Ahh, Spring
An ode to outdoor living + a few of our Editor's favorite things
As a creature of light, I find the longer hours of sunshine that come with spring soothing to my soul. If I really want to escalate the early-morning joy, I’ll blast Nina Simone’s version of Here Comes the Sun. I love that the finches at our feeders turn golden and my husband begins to fill our deck with a multitude of plants and herbs. I enjoy sitting outside for morning coffee or a sunset (I’ve yet to see a bad one).
Portrait by Eleanor Williamson
In honor of the season, this month we feature homes with wonderful outdoor spaces for reveling in our Colorado bounty, as well as indoor spaces that celebrate what surrounds, even when we’re not able to leave the house. We’ve also rounded up all manner of furniture for outside—from the affordable to the seemingly insane.
For those of you who like to take it on the road, Boulderite Ricki Booker shows us just how cool a camper can be. My goals this season are to bring out the best in our roses and hydrangeas, play more Wiffle ball with my amazing 2-year-old neighbor Miles Gee, and spend more weekend time on my bike. Outdoor cocktails on the deck are something at which I’m already accomplished.
And with that … cheers!
On-the-Go Design
Photo by Leah Flores
Boulder-based Trek Light Gear makes two products that should take up permanent residence in the trunk of any self-respecting outdoorsperson. First, for picnics, concerts, extra warmth by a campfire or an impromptu nap in the great, wide open, this Golden Age Blanket (79” L x 50” W, $78) is handwoven and comes with a lifetime guarantee.
Photo by Heather Pollack
For aboveground pondering, napping or spending a cozy night under the stars, this Double Hammock ($69.95) is made of tear-resistant, water-resistant, breathable parachute material; has a No-Flip design; and comes with an attached carrying pouch. Even better, for every product sold, Trek Light partners with Trees for the Future to plant a tree to help small farms and villages around the world.
Eu-fleur-ia
I met flower whisperer Raquel Hink at a supper-club event in Louisville and marveled at the arrangements she’d put together. And then my friend Andy Clark (the genius behind James Beard-nominated Moxie Bread Co.) reminded me that the dahlias I went crazy for last summer were also from Raquel’s garden. This lovely mom of three began working in her grandfather’s vegetable patch at age 7 and has kept her hands in the dirt ever since. While I was complimenting Raquel on her handiwork, she mentioned she’s starting a floral CSA (weekly bouquets) with three seasonal, six-week options, $125 per season (spring, summer, fall), or a Frost-to-Frost option (18 weeks) for $350. Weekly pickups will be at Moxie Bread Co. in Louisville. For more info, visit blossomflowerfarm.com.
