Saturday, June 12, 2010

An Evening in an English Garden (in Canada)

Today is a dreary raining day here in Ontario, but last weekend when it was gorgeous out, we took a drive through London, Ontario after the car show.

Driving in the '67 Camaro, with the windows down. Pure bliss.

Speeding down all these country roads makes me homesick. Sometimes city living just doesn't cut it.

I've never been to London, Ontario before and I was surprised at how many big beautiful houses were around. I'm not crazy about that big front window, but I love the little porch on the side (and the flowerbeds, of course).

A simple and inviting porch.

Then we got to my mother's friend's house and I fell in love with her place instantly. The big sun room made me crave a nice book and a big glass of ice cold lemonade.

But then I walked into the backyard and it was beautiful and wild and reminded me of England (which makes sense considering that this woman is from England).

The smell was intoxicating. And then I tried one of the strawberries in the garden and just about died. I forgot how amazing fresh Ontario strawberries are. The little girl in me just wanted to sit in the garden and feast like we used to do by my grandfather's raspberry bushes. We'd come back with fingers and mouths dyed red...tell tale signs of berry theft.

I yearn for a beautiful spring garden of my own.

But the wild daisies really did me in. I'm a sucker for daisies and would pick them over roses any day.



Her garden is full of hidden eclectic little ornaments, like this striking rust flower that was nestled in a little corner.

Or the metal heron by this pond full of little fishies.

Big gorgeous peony blooms.

Bold and luscious vegetation.

And more daisies :)

Like I said, I'm a sucker for daisies ;)

Friday, May 7, 2010

an afternoon at cheekwood

an afternoon at cheekwood
an afternoon at cheekwood
an afternoon at cheekwood
an afternoon at cheekwood
an afternoon at cheekwood

Floral Tiered Dress - Urban Outfitters
Denim Motorcycle Jacket - Forever21
Vintage Black Strap Wood Wedges - Crafty Crow Vintage

Yesterday, Neil and I made a trip to Cheekwood Botanical Gardens, a lovely estate in the Belle Meade area of Nashville. A grand home, an Impressionism art exhibit, and plenty of flowers and sun.

an afternoon at cheekwood
an afternoon at cheekwood
an afternoon at cheekwood
an afternoon at cheekwood
an afternoon at cheekwood
an afternoon at cheekwood
an afternoon at cheekwood

Both Cheekwood and the Frist Center have free admission thru today (the Frist til Sunday, actually) to give Nashville a break from flood thoughts, so if you're around the area, take advantage of it!

an afternoon at cheekwood