Habit + Habitat: Laura Harris Twilley

Ever wonder what the folks at terrain do when we're not in the nursery? In our monthly series, Habit + Habitat, we're finding out by asking one person to share a favorite habit and a beloved habitat. This month, we’re chatting with Art Director Laura Harris Twilley, the creative mind behind our photography and interactive design. Laura and her family recently moved out of the city, where she's growing a habitat-- a crafting garden-- inspired by her habit of making beautiful, botanical creations.

terrain: What is your role at terrain? Can you describe your typical day?

Laura: I’m Art Director of Photography and Interactive. A typical day entails conversations with the team about upcoming projects, looking at various visual references and pulling ideas together, going through the website, and finding areas to continually inspire and provide for our customer.

terrain: How did you come up with the idea for a craft garden?

Laura: During the fall last year, I moved to a home with yard for the very first time as an adult. I was so inspired by what I could create with the harvest all around me: wild berry vines, pinecones, seed heads, etc. I thought it would be fun to actually grow the materials for what I make.

terrain: What are you harvesting this time of year? How do you preserve the things you’ve grown?

Laura: Right now, I have globe, kerala red and congo amaranth, red foliated white cotton, nigella seedpods, various ornamental grasses, and hydrangea heads. I choose plants that don’t need any particular type of preservation; for instance, the globe amaranth is a bright pink bloom that maintains its saturation even when dried.

 terrain: What crops in the garden are you most excited about?

Laura: The red foliated cotton has been particularly fun to grow. The blooms were creamy pink and the dark foliage adds a lovely layer to the garden. I’m waiting for the bolls to pop any day now!

terrain: What are some of your crafting plans for fall and the holidays?

Laura: Last year, I pulled 30 foot vines out of trees in the woods and then twisted them into wreath forms. It was fun and crazy, and I hope to make it an annual ritual. 

terrain: Do you make things primarily for yourself and your home, or also for gifting?

Laura: I do make a lot of things for my home, but I love pairing plant materials with red rosin paper for gift wrapping. Also, simple mixed bunches from the garden wrapped with brown paper saved from brown-boxed packages always seem to delight.