GARDENING: SO. CALIFORNIA ROSES AND BEGONIAS

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;"><strong>GARDEN BLISS</strong></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGu3G0haND756C9XO7fz5mzxDrXfktPZCMMGKLHJnoKQtomqtm_mv0nicYqxVYq2l754J6N0F3-Vaf7FEgujojG3nPmhTHv6RHcn_Ez7ePJVeIgerfql69tL98jjuTBlsK8iqkANIGOAc/s1600/gertrude-jeckyll-rose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="542" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGu3G0haND756C9XO7fz5mzxDrXfktPZCMMGKLHJnoKQtomqtm_mv0nicYqxVYq2l754J6N0F3-Vaf7FEgujojG3nPmhTHv6RHcn_Ez7ePJVeIgerfql69tL98jjuTBlsK8iqkANIGOAc/s640/gertrude-jeckyll-rose.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">DAVID AUSTIN ENGLISH ROSE - GERTRUDE JEKYLL</td></tr><br /></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The most rewarding part of creating the Garden Tour online this year has been the ability to include non-local gardens.  A virtual tour allows you to see gardens in Utah, Colorado, England and France, as well as the California gardens you will see today.  These photos from Shawna's garden in South Orange County, California, left me wanting to see more.  She has a definite eye with the camera!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;"><strong>SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA</strong></span></div><span style="font-size: large;">Shawna's Garden</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1L5DEAp7908JTRzo2BmiwoUDajDog8dhTn3qAATe3V7mZzdmZI6PDEzpBk1LkMl3KGoIsQKI8kxbUg_yHcRXWKza793UK5IPKHuH57sy1ecDdTwsPBpZo66lTXv4YI5BS24hwudW_YqI/s1600/shaw1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1L5DEAp7908JTRzo2BmiwoUDajDog8dhTn3qAATe3V7mZzdmZI6PDEzpBk1LkMl3KGoIsQKI8kxbUg_yHcRXWKza793UK5IPKHuH57sy1ecDdTwsPBpZo66lTXv4YI5BS24hwudW_YqI/s640/shaw1.JPG" width="428" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Structural plantings - Shawna's garden</td></tr><br /></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXSX0jwVytHCt1f_X6uS3g8KcYlTOu7VPFKc5IAy9rMMsa6x9mZO96TwZa9fGDYi4uph8dnf1kHlMua-sX0dSvYCiP1g6Qf1mNinGacbmZhZUKWDRLwwGm18e90NXBP4xsfKnCkPakyCQ/s1600/shaw2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXSX0jwVytHCt1f_X6uS3g8KcYlTOu7VPFKc5IAy9rMMsa6x9mZO96TwZa9fGDYi4uph8dnf1kHlMua-sX0dSvYCiP1g6Qf1mNinGacbmZhZUKWDRLwwGm18e90NXBP4xsfKnCkPakyCQ/s640/shaw2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">garden bell - Shawna's garden</td></tr><br /></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjllRdDPzRtiJfXODgdFhJKGj0YjLClX7J4OawMLqahE6X1ZubQ_Q-3EGRZ3gZu-Eyc7O3e_-_YXwB9M9-kn5fSediFX-SmBwszTBcp6IK1kJYYPZVyozEiyPZqUlUSMF4xGqumrjMn8g0/s1600/shaw3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjllRdDPzRtiJfXODgdFhJKGj0YjLClX7J4OawMLqahE6X1ZubQ_Q-3EGRZ3gZu-Eyc7O3e_-_YXwB9M9-kn5fSediFX-SmBwszTBcp6IK1kJYYPZVyozEiyPZqUlUSMF4xGqumrjMn8g0/s640/shaw3.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">fabulous climbing Eden roses - Shawna's garden</td></tr><br /></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZcyzAWof2g0uTMuJa_IYtcfSQKjnl7T1RXJkCOnM30URzEDo55WBHl68HeXgqk5vnduzavhdu_3znp2h0yipGdcknkiPxNK1GO_IclJBv58zC7fO3BaDxwXygRQZrBoZAoWKU2931z68/s1600/shaw4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZcyzAWof2g0uTMuJa_IYtcfSQKjnl7T1RXJkCOnM30URzEDo55WBHl68HeXgqk5vnduzavhdu_3znp2h0yipGdcknkiPxNK1GO_IclJBv58zC7fO3BaDxwXygRQZrBoZAoWKU2931z68/s640/shaw4.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">close up of Eden roses - Shawna's garden</td></tr><br /></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Not too far from Shawna's garden is our next garden</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Betty's garden is beautiful and organized</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">She is an avid gardener and a member of her local garden club</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;"><strong>Betty's Garden</strong></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuarvI4jztgDIR9U8UP9MF3ktR_UoqBnqaJMVP-u6RNX37vCCUO8Fjx93_sQ3y_PKe-UxgjcKnMbcRptd5X-q74D_qlEvjFZ2VHH24Sq94sZSv52LWDmQesKTZq6CaH8xCmtbadIL9nHM/s1600/bettybirdofparadise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuarvI4jztgDIR9U8UP9MF3ktR_UoqBnqaJMVP-u6RNX37vCCUO8Fjx93_sQ3y_PKe-UxgjcKnMbcRptd5X-q74D_qlEvjFZ2VHH24Sq94sZSv52LWDmQesKTZq6CaH8xCmtbadIL9nHM/s400/bettybirdofparadise.jpg" width="331" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Betty's garden - bird of paradise</td></tr><br /></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlqALbp3Lc02qxF73WGDY0fLwnQEUPdDsBOlNB-yQDAnUQ2u-JBNAzPNA9rLlM0CU4VMb0xxtmLYYPt1T9c13FV0zeUiDyKZ5iyH9dQ1G61Q_58zFUC_Sq1kTEnAJQlJduRj4_tcPTHtw/s1600/bettybouganvillea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlqALbp3Lc02qxF73WGDY0fLwnQEUPdDsBOlNB-yQDAnUQ2u-JBNAzPNA9rLlM0CU4VMb0xxtmLYYPt1T9c13FV0zeUiDyKZ5iyH9dQ1G61Q_58zFUC_Sq1kTEnAJQlJduRj4_tcPTHtw/s640/bettybouganvillea.jpg" width="492" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Betty's garden - bougainvillea</td></tr><br /></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf7hf8FB51-eOVSacjJUt_ZX1-tAIkv7cTsU1o-FFJuGpclQ5-L5Q8P78l161czhv_qYV_sUc-I-DCl_7Ipnd9tMT9DHr1uDX4g9sIdmgshRhJW46waQBggrEcw6XulJ-keibZuO7Y52Y/s1600/bettybegoniabench.