By Donna CorneliusLeslie Byars Register’s first book is called “Leslie’s Party Diaries,” and that’s exactly what it is. Register, a Mountain Brook resident, has been documenting her own parties in a trusty yellow notebook and in accordion files stuffed with menus, photos and invitations. She shares what she’s learned in her book, which not only has her favorite … [Read more...]
Local Roots : Landscape Designer Todd Dorlon Inherited a Love of Gardening from His Grandmother
By Donna Cornelius It’s no big deal for a landscape designer to improve gardens by digging up plants. But it’s another thing to transplant a whole family. Todd Dorlon, who owns TMD Landscape Designs, did just that when he decided to leave the financial world and pursue something he’d always wanted to do. After graduating from Birmingham-Southern College and working for a … [Read more...]
Birmingham Bound: Designer Jeffrey Bilhuber is Making His First Visit to the Magic City
By Donna Cornelius When Jeffrey Bilhuber visits Birmingham for the first time next month, he’ll be packing some preconceived notions about the city – all of them positive. The nationally known interior designer will be in town for this year’s Antiques at The Gardens as one of the Red Diamond Lecture Series’ featured speakers. “I am so looking forward to my trip,” he said. … [Read more...]
Antiques at The Gardens Returns for 11th Year With Old Favorites and New Twists
By Donna CorneliusThis year’s edition of Antiques at The Gardens has all the elements that have made the event so popular over the last 10 years: fascinating lectures, tasteful and creative displays, and opportunities to learn and to buy. But the Birmingham Botanical Gardens fundraiser, set for Oct. 6-9, is always fresh and lively thanks to the people who participate … [Read more...]
A Garden of Memories: Vestavia Hills Home Lures the Family Outdoors
By Emily Williams When Harold and Karen Stephens moved into their Vestavia Hills home in 1993, Karen had a vision for a beautiful garden and Harold wanted to build a pool. Over the years, the once lackluster space has been transformed into a family gathering place. Harold said that for many years, Karen took complete charge of the gardening and spent much of her free time … [Read more...]