Rosy Trio

Isn't this line of roses exquisite? They are my favourite blooms in my garden. The soft pastel colours are like an assortment of different flavours of sherbert and their ruffled fullness is just gorgeous. It would be fun to serve them up in sherbert glasses, rather than in the little liqueur glasses that I used here.

Wee Arrangements

This collection of flower arrangements was created using a series of tiny glasses that I've picked up from time to time at thrift shops. They range in size from 2 inches to about 4 inches high. Grouped together they look so sweet. By placing a mixture of flowers in each glass haphazardly, the resulting arrangements are totally informal.

A Gift of Serenity #2

Yesterday I posted about this gift I put together for my sis. Well, it all started with the book pictured here. And inside there was a photo of a sachet filled with dried scented flowers. I decided to make a replica to enclose with the gift, filling mine with dried lavender fom my garden and some rose petals. I was surprised how much it looked like the original. I enclosed all sorts of wee things and marked the corresponding pages where they were featured with post-it notes. I think it's a great way to incorporate other little gifts when you give a book.

A Gift of Serenity

I love giving themed gifts. This one, for my sister, started with a book called Your Home as a Sanctuary. The book is filled with ideas to bring nature into the house to create a serene environment. I was inspired by some of the photos in the book to create a gift for my sister. The natural elements and the beige and aqua colour scheme all played a part, but it all came together when I remembered the spring-like wallpaper I'd found in a thrift shop (which I used as gift wrap).

Antique Hunting

Friend M. and I visited the antique shops this morning. One shop was positively a rabbit's warren of items of all descriptions. Whenever I visit this shop I seem to gravitate to the space outside at the back where there are always loads of garden-related treasures. Everything is a bit of a jumble, so you never know what you're going to come across.

Tea for Two

Every now and then you receive a gift that is pure delight. It was so unexpected and the perfect choice. My friend M. and I had been antique shopping and I came across and bought the teacup and saucer pictured here with the leaves. I was totally taken with the pinky-red colour. A little while later M. presented me with a package and inside was this lovely bird-print cup and saucer, in the very same shade of pink-red. How thoughtful! The pattern is so sweet. This latest teacup is the perfect complement to the first one. Now I can set the table for the perfect tea for two.

Stubby Stems

What do you do when you can't bear to sacrifice the buds at the top of a rose stem in order to have the one in full bloom? If you're like me, you cut off only the open one, which means that you end up with a stem that is an inch or so long. And what do you do with your stubby stemmed roses? I put them in a shallow bowl, making a beautiful fairy ring with them.

Clematis a-Climbing

My clematis are in bloom! So lovely.

Life Imitating Art

As soon as I saw this picture in the thrift shop I just loved it, the muted blues and creamy pinks. The blue bucket reminded me of a ceramic vase I have in the same shade. The roses were similar to ones I had in my garden. I knew right away that I'd like to make a still life inspired by the painting. But it wasn't until now that the roses were blooming and I was able to bring my vision to life.

Art in the Garden #3

And on the lighter side, there were also a lot of whimsical works for the garden, and some lovely water features.

Art in the Garden #2

Here are more photos from Art in the Garden 2009. As I mentioned yesterday, its an annual show that invites artists into Kiwi Gardens, Perth, Ontario to show their works of art for the garden. These photos show some installations as well as works that were on sale. If you want more info on the works of art and artists who participated, visit www.kiwigardens.ca

Art in the Garden 2009

Today I visited the Kiwi Gardens, just outside Perth, Ontario to take in their 13th annual show and sale of garden art. The works of art were nestled throughout their gardens and woods. They were well spaced, giving the works of different artists room to breathe. Here are a few photos of some of my favourite pieces, any of which I'd like to have in my garden.

Fountains #2

And of course following yesterday's post I can't forget my very own wee fountain. I bought it a couple of year's ago when I put in what I call my Zen garden. This part of my garden is tucked away in the back yard, half in shade half in sun. This photo was taken the first year it was put in.

The ferns and moss have now made themselves totally at home in the shady portion. The Japanese maple that I planted last summer came out of its first winter looking so strong and healthy. What a pleasure to see its beautiful deep red foliage. The hostas have become immense this year, and it's still only June! Everything seems to be very happy in this patch, must be the Zen quality that has everything thriving. It is all at peace.

The residents, however, are not at peace. We have some traffic now at the back of our house, but we like to dine outside on the deck, so the soothing water sounds from the fountain block out the traffic noises somewhat. Still we do tend to read and sit in the front much more now. Sad how "progress" and development over time really changes the way you experience and enjoy your home. Nothing is forever, you have to adapt with the changes.

Fountains

It's spring and the fountains have been turned on! Our city's parks have their fair share of fountains. Here is a sampling...

Maplelawn Garden #4

Just a few more photos of this historical garden. As you can see, there's no shortage of photo opportunities here.

Maplelawn Garden #3

And some other shots.