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf7hf8FB51-eOVSacjJUt_ZX1-tAIkv7cTsU1o-FFJuGpclQ5-L5Q8P78l161czhv_qYV_sUc-I-DCl_7Ipnd9tMT9DHr1uDX4g9sIdmgshRhJW46waQBggrEcw6XulJ-keibZuO7Y52Y/s640/bettybegoniabench.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Betty's front walkway</td></tr><br /></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Betty's inviting front walkway includes this bench and pots of fern, ivy and begonias</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1WOs5fauzGk2xICByZzHpO1sjMAPWgIOrfLe2k1jKqpjf-oc97yvrCKzoemz6_Q8Wx4qD8PYASgs9jKsU87U1fGk3xfsx4XSVZwSLO3HOIjj4NWiUD4ZO8l8-NygdhhPpzGAxp7EJCtw/s1600/bettycurlyivy2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="376" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1WOs5fauzGk2xICByZzHpO1sjMAPWgIOrfLe2k1jKqpjf-oc97yvrCKzoemz6_Q8Wx4qD8PYASgs9jKsU87U1fGk3xfsx4XSVZwSLO3HOIjj4NWiUD4ZO8l8-NygdhhPpzGAxp7EJCtw/s640/bettycurlyivy2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">curly ivy</td></tr><br /></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">as well as wall mounted pots of this unique curly ivy.  Here is her commentary on her garden:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">. . .the curly ivy growing in the pots on the wall leading to the front door, all started from one tiny little plant obtained from the garden club some years back. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It loves this spot as well as in the shady area on the side of my house.</div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP-xIsvffh4FTBboW7BE1EUq9WUpVQvUgoTKpP6j6LZr4pHlhcAzd1Zu52mEkQBxdyubtO_rduCFHXMrAZXkKsPGzIAPAk0iL4ba8Ipu0Qn122Rp3NzHuC5xefspvH869krxejLvKnQCg/s1600/bettyfern.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP-xIsvffh4FTBboW7BE1EUq9WUpVQvUgoTKpP6j6LZr4pHlhcAzd1Zu52mEkQBxdyubtO_rduCFHXMrAZXkKsPGzIAPAk0iL4ba8Ipu0Qn122Rp3NzHuC5xefspvH869krxejLvKnQCg/s640/bettyfern.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">bettys garden pots</td></tr><br /></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The begonias are looking really good, in the front is a beautiful pink dragon wing variety, in the back are several pots filled with plain old begonias but they are spilling over the pots, there is also an angel wing variety that has beautiful pink blooms that was a gift from my garden club friend who started it from a cutting from her plant, almost forgot the beautiful red dragon wing begonia right outside the door that can be enjoyed from inside as well as out in the garden.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO0ydaROidGLkKeoYBUSSkfhHU3RTlkc27yb1T_6M9YQnqHlu_TXO7I2Iws4aKXyoELUZH3J3-ty5-FhYkQgPuDbBwEG6DxwhsobKNa4PgfIe1Ya97jsEAbKFamSZE82jYKJOXkWUEiQo/s1600/bettygeranium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO0ydaROidGLkKeoYBUSSkfhHU3RTlkc27yb1T_6M9YQnqHlu_TXO7I2Iws4aKXyoELUZH3J3-ty5-FhYkQgPuDbBwEG6DxwhsobKNa4PgfIe1Ya97jsEAbKFamSZE82jYKJOXkWUEiQo/s640/bettygeranium.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">assorted geraniums</td></tr><br /></tbody></table>The geraniums are really blooming this year. This is a grouping near the fire pit of pink ribbon, white and a beautiful dark lavender Martha Washington. There is a very pretty coral colored one tucked in our tree on the side of the house and others here and there along with two rose scented geraniums and one that is called Rose Geranium which blooms with pink clusters that look just like small roses.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOD18ddm5ojquVHQm8vs7od9TAkEE-EFj4jeiaclVTT7gu4zlX9gcGL5VkkB4N0FeuAKRVkJcCIQ6DrH6LvJJeFSHQlUA_pnkS_Wlrl6AOyfmClfpMbx2qd47Nq9qObbVOmoYOWrGGiek/s1600/bettyfuscia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOD18ddm5ojquVHQm8vs7od9TAkEE-EFj4jeiaclVTT7gu4zlX9gcGL5VkkB4N0FeuAKRVkJcCIQ6DrH6LvJJeFSHQlUA_pnkS_Wlrl6AOyfmClfpMbx2qd47Nq9qObbVOmoYOWrGGiek/s640/bettyfuscia.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">fuschias</td></tr><br /></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFaqfZgnUhyeeV7tO1gsbbgSAqtJqGSRQ_aMTomo7vIezqizIYsiuC0dLGx2V9XxuUj3-lwRJ0prRnnsgXRxa1RHYoZ-yL46PVNEbvJdrpRJLrJEjasFDViDaED-3yvGpYqM6Q4HQ7Qu0/s1600/bettygeraniumintree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="572" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFaqfZgnUhyeeV7tO1gsbbgSAqtJqGSRQ_aMTomo7vIezqizIYsiuC0dLGx2V9XxuUj3-lwRJ0prRnnsgXRxa1RHYoZ-yL46PVNEbvJdrpRJLrJEjasFDViDaED-3yvGpYqM6Q4HQ7Qu0/s640/bettygeraniumintree.