Thursday, June 18, 2015

Garden Party


 When Brenda of Cozy Little House invited me to join her 
Summer Cottage Garden Party, I was excited for several reasons.


First was to be joining some of my favorite bloggers who boast of beautiful homes and gardens.


But more important for me, was the motivation to get my garden in order.


The lyrics to Ricky Nelson's Garden Party (I grew up with Ozzie and Harriet) came to mind.


The line that I always liked best is,


"You see ya, can't please everyone, so ya got to please yourself".


That line really resonated with me as I was planting flowers, weeding flower beds, moving furniture and fluffing the garden to please myself.


A major change in the garden this summer is new covers for the IKEA chaises.


I'm on a "use what you have" kick and remembered an old duvet cover with matching shams that were languishing in the window seat.


Essentially, I made tablecloths with ruffles that just drape over the chaises.


They can quickly be put on, whisked off and stored in my little Garden House every day.


Lulu thinks the chaises are for her and spends more time on the chaises than we do.


With the chaises ready for summer, the next step was to move a bench from the side of the garage to underneath a tree next to the fire pit.


I found another sham in the attic to use as a cushion for the bench.


The fit of the pillow is "close enough" and an old SUMMER banner finishes off the look.


On the trip to the attic, I also unearthed the yellow pillows that used to be on our sofa and brought them down for the adirondack chairs.


 I came across a scarf my mother brought me from a visit to relatives in Norway.


 The scarf works well as a tablecloth and I smile when I look at it wishing that my mother could be here sitting in the garden having a cup of tea and reading - she was never without a book.


It has been 14 years since my mother passed away (she would have been 101 last Sunday), but I still remember the last time she visited me -she sat in the garden and chatted with me while I planted flowers.


The rest of my preparation for the Garden Party was weeding, planting, trimming and adding little touches.


A little red, white & blue on my vintage window,


 and a patriotic display on the porch


will remain through Labor Day.


Everything I did was to please myself


and of course Steve, who likes to see his quiver of old boards in the garden.


I only wish that all of you could actually drop by today and visit me in the garden.


Don't forget to visit the other ladies participating in the Summer Cottage Garden Party.


Brenda of Cozy Little House

Jennifer of The Cottage Nest

Kris of Junk Chic Cottage


75 comments:

  1. Carol, you know I love your gardens! I agree with your attitude about doing it for you and not to please others. My life motto! If I were visiting you today I would totally fight Lulu for that spot! Heaven!

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  2. It's beautiful, Carol. I love the covers you made for the idea chairs, and I love how LuLu has decided they are for her. And most of all, the book and gardening shed that your husband had made for you is so unique and darling! xoxo Su

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  3. What an enchanting spot near the ocean. It's beautiful and reflects your personality (remember the crayon box...) and what I would give to have that little cottage by the water. You have done wonders with it. And Lulu completes the scenario as the official spoiled Blog Dog. What a wonderful memory of your mother. I know you cherish it.
    Brenda

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  4. Oh, and the collage you created: magnificent!
    Brenda

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  5. Oh Carol I am swooning over your garden pics. So much sweet color and those ikea loungers are so wonderful. I know you sewed the covers and they look awesome. Little LuLu on the chaise is too adorable. Tell her to move over I am coming lay out there too!
    Kris

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  6. I love all the personal touches you put in your garden and the blend of color is amazing! Miss Lulu cracks me up with her feet crossed--a pin up girl, for sure! :-)

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  7. Well I wish I could visit you and your garden. It's such a colorful happy place. If I ever get to the west coast, I will find you...oh wait, and I will most definitely bring my camera and maybe an east coast flower. Hmmmm, I'll have to think about what that would be. Happy Weekend, Carol!

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  8. Your gardens and home are so beautiful. Maybe one day I'll be out your way and we can sit and chat out there. As a color girl myself I so love all your color! It's been raining nonstop here with no sun so nothing's popping yet! I'd love the chaise lounge covers and if you wouldn't mind when I stop over I wouldn't use the one Lulu has claimed her own. I love how the garden sparks memories of times with you Mom. I love that song by Ricky Nelson, Garden Party, and he's right you've got to please yourself! It's why stopped doing garden tours and contest, I want it to be about beauty and not what other's think.

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  9. What a great tour!!! I love your style, it is happy, carefree and colorful.

    I love that line from the song too.

    Thank you ~ FlowerLady

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  10. Your garden is so colorful, Carol. I love peeking around, there's always a new treasure to seek out. Your covers look fabulous and that pup looks perfectly comfortable on them! ;)

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  11. Your garden pleases me, thats for sure!! Lovely Lulu looks so regal with her crossed paws...

