Home & Real Estate
Terrarium
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Courtesy Barbara Braun
to talk about in the class is which plants look best in certain containers. What’s great about the glass is that it protects the plant from harmful insects. The enclosed atmosphere also gives it a sort of tropical look.” Newton enjoys finding a variety of different plants — such as orchids and fetonias — in order to make her terrariums look like a miniature landscape. “Creative expression is one of my greatest joys,” she said. “Building terrariums is the perfect combination of my two loves — art and nature. “What I enjoy most about teaching my classes is that it’s really fun and it’s just something different. I love sharing my passion and experience with others and providing them the tools to create a living piece of art. I know I’ve done my job when every participant leaves feeling inspired.” Newton lives in Fresno and is an executive assistant at Children’s Hospital Central California in Madera. She started her business, Botanic Gifts, four years ago and considers it her second full-time job. “I started with just one garden show and really saw a lot of success with it right off the bat,” she said. “I noticed there was a new interest in terrariums all over again. It just kind of grew from there. A lot of people who have taken the class have asked me do to a private class for them and their friends.”
Mykel Newton, left, with her mother Cristi Newton, demonstrates how to create a terrarium. Newton sells terrariums to busi- ticipate. She has even been asked to makes. nesses all around the Bay Area in- teach at baby showers. “There aren’t many terrarium busicluding Emily Joubert in Woodside, “I teach classes about four times a nesses around,” she said. “There’s a and New People and Urban Bizarre year as the business keeps me busy lady in New York who sells them for in San Francisco. She has taught a with custom orders,” she said. thousands of dollars. I like to make class for the Master Gardener’s AsThough some terrariums can mine more affordable so that people sociation in Fresno and also teaches be expensive, Newton prefers to can use them as gifts.” for church groups, private parties keep hers moderately priced. They Though terrariums can also be and schools as long as there are range from $30-$400. The higher used for reptiles and growing veg10 or more people willing to par- prices are for the custom pieces she etables, Newton prefers to stick with
growing plants. “I’m more into growing flowers than veggies,” she said. “My grandmother had a floral shop while I was growing up so I have that gardening and floral background. I was also a florist in high school and college. Since then I’ve always kept that nature in my life. But even though I only use terrariums for growing plants, they can be the perfect environment for growing veggies. It keeps the humidity contained in that little vessel.” Newton is constantly seeking out new glass and plants for her terrariums. “Terrariums are a living piece of art,” she said. “They’re perfect for people who are looking to do something different and unique. I think it’s just one more hobby that people can really find interest and fun in. They’re also great projects to have around the house or to do with your children.” N READ MORE ONLINE For more Home and Real Estate news, visit www.paloaltoonline.com/real_estate.
What: Terrariums, the Art and Science When: Saturday, Aug. 21, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Where: Filoli, 86 Cañada Road, Woodside Cost: $90 for nonmembers, $75 for members; fee includes all materials Info: 650-364-8300 or www. filoli.org
640 Forest Avenue, #E, Palo Alto Open Saturday & Sunday
Enjoy The Excitement of Downtown Living!
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njoy all the pleasure and convenience of living just steps away from Palo Alto’s lively downtown with its charming boutiques, gourmet restaurants, cafes, and movie theaters! Located at the rear of a small complex, this private unit opens to a wide balcony that runs the entire length of the home, allowing plenty of sunlight from expansive picture windows and glass doors. Warmly hued hardwood floors, crown molding, contemporary light fixtures and a palette of designer colors create a warm and welcoming setting.
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s Two bedrooms and two full baths, including large master suite s Light-filled living/dining room opening to a wide deck s Sparkling chef ’s kitchen with contemporary cabinetry and beautiful black granite counters s In-unit laundry closet
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650.303.5511 www.chancellorhomes.com
DRE # 01174998, DRE # 00824341
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