The Peony Moment It finally stopped raining earlier this week and we're having "second spring" as my friend Amir used to call it (as opposed to the "first spring" of daffodils, cherries, tulips, etc.). My wife's beloved peonies are having their moment, justifying their prominent placement by the garden gate, with the gorgeous diablo ninebark blooming behind them. When we were laying out the garden, I thought we had room for two or three peonies, but we now have six. You know how it goes... paeonia x 'Madame Emile Debatene' paeonia lactiflora 'Sorbet' The purple crush in the frontyard Our front flower bed is very small and fills the space between the house and the sidewalk. I try to have something blooming, or at least visually interesting, going on all the time. I tend toward blues and purples and pinks since we have a light blue house. Right now the front is billowing mass of blue and purple bearded irises, flax, columbines, alliums, lupines, lavenders and a small baptisia. The red geum "Mrs. Bradshaw" will show up to ruin the party in a few days. As summer comes on, the coneflowers, rudbeckia, eryngiums, and grasses will take over, along with zinnias sown into any blank spots. It beats mowing the front yard. (That's the neighbor's trash can catching some sun. Lovely, no?). saponaria 'Bressingham' quietly doing its thing in a trough with alliums and a gentian
Here's a collection of fun and whimsical mushroom projects found on the web that you can make for your garden...
What exists behind a garden gateway can be an enticing enigma, yet often the gate itself has a charm all its own. This collection of garden gates covers the map– some supply sneak tops at the lush landscapes behind them, while others hang on to their secrets, making them even more charming. Click the very ... Read more
As you know, we've been transitioning the former border gardens with the help of landscapers. Finally, it's done! Well, as done as it can be until we put plants in next spring. First, a look at what was: These photos are from 2013. The area on the left, inside the wooden fence, is what I called my border gardens, also known informally as "the little yard." As a point of reference, the area to the right in the photo, on the other side of the fence, is the start of my cottage garden. My border gardens consisted of four sides: three sunny, and one shady, under the deck stairs. This was the west border bed during the summer of 2013. Here's the east border bed. On the other side of this fence, further to the east, is my cottage garden. You'll notice each border was edged with boulders. Another view of the east bed....all of these plants are gone - some were annuals, some were moved, some became compost. The grass is gone too....wow, so pretty. I am missing summer's flowers already! The large honeysuckle I loved, and so did the birds; I hope it survives in its new home. The birdfeeder was moved earlier this year; I did not like this location as I couldn't see it well from my window. A view of the Moon Garden, also gone I hope to have another all white garden. :) I saved the plants, now to figure out "where." On October 7, work began: part of the fence came down, grading was done to level the yard (my yard slopes downward), and by October 8th, block was laid to establish the edge of our patio. October 17: a pergola was beginning to take shape. Work continued on the patio (October 22). Wow, the area looks a lot different, doesn't it? The color is gone, but no fears. It will return next spring! I look forward to figuring out plant selection and placement. But wait...I'm getting ahead with my rhetoric...I haven't shown the finished project...the big reveal...here goes! The view from above - the stream and pond are exactly where the fence was that divided the cottage garden from the former border gardens Waterfall and stream - the electrical will be dealt with in a less visible manner in the spring. The pond had ice on it this morning (11/1/2014)! We got our first hard freeze. We are really going to enjoy our "courtyard" and water feature, and Ron already is happy that he'll have even less yard to mow!
The Southern Highlands of NSW is an area renowned for its seasonal beauty and extravagant estates. Behind tall green hedges and beyond sprawling drystone walls are an extraordinary variety of garden designs featuring tree lined avenues, wide lawns, potager gardens and vast lakes. This book contains descriptions and photos of 20 gardens which exemplify the love, vision and determination of a tight knit community. 256 pages, hardback. Jacqui Cameron with photos by Sue Stubbs.
vintage french postcards... they appear to have one thing in common... fish... pink fish generally... the images are just...
Gardens should have four-season interest, don't you agree? Here are a few photos of mine in the four seasons of the year. WINTER - VIEWS FROM ABOVE: SPRING: We call this area the "hosta farm." SUMMER: One of my favorite flowers: Echinacea A monarch caterpillar on common milkweed A view from above Lavender AUTUMN: Deep red of a dogwood tree and brilliant yellow/orange of a maple. Autumn is so glorious! Morning glory 'Heavenly Blue' There are seasons of our lives, too. Days become weeks, months, and years, and suddenly we find ourselves aging. Perhaps we wonder where all the years went. One thing is sure, life moves on; time flies by more quickly than we think. Cherish each day. Really LIVE each day. Don't put off the things you want to do, and the things you want to say. Life is a precious gift. Make the most of it.
