a formal start

I'm not formal.  Nope.  On a typical day you'll find me with holes in my jeans, cuffed at the ankles so I can dig around in the dirt, one handed, with a baby on my hip.  Which is why it is so ironic that I am drawn to formal gardens. 

Now don't get me wrong, I do love the areas of my garden that are free flowing like these...

 But...

This quote about sums me up when it comes to garden design!  I plan on naming the different areas of my garden thanks to Laurrie at My Weeds Are Very Sorry and her fantastic post about garden names.  

The center bed has been changing ever since I planted a wall of privacy shrubs.  It has now evolved into a space fit for my small formal garden.

Shrubs filling in and hostas to be moved...

bed pulled out...

a start of a grouping that failed due to conditions and squirrels...

and today we are making some progress...

Ok, so it's a start!  The bed basically consists of Hydrangeas, foam flowers, New Guinea Sun Impatiens, and English ivy as a filler for this year.  I would like to add boxwood down the center leaving some space in between for plantings.  A larger focal point is key for the center of the bed but I'm waiting to find that special piece.  I will be adding several more plant varieties to this tricky space of shade and afternoon sun.  Overall, the goal is symmetry with a bit of whimsy! 

Looking to some inspiration....

I have admired the gardens of Craig Bergmann for some time now.  He is a Chicago based designer who also owns a 25 acre nursery.  In the latest issue of Michigan Avenue, Bergmann stresses his love of the seasons and says, "If you don't listen to the site, the site comes back and bites you in the butt."  Other designers refer to him as a "purist" who pays homage to the land. His work ranges from English gardens to green roofs.  

Craig Bergmann's work inspires me to push beyond the expected and to create a space that has depth through the use of formal and informal elements.

Craig Bergmann Landscape Design, Inc

a fun pass-along and giveaway

Several months ago I received a pass-along book from Wendy at September Violets.  It has traveled between bloggers for some time now, to all parts of the world.  The book, The Fine Colour of Rust by P.A. O'Reilly was a heartwarming read that I think many would enjoy!! 

Wendy also enclosed this sweet and beautiful flower doll that she made.  I was so touched by her thoughtfulness and amazed by her talent!  

When I was thinking of what gift I would send along with the book, I thought of my friend Kim.  She is a joyful soul who's spirit can fill a room.  She recently hosted a one year wellness party to celebrate being cancer free.  She is moving mountains, literally!  She has recently become an Arbonne Independent Consultant because she believes that what we put on our skin should be natural and not pose a threat to our health or the environment. Arbonne is a company grounded in green values.  From botanically based ingredients to earth friendly manufacturing practices, this company is one that I am proud to support!  Kim's gift to the world is to take the proceeds from her sales and start a charity for people who are in need of mental help treatments.  Bravo Kim for paying it forward!  You are an inspiration!!!!  Since so many of my readers dig in the dirt and enjoy being outside, I will be sending out a bottle of Arbonne's Water-Resistant Sunscreen along with the novel.

 Please note that if you see anything on Arbonne that tickles your fancy, 

Kim's Consultant ID# is 13567114

I plan on doing many more Arbonne giveaways to support Kim's mission and because the products are just down right amazing!!  I have been using the anti-aging line and already feel renewed after not sleeping for 8 months!  

So if you are interested in the giveaway and are a follower here, just leave a comment on this post. Once the book gets to you, read it at your leisure, sign the enclosed card, and then send it on its way again!  I will announce the winner on July 9th!

gardener's art festival

We attended an art festival at our local nursery and WOW, were there some amazing artists!  Unique birdhouses, hand painted watering cans, and old windows converted into paintings for the garden!  I was so overwhelmed with all of the beauty that I didn't get as many pictures as I would have liked! 

I must say that I was bummed to miss seeing garden designer Amanda Thomsen present and discuss her new book....
Kiss My Aster: A Graphic Guide 
to Creating a Fantastic Yard Totally Tailored to You

 

But honestly, I couldn't make a 3 year old sit for the discussion!  One day I hope to have time to go to workshops and presentations such as these but for now we will simply enjoy our cupcakes!

 {Stay tuned for the giveaway}

orange

We wrapped up construction from the flood and have begun getting everything in from the garage.  With chaos comes the opportunity for change and with change a freshness emerges.  As I've been attempting to organize (you know the old saying...trying to clean with kids is like trying to shovel when it's still snowing!) I started to notice a little theme throughout our home. 

Orange!

 As I age, I'm really understanding what I'm drawn to in life and design.  Orange is turning out to be one of those accent colors that makes me happy!  

What colors do you use in your space?  I hope the week is off to a wonderful beginning for everyone!  Check back later this week for a fun giveaway!!!

tea party in the garden

I whipped up some lemon brownies for a party and they were YUMmmmmmmy! 

  Working in the kitchen brings me great joy, though, this is what it looks like 99 percent of the time...

Kids playing on the floor if they're not helping me or eating the batter like this guy!

And some how toys always end up in the mix! 

If you have a weakness for lemon desserts you must give this recipe from Bakergirl a go! 

Linking up with Sarah at...

So with dessert wrapped up it's time to take a walk around the garden!

Yarrow is a blooming with pink Salvia

Knautia macedonica "Mars Midget" or pincushion plant and Platycodon grandiflorus "Fairy Snow" or Dwarf Ballon Flower

Thanks to my night gardening hobby I was able to create my island bed up front for my redbud, and in time, more plants!  

Here is some inspiration from the current issue of Garden Making of where I would like to take this area.  The grasses paired with evergreen shrubs in the foreground make for a lovely design in June McCutcheon's garden. 

And just some plain old pretty color!  Simple combinations like Coreopsis and Salvia make for a stunning show at the Morton Arboretum.

A big thanks to Sher from Momcaster 

for featuring my palette path in her garden craft round-up!

butterfly wings

Through the garden we fly

The blooms come and go as do the moments of joy

The sparkling rays of light dance on their happy faces

Wishes are made 

That one day they'll fly into those rays and spread their joyous beauty over the Earth....

on the wings of a butterfly