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">coral geranium</td></tr><br /></tbody></table>  <br /><br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4UaLhc2Go7ua7a1AM9liXznek4Trxng_n25eHFHJNDnnxB5F-00pJZyHDcjq4AzKjepaxojlyOF8KJKbf3ZtgeeubN_lcGmbXfrh24cj2euyaShQZ4HOOz9n70SbFvUkcR-KfQTiVSxg/s1600/bettyhydrangea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4UaLhc2Go7ua7a1AM9liXznek4Trxng_n25eHFHJNDnnxB5F-00pJZyHDcjq4AzKjepaxojlyOF8KJKbf3ZtgeeubN_lcGmbXfrh24cj2euyaShQZ4HOOz9n70SbFvUkcR-KfQTiVSxg/s640/bettyhydrangea.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">hydrangeas</td></tr><br /></tbody></table>The hydrangeas are now in full bloom. They are planted in the same area as the cymbidium orchids, this year the orchids bloomed first and were just beautiful, yellow, green and dusky dark pink. When the orchids go away the hydrangas are there for us to enjoy. <br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIv0eWSW0k5TQnT-FhPiF_BxnlI2EOxELDO848ARJpZ_6co08EMmHzarTeGUYWKE4pdLO99IIVFhPyaMp0qg9YKCRqrv1IKAAadTm22sWmBRhMbtvH2SV8F7K6P9o7bl2_eeH-Z2L_SVs/s1600/bettycampanulaandivy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIv0eWSW0k5TQnT-FhPiF_BxnlI2EOxELDO848ARJpZ_6co08EMmHzarTeGUYWKE4pdLO99IIVFhPyaMp0qg9YKCRqrv1IKAAadTm22sWmBRhMbtvH2SV8F7K6P9o7bl2_eeH-Z2L_SVs/s640/bettycampanulaandivy.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>The companulas in the hanging basket along with some grape ivy looks really pretty right now. Below the hanging basket in the pot is another companula that is also blooming right now. Both of these were purchased from Trader Joe's and brought to cheer up Grandma when she was in rehab and brought home when they withered.  I planted them in my garden where they are a nice reminder of her spirit.<br /><br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhztQUU2ChvcaC_HvaaCvuppIPm-LhUFUFdPTejflNJYOuhRu8I6dWB3-qrqX08w-FVOkUboiuHvLmUpEp9hHvMzISGG-tmMUUv45sgatCrtC7kXf2dSYWURAvN-i0hnpKdVSX9ILAWFig/s1600/bettyicebergs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="636" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhztQUU2ChvcaC_HvaaCvuppIPm-LhUFUFdPTejflNJYOuhRu8I6dWB3-qrqX08w-FVOkUboiuHvLmUpEp9hHvMzISGG-tmMUUv45sgatCrtC7kXf2dSYWURAvN-i0hnpKdVSX9ILAWFig/s640/bettyicebergs.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">white iceberg roses </td></tr><br /></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;">The roses are finished with their first bloom all except the iceberg by the front door which just keeps blooming. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXRXTvRp7VshH1YZNcKwxf4PsTTTmNIVBhansVQvvkK798w11ma7EaxEy7cwzLVFOA-L2iL4sGdwH_n6cGgI7A4tdJwHeeQdb_0Qn_19GIabSErOcUwFbWHb40A09R70pEwUNfLVkWwOY/s1600/bettyterracotta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXRXTvRp7VshH1YZNcKwxf4PsTTTmNIVBhansVQvvkK798w11ma7EaxEy7cwzLVFOA-L2iL4sGdwH_n6cGgI7A4tdJwHeeQdb_0Qn_19GIabSErOcUwFbWHb40A09R70pEwUNfLVkWwOY/s640/bettyterracotta.jpg" width="516" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">herb pots</td></tr><br /></tbody></table>I have discovered that the best sunshine is in the front of the house so I have been growing vegetables in pots in the front, this winter the lettuce was in abundance. I now have cucumber and peppers along with parsley in the window box that grows all year long.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7wgSGurd4v26wq7i3o1CEOeC0KivrWIqQB8Zf60hxZ1tKR6VRY1dTTLMFBH21guMqPbXo5-rtaiBQgUNJm9E6rG2GEULf_7cRlN_SraFYofaX2qw2IZljirBlSU1kM243uQ971Le5bTc/s1600/bettyterracotta2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7wgSGurd4v26wq7i3o1CEOeC0KivrWIqQB8Zf60hxZ1tKR6VRY1dTTLMFBH21guMqPbXo5-rtaiBQgUNJm9E6rG2GEULf_7cRlN_SraFYofaX2qw2IZljirBlSU1kM243uQ971Le5bTc/s640/bettyterracotta2.jpg" width="528" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">begonias at the front door</td></tr><br /></tbody></table>I have also been introducing succulents into my garden, I find their shapes and colors really interesting and they look really good integrated in with other things in the garden. You will notice the pot by the front door has Scabiosa which is doing really well, they were brought home as cuttings from our field trip to Casa Romantica in San Clemente.<br /><br /><br /><br />Betty and Shawna, it looks just beautiful.  thanks for sharing it with us!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;">SOME EASY GARDEN CRAFTS</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Did you really think I could give a garden tour without adding something creative?</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGhE7itbrW9FJcBLvWK8Y5miKvbytdO4eu8qRD1NQfKAM9i8Bpwbo_sKrZjJK4WqZ4_9RPxWuWiONJK-7uAOQjPJFlifS8BLDNurQOCxbl0eyE3lvQXX2Ylie5j410o4oGVCEVDbehVZ0/s1600/6a00e0098cf3a1883300e54f1b45fa8833-500wi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGhE7itbrW9FJcBLvWK8Y5miKvbytdO4eu8qRD1NQfKAM9i8Bpwbo_sKrZjJK4WqZ4_9RPxWuWiONJK-7uAOQjPJFlifS8BLDNurQOCxbl0eyE3lvQXX2Ylie5j410o4oGVCEVDbehVZ0/s640/6a00e0098cf3a1883300e54f1b45fa8833-500wi.