Can you spot it??

I'm doing a "Where's Waldo" on you.....

After watering everything I took a walk out to inspect my Fairy Garden.

I found something there that I didn't put in!

This was the angle that caught my eye...

Hot!!

 Are you spotting it yet??

Bingo!!

My own toadstool!

Little stinker looked like one of the white rocks at a distance!

Nature is pretty sneaky don't you agree!

 

My Hosta Hill

We had a nice bit of rainfall two nights in a row. Everything looks so fresh so I went out early this morning to see how the plants are doing.

It looks like the wax begonias I used instead of the impatiens are going to work out just fine.  I gave each plant a boost of composted cow manure and a sprinkle of Osmocote fertilizer  when I planted them.  I hope they love it! 

This is a new plant I just added called Astrantia 

(Great Masterwort) 

Star of Fire

I put three plants in

this past week. 

The Siberian Iris opened up so as soon as the sun was on them I snapped a few shots.

This is the first year the Sum and Substance hosta (left side) has looked so grand.  I know it will become even larger as time goes on.  They claim they will get 30" tall and anywhere from 2 ft. to 6ft. wide.   I'm sure mine won't get that wide since our growing season is short.

To the back side of the hill is a hosta I've been patiently waiting to see it take off and show me it's stuff!  This is an Empress Wu hosta and they claim they will get to be up 4 ft. tall.

This is a new addition this year.  It's called the Wheee hosta.

I was drawn to it's curly edges.  I planted it in a location by itself so it could be shown off better.

It's been a cool spring and we just haven't had the warm temperatures that will get the annuals to start  filling out, but they are promising the heat is coming!

The hosta that primarily outline this area are called "Gold Standard".  They are very reliable and consistent. 

Here are some before and afters of the hosta hill.....

Before....

2010
This is a shot from a few years ago.  I removed the day lilies that are in the forefront because they were too tall and I wanted a little neater look.

2010

The overall look had become too mixed up and had a sloppy appearance.  I also raised the fairy on a pedestal to give her more presence.

2010

After......

I think the changes I made improved the

overall appearance.

2013

2013

If you'd like to read how some of this back yard area got started, please check out this link to my first post in 2010

Thank you as always for visiting!

I'm joining
Fishtail Cottage for
Garden Party #8

Tootsie Time for
Fertilizer Friday

Liz

Iris Rover...

The Iris are in bloom here and I've been roving around taking pictures both at my home and at a local place that specializes in Iris.

These tall purple ones have been with me for years. They are ready to be split up again. 

 They were falling over and laying on the driveway so I had to give them some help with some stakes.

 Before the opened I caught this picture ...it 
looks like satin!

These Orange Harvest Iris look great this year.  

I lucked out with a few good shots-

I forgot I had my camera set on "aperture priority" 

which in this case made for an interesting shot!

This is my favorite one!

Our trip out to The Iris Farm was enjoyable

I felt lucky to get the pictures I did because I used my iPhone and the sun was so bright I couldn't make out the screen, so I was really shooting blindly!

So many to chose from, hard to make a decision! 

 It was a beautifully clear bright sunny day, 
low humidity, moderate temperatures.  

Mind boggling!

Back home, my Siberian Iris are about ready 
to open too!  
Look at the size of that Sum and Substance hosta to the left of the fairy.  It's really taken off this year! The Great Expectations Hosta is just left of it and there is a pair of Hanky Panky Hosta's in front of her. Those are Bright Lights, hosta on the right side.

So that my Iris roving tour!

 Have a happy Sunday and a great week!

Liz

No. 1- Wire Basket

First I'd like to ask a big question or two!  

Why are the French related decorated items frequently given a number?  What is the premise for this?  Do the French really decorate this way? 

Okay given that...

I found this wire basket with a No. 1 at Michael's earlier this year and have been trying to find a way to incorporate it into my decorating.

While it's been hanging around, the spool of burlap and the bag of potpourri ended up tossed in it.  It finally occurred to me that I could use these two items with the basket. 

My kitchen table is my work space for projects.  
I had a vision of using the burlap as a liner for the basket.  
I cut a small piece to line the bottom and then I started laying out the burlap along the sides.  I wanted to ruffle it a bit and it took me a bit to figure out how to get the look I wanted.

I hot glued it along the bottom in various spots, gathering the fabric in little bunches to help created the ruffling, or soft wave.


I decided the potpourri wasn't going to fill it well enough, so I tossed in some moss balls for filler.

This Fresh Hydrangea is rich in smell and it has an interesting array of elements in it.

It came with two bags separating things and a few loose items.

After playing with it a bit I felt I achieved the look I wanted.  I even tucked in the ribbon that tied the bag.  

A side perspective

I played with it on the kitchen table and created  a  quick vignette.
Ultimately though I knew I'd have to move it. 

I moved it to the burlap covered table.  

I took away the riser under the pot....

I even tried it with the steeple shaped piece, but it doesn't work with the Tuscan lamp.  I like both Tuscan and Country French decorating, so I play around with blending the two together.

 Then I brought this plate out and set it on a clear acrylic stand on top of the architectural riser.

I'm never alone...my cats are always close by watching and Riley decided he wanted to get up closer to what I was doing!  

 So for today this is where it's at!

You know me, it will probably change again soon!
I like my trinket box that usually sets there

 and I will probably have to move it back!

The wire basket may head for my bathroom soon.
I think it has a good look for that room.

This spot on the back of the commode is the only place I can put it, but I'd have to give up my other pretties there so I'm just not sure yet!!

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions!
 ~~~~~
 Update Saturday

I'm going to give it a whirl here for a while!

I'm joining the following parties:

Between Naps on the Porch
Metamorphosis Monday 

Our Home Away from Home
Tuesdays at our Home

Kathe with and E
Your'e Gonna Love It

Ivy and Elephants
What's It Wednesday

A Delightsome Life
Home and Garden Thursday