Paperwhites with Periwinkle Shells

Posted on | November 21, 2011 | 12 Comments

The tide was way out on Sunday morning and the periwinkle shells grouped together in a long curving band the length of the beach. I gathered a few in my hand inspecting all the different shapes and colors. I thought, “What could I make with these?” I dropped a few handfuls into my bag and kept walking. I spotted a group of perfectly round dark smooth rocks at the end of beach; dark grays rocks are a particular favorite. I have bowls with different collections scattered around the house.

When I got home I filled a large glass footed urn with gray rocks mixed with broken mussel shells. I nestled five paperwhite bulbs in a circle within the rocks and filled the container with fresh water; making sure I didn’t add too much because my bulbs could rot.

The tiny little periwinkle shells got a cold fresh water bath while I planted individual bulbs in dirt. I picked up the the terra cotta urns from a recent trip to Snug Harbor Farm in Maine. I scattered the periwinkle shells around the bulb just covering the dirt. I liked the contrasts of the rough bulb, tiny twisting shells, and smooth terra cotta. I added a few more and watered the bulbs. Hopefully by Christmas I’ll have paperwhites blooming in my windowsills and on my kitchen table.

Category: diy, garden

Comments

12 Responses to “Paperwhites with Periwinkle Shells”

Steve
November 21st, 2011 @ 9:38 am
Great idea and wonderful photos!
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mary
November 21st, 2011 @ 9:42 am
Ooooh, tiny shells! What a great idea. I used little pebbles for mine but love, love the shells.
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Patsy
November 21st, 2011 @ 11:02 am
Oh, I love that!! I use sea glass, may have to change it up this year. Love the glass hurricane idea, too – won’t have to tie the paperwhites together when they get tall.
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My Dog-Eared Pages
November 21st, 2011 @ 12:07 pm
A fantastic idea and I adore the shape of your Snug Harbor urns… perfect!!
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Jessica
November 21st, 2011 @ 12:09 pm
What a lovely use for all the things my husband and I can’t resist bringing home from the beach. I haven’t checked your blog for a couple of weeks and just read the auction post. Congratulations on your first auction experience, and sympathy – it’s so frustrating to be outbid on the piece you really want. Anyway, I wanted to suggest Devin Moisan auctions in Dover, NH – our old New Hampshire house has a few pieces in it from his auctions, and Dover’s not much further north than Portsmouth. Also, I noticed that there’s a cherry slant-front desk in the next auction…not quite as lovely as your escaped bow-front, but still pretty!
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LindsB
November 21st, 2011 @ 1:47 pm
Best use of shells I’ve seen in a long time! Love how they look with the paperwhites.
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Michael Penney
November 21st, 2011 @ 6:49 pm
I just KNEW those pots were from Snug Harbor when I saw that opening shot! They look gorgeous Katy! I can’t believe you’re at the beach near Christmas!!

Michael
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mopar
November 21st, 2011 @ 7:09 pm
So pretty and original. Love bulbs and paperwhites during the cold winter season — so festive.
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quintessence
November 25th, 2011 @ 2:24 pm
So charming!! I love the little shells in those pretty pots!! And they look great next to your hurricane with the larger pebbles!
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Abbey
November 28th, 2011 @ 10:21 pm
I love this!! It just made my whole evening. I love periwinkle shells and such a nice use for them. Hope you had a good thanksgiving!
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christine e-e
November 29th, 2011 @ 10:52 pm
ohhhh! such love-ly-ness…. i hope you’ll show us a picture of your flowers when they bloom?
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Herringbone
December 5th, 2011 @ 10:37 am
Hi Katy,
Just spotted one of these photos at awelltraveledwoman.tumblr.com :)
(on page 3)
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