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">How adorable is this chicken wire moss heart?  I can picture it on a gate, or lying casually on a little side table.  Simply cut chicken wire into a heart shape - about 3 inches larger than you want your moss heart to be when finished.  (You will need to cut two - tin snips should do the trick).  Using gloves to protect your hands, fold the edges of the hearts over each other, creating a pocket (leave one portion open. large enough to stick your hand in,  to insert the moss).  Using your gloved hand, puff the shape out from the inside until it looks the way you want it to.  Fill it with green sheet moss and close the edges.  If needed, use wire to secure the two hearts together.  Add a little wire hanging loop - and embellish a little if you want! So cute!</div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0tcu9pmw07Rs8K4mhcJ8lEoMOhiRgYnvLqre9YRbqsamM7zg3-BMAKXw05iPwQKmgXe6WOmqM0qPgdDGK12Z23Qka_vzZhbccNqIFrGVfZhrmMTz2Lph2TiVuqhUxVC9ZrgfxJIivWXo/s1600/chandelier+do+it+yourself.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0tcu9pmw07Rs8K4mhcJ8lEoMOhiRgYnvLqre9YRbqsamM7zg3-BMAKXw05iPwQKmgXe6WOmqM0qPgdDGK12Z23Qka_vzZhbccNqIFrGVfZhrmMTz2Lph2TiVuqhUxVC9ZrgfxJIivWXo/s640/chandelier+do+it+yourself.jpg" width="464" /></a></div><br /><br />How genius is this little chandelier made from a wire basket and some chandelier crystals you can pick up on ebay.  This basket had a center handle, but if you can't find one with a handle, a few lengths of chain from Lowes (or your local home improvement store) on 3 sides with a hook to join them at the top will create the same effect.  A few jewelry jump rings for fastening the crystals (or some more wire) and some jelly jars to hold candles and your project is complete!  You could spray it white or a rusty color for a more shabby look.  Great for an outdoor party or alfresco dining!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAqjYRmyYRBI3f_DggGHjnIPKdymLw4ERJ0P5_9CAN-aGmfYUG6OJCVbF7pjQ5lrTy5qSe8skn58SDpDoJviuc6qnx0z8XSyfizOVovo9sH0v4kLM0EziFxNRkOESNhzaR4CJlw-NFyrc/s1600/a98551_0301_chlkboardpots_xl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAqjYRmyYRBI3f_DggGHjnIPKdymLw4ERJ0P5_9CAN-aGmfYUG6OJCVbF7pjQ5lrTy5qSe8skn58SDpDoJviuc6qnx0z8XSyfizOVovo9sH0v4kLM0EziFxNRkOESNhzaR4CJlw-NFyrc/s400/a98551_0301_chlkboardpots_xl.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Blackboard paint, available at your  home improvement store, around the top rim of a terracotta pot, creates a place to record what herb is planted - as well as looking darn cute.  Once the paint is on and dried (may take two coats), simple chalk is all that is needed to label your herbs.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibYzIr__8ozulLDzneLl2P0d9YwrDf3SQLEtm6D1mzMNiRR5Fziv9l7hIe8CqUMh-ccoLxBkmf5EMRQmirYs13fxyMBx0G0rEGHrBMB47FgSPFmnaPq5BQ4ncPQarwu2Z_1tkXbbQqXEo/s1600/terrarium_table_sunset_magazine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibYzIr__8ozulLDzneLl2P0d9YwrDf3SQLEtm6D1mzMNiRR5Fziv9l7hIe8CqUMh-ccoLxBkmf5EMRQmirYs13fxyMBx0G0rEGHrBMB47FgSPFmnaPq5BQ4ncPQarwu2Z_1tkXbbQqXEo/s640/terrarium_table_sunset_magazine.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I also love this idea of a succulent garden under glass, at the same time creating something useful, like a side table for a seating area.  You will need an urn that is tall enough to be a side table - and if your earn is super large you may want to fill the bottom half with styrofoam peanuts so it doesn't get too heavy to move.  Make sure it has a drainage hole at the bottom, covered by a broken pot shard or some screening so it does not get plugged.  Add a good few inches of gravel on top of that, and then your cactus or succulent mix.  Succulents don't have very deep root systems, but they do need good drainage - or they will ROT.  Plant with succulents (low growing varieties) and top with a glass round (home improvement store again).  As for the watering - succulents need a good drenching about once a week - but under glass it may be different.  Just remember, they need to dry out between waterings, and if you see that the glass is cloudy or has a moisture build up, remove it for a little while and let that evaporate before returning the glass to the top.  </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">See you tomorrow for a very special garden tour.</span></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div>

GARDENING: SO. CALIFORNIA ROSES AND BEGONIAS

GARDEN BLISS DAVID AUSTIN ENGLISH ROSE - GERTRUDE JEKYLL The most rewarding part of creating the Garden Tour online this year has been the a...

