New England Saltbox shows its patriotism

We visited the gardens at this absolutely stunning New England Saltbox home that is right here in good ol' Iowa! A grand old flag stands at attention over the doorway. The door is painted black and has a transom window above it.

Isn't she a beauty?!

A rustic bench holds a weathered red basket filled with herbs & salvia. I love the old stoneware jug nestled back in the corner of the basement cellar doors. What an unexpected treat in the corner. It's all about the details people. Another flag stands guard at the back of the house.

Grapevine is rambling along the weathered grey picket fence. Oh the seasonal possibilities of decorating this fence...bittersweet, pumpkins & pinceones for fall; evergreens in the winter with dried queen anne's lace sprayed white and sprinkled with a dose of sparkly glitter for a freshly snowflake effect. YES I know it's only June but a girl can dream can't she?!

Outdoor Wednesday Our Side Garden

Join the party by clicking on the photo or link above...Have fun and enjoy!

This is a photo from last summer in our side yard. I used wrought iron stepping stones to lead you into the garden. We visited a local rock quarry to find stones to edge all of our flower beds....lots of hard work but well worth the effort!

Buzz Buzz

Thought I'd share some bee skep photos with you.

What is a bee skep you ask?

Well, let me tell you! It's a decorative garden object, conical in shape, usually made from braided straw. Once used to keep bees, they were discarded when hives that could be opened to harvest honey or care for the bees were developed, as the skep had to be destroyed to gather the honey. Also, it is now required that you be able to gain entrance to your hive for medication against mites, so skeps can no longer be used.

Garden tools on display!

Look how these garden tools are displayed. Very clever!

Garden displays

Use an old clothes drying rack to dry herbs or add color to your ceiling area. This drying rack was expanded out and hung from the ceiling with jute string. Then add florals, and garden lanterns for a pop of color to your ceiling area. Love the rustic drying rack, don't you?


Yellow looks fabulous when paired with red. Think red berries, cherries, apples, pears, geraniums, gerber daisies. Add in a rustic rooster for a great farmhouse feel.

Not sure if this is an old grocery cart or laundry cart but I LOVE it filled with red geraniums! Tuck in a few clay pots and old garden tools and place by your back door. In the fall fill with pumpkins, leaves, acorns and gourds. At Christmas time fill with evergreen branches and twig snowflakes.