Succulents

Succulents have been really popular the last few years...for good reason.  They have a soft, yet strong beauty, can be tucked in practically anywhere and are virtually indestructible.  I am always enamored with all the beautiful photography of succulents used in weddings, placed in frames, and spilling out of unique containers.  If you'd like to try some for yourself, I encourage you to visit the many online stores that sell succulents, including the one in the first image below.

Image courtesy of Succulent Designs

Source of image on left unknown, while image on right via Sunset Magazine

Image courtesy of Simply Bloom Photography

Garden Terms: Pergola

A lovely way to create shade in your garden...

Pergola :: An arbor or shaded walk, formed either of trellis, brick piers, stone pillars or wooden posts, on which rest beams or joists, with vines often trained over them.

Image courtesy of feliciano

Image courtesy of Around the Island Photography

Image courtesy of Sherri Conley Fine Art Photography

Instagram Daisies

I found these lovely daisy instagram photos and just had to share them with you.
  

Credits clockwise, starting from top left: huss23, jaclynismyname, dearemilie and messianicomplex.

My New Strawberry Plants

As I was cleaning my art room this week I came across this beautiful potholder found at an antique store ages ago. It reminded me of the strawberry plants we'll be adding to our garden this spring.  I am so excited to pick my own little red fruits each morning, rather than heading to the store each week. Our new strawberry patch was inspired by the one found at our neighbor's house.

Time to Redirect

Christmas is over and family has left.  Though the quiet is nice once again, we sorely miss everyone.  You work so hard planning meals, decorating the house, buying gifts...then it all comes and goes in an instant. 

Now I need to sit down and redirect my focus. I have several projects in my head, but where do I start? Book outlines, garden cards, video editing...

This isn't about resolutions, but about how to create a plan, then move forward.  Just one thing at a time (but maybe I should put the Christmas decorations away first).

Great Adventures

There is nothing better than taking your kids to cut down a Christmas tree at a local farm. We run up and down the rows in search of the perfect tree, pulling a sled behind us. The kids' excitement overshadows the cold and the hot chocolate that follows puts the icing on the cake.

This year everyone was thinking the same as us...as my husband pulled into the parking lot of our usual tree farm and they informed him they ran out (can that really happen at a farm?!!).  The good news...a truck pulled up with freshly cut firs from another location. Not the usual adventure, but we did get a beautiful tree none-the-less...and my three-year-old son still loved every minute.

I wish you many great adventures this holiday season!

Photo courtesy of Beauty is in the i

A Little Bit of Sparkle

I'm getting caught up in these holiday images...I just can't help myself.  Trees and wreaths covered in lights just make me giddy.  I'm not sure if it's the sparkle or the idea of a simple green living thing getting dressed up for the evening.

I couldn't resist the ultra-glitter of these photos by Pixamatic.