Friday, June 12, 2015

le jardin 2015...part two...folly and friends...



Since it is raining and cool here today it is nice to look at these images from a week ago...the lower garden is finally planted and on it's way....a couple of years ago I designed the table/bench/planter/trellis combo to meet my entertaining needs...this table can easily sit 12...more if needed...and I love the versatility of having different entertaining spaces around the garden.


All of the pillows and bench cushions are outdoor friendly...I have added a number of differently patterned blue English china plates all over the garden...because I like my outdoor spaces to feel as "done" as my indoor spaces...that includes adding mirrors, different kinds of fabric, mood lighting, etc...






Recently I hosted a ladies lunch...for the gals I see almost daily at the gym. We thought it would be fun to see each other with make-up and regular clothes for once!


Everyone is a very healthy eater so the food was created with that in mind...egg white, chicken and tuna salad..parfaits made with fresh strawberries, greek yogurt, pecans and kiwi as well as a veggie fritatta and green and fruit salad...I just loved using this vintage table cloth on the buffet table...and I used one of my favorite table cloths on the lower harvest table as well...




Of course a little libation is always a fun addition to any soiree. I kept it light...the recipe is delicious...aromatized wine (I used a mix of green apple and strawberry). I added in a bit of Prosecco and a good dash of fresh lime and lemon juice and a sprig of rosemary...voila..delish and done!





The starter was a shot glass of gazpacho with a little avocado..and I like to use frozen green grapes in pitchers of both water and drinks for a little extra flair...instead of ice.



I recently revamped our garden "folly" again this year. It got a new floor and paint job all over the interior...
 

I like to use the long buffet/bar when I entertain...it works really well...the folly opens up onto the little chandy nook...in the back of the garden...



 Over the bridge...another view...


The wisteria vine on the roof of the folly is late to bloom this year...along with all the roses around the garden...

One of my favorite spots to sit...in the wicker chairs looking out to the pond below...


My newest obsession is decorating the chandy with fresh flowers- each time a different color and theme...this week I used white mums...they are hardy and it was nice to see keep it monochromatic..one day I will do a post with all the different flower schemes on this fun little accessory...



This year I was inspired to do a whimsical garden swing in the back little nook of the garden... it was very easy to make.

 I bought 12 feet of large rope found at our local hardware store...and then a plank of cedar that I had the store drill two holes in to fit the rope. I tied a knot at each end and went to work decorating it...I covered it with different kinds of moss (tucking things into the twine I used to wrap the rope and hold the elements securely) and  a bunch of earthy elements including shells, rocks, sea glass, dried flowers, etc. The whole project cost me under $25.00...not including the decorating material which I already had in my prop closet.

It adds a fun fairyland motif to this otherwise blank space (and goodness knows...I CAN'T have any BLANK spaces...)..I also hang glass blue balls from clear wire from the trees around this little nook too...yes...I've heard all the jokes...



I glued a flower pot on the cedar plank as well- to add stability and to make sure little visitors didn't think the swing was for swinging...


Leaving this little part of the garden means going over the bridge in between the two ponds...and you can get a view or the two waterfalls as you walk over...next time I will feature more about Pond Life...



BTW...if you missed the first installment of garden activity this year click here....a little update...my gardenia topiary are finally blooming...to my delight! I am in love and they smell delicious! Also, click here for le jardin part three...


Have a great weekend! XO Emily



















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