GARDENING: SO. CALIFORNIA ROSES AND BEGONIAS

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;"><strong>GARDEN BLISS</strong></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_aULSYabsd55vJ2q58y7-LtJJT3Hog9dM2WDOKh2CvscKHZLAHI1zIK3E61lV0TJQyflMMT6nnkKYxTm8Auz2w7yfezb2eQwrhBaP4N9foF7DuTxq6zwwN303xmTe5yBCn_SLbimk6yM/s1600/gertrude-jeckyll-rose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="542" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_aULSYabsd55vJ2q58y7-LtJJT3Hog9dM2WDOKh2CvscKHZLAHI1zIK3E61lV0TJQyflMMT6nnkKYxTm8Auz2w7yfezb2eQwrhBaP4N9foF7DuTxq6zwwN303xmTe5yBCn_SLbimk6yM/s640/gertrude-jeckyll-rose.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">DAVID AUSTIN ENGLISH ROSE - GERTRUDE JEKYLL</td></tr><br /></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The most rewarding part of creating the Garden Tour online this year has been the ability to include non-local gardens.  A virtual tour allows you to see gardens in Utah, Colorado, England and France, as well as the California gardens you will see today.  These photos from Shawna's garden in South Orange County, California, left me wanting to see more.  She has a definite eye with the camera!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;"><strong>SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA</strong></span></div><span style="font-size: large;">Shawna's Garden</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjonTz4VdY1tKmkkEYgzVErns74Dc6KDPe276ejghTKlZXnChwl6ZDNw1B4-pTPj3rbpw93PiIoh6d6f_bIdDy29_hOz60P8ljba3ECgitPyUa39gc6-lJ6P1uhm9glvtd-zIUh1cnfy1A/s1600/shaw1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjonTz4VdY1tKmkkEYgzVErns74Dc6KDPe276ejghTKlZXnChwl6ZDNw1B4-pTPj3rbpw93PiIoh6d6f_bIdDy29_hOz60P8ljba3ECgitPyUa39gc6-lJ6P1uhm9glvtd-zIUh1cnfy1A/s640/shaw1.JPG" width="428" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Structural plantings - Shawna's garden</td></tr><br /></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjmClOer8HGxEKC9p7YNoO5K6qPZOxX4qwuFuJRfE8V436NCKLBVskcn5xfzgKezL4I2HmaHpgQfkINX-UR9JRHUaySCWBZadO1Hd2oAiDNR8wUyughtvj-HvnE1QZav4uZruEzA-ElbQ/s1600/shaw2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjmClOer8HGxEKC9p7YNoO5K6qPZOxX4qwuFuJRfE8V436NCKLBVskcn5xfzgKezL4I2HmaHpgQfkINX-UR9JRHUaySCWBZadO1Hd2oAiDNR8wUyughtvj-HvnE1QZav4uZruEzA-ElbQ/s640/shaw2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">garden bell - Shawna's garden</td></tr><br /></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo7VC-Pb7W5WHJiizQ-YUTJ9Wo3Vu8dp-EI6kWodsGe87agAyGsvLn1reaxCrdNDs4r3E6b2gZOnyzvHAhc7JIfl60raC__01zMrOgPdUBjILf69_yltYJYSKn_NPG-kNntLksM8MskfQ/s1600/shaw3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo7VC-Pb7W5WHJiizQ-YUTJ9Wo3Vu8dp-EI6kWodsGe87agAyGsvLn1reaxCrdNDs4r3E6b2gZOnyzvHAhc7JIfl60raC__01zMrOgPdUBjILf69_yltYJYSKn_NPG-kNntLksM8MskfQ/s640/shaw3.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">fabulous climbing Eden roses - Shawna's garden</td></tr><br /></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX-0lL1VDx4JTx0qvQAQjwFMGUNioRjvCw9D8UbOHbKpceoQ9mf50mh_24p3xtVhWQaQQUkE0gGC-Ga6JokT7PIpehbljAzuPrPYP7AtRKFR1IsuoWLQrmiDQCcwnJ_YWgVG6qYPGGZXI/s1600/shaw4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX-0lL1VDx4JTx0qvQAQjwFMGUNioRjvCw9D8UbOHbKpceoQ9mf50mh_24p3xtVhWQaQQUkE0gGC-Ga6JokT7PIpehbljAzuPrPYP7AtRKFR1IsuoWLQrmiDQCcwnJ_YWgVG6qYPGGZXI/s640/shaw4.