Magnolia trees in bloom. Natures pink umbrella.

I look forward to the burst of thousands of magnolia blooms every year.

 

The sky over our yard looks likes cotton candy and so does the pond from the water reflecting the blooms.

Magnolia blossoms reflected in the pond water.

We have two of these lovely trees.  Both look to be about 40 maybe, 50 feet tall.   Their blooms differ in shades of pink. One is more pale than the other.

Magnolia branches over pond.

 One of them is near the pond and some lower branches extend out over it. We used to prune them but in the last couple of years have let them be.  Originally, this was to have low branches obstructing the view and flight path of the blue heron who thinks our fish are there for his dining pleasure.

It's magical and it's brief.  I always hope rain doesn't come too soon because it causes the petals to fall off.

Chair over looking fish pond.

 It started raining the morning after I took these for two days and when the sun returned strong winds came along with it.

I'm glad I didn't wait to take their photo in the golden hour of the setting sun which cast a soft warm glow.

Time for dessert holiday collection stamped silverware fashions

My new stamped silverware editions are fun and unique. First up eat, drink and get stuffed serving spoon for Thanksgiving also available in a shorter to the point version; get stuffed.

 

This set can be used for both holiday or any Sunday dinner.

A set of eight forks with a cake server.

Each fork says something different.

Divine, Delicious, Luscious, Sinful, Tasty,

Sweet, So good, and To Die for.

The server says "time for dessert."

For a bit of a different take. This set has six forks

and a server that says "have some cake".

The forks are stamped with sayings I know I have

said time and time again.

"A small piece"

"A little slice"

"Just a taste"

I was laughing the entire time making them all.

Instead of being flattened for the garden

these pretty spoons are now offered for you table.

Fun to use year round actually.

This set was inspired by my little chaplet 

A little morning support!

For the hostess.

The ice cream lovers.

The soon to be bride.

For the gardener.

For the tree.

Beach House Living on Etsy

Cast iron mermaids. Flower pot decor.

I found these petite cuties about six years ago to put into my flower pots.  

Ask me why it took me so long and I haven't a clue.  

I confess. I like mermaids. Not fantasy style just simple mermaids and these

 were in part the inspiration for my "mermaid garden" spoon.

Deciding against their pretty lifeless original color, I primed and then painted them with a few coats of aqua paint. I distressed one to see if  I would like the look.

The non distressed version is below.

Either way, they seem to like their new home amidst flowing white flowers,

geraniums, and some beach grasses swaying in the breeze.

I liked how they looked in the 18" pots on either side of the front door

so much that I think I am going to get some more

After a makeover I may offer them in my Etsy shop.

What do you think?

Flea Market Gardens Magazine. Beach House Living featured Press

Silverware garden markers by Beach House Living were recently featured in the premiere issue of Flea Market Gardens magazine.

A sister publication to Flea Market Style so many of us eagerly awaited last year.

There are our garden markers in the upper right surrounded by the orange box.

The editor was kind enough to send me a copy which I ripped open in the post office.

To show the postmaster of course!

Flea Market Gardens is chock of photos to inspire.

 I like how the roses climb over this potting shed

 

Isn't this a great nook. From the stone floor, wicker chairs

and a hurricane filled with beach goodies.

This beach mosaic has me considering smashing some plates.

Some good tips too.

Copies are available at major book stores and some grocery stores.

view the pdf file here.

A few final blooms.

Earlier in the week I was writing about Christmas decorations and today I'm holding onto summer with a few final blooms from some of our rose bushes. 

Here they are captured in the late afternoon sun

 

No editing other then resizing and adding text.

I liked how the sun highlighted the petals

So to all of you where summer is just beginning
I appreciate photos of your roses

because it's Mum season here.

Vintage French sentiments silverware garden markers

 A touch of France to your packages, pencil cups, flower pots and holiday decorating.

 Yes, I messed up the spelling on this one.

Yes, it's early but in French it doesn't seem like it. 

When I saw holiday decorations in a store today I figured why not.  

If you would like to have any of these for your own

contact me via an email or visit my Etsy shop.

Coveting my neighbor's garden.

I love my neighbor's yard.  I can't help myself each time I wander about it I feel like I'm in a park. Even though it is just across the street, I feel like I'm far from home.

Hydrangeas in many colors,

 towering some seven feet tall and then some

Pathways to outdoor showers

and a convenient rest room.

Antique urns from an estate sale blend into the landscape.

And newer pieces weather to perfection.

.

Open up to an expansive open space just right for a garden wedding.

Which is exactly what my neighbors did after spending months of
clearing away dumpster loads of over grown brush and adding new plants when they purchased the house over 10 years ago.

The pond was added complete with a foot bridge (not shown).
Such a labor of love, that they take care of each week.
A John Deere(tm) tractor is always zipping about the place.

Head back towards the house; around the hydrangeas, and under
the wisteria covered trellis to this very large and old pool.

Situated in front of one of the guest cottages.

Obviously getting readied for guests.

Hammocks to rest when the work is done.

And sometimes neighbors lend a hand with things.

like old boats.
Right up my sweetie's alley.

Yes, my neighbor's garden is a sheer delight
but I wouldn't want to weed it!