When interior designer Renee Lilly says she draws inspiration from nature, she means it wholeheartedly. Beyond the hours she spends meticulously mapping out client interiors, you’ll often find her in the Pell City Gateway Community Garden—a one-acre non-profit she helped bring to life with volunteers more than a decade ago in her Alabama town along the Coosa River.
This vibrant garden is no ordinary patch of land—it’s a living playlist of blooms and harvests: zinnias, cosmos, marigolds, lavender, kale, okra, blueberries, and muscadines all rising together in colorful harmony. As part of the naturesacred.org network of urban sanctuaries, it’s designed to reduce stress, strengthen community, and improve health.
But the garden’s rhythm goes beyond beauty. Its flowers and fresh produce are regularly donated to local food banks—feeding families and lifting spirits. “That was always the plan,” Renee says, “but I’ve found I receive as much as I give.”
“Every day I am inspired by nature,” she reflects, surrounded by the rainbow of colors. “I want to bring that same harmony into the homes of my clients."
A Buzz of Inspiration
Renee’s creative spirit doesn’t stop with the garden. She’s captivated by the humble bee—nature’s pollination pros—and their role in sustaining beauty. That admiration shows up in her design work, including nature-inspired pieces like the Botany Framed Prints available at A Design Resource.
So when it came time to name her blog, Buzzworthy was the perfect fit—a place to share design insights, travel inspiration, and creative reflections all rooted in the natural world.
What’s Next on Buzzworthy
Here’s a sneak peek of upcoming posts:
- The Hive – Just as a hive provides balance and comfort for bees, a home should be thoughtfully designed to nurture its family.
- Sweet As Honey – Fall is a great time to entertain with sweet, spicy, and sometimes salty recipes that are sure to please. We hope you enjoy!
- Buzzing About – Travel with Renee and her husband Kevin as they explore the Southeast, from Savannah’s historic streets to Tybee Island’s coastal charm.
- The Queen – Celebrating the interior designers and lifestyle leaders who inspire Renee, each shaping the world with their own artistry.
Stay tuned
So check back soon as we’ll be blogging regularly, aiming to inspire you, celebrate your and our surroundings – both indoors and out – and provide great resources for creating beauty in your world.