Goodbye Summer Garden

This past weekend my husband and I said our final goodbyes to our summer garden. The last of the blooms are fading and many have died down. We took advantage of the great weather and got a head start on cleaning the yard before colder weather arrives.

We both enjoy gardening and really love doing it together. This year we had the challenge of dealing with lots of rabbits and squirrels, so needless to say we lost quite a bit of what we had planted. Regardless of our losses, it was lots of fun and so rewarding to see the beautiful blooms.

It was great being outside, chatting and getting things organized. I also had a chance to admire the remaining blooms and took several pictures. There are several new bulbs that will be planted in the coming weeks, and beautiful blooms to look forward to next year.

Have you said goodbye to your summer garden? Are you planting anything new this fall?

Lilies In Bloom

I really love gardening and I wish I had more time to cultivate my garden. There are several areas around my home, where I have planted flowers, herbs and vegetables. This year I have tried my hands at some new vegetables, most of which the rabbits enjoyed. However, the greatest joy comes from my flowers. I love looking at the flowers in the garden. I also love having a variety of flowers that I can use to make beautiful fresh flower arrangements for my home.

The lilies are one of my favourites and a must have in my garden. There are so many varieties of lilies to choose from and I will like to include some more varieties in my garden.  I have been doing some research, but have not decided which ones I will plant.

The stunning blooms range in size and have an amazing scent. The blooms last a really long time and the plant is easy to care for. I do not have a large collection of lilies, but the ones that I do have are a beautiful addition to my walkway. They are eye catching and welcome my guest with their amazing aroma.

What is your favourite garden flower?

Sweet Roses

Last year I planted these great little roses in my garden. I did not do a great job of taking care of them through the winter, but they survived. They have bloomed so beautifully and their colours are so vivid.

I fondly remember my grandfather's roses and I hope some day for my garden to be furnished with such beauty. I will like to add some other types of roses to my garden this fall. I love to bring fresh flowers into my workspace. Flowers energize me and can also serve as inspiration.

Just wanted to share. I hope you enjoy.

All images were photographed and provided by Yvette-Michelle Cottle Darby | Crafted Spaces

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Updated 12/12/13

Victory Rose

I got a great little Yellow Victory Rose today and I hope to add it to my garden in the next couple of weeks. I have been enjoying the fragrance and blooms in my studio. This great little tea rose was available at the grocery store and is a great winter hardy plant. They can survive bitter cold or the burning hot summer heat and are strong against most common rose pest. I look forward to adding my new little yellow rose to my garden and I hope to see it in full bloom next spring.

Green Thumb

Your creative or crafted space can be your attic, a room, a corner of your basement or garage. It can also be a closet or a desk in your bedroom. Today I will like to share a herbal container garden that will add a special touch to my outdoor creative space.

Perhaps you gain some of your inspiration from nature. Finding time to garden can enhance your outdoor space and fuel your creativity for other projects. My garden is an extension of my design studio and I do many of my projects there. This herbal container garden is a new addition to my outdoor creative space. If you have never done a container garden, perhaps this simple herbal container garden project will inspire you.

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Steps to creating your own!

1. Select your container and gather your supplies, including: small stones, soil, manure, hand tools, and plants

2. Place small stones at the bottom of the container to assist with drainage of water

3. Fill your container with soil leaving several inches from the top

4. Incorporate some manure into your soil. I have mixed in several scoops of sheep manure

5. Select your plants and position where desired, leaving several inches between each plant

6. Firmly press around the base of each plant with your hand and label your plants were possible

7. Water and ENJOY!!!