Decorating...with a Kumquat Tree

{ via NorthEscambria }

I know, you're probably thinking, "decorating with a what...??"  But I just had to devote some space to the decorating magnificence of the Kumquat tree. 

I love how tidy this plant is - the waxy green leaves, the small, plump, oval-shaped fruit.  The Kumquat is used widely in Christmas decor (see below - so beautiful!), and also during Chinese New Year. It's a citrus fruit, so it will show up in jams and marmalades as well.  

 

{ via Southern Accents }

But for more permanent decorating purposes, I'm thinking of the Kumquat in more of a topiary form.  Something like this:

{ via wallacegardens }

I am always trying to find ways to inject color into my home, and I find that using green houseplants is such an effortless way to do that.  The Kumquat takes the houseplant effect a few steps further - the pop of orange is so pretty and unexpected!  And the look of the tree in topiary form also takes on a traditional, almost Chinoiserie feel to it. 

{ via design*sponge }

{ via dominomag }

{ via bjdhausdesign }

 Here's the fruit up close (see pic below).  So pretty, and doesn't it just look pungent?  I'm told that some Kumquats are sweet but the ones I know are sour.  My parents have Kumquat trees in their yard in the Bay Area - we had my new East Coast-based boyfriend (now husband) try one off the tree thinking it would be sweet and OOPS! It was totally sour.  Thank God he realized we weren't trying to poison him and he continued dating me anyway...

{ via veggiebelly }

One of my favorite home decor retailers Viva Terra is currently selling a mini Kumquat topiary.

{ "Fukushu Kumquat Topiary" via Viva Terra }

Apparently it can tolerate the outdoors as well as a windowsill.  I want to order three or four for my future fantasy house!

The tree in the picture below is actually a "Calamondin Orange," a hybrid between mandarin orange and kumquat. And it bears fragrant white blossoms in late winter or spring. Delish! 

{ via BetterHomesandGardens }

How would you use a Kumquat tree in your home decor, either in real life or in your "fantasy home"? 

1) One or two smaller kumquat trees perched on a kitchen windowsill?

2) Mid-sized Kumquat topiaries flanking a front door?

3) A few potted Kumquat trees lining your patio in the backyard? 

4) Any other fun ideas?

Winter Garden in Northern California

It had been far too long since our toddler Charlie had seen his SF-based cousins, so last week we boarded a plane from JFK->SFO and here we are!  Charlie and I are staying with my parents in the beautiful Bay Area, and despite the nippy February air, the blue sunny skies are glorious and we've spent quite a bit of time outside.  

{ Charlie and his "Gammy" put the easel to good use in the backyard }

My mom is the consummate gardener, and she proves that even in winter a garden can still look beautiful.  Of course, it doesn't hurt that her "winter garden" is in sunny Northern California...

{ The wintery backyard }

{ A bare wisteria vine lies in wait for some spring action }

{ Here's my folks' house - I love how the trees form graphic shadows on the front. I wish you could see this house before they applied their magic to it!  Talk about a transformation... }

{ Flowers on the front porch - purple pansies and snapdragons nicely withstand the mild Northern Cali winter }

{ Hearty Primrose line the...well, they line the Primrose path }

{This petal pink plant - the Daphne - emits the most pungent fragrance - almost like roses. It's amazing!}

{ This circular rock formation hosts exuberant flowers and vegetables in the spring. But even in the barren winter, this spot is so peaceful and pretty in a wintery sort of way. The weathervane looks a little tilted, but I think that's my camera angle. }

{ Our next door neighbor Kathy's garden is also a sight to behold - I should have taken more pictures!  Here's a shot of her gorgeous kumquat trees (more on these fabulous trees in a future post).  Please note toddler in the background, up to no good... }

 { It wouldn't be California without the citrus trees!  Here's  "Gammy" on the left and our neighbor Kathy helping Charlie pick his first orange. } 

Hope you enjoyed our little piece of heaven on earth, and I hope you had a wonderful long weekend with you and yours.