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HOME DECOR: The Power of Accessories

When I met with Lisa for the first time, she informed me she had fired her decorator over a dispute on workmanship on their remodel and now needed help putting the finishing touches on her new space. She had all the 'bones' in place. Floor coverings, cabinetry, lighting, window coverings and new furniture - but it all seemed very empty to her. She needed the jewelry that goes with a great outfit. She needed the finishing touches. She needed accessories. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSSDYgMqNJWJooVIca6RWfKWky_husvKKBehry2UdbiX35jgnsCSiSWt5Vp0KBPj5pFTKbBdwkAYSmvPsvsds7fb6_zXv9Ao7Lh5izYk77HIhvQ6SXv1GnLDZcdhb1qFzXKsto7QIdRWQ/s1600-h/floor+transition.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357059280777152194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSSDYgMqNJWJooVIca6RWfKWky_husvKKBehry2UdbiX35jgnsCSiSWt5Vp0KBPj5pFTKbBdwkAYSmvPsvsds7fb6_zXv9Ao7Lh5izYk77HIhvQ6SXv1GnLDZcdhb1qFzXKsto7QIdRWQ/s320/floor+transition.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 392px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 423px;" /></a> <br /><br /><div><div>Lisa had chosen travertine flooring in her entry and kitchen area, bordered and accented with marble mosaics. Her living and dining area was warm toned hardwood. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVerdsjKAG1EPleT6t1g3TWc5gViHj-PLDLsqBDKmDYpvA5Dlm_nVXPx0kMP3Lk0WtCsHoJrz_1vBE5-6ZXbmxq6576N61lft0fh7ZtBrvdsWKFEjeJ-Mtec5B3hIApIFmLyzJYaa0WMY/s1600-h/frontdoor.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357059275583057490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVerdsjKAG1EPleT6t1g3TWc5gViHj-PLDLsqBDKmDYpvA5Dlm_nVXPx0kMP3Lk0WtCsHoJrz_1vBE5-6ZXbmxq6576N61lft0fh7ZtBrvdsWKFEjeJ-Mtec5B3hIApIFmLyzJYaa0WMY/s320/frontdoor.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 469px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 402px;" /></a> She had new furniture in browns and beige, and a feature wall in a dark brown with a faux paint finish. Her curtain fabric was a brown, beige and robins egg blue stripe. <br /><br /><div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357058358801615138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHkzeSUi2SHacTwhFGshZgFKrLc3SL1pxJzoyp_pIqlrIBm1jplC1DQCPKh_qsKQn8IN7V2J0x2ZdLfrjt6M7Q0nx2zhxG1_blTfXSA7sfAy1aFE9dx43N8a_RxXkcCQyCzKEBQuLTYQc/s320/IMG_2074.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 343px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 423px;" /> The overall palette of brown, beige and white and the hard surfaces of the wood and marble left the area feeling empty and a little cold. We needed to warm things up a little. We found pillows with just the right combination of colors for the sofa and chairs and had textured carpeting cut to size and bound as a rug. Lisa liked things calm and not too busy, so didn't want an area rug with a lot of pattern. She also liked the open feeling of the room and elected not to add an ottoman or coffee table. <br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLkY8HiNGmffanEPzhlGp1K_7j4kk6QBJ9odoueQxxDLBZhrKgMgQEGc8dETc_spbzVM8GVFrQqHH8XSqhhIf-Dv6aUaMD7jv03cF53zcpaVTkja81Fdbt25UghxiSF9Ew1nzldi7G4To/s1600-h/living.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357058353632001346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLkY8HiNGmffanEPzhlGp1K_7j4kk6QBJ9odoueQxxDLBZhrKgMgQEGc8dETc_spbzVM8GVFrQqHH8XSqhhIf-Dv6aUaMD7jv03cF53zcpaVTkja81Fdbt25UghxiSF9Ew1nzldi7G4To/s320/living.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 383px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 460px;" /></a> We addressed the large blank brown wall and filled it with images that had special meaning to Lisa. We had the pictures framed in matching frames and grouped them on the wall along with a saying she felt might inspire her 6 children and 9 grandchildren.</div></div><div><div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357059268851206754" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9-siZ0y7BAlQSxswdC8N_AgLDsDbGgcbp3f11doLbJ-hQ38cezLDjE7I_WSgo5C7BD8NXJA4iURUN0pEFkwCVf5hECCE-bFg_Uv5bMdVbv8xfunSpN0durJ7HCwvWnI-QXk554nLC4G8/s320/living+artwall.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 332px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 422px;" />The other end of the living room needed some fresh greenery and lighting. <br /><br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuKnPVtH1-2jV0aoGoKdGyBXLa2cZ0GhKIHEIrDI9ReKnawGPGR2ZX7Mb-oXWm_CvPQgc5Gv7-ttrxd6hdSFj7lPu29ynXDOpC4kkuhQ0ucuoN6wl1c942oqZ0n6VuBXGekFwJqKXN-qY/s1600-h/livingroom+view2+b4.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357058350353261074" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuKnPVtH1-2jV0aoGoKdGyBXLa2cZ0GhKIHEIrDI9ReKnawGPGR2ZX7Mb-oXWm_CvPQgc5Gv7-ttrxd6hdSFj7lPu29ynXDOpC4kkuhQ0ucuoN6wl1c942oqZ0n6VuBXGekFwJqKXN-qY/s320/livingroom+view2+b4.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 425px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 451px;" /></a> A tree, potted ivy and a table lamp fill out the space. <br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis3nuFiwi4XYcr_uTRBjp-7JrAgmnhgVYl1Wte-Ntq5kPNU8TGgejoNSJuznsHex3k_9fVTmXb1JWQuHkVmHAre66XxHW2NvlT8UIjQdRudytnWkBTxhZRlSVu10EasRCoSqW1VI9IYtM/s1600-h/living2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357058343144292898" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis3nuFiwi4XYcr_uTRBjp-7JrAgmnhgVYl1Wte-Ntq5kPNU8TGgejoNSJuznsHex3k_9fVTmXb1JWQuHkVmHAre66XxHW2NvlT8UIjQdRudytnWkBTxhZRlSVu10EasRCoSqW1VI9IYtM/s320/living2.