Monday, August 8, 2011

A Seaside House

A beautiful house by the sea at dusk with the lights on inside. I love the many places to look out at the surroundings. I think I'd like to be in the gazebo room on the third level rather than the widow's walk. I'd feel safer there...you know me and my fear of heights. The a/c is on full blast in my house as of about an hour ago. It's so hot outside.

Most Beautiful Poolhouse EVER

Seriously, this is the most beautiful poolhouse I've ever seen. It's one of the few that might actually be used after the pool is closed. I love this use for a conservatory. The interior looks wonderful. 

Sunday, August 7, 2011

My Cottage | Entrance After Weeding

My cottage from front driveway. There is a small room to the left that sits back with a white picket fence that doesn't show in this photo.

The area that is down to the dirt was a tangled mess of weeds, crabgrass, forget-me-nots gone to seed, buttercups, variegated pineapple mint and who knows what else. Note to self: pull up the forgetmenots next spring immediately after they begin to look like weeds. I usually do this but this year I did not and they had turned into wire mesh hairnets. I'll definitely have an unwanted bumper crop next year.

I wish it would stay just like this but I can see that the buttercups are already coming right back. They like to play hopscotch and see how fast they can take over an area where they are unwanted.

I haven't tackled around the bend yet. These weeds come up very easily so I will do that area when I clip the boxwood.

This is the only thing I like. I bought 4 small plants of this ground cover at a garden club plant sale around Mothers Day. It has spread wonderfully and I only wish I'd bought more. It's more like a turf that weeds can't permeate. I've weeded so much there is hardly any soil left and it is a step down. This is nice when there is snow on the walk. I can just push it aside.

Here is the plant marker I saved for the Laurentia. It was covered with the sweetest little lilac flowers in May, June and July. Only a few remain. I'm going to look for more locally or order some from this place next spring.

Vintage Royalty - England


Don't you love the old photos?

Lazy Sunday Morning

 
This adorable photo should get your Sunday morning off to a happy start. It rained all night here at the cottage and it's still very overcast and we'll probably get more. I woke up this morning planning my nap. I think I'll take my cue from the bulldog and the kitten and have it on the sofa later this afternoon. Enjoy your Sunday.

Saturday, August 6, 2011

A Lovely Urban Garden


Small is the new big. Isn't this garden in the city beautiful?

Red Poppies

So very beautiful. Poppies are my favorite flowers.

Big Ben

I thought this was a fabulous photo of Big Ben and a very unusual perspective. My day at the cottage feels very London-like. Overcast, cool and breezy. A perfect day for working outdoors.