Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Paula's Cottage Gardens


 My girls only weekend was wonderful...
 despite the overcast and rainy weather.
I arrived late Friday afternoon at Paula's charming farmhouse
and was delighted to see her and be able to spend time together.


I was anxious to get outside and take pictures of the garden...
but the rain poured down.


Saturday morning...we awoke to no power and more rain.
Looking out the window to the back yard...
...I thought picture taking of the garden
 was going to be a total washout.


But then... a bit of blue sky appeared
 and I was able to take a few photos to share.





If you have followed 52 FLEA for a while....
you may remember when Paula found this "umbrella" 
at the Madison Bouckville show.
Last year she had mason jar holders hanging from it
 with candles inside the jars...
...it made for a romantic and charming canopy.








The rain beat down many of her beautiful blossoms...
...but these pink peonies persisted.


 



Her hydrangeas, which border the entire home and picket fence
 are laden with blossoms this year.
It will be absolutely gorgeous when they all bloom!










Do you see the Giant Solomon Seal to the right of the bird bath?
We each bought several about ten years ago at the Trade Secrets garden show which was held at Bunny William's beautiful home.
 (remember An Affair With A House?...yes, that house!)











The very cozy and romantic Bird's Nest Inn...
...in a back corner of the property.


 Saturday we made our way to Stony Creek, CT.
 to visit Michele's shop Taken For Granite.
So....tomorrow I will share photos from that fun expedition.
You won't believe what we bought!
:)

P.S. We will get back to the inside of Paula's farmhouse later on in the week!
Hope you enjoyed the rather wet and cloudy day photos of the outside!


40 comments:

Carolyn said...

Wow! Paula has some very unique pieces in her lovely garden. The house looks very interesting to-must have been fun!

Carolyn

Jacqueline~Cabin and Cottage said...

Paula's grounds are truly enchanting. Like in a storybook. And your photos are exquisite. I'm so glad the heavens opened for you!

www.MaisonStGermain.com said...

OH Laura you have no idea how much I love when you visit Paula and show us pictures of it!!!!! She is so talented! Can't wait to see more of the inside and what you bought:)
~Debra xxx

Capers of the vintage vixens

Blondie's Journal said...

You really took some beautiful pictures of Paula's garden. It's lovely! I'm looking forward to pictures inside her home!

XO,
Jane

mary pernula said...

Thanks for sharing the beautiful garden, love Paula's climbing hydrenga.......looking forward to seeing more inside the house. Hugs Mary

Susan Freeman said...

Wow ~ what a totally charming garden! I would never want to leave.

Hugs,
Susan and Bentley

Andy's Attic said...

Paula has beautiful grounds around her home. Love the whimsey she includes with all the beauty. Anxious to see the inside...
Annette :>)

Homeroad said...

Oh my goodness! That is a beautiful yard!! I love all the birdhouses and that umbrella is awesome!
Susan
Homeroad

Linda said...

I want more!!!
What a fabulous tour guide you are..
You must have had a wonderful time..
You are very lucky...indeed...

Cheers!
Linda :o)

Susie~From My Home To Yours said...

You've done it again.....captured Paula's enchanted gardens, and leaving us longing for more! I may not be able to sleep until I've seen it all...
xxoo,
Susie

*Ulrike* said...

Paula has a beautiful place! I would have been outside too as soon as the rain stopped. I am going to have to look up Stony Creek as we may be up in CT this summer, and I would love to find a neat shop.

Beulah Bee said...

That teeny tiny table and chairs set made me squeal like a little girl, this house is like something from a fairy tale...WOW!

Vickie @ Ranger 911 said...

Truly an enchanted garden. Thanks for the garden tour!

Margaret said...

What an enchanting house and garden, you have some beautiful home styles in the USA, don't see that much in Australia where new houses are usually in the 'ultra-modern' style which I personally don't think has much character. You have taken some fabulous shots, thank you for sharing.

Chrissy...The Apothecary Shop said...

Rain or no rain those photos are lovely...glad you had a good time...could use a weekend like that myself! x0

Fresh Vanilla For C said...