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 364px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 458px;" /></a> <br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKpgEClU8ea0dVsuxq1HsgZ-DMwfwrDBN9Xd4nOHfrClu2qSfaEJuOfrd33SBttbcd_brgiqHc_TNe8zaRvIrRJXmACG8iKnj-CkpnVpmGGUx6iZDT1qRDeW0k5W4IBR5moC2XU1hK-ak/s1600-h/familyrec.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357058336946177570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKpgEClU8ea0dVsuxq1HsgZ-DMwfwrDBN9Xd4nOHfrClu2qSfaEJuOfrd33SBttbcd_brgiqHc_TNe8zaRvIrRJXmACG8iKnj-CkpnVpmGGUx6iZDT1qRDeW0k5W4IBR5moC2XU1hK-ak/s320/familyrec.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 354px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 442px;" /></a> The family/recreation room was a large space filled with workout equipment and oak bookcases. We painted the dated oak bookcases a fresh white to match the wood trim throughout the house and arranged movies, books and accessories in them. Lisa is having a few family photos framed and will add them to these shelves, filling in the blank spaces. <br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh__E8h0VcdeAhrwp3BZGZ1ag95gA2UK5gjJ-Xgaws9OjVPMLprHrC8E8NapSdUCC1FKbw1Khgm-Ovb48h3Fwnsaw8BDBsYW2pge0UXCl2B7-HIIXKiCiv4IQ9G1iDRqa84bADRhYvTC44/s1600-h/IMG_2317.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357055520222867474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh__E8h0VcdeAhrwp3BZGZ1ag95gA2UK5gjJ-Xgaws9OjVPMLprHrC8E8NapSdUCC1FKbw1Khgm-Ovb48h3Fwnsaw8BDBsYW2pge0UXCl2B7-HIIXKiCiv4IQ9G1iDRqa84bADRhYvTC44/s320/IMG_2317.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 361px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 449px;" /></a> We rearranged the furniture, putting all the workout equipment behind the sofa in it's own space and creating a family television and movie viewing area in front. <br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ1TXtjq67l3wwimKD_Eg9FvztEv7DCyDVKOUt9ACnIrbP3bjtZbgoNOpstwpTuYqsyEhI5NszeIvkVN9xhXImAH8K_QXQZo3SLTHuObaGG0SlkWnoz5KXA2j4hXvwHALcMQ2BUJYMP48/s1600-h/IMG_2315.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357055515130042370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ1TXtjq67l3wwimKD_Eg9FvztEv7DCyDVKOUt9ACnIrbP3bjtZbgoNOpstwpTuYqsyEhI5NszeIvkVN9xhXImAH8K_QXQZo3SLTHuObaGG0SlkWnoz5KXA2j4hXvwHALcMQ2BUJYMP48/s320/IMG_2315.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 344px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 430px;" /></a> This blank wall became the music area and a showcase for the animation cel art. <br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2CeV3vV9dcqB5eX0K4JeW25Kvc5lFUD18fCb9NCWp97KVQpYiWaLeywLtAJpBdNxmsBajxFatzkGROIOJ4NzdZzkoOiLhbQnSJtc3vCY6_DF01I9XGE-nPEMeW3diCwzrtr4XSLxf7lI/s1600-h/familyrec4.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357055505926968994" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2CeV3vV9dcqB5eX0K4JeW25Kvc5lFUD18fCb9NCWp97KVQpYiWaLeywLtAJpBdNxmsBajxFatzkGROIOJ4NzdZzkoOiLhbQnSJtc3vCY6_DF01I9XGE-nPEMeW3diCwzrtr4XSLxf7lI/s320/familyrec4.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 291px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 381px;" /></a> <br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHvcPsrIHMDPSrZR8yh_dl7TB573YqzH6aP_vmsVGw3vuCD0PlnjgcEOEVRza__2g2WFRZ7HYtCopdRyyI7HzpAgfkC_LtU5k6jbSN5dqB60xn4BXCwpSCvD8O_1OXSUPkPIoXQGwiQXk/s1600-h/IMG_2314.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357055501897968754" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHvcPsrIHMDPSrZR8yh_dl7TB573YqzH6aP_vmsVGw3vuCD0PlnjgcEOEVRza__2g2WFRZ7HYtCopdRyyI7HzpAgfkC_LtU5k6jbSN5dqB60xn4BXCwpSCvD8O_1OXSUPkPIoXQGwiQXk/s320/IMG_2314.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 365px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 447px;" /></a> The back wall (with the piano moved) needed accessorizing as well. <br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-cZPx_Ej-2sJau3corroSRMKHMdxHdcitsYTrpDPOyiyS__xpG6VN2r91z5wFeM_xGNHIU9ZhHtHna8t8-sxwZRZbxJc8Gttv68wLOHS3DOWY1USyufsRGRXwLplymzYUBKkmlQk3Oqo/s1600-h/familyrec1.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357055492973314114" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-cZPx_Ej-2sJau3corroSRMKHMdxHdcitsYTrpDPOyiyS__xpG6VN2r91z5wFeM_xGNHIU9ZhHtHna8t8-sxwZRZbxJc8Gttv68wLOHS3DOWY1USyufsRGRXwLplymzYUBKkmlQk3Oqo/s320/familyrec1.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 348px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 447px;" /></a> <br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7zABX6s830gYVVsz775HfJItedW4PJlxk8-6nPHnlV-rKpIEHOAh2MLA5iaVaw8hQTgnSKNh6Yaw-DQlRnaSxLxrOspErrWtgQbgE6Oi2-P_5spX-R1lZ_hck14LcCXHIEEY7fYUOuU0/s1600-h/IMG_2311.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357053874252681874" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7zABX6s830gYVVsz775HfJItedW4PJlxk8-6nPHnlV-rKpIEHOAh2MLA5iaVaw8hQTgnSKNh6Yaw-DQlRnaSxLxrOspErrWtgQbgE6Oi2-P_5spX-R1lZ_hck14LcCXHIEEY7fYUOuU0/s320/IMG_2311.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 407px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 335px;" /></a> We framed one of her sons artwork and added an existing framed piece of art in the center. The wall has special meaning now. These were just small changes we made to improve the function of this room. She has plans to redecorate this area a little down the road.</div><div></div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq9rl_XUNqeQiV8sQgsb9oLeQDW3HMNATs_nN2yWq-eQIUyyrvHM6RUAwaaW0poKMrPnJm3YWe7OC_CNXOxawnfYF1X8ftrITQlRyHUPlgSJpDvIEQ8nPdfP9p3n04Se1p4WfEZs7eIUU/s1600-h/countertop+b4.