Guest Author - Katelyn Thomas

In her new book, Home Sweet Home, Mary Engelbreit says she doesn’t have a gift for gardening. However, the marvelous decorating style she uses in her home spills over into her professionally designed and maintained gardens. In Mary’s garden, statues peek from unexpected places. A fairy perches on a mosaic chair, while a gnome finds a resting spot in a child’s wicker seat. I was inspired by the charming gates that bear Mary’s decorating stamp, the birdhouses that are just rustic enough to hang in the yard, but still absolutely adorable, and the many vignettes Mary created in her yard. She credits her gardener with the landscaping, but Mary brings the comfort of her home out into the yard with her unique decorating style.

A gazebo is aglow with lanterns and decorated with vintage wicker, a patio is filled with cozy furniture, and rocking horses sit on the pool house steps. Even the indoor portions of the book are filled with nature and floral motifs.

Although this book is not strictly a gardening book, I feel that the whimsy and charm of the accessories in the landscape will be an inspiration for any gardener who likes Mary’s style. From adorable bird houses and statuary to comfortable outdoor furniture, this book has many ideas for a gardener who would like to bring Mary’s style into the yard.

I give Home Sweet Home by Mary Engelbreit five out of five sunflowers.

About the Book:
Title: Home Sweet Home: a Journey through Mary’s Dream House
Author: Mary Engelbreit
Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing
Date: 2004
ISBN: 0-7407-4512-3
Pages: 143