Behind the Scenes: Summer Garden + Home Book Plants

1. Plectranthus 'Mona Lavender'  2. Epidendrum radicans- Reedstem Orchid 3. Aglamorpha cornans- Santa Rosa Fern 4. Bougainvillea 'Pink Pixie' 5. Begonia 'Cotton Candy' & Leptinella 'Platt's Black' 6. Epidendrum radicans- Reedstem Orchid 'Purple Rain'

Though we shot our Summer Garden + Home Book during a snowy week in February, it felt like spring in our greenhouse location thanks to an abundance of plants. Creative Director Greg L. and Installation Designer Matt M. traveled to warmer climes to choose the tropical specimens, shown above, that form the backdrop for the catalog. Greg says, "We chose subtle and refined tropicals to create a springtime atmosphere, and also considered durable plants that could be transported and planted in containers. Bright colors and small, abundant blooms helped us invoke a transitional, springtime feel in the middle of winter."

A key specimen at the shoot was the vividly orange reedstem orchid. Matt says, "These orchids are especially charming thanks to their vibrant blooms and wild structure. Also important for this shoot-- they're incredibly tolerant and easy to care for. "Bougainvillea 'Pink Pixie' trees were also a favorite, chosen for their wild, sprawling shapes. Matt adds, "The lichen-covered branches were just as exquisite as the fuchsia flower clusters."

A striking specimen of Aglamorpha cornans, commonly known as Santa Rosa Fern, provided a lush backdrop for wicker furniture, while lavender-like Plectranthus offered a bright contrast for our weathered Barnacle planters.  Finally, a pairing of Begonia 'Cotton Candy' underplanted with Leptinella 'Platt's Black' brought a touch of whimsy to contrast with stately, vase-shaped planters.