Ep. 349: Life in the Garden with Bunny Williams

This week, we welcome back legendary interior designer Bunny Williams. In preparation of her new book Life in the Garden to release in March 2024, Bunny generously shares some great tips on planning successful gardens from starting small to considering ongoing maintenance.

Bunny also offers advice for novice gardeners, including prioritizing manageable tasks, plant care, pot selection, and using garden structures to enhance outdoor spaces. Get ready to be inspired to spend some time outdoors! 

What You’ll Hear On This Episode:

• What inspired Bunny to make Life in the Garden. 
• How a plan in your garden can help you stay organized and on track. 
• Bunny shares memories of growing up in Virginia and how it shaped her approach to hospitality and entertaining. 
• Great advice for novice gardeners. 
• All about plant care and keeping your garden healthy and beautiful. 
• How to find the right pot for your plant. 
• Ornamentation and structure is such a huge part of your garden. 
• What Bunny’s planting season looks like. 
• The logistics of garden photography. 
• Where Bunny sources her plants and garden materials. 

Mentioned:

• Ballard Designs
• Website 
• IG
• Life in the Garden 

Decorating Dilemma: 

Follow along with this week's decorating dilemma here.

Hi Wendy!

First off, you have a beautiful house. Bunny suggests adding a large wool or area rug to define the space and make it extra cozy. Arranging a pair of comfortable wingback chairs on either side of the fireplace with an ottoman or bench between them for extra seating will draw attention to the fireplace rather than block the view.

You could also consider small sofas or built-in banquettes along the walls for additional seating options

Placing furniture in this space will help utilize it beyond just a pass-through, connecting it more to the living room area. A rug, chairs and ottoman/bench would make it a lovely sitting space to enjoy the fireplace from. Installing flush mount light fixtures rather than fluorescent lights can provide softer, more attractive lighting in areas like the kitchen and back hallway. Finally, moving the dining room table to the center of the space rather than against the window seat can improve the low and use of the dining area.