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  12. When I saw you were on the lineup, I couldn't wait for my virtual visit. Your 'new' chaise covers look great, and Lulu cracked me up, especially the 2nd photo where she looks like she's posing for her pinup calendar, lol. Love the bench with the summer banner, and the blues/yellows of the Adirondacks, pillows and the scarf as tablecloth. I also was very curious how your garden would look with the CA drought, and I think it looks amazing. You're managing very well with your water conservation. Just think, you're one step closer to wedding guests and your house/garden being ready. Great job, Carol!

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  13. I've been making the rounds to all of these gardens and my feet are getting tired. MOVE OVER, LULU...I want to sit down; but I'll pet you while I do :)

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  14. Your house and garden are the cutest!!

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  15. Good morning, Carol :)

    I could spend hours out there in your beautiful garden, with sweet Lulu. Have I mentioned that my brother had a great dane with the same name? I loved that dog and I know I would love your baby too :)

    I think everyone should have a home and garden that is completely them and I love your personality showing through with every picture you take. The new chaise covers are absolutely adorable. I think I need something like that on my back patio, but first I need to get chaises lol

    Oh and I LOVE that song :)

    xoxo,
    rue

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  16. You know I LOVE your garden! Your pops of color and sweet treasures always put a smile on my face. Thanks for sharing your garden and your memories of your mom.

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  17. Your garden is perfect, Carol! Pretty, bright and the splashes of color are not overwhelming. Your white home with the blue trim is so charming as a backdrop for the stone patio and chaises. I can see why Lulu loves her time outdoors. You've really done a beautiful job--and the icing on the cake is that you are just a walk from the beach!!! Yay!

    I'm so sorry I mistakenly didn't include you in my post as one of the party guests. I've corrected that.

    Jane x

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  18. Sweet Carol, I wish that we could all be gathered in your lovely garden, too. Wouldn't it be fun! I think that Lulu has the right idea, she looks quite contented there, taking time to smell the roses. Ricky Nelson, too! Pleasing yourself can be a rewarding pleasure that we often forget to do. I do have a question for you. I love your summer banner; do you mind if I copy your idea? I'll be watching for your answer . . . would never do it without asking.
    Have a wonderful day.
    Connie :)

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  19. Hi Carol, love your gardens and every gorgeous touch you add. It's so charming and the perfect piece of paradise. I always loved that song sung my Rick Nelson. Love that line as well.
    Thanks for the great tour. Hugs, cm

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  20. Such a charming garden....how cute is Lulu!? Thank you for sharing! :)

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  21. Carol, your garden is stunning. I love it all and your mom would be so proud of you and your garden. That Lulu, what a little ham, the pictures of her are so darling. You really have a eye for decorating the garden.
    One of these days when I am on my way to San Jose will email you that I am whizzing by and can I stop to see your lovely garden.
    Have a wonderful weekend.
    Mary

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  22. Hi Carol, I love your charming house and garden! You did a great job with it and looks like a fun place to relax and enjoy! Thanks for sharing the lovely photos with us.

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  23. I think our gardens should be a reflection of ourselves! Yours is beautiful and I too wish I could sit there with you for a chat!
    hugs,
    Linda

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  24. Lulu is hilarious! Love those shots!!! You know how much I love your garden. Thank you for the lovely tour!

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  25. I admire your beautiful garden, and love your memory of the last visit with your mom. Your new covers are adorable. Just the most welcoming space. Lulu looks like she's where she belongs!

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  26. I wish I could stop by. It's so beautiful and cozy. What a great place you have.

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  27. I love all this eye-candy and inspiration !

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  28. Love it Carol! You have so been holding out on us as your garden is absolutely incredible! The blooms you have cascading over the fence and all of your intimate vignettes are just exquisite! Enjoy the party my friend! Nicole xoxo

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  29. Love your garden. It looks like such a lovely place to linger and read a book or drink some tea.

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    1. I love to read in the garden and now I actually have the time to do so.

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    2. I love to read in the garden and now I actually have the time to do so.