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">close up of Eden roses - Shawna's garden</td></tr><br /></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Not too far from Shawna's garden is our next garden</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Betty's garden is beautiful and organized</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">She is an avid gardener and a member of her local garden club</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;"><strong>Betty's Garden</strong></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsbBsvWTmS1kKXnf7vaDXcy9RVJqf2htakM96mO5GWxwPMhVh2urS0cLW5MFSjfRlMDMph92Q_-u4-mQ72z2aG8FlR_s5vtlGOfHSWBeJoWu3W5Yn711-H54COWT7PuOHIjCHVRNIEhcc/s1600/bettybirdofparadise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsbBsvWTmS1kKXnf7vaDXcy9RVJqf2htakM96mO5GWxwPMhVh2urS0cLW5MFSjfRlMDMph92Q_-u4-mQ72z2aG8FlR_s5vtlGOfHSWBeJoWu3W5Yn711-H54COWT7PuOHIjCHVRNIEhcc/s400/bettybirdofparadise.jpg" width="331" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Betty's garden - bird of paradise</td></tr><br /></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKsrrQ3Xc0vNlkGaJ-XKkjIThlnYUbOwGkXOwvhen6D52XDrFU3rrjrYYdGnxkc97CDs5AWVTokoPyDWexPErcZCb3zrNrC1qiioP-oBMfsQ9P9pk5l6kkf6mUBJGOI1WDFSUR_EGevNI/s1600/bettybouganvillea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKsrrQ3Xc0vNlkGaJ-XKkjIThlnYUbOwGkXOwvhen6D52XDrFU3rrjrYYdGnxkc97CDs5AWVTokoPyDWexPErcZCb3zrNrC1qiioP-oBMfsQ9P9pk5l6kkf6mUBJGOI1WDFSUR_EGevNI/s640/bettybouganvillea.jpg" width="492" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Betty's garden - bougainvillea</td></tr><br /></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaeilTooHFOBd87lH1gSj3rLd1QelTtwLQ1zJBLFFTPzGk085hVvsQtNqyxn8g2ZMcIVc4BB9Mw_uZ-Dq5M5qOQ7Fmb1PkFfNH35ty1Gb4-NP3r-E7gTPRCdSWasjNm-LAAS1row7akKs/s1600/bettybegoniabench.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaeilTooHFOBd87lH1gSj3rLd1QelTtwLQ1zJBLFFTPzGk085hVvsQtNqyxn8g2ZMcIVc4BB9Mw_uZ-Dq5M5qOQ7Fmb1PkFfNH35ty1Gb4-NP3r-E7gTPRCdSWasjNm-LAAS1row7akKs/s640/bettybegoniabench.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Betty's front walkway</td></tr><br /></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Betty's inviting front walkway includes this bench and pots of fern, ivy and begonias</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr-QiR8_hLJs9rmwnj-X2EcEOXDS9KTKdW2mtPmAaVHm880OGvPNO4nPrgflHPKIYlD074rbMElZAAOqo0409mWTSNSegPJxgAS2vScqp1Mbo0R-AknHT6CkSla-YPysSuVl24PsT44X4/s1600/bettycurlyivy2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="376" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr-QiR8_hLJs9rmwnj-X2EcEOXDS9KTKdW2mtPmAaVHm880OGvPNO4nPrgflHPKIYlD074rbMElZAAOqo0409mWTSNSegPJxgAS2vScqp1Mbo0R-AknHT6CkSla-YPysSuVl24PsT44X4/s640/bettycurlyivy2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">curly ivy</td></tr><br /></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">as well as wall mounted pots of this unique curly ivy.  Here is her commentary on her garden:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">. . .the curly ivy growing in the pots on the wall leading to the front door, all started from one tiny little plant obtained from the garden club some years back. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It loves this spot as well as in the shady area on the side of my house.