LOOKING TO BUNNY MELLON'S GARDEN

Photo courtesy of Sothebys

A pathway sheltered by an allee of trees at Oak Spring Farm in the garden of the late Mrs. Mellon's Upperville Virginia home

Photos courtesy of Architectural Digest

To celebrate the Sotheby's auction of Mrs. Paul Bunny Mellon's estate this past fall, Architectural Digest held a seated dinner.  The avid art collector, philanthropist and celebrated gardener lived a life out of the public eye, but this setting, created by event designer Bronson Van Wyck brought it to life in a truly unique way. Van Wyck recreated the arbor of trees at her Virginia home, Oak Spring Farm in a gallery on the 10th floor.  The dinner for 80, which included art world luminaries and interior designers Daniel Romauldez and Charlotte Moss, was set at one long dining table filled with Myrtle topiaries and white flowers, creating a tailored and pretty scene.  It was like being in the beautiful rolling landscape of Mellon's storied Upperville farm, a place she nurtured. I love the creative idea of  using a scrim. Designed by Rush Jenkins, the allee of trees envelope the room. This event provides many ideas for entertaining-- whether its using a long table for dramatic flair or doing low flower arrangements with a mix of vases and urns. The effect is breathtakingly sophisticated while being understated, just the thing for a summer dinner. 

Blue and white Chinoiserie vases mixed with all white Hellobores, Hydrangea, Snowbells and garden roses with herbs and myrtle tucked in. Little pops of purple and pale pink were brought in by using single blooms in low bud vases. Small objects from the auction lots were included in the table display.

Another view of the green and white mix

Photo courtesy of Terrain

Gardens take time, work and love. Your potted plants enjoy full days of sun in the garden over the summer, but if you live in a seasonal climate, you may have to take them inside to give them a chance at successfully seeing it through till next year. I found these understated woven baskets at Terrain that come with a liner for easy planting and watering. Meant for indoor use, they add a casual, natural look and will fit right in with any interior, and handles make them easy to move in and out of the sun. I think Mrs. Mellon would have liked their simplicity.