What beautiful garden, rain or shine..It really seems like a magical place.LOVE the table and chairs in the birdbath. So sweet:)
Have a great night
~Cheryl

Muffy's Marks said...

Wow, Paula has such a interesting garden. I love all the enhancements. Looks like a lifetime of collecting.

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful garden! Love all the plants and pretties showing off! :)
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Susan @ The Collected Cottage said...

Laura, such gorgeous garden pics, glad the rain stopped. Can't wait to see what you got in Stoney Creek.....I just started following you and wanted to let you know I grew up in Madison...Branford, Stoney Creek, Guilford..all my old stomping grounds. Glad to see you love it as much as I do! Have fun!

Anonymous said...

Paula has a very enchanting cottage and garden. It is gorgeous! I'm so sorry it was rainy but I'm sure the garden appreciated the good drink of water. :)

Anonymous said...

Hi Laura,
What a beautifully stunning garden!!~
I could get lost in her garden for days:)
It sounds like you had a wonderful time even with the rain.
And I love the Dragonfly photo!
Thanks so much for sharing your beautiful photos.
Sincerely,
Melinda

Rustique Gal said...

What a gorgeous place! I love the whole yard. The house looks adorable too. It's been rainy here too. Have to take the pictures when we can!
Hugs,
Sherry

oldgreymare said...

Just beautiful..what a gardener!
next please?
xx
z

The Blue Farmhouse said...

I love the photos...especially white arbor covered in flower...a get away with girlfriends must have seemed like a bit of heaven in that garden!

W. theAntiquesLovers said...

Just love it!!!! wow amazing garden!! love every corner and every bird house!! what about the Bird nest inn?? is a summer house??? really nice Laura!! those pics made me dreams...

sharon santoni at my french country home said...

What a beautiful home and garden your friend has! and how kind of her to let you show us. I love the way she has created so many places to sit and enjoy around the garden
xx

Dorthe said...

What a beautiful tour to Paula`s garden what a most wonderful garden, and what stunning photoes ,Laura.
Must be fantastic actually walking there for real!
Hugs,Dorthe

jeanne@juNxtaposition said...

thanks for the tour..you gave me so many ideas..i better get crackin" !

found and sewn said...

Beautiful photos of the garden! I really love the little white bird houses.

Ariadne said...

It's gorgeous!Thanks for sharing!AriadnefromGreece!

Bleudelavande said...

Fortunately the rain stopped, so now you can share these wonderful pictures of this amazing garden!!!!!I love love all those pictures!!!!!
I'm so glad that you have had a great time in your girls only weekend.
Hugs

Simple Pleasure said...

I'm packing my bags...
Busy Hands...Happy Heart
Patricia

Regina said...

thanks for a beautiful garden tour, I loved everything :) Can't wait to see the inside of her home. Thanks for sharing, I love your blog.
Regina

Velvet and Linen said...

Paula has created so many memorable moments in her garden.

I think I will be visiting this post quite often. Who wouldn't want to spend more time relaxing in this gorgeous garden?

xo
Brooke

Woodside Park said...

Hi Laura - I love all of Paula's garden ornaments and plants! Just fabulous!! And, what a peaceful and magical setting. The cottage is very charming. Thank you for all the photos. Sorry to hear about the power outage :(
Cheers,
Loi

Bloemerig Bloemen Blog / Marieke Nolsen said...

Wat een mooie foto's uit deze tuin.De lichtgele digitalis vind ik helemaal schitterend.

Groet,

Marieke.

The Art of Vintique said...

Well,I'm bursting with inspiration from this phenomenal garden. What a gem. Living in England one gets used to rain; it brings with it incomparable lushness and beauty.

Carole said...

Picture perfect even in the rain! Hope all went well with the new purchases!
x
Carole

Nella Miller said...

Hi Laura, I too really loved all the surprise elements of Paula's garden...so interesting and personal, really what a garden, like a home, should be. Thank you for taking me on this special garden tour....just lovely and charming. N.xo

Sandi~A Cottage Muse said...

Paula has created such beautiful spaces ~ thanks for sharing Laura!