Secret Garden

In the heart of Philadelphia, a yard of any kind — side, back, court — is a rare find. So when Beautiful Blooms owner and creative director Donna O’Brien transformed the empty lot next door to her Northern Liberties home into a prettily rustic, quietly planted fenced-in garden, she knew just what she’d have to do: Share. Luckily, O’Brien, who regularly pulls off extraordinary floral design, is a natural-born hostess. “I love entertaining outside,” she says. “My gate is always open to friends.” One spring morning, she invited pals over for a picnic brunch amid the flowers. Helping to transform her “little sanctuary” into a welcoming outdoor dining room: best pal Kendall Brown, owner of nearby and fabulous Eclatanté Event Design, and catering by Talula’s Table, Kennett Square’s eminent country-chic market and bistro.

See the brunch slideshow.
See the brunch recipes.