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  30. Carol,
    ... So Ya got to please yourself, no truer words to live by because when you please yourself your joy reflects onto others.
    Oh Carol thanks for making "Garden Party" by Rickie Nelson get stuck in my head, lol. I also love Rickie Nelson's "Travelin' Man".
    I adore your cheery cottage garden, your garden shed, your fearless expression of color that delights the eyes your pretty flower planting your creative signs ... WELL I love everything about your sea side cottage and garden. Love you put the book on the table and shared about your Mom. My Mom passed June 8th 5 years ago and everytime I see a garden bed like she would work on, dead heading, watering, feeding I think of her. I guess you can say her love of flowers would bloom when the last snow fall left and Early Spring flowers would bring the promise of sunshine and warm days with its profusion of flowers.
    You nurture your garden well and create beautiful little spots, but I must say my favorite thing in this post today is LuLu who looks like she has grown and I love her new hair trim. Much cooler for the warm days.
    Carol thanks for always making me smile with a visit here.
    xoxo,
    Vera

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  31. Oh my goodness, Carol, it is just gorgeous! I have little sitting places around my garden but never seem to have time to do any sitting out there - LOL! That song is stuck in my head now...8+)

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  32. Carol, everything this just so beautiful! I love the way everything is laid out -- such a wonderful place to relax and enjoy the day! I especially love the quiver of surfboards!! :-) What a great addition!

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  33. I love the way you think!
    ...can't please everyone, ya got to please yourself!
    Your garden is YOU all over Carol! so comfortable.

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  34. É um privilégio abrir a janela e vê um lindo jardim, o seu jardim é um encanto e confortável !

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  35. I love your gardens Carol! It's such a beautifully relaxing place! Love the surf boards too! Because you fluffed it for yourself, I KNOW you will be enjoying it in the days and weeks ahead! Just lovely! Blessings, Cindy

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  36. You've really got your outdoor living room looking great Carol. I really like how you decided to use what you have, such a smart way to decorate and the repurposed duvet adds so much charm. Lulu looks VERY comfortable hahaha...By the way that line from Garden Party is my favorite too!
    I love that song. :)
    Leslie

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    1. I didn't know if everyone would know who Ricky Nelson is because some of my readers, like you, are so much younger.

      I loved that duvet, but Steve thought it was too feminine for his bedroom. He actually likes the chaises though.

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  37. I love your home and gardens. The red door is wonderful. The surf boards perfect. I truly am sorry that I cannot visit more but the line green of your background is cery difficult for me. I had a concussion a few years ago that has left me difficulty with certain things like lights and bright colors, etc. so glad that I now can see your loveliness on IG.

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  38. Oh so beautiful. I hope one day our garden in Greece looks much like this - in a Greek-sort-of-way of course! Loved this post and loved the tour!!!! Hugs, Jackie

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  39. Hi Carol
    Your Garden is just magical and full of color. I love that LuLu has her paws crossed on the lounge, how funny is that. The Chaise Lounges are so pretty, love the material. Love the surf boards and I love that your Memories of your sweet Mom are with you in the garden, love that!!!
    deezie

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  40. Oh Carol,

    I just flew in yesterday and my husband and I had grand plans to get up this morning to walk at the lake. NO WAY! I slept in until 5:30 and he is still asleep! I think I shall announce that today, we are NOT walking! I have lost at least 5 lbs by the extra hard workout on the sand and climbing the high dunes!

    Carol, your garden and philosophy is so right with me; we have to garden to please ourselves. We can never satisfy everyone, we could never plant so many plants! But a tidy and well-kept garden shows care and love, and it beams out to us. I love your space, and in fact, part of my already fond memories of Carmel are with YOU and your shares and comments on Instagram. Thank you for even being there for me.

    Enjoy that sea breeze; I have it fresh in my mind and heart. HAVE FUN! Anita

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  41. OH! And that Miss LULU......she is a crack-up! That is HER CHAISE! teeeheheee

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  42. Oh goodness- everything looks bright and cheery in your charming garden - love all of your new touches and Lulu's special chaise cushions add the perfect touch - Steve's surf boards are a reminder that your live in a delightful beach cottage and your beautiful garden reflects your love for gardening, art and sand. Erin

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  43. Oh Carol, your garden is a favorite of mine! It is so whimsical and charming and beckons one to come and enjoy the day...week...
    You have created such gorgeous outdoor spaces around your cottage. I have garden envy every time I visit!!
    Mary Alice

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  44. Oh goodness- everything looks bright and cheery in your charming garden - love all of your new touches and Lulu's special chaise cushions add the perfect touch - Steve's surf boards are a reminder that your live in a delightful beach cottage and your beautiful garden reflects your love for gardening, art and sand. Erin

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  45. How much fun! Lulu looks like a princess on the chaise. I love the covers! Your garden is so inspiring. I know your family and friends love it there!

    xo,
    RJ

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  46. I just love all the color in your house and garden. Lulu is the cutest!

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  47. Your garden area around your house is just beautiful! I love the way you dressed your chaises and Lulu is adorable. I love how cute your house is. It truly is a beach cottage.

