DISCOVERIES : Catch of the Day
No bait is needed to lure this “Fish Out of Water,” a line of sculptures created for the garden by Herbie Webster of Dana Point.
The fish, made of a mild steel, stand on their tails and sport funky fins and gills, bug eyes, teeth and other artsy protrusions.
With or without a protective coating to preserve the rust patina, these are sure to bring tall tales and lively conversation to your garden, patio or poolside. Webster also makes water fountains and mailboxes, and he has recently begun work on birdbaths.
Anglers can reel in creatures less than a foot for about $275. Larger species range in price from $475 to $675. For more information, call (714) 240-1606.
Rosy Outlook
You could order bare-root rosebushes, and you could order a dozen cut roses. But now, you can have your blooms and your roots, too.
Catalogue firms Harry and David and Jackson & Perkins are offering miniature miracle roses, fully budded in six-inch nursery pots inside green woven baskets. They will flower on a sunny windowsill and can be transplanted into your garden.
The Spring Miracle red rose from Harry and David is available through May 31 for $24.95 plus $5.95 shipping. Specify No. 8855M. To order call, (800) 547-3033.
The Small Miracle white rose from Jackson & Perkins, available through May 16, also costs $24.95, plus $5.95 shipping. Specify No. 7180 when calling (800) 292-4769.
Both firms, based in Medford, Ore., will contribute $5 to Kidstart, a nonprofit project of the Better Homes Foundation to benefit homeless children, for every miracle rose purchased.
Out of the Blues
First, there were jeans, skirts and shirts; now there are sofas, love seats, even ottomans. Denim, that always-working-hard fabric, is making the comforts of home feel as good as your favorite pair of old faded blues.
Concepts Collection, designed and manufactured by North Carolina-based Century Furniture, offers moon- and star-shaped ($377) ottomans in denim as well as other fabrics. Constellation lovers can align their own planetary systems with these pieces, available in Orange County at Higgins Furniture Shops in Orange, Thompson’s Furniture in Fullerton, Glabman’s Furniture in Costa Mesa, and Von Hermert Interiors in Costa Mesa and Laguna Beach, or by calling Century Furniture at (800) 852-5552.
The Pottery Barn uses denim to give classically styled chairs ($599), love seats ($799) and sofas ($899 or queen-sized sleeper sofas ($1,199) a loose, relaxed appearance. The furniture is sturdy, with an alderwood frame and sinuous spring construction. The slipcovers are machine washable, but dry cleaning is recommended. These items are available only through the catalogue, (800) 922-5507.