What exists behind a garden gateway can be an enticing enigma, yet often the gate itself has a charm all its own. This collection of garden gates covers the map– some supply sneak tops at the lush landscapes behind them, while others hang on to their secrets, making them even more charming. Click the very ... Read more
A garden gate can do far more than purely allow access across your boundary. It can hint, deliciously, at what lies beyond. Rathert than standing out and creating an impact, these 8 beautiful garden gates on country estates have almost been absorbed by the gardens they contain.
Lupins - love 'em! I've had good luck growing them over the past several years. Because I know some gardeners have difficulty with them, I want to share a few tips. I grow mine from seed - I think these are a type called 'Tutti Frutti.' They like acidic soil. If I remember, I will add sulfur or aluminum sulfate to the soil when planting since my soil pH is neutral to basic. Once planted, they do not like to be transplanted. Lupins are short-lived perennials, thus I plant more every year. This year I planted 50 'Tutti Frutti' seeds - and I spread them throughout the gardens. Allowing lupins to go to seed may shorten the life of the plant, so I don't allow mine to go to seed. This lupin is a volunteer. Notice it looks a little different in its form; I think it's probably a Russell hybrid. Give lupins a try! What have you got to lose??? And also starring in my late May garden: I'd never seen a pink fuchsia before. Fuchsias are hummingbird magnets, so of course I had to get this and hang it below the deck. Several clematis are blooming. This one is so pretty! I don't know the name of it; I had ordered 'Louise Rowe' but this isn't it...I like it any way. Many peonies are blooming in our area now. I have six peonies, two of which are blooming now. This one is 'Star Power.' Here is tree peony 'Goldfinch.' This delicate little rose has started to bloom. Allium 'Christophii' has unusual form. Heuchera 'Lipstick' is a favorite of mine. In the background, upper left, is one of my tiarellas. Clematis 'Multi Blue' I've had several iris blooming. Here's a lovely white one, name not known. Gardening isn't all that I do....I bake once in awhile too....doesn't the pie look lovely? It's lemon meringue, ready for Sunday lunch with the family!
What exists behind a garden gateway can be an enticing enigma, yet often the gate itself has a charm all its own. This collection of garden gates covers the map– some supply sneak tops at the lush landscapes behind them, while others hang on to their secrets, making them even more charming. Click the very ... Read more
A garden gate can do far more than purely allow access across your boundary. It can hint, deliciously, at what lies beyond. Rathert than standing out and creating an impact, these 8 beautiful garden gates on country estates have almost been absorbed by the gardens they contain.
Clevedon Court, Clevedon, North Somerset : National Trust 14th-century manor house and 18th-century terraced garden
A garden gate can do far more than purely allow access across your boundary. It can hint, deliciously, at what lies beyond. Rathert than standing out and creating an impact, these 8 beautiful garden gates on country estates have almost been absorbed by the gardens they contain.
What exists behind a garden gateway can be an enticing enigma, yet often the gate itself has a charm all its own. This collection of garden gates covers the map– some supply sneak tops at the lush landscapes behind them, while others hang on to their secrets, making them even more charming. Click the very ... Read more
A garden gate can do far more than purely allow access across your boundary. It can hint, deliciously, at what lies beyond. Rathert than standing out and creating an impact, these 8 beautiful garden gates on country estates have almost been absorbed by the gardens they contain.
And what a gate!
Sure, a garden gate marks the entrance to your property but it also signals what's beyond. Set the tone with one that reflects your style.
vintage french postcards... they appear to have one thing in common... fish... pink fish generally... the images are just...
What exists behind a garden gateway can be an enticing enigma, yet often the gate itself has a charm all its own. This collection of garden gates covers the map– some supply sneak tops at the lush landscapes behind them, while others hang on to their secrets, making them even more charming. Click the very ... Read more
A garden gate can do far more than purely allow access across your boundary. It can hint, deliciously, at what lies beyond. Rathert than standing out and creating an impact, these 8 beautiful garden gates on country estates have almost been absorbed by the gardens they contain.
What exists behind a garden gateway can be an enticing enigma, yet often the gate itself has a charm all its own. This collection of garden gates covers the map– some supply sneak tops at the lush landscapes behind them, while others hang on to their secrets, making them even more charming. Click the very ... Read more
Vacations - who doesn't enjoy getting away for rest and relaxation and seeing new things? We're vacationing in one of our favorite places in the whole world: Estes Park, Colorado. It's beautiful, there's lots to do, and the cool mountain air is a refreshing break from 90 degree Iowa temps. At Bear Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park This is where we're staying. It's our fourth time at these condos. They meet our needs perfectly. Fall River runs right in front of the property. Downtown Estes Park has lots of cute shops, and many pretty flowers. We hiked to Nymph Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP). Another image of Nymph Lake Beautiful water lilies on Nymph Lake Picturesque Dream Lake We did a lot of hiking to get to these lakes. Along the trail, beauty abounds. Yesterday we traveled up Trail Ridge Road, toward the Continental Divide. As you can see, we were above the tree line. This area is called the alpine tundra. Taken from the visitor center at the alpine tundra Look at these tiny bluebells I spotted on the alpine tundra. My Virginia bluebells are much larger, and bloomed in April or May. A canyon of colored rock as we walked the trail to Alberta Falls Downstream a bit from the falls Beautiful Alberta Falls In town, we took a tour of the Stanley Hotel. "The Shining" was written here by Steven King. The movie was filmed elsewhere, though. Legend has it the Stanley is haunted. It appeared on an episode of "Ghost Hunters." Enjoying my vacation! "The mountains are calling. I must go." - John Muir Exactly how I feel! Love it here!
