My grandmother was a woman who loved roses...   she didn't grow them or indulge in fresh florist roses...   she painted them...   her inspiration came from the stacks of old fashioned rose greeting cards... this platter is my favorite piece she painted...     fluffy pink cabbage roses...        as I look at her work I see so clearly where my love of roses began...   I loved the idea of creating a vignette, where her inspiration and mine were joined...     blended...      my Grandmother Ruby, had a great friend n ..read more

Here in Seattle we have been waiting for rain.... it was a record breaking dry year...   I was a big fan of the TV show Northern Exposure, there was an episode where the town was waiting for the ice on the lake to break, everyone went a little crazy...   it felt like that here, waiting for the rain...   I was at a friends birthday party when the rain began... people came out excited to be splatted by the first drizzle, breathing deep the smell of fresh rain...   we may at times complain about too much rain here in the Northwest, but secretly we love it...     &nb ..read more

The heat wave has struck here in Seattle....   after the long dry spell it is taking its toll   the roses look tired, I feel tired....     a little relief arrived in the mail today....   I have always wanted Silk Pillowcases....   I have heard of so many good beauty benefits....   I have read that cotton is abrasive, and draws the moisture out of your skin and hair...   where as Silk, is... well, Silky Smooth and will not draw  the natural moisture out of your skin and hair...   it is hypoallergenic and best of all on these hot nights, a ..read more

Here in Seattle, we are a week away from breaking a historic record....   for the longest dry spell next Monday it will have been 52 days with no rain (yes Seattle,  What?)   to beat that we have a really hot week ahead, Thursday is forecasted at 102...   so needless to say the second flush of roses has been minimal...     I did forage up  this luscious basket of rose the other day...   what the Summer has not been in gardening it has been in road trips and daycations...   if you wanna keep up with my everyday life friend request me at ..read more

Oh, what a strange year we have had in Seattle...   after a Winter of endless gloom, now we have a Summer of endless dry days...   it hasn't rained here in my garden in  about 32 days...   so unusual, for Seattle...     the first flush has ended and the dry hot weather is taking a toll on the garden....   but, Climbing Blushing Lucy just didn't get the memo, she is abundant and glorious.... most of the other Roses, only have a stray rose here and there...   a great time to get up close and enjoy the details...   this is Brother Cadfael, an ou ..read more

Summer is for outings, for exploring, for embracing nature...     sitting on a rock at the base of a waterfall, this all happens...   the world fades out.   when I went on my hike I chose to enjoy the moment and not bring my camera... but,  I pulled my cell phone out so much  and the place was so beautiful I decided to share... so bear with me and my blurry shots :-)   walking along old train tracks...   and old growth forests, it was a five mile hike...     the first glimpse of the big fall inspires me to pick up my pace...   ..read more

There are all kinds of weddings...   but none are sweeter than garden weddings...   the beautiful photos  I will be sharing with you are photos my brother took of the wedding...   I had a date and I don't know if bringing my camera on a date is quite appropriate...     it was a magical night last weekend as I watched two lovely friends Rob and Carrie wed...   this was the first vignette as you walked into their garden. the guestbook table...   Carrie and her talented family did all the decorating.   and truthfully it was the cutest weddin ..read more

  Roses, Crowns, Dogs...   these are a few of my favorite things....   I made a crown of Roses, my heart made pitter pats of silly joy...   I'm going to make many more this Summer, I hope you don't tire of seeing them...    pure whimsy, pure romance...   a fairytale...    it is so simple, if anyone would like a tutorial I would be happy to make one...    I used  Feverfew and False Indigo for filler...      a perfect rose under a veil...   ah, yes the Dogs...   they are never far from me as I ..read more

Summer....   in theory the days are lazy, but, for me they have been so busy...   gardening, garage sales, long lunches with friends, dating <3, I joined a fitness competition at my gym, and just soaking up the sun...   this beautiful Purple Book with a Crown on the front was my favorite and cheapest garage sale find last Summer...   simple things thrill me <3      I knew it would look lovely with roses...   here the giant first flush of Gertrude Jekyll is drawing to a close, faded petal liter the gazebo floor...   soaking up the sun ..read more

What is better than June?   "It was June, and the world smelled of roses. The sunshine was like powdered gold over the grassy hillside.”     ― Maud Hart Lovelace the roses have had their grand first flush....   the first blooms beginning to wither, but fresh blooms are following closely behind...        Memorial Day I favorite of mine with it's ruffled petals...       a stand of Baptisia (blue wild indigo)...   I learned about this beautiful plant seeing it on other garden blogs...   I love it!     &n ..read more