Monday, August 9, 2010

Meet My Friend, P. Allen


Do you know P. Allen Smith? Well, according to a recent article in the New York Times, he’s the Martha Stewart of the South. Well, thanks NY Times, for tipping your hat to us little folks down South. But, perhaps Martha Stewart is the P. Allen of the North. Did you ever think of that?

If you can’t recall the name, you probably would recognize the face and southern lilt. P. Allen Smith is a gardener/home entertainer extraordinaire who hosts his own program on PBS, makes regular appearances on the “Today Show” and has authored several gardening/landscaping books. He’s now about to launch a line of products, including holiday wreaths and a new cookbook.

P. Allen is just someone I could envision sitting with me in my backyard, sipping iced tea and discussing how to perk up my hosta plants. Meanwhile, Tim Gunn joins us on the deck, after having redone my closet, while Nate Berkus rearranges my furniture. Wait, that’s my gay best friend montage. Sorry, I digress…

As part of the NY Times feature on P. Allen, it included gorgeous photos of his 650-acre estate, Moss Mountain, in Arkansas. In the words of Liz Lemon, “I want to go to there.” This place is beautiful, the gardens are lush and the view is out of this world. P. Allen’s signature touch resonates throughout the home and grounds. And, P. Allen (I just love calling him that) is committed to staying in his home state, connected to the people, the land and his heritage. Good for you, P. Allen.

So, this holiday season, I’ll be watching for P. Allen’s new products, especially that cookbook (Hubby, take note).
Image from the New York Times

14 comments:

James said...

I am an admirer of Mr Gunn also. His sense of style is one of the best.

Teresa Hatfield ~ Splendid Sass said...

I LOVE P. Allen Smith. He is the "perfect" gardner!
Teresa (Splendid Sass)

Karen Roderick said...

I wish we had a "P.Allen" in the UK, I'm trying to think of a comparison but I can't. We haven't really got a Martha either - we have Jamie Oliver and Nigella Lawson, which actually I love very much!

Anonymous said...

I love Tim Gunn so I'll have to search out this Southern gent.

Out Of A Bandbox said...

P. Allen Smith is so wonderful. I have been a fan of his for years. He was recently on an episode of that show about the Duggar's (19 kids!). He was so gracious. Love him!

myletterstoemily said...

i love it when someone famous sticks to
his roots. he sounds wonderful.

i adore tim gunn and could REALLY use
his expertise with my pitiful wardrobe.

long live the south!!!

Town and Country House said...

I'm so glad P. Allen Smith is developing some products; he seems like a first rate guy (who, unlike Ms. Stewart, hasn't spent any time in the pokey!). Eddie Ross is another great talent--not sure if he's Southern--to watch.

bevy said...

Don't know much about him. Looking forward to reading his website! Thanks!

Unknown said...

I enjoy P. Allen Smith, too! He's a gem and it's thrilling that we can claim him as our own. Thank you for sharing! His products are something I'll look forward to seeing-even if I'll be enjoying them through the vicarious efforst of others.

Enjoy your evening!

PS-How is your new home coming along? And is your mother doing well? Just thought I'd ask since both have been on my mind.

sara said...

I must have been under a rock the past few years because I have not heard of P. Allen, but now I'm intrigued. I do have to say that I love your trifecta of gay boyfriends!

Oh, and for your question about the cupcakes - I know the shop you are talking about by the Vogue (can't remember the name of it) but this is a different shop. Gigi's is in a little shopping strip next to Jason's Deli on Hurstbourne, just past all the Sam Swope dealerships. You should definitely try some, I bet your kids would love them!

alison giese Interiors said...

I LOVE that: Martha is the P.Allen of the North - ha!!

Jaime said...

P. Allen is fantastic and I love that he sticks to his roots! I will take him over Martha any day! :) hehe

Unknown said...

On behalf of Martha...she paved the way for the "P. Allen Smiths" of the air ways. Mr. Smith offers a different aspect to design which I enjoy, but I'll always be partial to Martha.

Ann Minard said...
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