Paula's Cottage and Gardens in Early May

 Hello again!

Back from Florida with Dad...

...a few days home...before we head to the lake.

Here are a few more photos from my visit to Paula's last week.

Her cottage was fresh and as charming as always...

 and her early spring gardens were beautiful and promised a  spectacular show

 to come in just a few weeks.

Tiny Finch and Dove eggs came from Paula's sister Carol .

Paula's tiny kitchen is packed with charm

 and reflects her unique decorating style.

 I can attest to the fact that although small in size

 it has served up many delicious meals!

Outside the back door, one of her window boxes just planted with purple blossoms from our good friend Carole 

at Maynard Greenhouse in Old Saybrook.

I just love the texture and look of the patio

 with these tiny flowers, moss and lichen.

It is such a pretty time of year here in Paula's gardens 

with all the ferns and shade flowers just beginning to bloom.

Years ago, Paula and I both bought a few Giant Solomon Seal

 plants at a Trade Secrets Show.

Mine are still thriving at the lake in the Adirondacks...

and Paula's have multiplied and are stunning!

Her lilacs were just beginning to bloom.

The Bird's Nest Inn is stunning and deserves its very own post...

...to highlight the charm of this unexpected little get away!

So...stay tuned for lots more photos from Paula's home

 and my mini vacation in beautiful Connecticut.

Thank you for all your lovely comments.

I read and appreciate them so much!

:)

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!