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  48. Wish I could drop by, too. This garden and the blue window frames are sooo appealing. Lovely, really lovely. Jo @ Let's Face the Music

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  49. Gorgeous inspiration-you know your garden space is so therapeutic as well, I feel as though I have been to the spa!
    Jemma

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  50. Carol, Kris and Blondie are two of my favorites that I follow. I will say your gardens are as sweet as your home. That is one long legged doggie. :):) Blessings, xoxo,Susie

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  51. You know that I would love to drop by and visit you in your beautiful garden! Love the covers you made for the chaise lounges; very clever. The scarf from your mother is so beautiful and of course, you will remember your mom and hopefully smile, every time you look at that table. The collection of surf boards against the fence is just perfect. I showed your post to my hubby (he knows who you are; I talk about some of my blogging friends to him) and he loved the surf boards, too. And then that photo of Lulu on the lounge chair...absolutely precious. You can tell she's looking like she owns the place!

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  52. Your hard work really shows in every inch of space. A few things of note: Your LuLu and how she actually posed! The pretty lounge covers and scarf cover. The fact that you said Hello to Mary Lou...that's me! The warmth and welcome that is felt from your pictures...I really would love to come and sit and sip tea with you. I wish you all the best with the wedding preparations, for now, relax and enjoy your efforts. I'm loving your blog and thanks for the links.

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  53. Well I know what I'm going to be doing this evening. Thanks for sharing your beautiful garden party with us. It all looks so pretty! Happy Summer to you!

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  54. I've been spending a lot of time in my own garden, very therapeutic isn't it (apart from when the snails eat my petunias), but it'll be a while before mine looks as pretty as yours, what a great place to while away the hours.

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  55. Lovely! Very sweet to add the story about your mom! xx oo
    LuLu, yippee, she is the garden too. :-))
    Carla

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  56. Carol! Your pictures are getting quite magical! The depth is beautiful. I love the slip covers for the chaises. I'm so ashamed, I've gotten absolutely nothing done in my gardens except pulling up damn elm trees. I actually still have my halloween pumpkin on my back porch. Your garden looks wedding ready!

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  57. Carol, it would be a dream to sit in your garden and enjoy a pleasant afternoon together. It looks like the perfect retreat. I love the scarf from your mom. It reminds me of the pretty French provencal textiles. Thanks for the visit.

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  58. It's si inviting! I wish I could visit.

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  59. Your garden is beautiful! It's so colourful. I love all the little seating areas, it's so inviting. I wish I could pop around too!

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  60. To lounge and linger by the sea, in your own little oasis by the sea, surrounded by your pretty primaries, would be idyllic!

    Poppy

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  61. So lovely!! We decorate in surfboards around here too. Is the surf good in your neck of the woods? My husband still surfs and is looking for a good retirement spot near the ocean :)

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  62. I always enjoy seeing more of your home. It's such a perfect beach cottage. Enjoy your week my friend. Hugs, Diane

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  63. So in love with your charming garden, and the chaise covers are gorgeous!!!!!!

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  64. Oh Carol,
    Your garden is absolutely charming. So many sweet touches. Love, love, love the lounge chair covers. Lulu is such a cutie. Thanks for sharing your garden with us.

    Hugs,
    ❤️Ana

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  65. Carol, I'm in love with your beautiful Beach cottage. I would love to sit and have a cup of tea with you and Lulu. You have created a wonderful relaxing garden. Thank you so much for sharing!!
    Hugs,
    Jody

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  66. Absolutely gorgeous. I love your garden. You have a beautiful place. I want to come and sit in your garden. Darn, I live a long ways away in the mountains of Utah. BooHoo! Every little detail is delightful in your garden. I enjoy visiting your blog almost every day. But I don't comment. I enjoy seeing all the pretty cottage things you have. Thanks for sharing your garden. I enjoyed the tour so much. Hugs, Karie

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  67. It was so nice spending some time in your garden! I really enjoyed the chaises with the ruffles and a nice view on your garden and cottage. Please tell Lulu she has gorgeous legs!

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  68. Oh Carol, your garden is just beautiful! I could spend hours out there. Such lovely pops of color and I adore your chaise lounges and their new (old) covers. Fabulous job! And what a special memory of your last visit with your Mom. I'm sure she's often in your thoughts in that peaceful haven.

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  69. Carol, your garden is always such a delight! I love the new chaises and the covers you made are darling. I could spend hours chatting with you as I'm sure everyone else could too. I always loved that garden party song and that was my favorite line as well. I totally understand what you are saying about your mother. I got my love of gardening from my sweet mother. I can't walk into my garden without thinking of her.
    hugs,
    Jann

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  70. I just love the photographs of your garden. I never miss any chance to pin the photographs of such beautiful gardens and other Boston venues. Thanks for giving us the opportunity to watch these stunning pictures.

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