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357053871506690178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq9rl_XUNqeQiV8sQgsb9oLeQDW3HMNATs_nN2yWq-eQIUyyrvHM6RUAwaaW0poKMrPnJm3YWe7OC_CNXOxawnfYF1X8ftrITQlRyHUPlgSJpDvIEQ8nPdfP9p3n04Se1p4WfEZs7eIUU/s320/countertop+b4.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 402px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 389px;" /></a> The kitchen, a newly remodeled expanded space, was done in emperador dark brown marble and cream cabinetry. This little alcove was the perfect spot for some color with accessories. <br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirEyHMSvnXRUbT-kvqedlAMel_5LmFmjm6QfuWo5vFqCe9jIbk9dGL37dFYpWm8VEJQBSMly0CivqDBjQI_s7CT2Albc4jvWs-vFzpno77c0RAA6UE3VwwIKpzjSwpoVKPN4_CgGbDpH0/s1600-h/IMG_2304.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357053863909876066" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirEyHMSvnXRUbT-kvqedlAMel_5LmFmjm6QfuWo5vFqCe9jIbk9dGL37dFYpWm8VEJQBSMly0CivqDBjQI_s7CT2Albc4jvWs-vFzpno77c0RAA6UE3VwwIKpzjSwpoVKPN4_CgGbDpH0/s320/IMG_2304.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 348px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 440px;" /></a> We brought in glass apothecary jars with apples and lemons for color and a potted urn with boxwood for a fresh outdoor feel. I especially wanted to bring in the fresh garden feel to lighten and brighten the heavy wood and stone. <br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzjcIlf4qhUenhrj4rJVP7389n6fs_29Oz4yGTqib_gjo3hvixsdmK0knmnOvRM8EGSKx3KtApmZHjJSH35m-Da9R4ZHlFVtRLySMuT-P-1IFI6pibca8IBoscdqRplS6UN_khq7-GiEM/s1600-h/blankcupboards.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357053854872441826" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzjcIlf4qhUenhrj4rJVP7389n6fs_29Oz4yGTqib_gjo3hvixsdmK0knmnOvRM8EGSKx3KtApmZHjJSH35m-Da9R4ZHlFVtRLySMuT-P-1IFI6pibca8IBoscdqRplS6UN_khq7-GiEM/s320/blankcupboards.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 318px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 470px;" /></a> The chocolate accent wall continued into the kitchen. Cream cabinets with glass fronts were perfect to display accessories in and add some color, as well as the space above the cabinets where the expanse of brown wall needed some visual interest. <br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp0Esi2Ej0k-ZyuDi83QKmQxVj8PpDbzyl1i6mm-ALBVxGsHSDg2KgmdouMebF_4tGIcdRarqUgEQROH1wJbJ7v3frnXrA9VBdLdkLwJ1q3f4NxSyZy7y8wwCEwSKfutntaZG4Wkar7Yw/s1600-h/IMG_2305.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357053852413156658" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp0Esi2Ej0k-ZyuDi83QKmQxVj8PpDbzyl1i6mm-ALBVxGsHSDg2KgmdouMebF_4tGIcdRarqUgEQROH1wJbJ7v3frnXrA9VBdLdkLwJ1q3f4NxSyZy7y8wwCEwSKfutntaZG4Wkar7Yw/s320/IMG_2305.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 398px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 459px;" /></a> We found dishware and glasses in chocolate and the perfect blue for the glass cabinets, and topped the cabinets with platters, cookbooks and plants. <br /><br /><div><div>The grand sized kitchen island needed large accessories. Lisa didn't want her kitchen space cluttered, so we kept the accessories to a minimum.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357046383168460674" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdq1YEMbGltDiAmwyKn9J9q8FeJecexaZGnYs5JORVp3NrRgXGt5zsS-Tcb2r26GJ65o7-8Ndn9WTaury28yCNJqcdPqtY8ivnXmMyv_9iKUNSYD2l0XshKhruLCoh9FM9aYFvi1RY7KA/s320/IMG_2073.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 330px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 413px;" /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357046388315347922" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNFVULHMawDIwVcZcVNQVVafGNoUrGNzsL8_nZHi6YBlkPxenBi_FTMMrHhDaI2v9USrvUmf7oXK1uTS5OqnvueDK7f7dGhwbHIbPXEDdItWRnbHjZyK1jnv5ja9rpIT4aZTIAZM7OPos/s320/IMG_2303.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 326px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /> We found this great iron oversized basket and filled it with boxwood orbs. (Bringing that fresh green in again...) The chunky candles brought in more of the blue to this area. Tucked into the far corner is another apothecary, filled with oranges. <br /><br /><div>What a difference a few accessories can make. They are the finishing touches! <br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf4duvOGuYqiCscUak9dj5bJwmhg5c_YQVzJ5nVLCFHdvpxV7vT3BubJAWhfYgUNdcX3js-4Ib9iCylTZ7sQHYwPXYHaJFUJteNOPmm9u-duVHOQuXRY5xj1G7Vy3RZRFOVAwWU2g2_Bk/s1600-h/IMG_2302.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357046376498114562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf4duvOGuYqiCscUak9dj5bJwmhg5c_YQVzJ5nVLCFHdvpxV7vT3BubJAWhfYgUNdcX3js-4Ib9iCylTZ7sQHYwPXYHaJFUJteNOPmm9u-duVHOQuXRY5xj1G7Vy3RZRFOVAwWU2g2_Bk/s320/IMG_2302.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 396px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /></a> <br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgITaqRC3t71hDFK_z-2lSI9SIiIBPQMHBmiSPCQ8IAr2V_o3-qCMdQblTYcGeK_V3bElplvNdqM48QqQoTf5IjMVZobujNhvxzhnEYJD5BO04RMJGTUytD4N39GeVlkblpBgPwzU6BrDQ/s1600-h/floral.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357046371468937058" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgITaqRC3t71hDFK_z-2lSI9SIiIBPQMHBmiSPCQ8IAr2V_o3-qCMdQblTYcGeK_V3bElplvNdqM48QqQoTf5IjMVZobujNhvxzhnEYJD5BO04RMJGTUytD4N39GeVlkblpBgPwzU6BrDQ/s320/floral.