Look for special holiday weekend pricing on selected outdoor glazed ceramic pottery, Euracast containers, fountains & more! 

Forget the hassle. Save the gas.  Maximize weekend joy.  Let us handle  the remainder of your checklist … (sorry, we don’t do dishes):

  garden tools  .  containers  .  fertilizers  .  weed & pest control  .  soils  .  mulch  .  pinestraw  .  Textraw & more

Memorial Day Weekend Sale Hours:

Wednesday   may 23             9am – 6pm

Thursday      may 24             9am – 6pm

Friday            may 25             8am – 6pm

Saturday       may 26             8am – 6pm

Sunday           may 27               12 – 5pm

Monday         may 28             9am – 6pm

Military Appreciation Week

 Receive 25% off* May 21^st – 28^th , when you present a valid military ID!

* Must present valid military ID at time of purchase -  in-stock items only.  Excludes previous purchases, sale items, special orders and purchases of:  Vera Bradley, Textraw, pinestraw,&  synthetic mulch.  Excludes purchases at Caffco Floral Outlet.  Cannot be combined with any other offer or discount.  Other exclusions may apply, see stores for details.  Offer valid May 21^st – 28^th, 2012 only. 

 Follow us online:

 Facebook  &  Twitter

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! 

Follow Us on

Facebook & Twitter

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!

Follow Us on

Facebook & Twitter

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 }

Follow Us on

Facebook & Twitter

Meet Virginia’s Run:

One young lady and her lasting legacy

Out of one family’s tragedy, comes great light and promise – Virginia’s Run was created after the tragic loss of a young Montgomery native, Virginia Foxworth Jacks.  Virginia was just a junior in high school attending Eastwood Christian School when she died unexpectedly on September 18th, 2010.  After her death, Virginia’s Run was created in the student’s memory as a fundraiser for the school she adored and attended for 11 memorable years – Eastwood Christian School. 

We are helping to honor Virginia’s memory by sponsoring Virginia’s Run – will you join us in fundraising efforts and run the big race?  Check out the race details below, or follow Virginia’s Run via their website, Facebook page and/or their Twitter page!