Better Homes & Gardens - THE Test Gardens

Like I mentioned, I was graciously given a tour of Meredith Corporations a few weeks ago and they let me take as many photos as my finger could keep up with.  I'm going to share the test gardens first, because honestly-what is more gorgeous than a garden?

 

The gardens are in Des Moines, Iowa and they are gorgeous!  I could have spent ALL day there..

   

 

They use the gardens to test different plants-I found everything so thoroughly fascinating and impressive.  They don't just test one brand of fertilizer / barbecue / cooking ingredients, but collect a huge sampling of brands for their research so they can have the best testing environment similar to what their readers have.

 

I took enough photos in this here garden to inspire 4 or 5 fabric collections.  I told the editors as much and they got this giddy look on their faces like I had just made their day.  Other way around, I assure you.

 
 Look at the petals on this orange flower up there.. the way they bend and turn.  Awe inspiring I tell you.  

And this plant below-I tried and tried to capture its beauty, but knew I wouldn't get it quite right.  It was stunning- tons of little budding flowers all over the place.

   

And this little cropping of flowers - the coloration is what really attracted me here.  I had this defining moment many years back before I had any true plans on a career in design.  I was watching Trading Spaces and Genevieve Gorder made a comment about if you pull colors from Mother Nature, you will never go wrong.  It really struck me then and has stayed with me ever since.

 
 

I hope you enjoy the photos as much as I enjoyed taking them!

Comments

[Maggie]

Beautiful photos!!! I remember that same exact comment from Genevieve!!! I use it all the time! "Mother Nature doesn't put colors together that clash..." It's helped my decorate many a room!!! Thanks so much for sharing!

[Chelsea]

I remember the same comment from Genevieve. She was my favorite designer on that show!

Those gardens are so beautiful.
We have a community garden close by our house where I sometimes go to take pictures and a really cool Japanese Garden in San Francisco that I have yet to visit, but my husband has been there with the kids and he loved it! Gardens are the perfect place to go for inspiration.

[Tomi Ann Hill]

Fantastic!

[Leila]

Wow! I live just north of Des Moines. I wonder if they let the public in?

[shabby girl]

I would have lost my mind there! Truly, I can't wait to see your fabric from that orange flower! And the yellow ones!
You did a great job taking pictures!

[Christie]

Gorgeous flowers - I bet that was a fun visit!

[Natalie]

Oh, am I ever jealous! I would love to tour those gardens. Gorgeous photos! I can see how they would be inspiring for your line of work.

[Cindy]

Just beautiful.What a great opportunity. Inspiration from the garden -it's the best!

[Marianne]

Beautiful Sandi, thanks so much for sharing.

[emily]

so pretty!

[Amber Goble]

Beautiful pictures! I love taking pictures of flowers and catching a bee or butterfly in the photo. I bought your book today, it is so cute. Can't wait to get to work on a new project!
Hugs
Amber

[Rosy Lady]

Absolutely beautiful. Inspiration of my favourite kind - flowers :)

[Sarah]

Beautiful! I can never get tired of seeing beautiful flower pics. They are always inspiring and fresh!

[Jeanne Weaver]

Lovely!

[lesley]

Love love love the pictures!! How do you get the photos to pop like that?

[Mary Carole Dolce]

Oh WOW! Each of those pictures are amazingly beautiful. Can't wait to see what fabric designs come from that inpirational experience! :-)

On another note, I just checked out your Lifestyle Pictures and when I got to the bottom of the photos I gasped and started smiling with glee. I had that same piggy stapler when I was little. I had completely forgotten about it until I noticed the picture. Talk about taking me back to my childhood...so cool!

Anywho, have a WONDERFUL Day!

~MC

[Brandy]

What an opportunity! I also remember that exact comment from Genevieve-I ADORE her!!! Wasn't when she had an apple or a avocado sliced open and she was pulling the colors from there? Or was it a pear? Anyhow-it really stuck with me too! :)

[Laurel]

Beautiful! The last is my favorite, thank you for sharing;)

[Joanna]

Like others, I remember Genevieve saying that too! It was back in the day when we were newlyweds and poor and didn't have a VCR so my wonderful MIL would video tape every episode and we'd have marathon viewing sessions at her house. Yes it's possible to have a great MIL!! Anyway, the gardens are beautiful - no wonder you were inspired!

[Katie]

Just saw these!! They are just beautiful!! Fantastic photography as well!!

[Renae]

Oh! The last photo is my favourite- I can't stop looking at it!
They're all very beautiful.

[Nursing PJs]

So precious flowers. So beautiful. Amazing!

[Kathy]

Sandi,
I could meditate on your photos all day!
Just came by to let you know that your book is filling my days with lots of joy. With much heartfelt thanks,

Kathy

[Scott]

wonderful pix Sandi!! I haven't been by your blog for awhile, but saw you tweeted, so thought I better stop in and say hi!!
Love these shots!! God really is the ultimate designer, huh?

[Navel Rings]

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