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 252px;" /></a> The dining room needed some brightening as well. A marble fireplace, dark wood shelving and new dining room table and chairs on top of dark hardwood flooring was a little overpowering in its very browness. Not that it wasn't beautiful - it was just all one tone. I created this centerpiece in a white ceramic urn that echoed the white from the mantle and created that fresh from the outdoors feeling Lisa and I wanted to bring into the space. <br /><br /><div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357074085588055730" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW-I8ZG65nXTH7SgyjVioDTjfLw_yoUpF2QI8VpN0TotJeXmByM1DgyZfFZABvtcJZVMDdT-r3sJfO9HbwLNX-OYPw-ZLk1uaDpt_KaRq4LyY5yQBKcAsFqVjM8abGhGe3r5mFuYWxCl8/s320/IMG_2077.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 408px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 379px;" /></div></div><div></div><div>We found topiaries to bring green to the mantle area and frame out our new oval mirror. The bookcases were decorated with photos, greenery, and other accessories. Books that may have looked too cluttered on the shelves were organized into baskets on the bottom shelf where they are easily accessible.</div></div><div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiypdp2g6jJxvGQpB3i9jlcmKMIPy5lB_Fz207_IS-DqI_qZZU2LCFo68WYMBMvaJ93UVCJDFSMydc9l4k2pdA5WGlVqQGy7yeO77NnAna4q1LpgwGj4eEwCeOWM9PESkYa2FtpTzC1KHY/s1600-h/dining1.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357013675948560034" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiypdp2g6jJxvGQpB3i9jlcmKMIPy5lB_Fz207_IS-DqI_qZZU2LCFo68WYMBMvaJ93UVCJDFSMydc9l4k2pdA5WGlVqQGy7yeO77NnAna4q1LpgwGj4eEwCeOWM9PESkYa2FtpTzC1KHY/s320/dining1.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 381px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 448px;" /></a> Here we had carpeting cut and bound into a round rug for under the table, in the same shade as the living room rug. <br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj35viwzIGzsMPzwWwD7-exxe3_U4Gz0chid3KJNAOHDEDyIEVcegxEZUC_MhzY6I-lMPaJqC1TcAzCOcfKT1AU8txPn7uhulF2cJO8pgZQJtxuV3z18sQugYA9v9XPk1eS6c1viQiJ9b4/s1600-h/dining2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357013673322079778" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj35viwzIGzsMPzwWwD7-exxe3_U4Gz0chid3KJNAOHDEDyIEVcegxEZUC_MhzY6I-lMPaJqC1TcAzCOcfKT1AU8txPn7uhulF2cJO8pgZQJtxuV3z18sQugYA9v9XPk1eS6c1viQiJ9b4/s320/dining2.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 493px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 398px;" /></a> <br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2nlN-2Aiotbcl88BwEGAwULgeVQ0anowNXsqhh0bWE-ucJFln5xCzqyBVJTvJBLrtb8L46pad1Cw94iQBd9Kdnhy0IaA6XtjJFXDOPNDxjjBB4Wjb3RPxWugtH-Y3AJKWy4DVFQRNkRU/s1600-h/dining3.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357013664000207618" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2nlN-2Aiotbcl88BwEGAwULgeVQ0anowNXsqhh0bWE-ucJFln5xCzqyBVJTvJBLrtb8L46pad1Cw94iQBd9Kdnhy0IaA6XtjJFXDOPNDxjjBB4Wjb3RPxWugtH-Y3AJKWy4DVFQRNkRU/s320/dining3.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 382px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 496px;" /></a> As in the family/recreation room, Lisa will put family photos in frames on the mantel and empty spaces in the bookcase. </div><div>The feature wall of the dining room was a large empty space that we decided to fill with family photos. Lisa had an existing framed drawing of her family that we chose as the centerpiece. There will be family photos of her children & their families in the 8x10 frames along the sides and additional family photos to fill in the wall. Here you see it currently in process, and since the time of this photo I found a wooden sign to go above the large picture: <em>'Family: forever, for always, and no matter what' . </em>Lisa has promised to send me a photo when she gets the family pictures into the frames and the wall is finished. <br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg31WO16cWhPCjeLi8I52kilVgdUf9sMAdbmjvd-NI4acWI7Fi1DC9XnDy03d3FQYKGWOC4WRO2eYxneDrx3wzSZ7ta0xKpi9YK9T3XAqohBunA6N6B67Eg2UXglIpPuCrMqZrlgoKERCw/s1600-h/family+wall2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357013658026022306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg31WO16cWhPCjeLi8I52kilVgdUf9sMAdbmjvd-NI4acWI7Fi1DC9XnDy03d3FQYKGWOC4WRO2eYxneDrx3wzSZ7ta0xKpi9YK9T3XAqohBunA6N6B67Eg2UXglIpPuCrMqZrlgoKERCw/s320/family+wall2.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 380px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 443px;" /></a> Lisa, you were a delight to work with and I hope you enjoy your beautiful new rooms. <br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh35WQwPBW57K92l03eauXEJUgbipFCtUI6MwEIvxYfd_SKNDafRnyIF9WPo0MA-PzJRrT0EBqWaaCd2_veMHGcIbW0mgyoPDHj8iZM4dPQwnc4XNQS0U6M99zST533C7db8S8gzGXrw_I/s1600-h/family+wall1.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357013653847511250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh35WQwPBW57K92l03eauXEJUgbipFCtUI6MwEIvxYfd_SKNDafRnyIF9WPo0MA-PzJRrT0EBqWaaCd2_veMHGcIbW0mgyoPDHj8iZM4dPQwnc4XNQS0U6M99zST533C7db8S8gzGXrw_I/s320/family+wall1.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 463px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 463px;" /></a> Please leave your comments or questions below. I'm always so happy to read them!</div><div>Best wishes,</div><div></div><div>Claudine</div><div><div><em>( to leave a comment, click on the word 'comments' and type in your response).</em></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>

HOME DECOR: The Power of Accessories

When I met with Lisa for the first time, she informed me she had fired her decorator over a dispute on workmanship on their remodel and now ...

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