Friday, June 22, 2012

Where I Go to Relax ~ Cottage Garden Party

Etsy Cottage Style is holding a blog party this week {called Flower Power} for anyone who wants to share their gardens or anything with a botanical theme. So, I decided to go all out and share my numerous garden areas and flowers, since they are my favorite places to go and relax and just enjoy nature at it's best. Some of the photos are older, as I don't have current takes on certain plants or of flowers that aren't currently in season. If there isn't a date on the photo, they are shots taken this year.(Some of the pictures are also marked "Christ in the Clouds", since I copied and re-posted them from my other blog.

 My favorite spot is the bridge/pond/waterfall garden

 This is the bridge my hubby built himself. For more pictures of this garden, go to my post, titled "Tea By the Pond."
 The upper pond has a mini-waterfall and spouting frog.
The lower pond has a fountain and several goldfish.(not in picture)
This is the rock waterfall that connects the upper and lower ponds, with the bridge crossing over it.
Blooming Spirea near the upper pond.
 In the back yard is my raised vegetable gardens. This year my vegetables aren't doing so well, due to a severe drought in our area. Last year's garden looked so much better, so I posted it.
This is the back of the house, next to our deck and vegetable garden.


 A view of the front of our house.(taken in the fall)
My hubby, sweeping the front porch/sidewalk (summer)
 A side view of our front yard, with many rocks and boulders.

Here are some of the beautiful flowers that have been blooming in my gardens ~

 Painted Daisies


 Snapdragons
Lilies
Roses and Iris
Cala Lily
 Hydrangeas and Daylilies
More Lilies and pink Petunias

Thanks for stopping by and taking a stroll through my gardens.
Have a Wonderful Summer!

Ann
“Better joy in a cottage than sorrow in a palace” Spanish Proverb
 Also linking up at these blog hops:

12 comments:

  1. Hello Ann,
    Your gardens are so lovely. Love the waterfall area, water always adds so much to a garden. Your husband did a wonderful job. You have a good selection of flowers blooming, love the cala lily. Thank you for visiting me, I also wanted to follow you but you don't have a google follow so will go to google +.
    Hugs...Lu

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    1. Hi Lu. So glad you made it over to my blog! I am sorry for the inconvenience of not having Friend Connect available when you were here, but I was having trouble getting the button on here. I tried again and finally think I got it on my sidebar. Hopefully when you stop back here again you will be able join and follow me there! Thanks again.
      Ann

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  2. Your flowers are just beautiful and was able to identify most of them (I'm not really a gardener!). Your outdoor spaces are so inviting. Thanks for visiting my blog!

    Robin
    Robin Flies South

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    1. Thank you, Robin! I know, there were a couple of flowers that the names of them just left me when I was posting this. There are so many out there! Nice to have gotten to know you a little bit!

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  3. Beautiful home and gardens, Ann! Isn't it so soothing to hear that water outside your windows? Can't imagine a home without a water feature! :)

    xoxo laurie

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    1. I know! I love to just go out and relax and listen to it! Thanks for stopping by!

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  4. Ann, your gardens are heavenly! I love the sound of running water. We have a pondless waterfall and I know how soothing that sound is. I know exactly why you love hanging out in your garden. Hubby did a great job on the bridge. Yours is a garden tha would make me want to linger. Thanks for sharing with Share Your Cup. I am now following you.
    Hugs,
    Jann

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    1. Oh, thank you, Jann. This garden area of mine is very peaceful and the sounds are relaxing!! I agree that the sound of a waterfall or fountain is mesmerizing. Thanks for following me, too!

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  5. Well, this is quite lovely! I am impressed with the bridge your husband made! Love the water features and of course - I love all the beautiful flowers - what a lovely garden to enjoy and relax in! I appreciate you sharing with Home and Garden Thursday,
    Kathy

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    1. So glad you enjoyed your stop here, Kathy! My husband is quite the craftsman (or I should say stone mason). The flowers have been quite colorful. But with all the heat and no rain, I'm afraid it may be short-lived. :( Anyways, have a great day!

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  6. You have a gorgeous house and garden! Thank you for joining me at Home Sweet Home!
    Sherry

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    1. Oh, thank you, Sherry! Thank you for hosting your party!! It's so much fun to meet so many home and garden people through it!

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