A garden gate can do far more than purely allow access across your boundary. It can hint, deliciously, at what lies beyond. Rathert than standing out and creating an impact, these 8 beautiful garden gates on country estates have almost been absorbed by the gardens they contain.
What exists behind a garden gateway can be an enticing enigma, yet often the gate itself has a charm all its own. This collection of garden gates covers the map– some supply sneak tops at the lush landscapes behind them, while others hang on to their secrets, making them even more charming. Click the very ... Read more
A garden gate can do far more than purely allow access across your boundary. It can hint, deliciously, at what lies beyond. Rathert than standing out and creating an impact, these 8 beautiful garden gates on country estates have almost been absorbed by the gardens they contain.
What exists behind a garden gateway can be an enticing enigma, yet often the gate itself has a charm all its own. This collection of garden gates covers the map– some supply sneak tops at the lush landscapes behind them, while others hang on to their secrets, making them even more charming. Click the very ... Read more
A garden gate can do far more than purely allow access across your boundary. It can hint, deliciously, at what lies beyond. Rathert than standing out and creating an impact, these 8 beautiful garden gates on country estates have almost been absorbed by the gardens they contain.
A garden gate can do far more than purely allow access across your boundary. It can hint, deliciously, at what lies beyond. Rathert than standing out and creating an impact, these 8 beautiful garden gates on country estates have almost been absorbed by the gardens they contain.
Transform your home’s curb appeal with our best low-maintenance landscaping ideas. Soon you’ll have the best front yard on the block.
What exists behind a garden gateway can be an enticing enigma, yet often the gate itself has a charm all its own. This collection of garden gates covers the map– some supply sneak tops at the lush landscapes behind them, while others hang on to their secrets, making them even more charming. Click the very ... Read more
What exists behind a garden gateway can be an enticing enigma, yet often the gate itself has a charm all its own. This collection of garden gates covers the map– some supply sneak tops at the lush landscapes behind them, while others hang on to their secrets, making them even more charming. Click the very ... Read more
Well another July 4th, another year of lovelies, I've happened upon in the last 12 months. However I must say if I see another berry dessert inspiration for the 4th, I may throw myself on a firecracker.... Lindsay Coral Harper Kiane von Mueflling's abode made stunning with De Gournay wallpaper. Iittala bird.... Jonathan Schmuck glass... love the swirls & ribbons patterns. Emma Bridgewater... I love her black & cream simple wares best though. Women love the reds & blues & so many designers do as well... Hermes... Jason Wu for Target... Women can rock the silk knots for french cuffs too....a must for style... All American Kate Spade... Vintage Vera could be stunning if Hermes is not in the wallet... kit+lili for the littlest chic ones... Mens style...very drool worthy. I love Doyle Mueser's Bespoke collection. Le Noeud Papillion bowtie from Sydney, Australa... J Press ribbon belts... Daniel Worthington time pieces...they do have womens as well. Kiel James Partick classic rope bracelets... Travelling to London this summer to root on our athletes would be very patriotic, not to mention London is mighty red, white & blue too. London's Globe Trotter Luggage is a dream of mine. This is just fab for our 4th even it was to commerate the Jubilee. The Le Sardinia camera highlighting London would be chic & ideal. Boatman Geller is preptastic & their phone covers prove it. Perhaps this would be more appealing considering our nations heat... Have a wonderful 4th with your family!! Alicia
vintage french postcards... they appear to have one thing in common... fish... pink fish generally... the images are just too cute... and I have no clue what they say... but they are so colorful... love this one... and there is a series with rotten pear heads... at least that's what they look like to me... and they also have fish... whimsy postcards... and then there are others... probably printed here long ago... her head is a little too big... and this one... maybe the first scratch off... and a black and white with another fish... I have a thing for April Fool's Day... my son was born on this day... and my grandpa... big joke in my family on how many fools are in the family tree... have a great day and beware of pranksters... but remember... officially you have to do your pranks before noon! Happy Pink Saturday!
A gorgeous garden setting, romantic bouquet, pretty pastels and a crazy-in-love couple make this engagement session something special!
A journey within a journey this year included a visit to Sissinghurst Garden, in Kent, England. I met myself in pure delight when I was called to sacred space beyond the edge of the garden. A wood …