</div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBnn4Mj-l5GZsUYA2ek6INniHVM79hS0JmjIO_J6EdYdh6jdZf3d4E8qWO4fHyG-vWPWcw_muahUGmKV1J4ofzhJlFWhnr1xzNZUoFv-HEBnDFbdFFl6XN2aWA0gSsR4g3DRxxwASvALg/s1600/bettyfern.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBnn4Mj-l5GZsUYA2ek6INniHVM79hS0JmjIO_J6EdYdh6jdZf3d4E8qWO4fHyG-vWPWcw_muahUGmKV1J4ofzhJlFWhnr1xzNZUoFv-HEBnDFbdFFl6XN2aWA0gSsR4g3DRxxwASvALg/s640/bettyfern.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">bettys garden pots</td></tr><br /></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The begonias are looking really good, in the front is a beautiful pink dragon wing variety, in the back are several pots filled with plain old begonias but they are spilling over the pots, there is also an angel wing variety that has beautiful pink blooms that was a gift from my garden club friend who started it from a cutting from her plant, almost forgot the beautiful red dragon wing begonia right outside the door that can be enjoyed from inside as well as out in the garden.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH5OWkv5oss1-94hAi0fUfZG1J2ibTc7t80Fis4jOfV0vYG16XkYqia0aCth3pTyYlt6Z0CcRj8A43BFUbfCX0jabKUDJwIMkdzSt776MmZXCGgNGmGAInzE1UDqX7rLwmMCpDJQnsh2E/s1600/bettygeranium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH5OWkv5oss1-94hAi0fUfZG1J2ibTc7t80Fis4jOfV0vYG16XkYqia0aCth3pTyYlt6Z0CcRj8A43BFUbfCX0jabKUDJwIMkdzSt776MmZXCGgNGmGAInzE1UDqX7rLwmMCpDJQnsh2E/s640/bettygeranium.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">assorted geraniums</td></tr><br /></tbody></table>The geraniums are really blooming this year. This is a grouping near the fire pit of pink ribbon, white and a beautiful dark lavender Martha Washington. There is a very pretty coral colored one tucked in our tree on the side of the house and others here and there along with two rose scented geraniums and one that is called Rose Geranium which blooms with pink clusters that look just like small roses.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQwclohhZ3EABGsupIa_r1Hh9H50fXT0MgvZcX8h7tlwD_a2J53VAX1MSvAip2w8KkK9LRl3oWv6F77XUo76sUcD3Xqz8-eM2nRTXS-mAnQwZElu0etqOsneVY2La0fPsM-qpCgTUu9_w/s1600/bettyfuscia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQwclohhZ3EABGsupIa_r1Hh9H50fXT0MgvZcX8h7tlwD_a2J53VAX1MSvAip2w8KkK9LRl3oWv6F77XUo76sUcD3Xqz8-eM2nRTXS-mAnQwZElu0etqOsneVY2La0fPsM-qpCgTUu9_w/s640/bettyfuscia.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">fuschias</td></tr><br /></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzinyT4-uTNspAgleI12sOVlW-1K4vb1i2icLdUoqVIJmUrV7D8nQlPqAD5vblLiGgElkKU9Dt3mXKFTGXZ0-XB5-Zy1eYIGaFFT6foCI6cENLgBYeoe9ZwlCrr3WCbpjBSRZ4hntFHo0/s1600/bettygeraniumintree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="572" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzinyT4-uTNspAgleI12sOVlW-1K4vb1i2icLdUoqVIJmUrV7D8nQlPqAD5vblLiGgElkKU9Dt3mXKFTGXZ0-XB5-Zy1eYIGaFFT6foCI6cENLgBYeoe9ZwlCrr3WCbpjBSRZ4hntFHo0/s640/bettygeraniumintree.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">coral geranium</td></tr><br /></tbody></table>  <br /><br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpoGhzOT95r3ViYL1jJjWvoqV2N6gz-VtDO4znSfDRHsnWzoCGPKXZ5kNoYe9oT2cQoUj2dwNIKqORM47813p6jMSl7_8ciwpdEWKqXbqzcNdTtEsWcw2MAPF_PGse0sjoIbNMpI42Hw4/s1600/bettyhydrangea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpoGhzOT95r3ViYL1jJjWvoqV2N6gz-VtDO4znSfDRHsnWzoCGPKXZ5kNoYe9oT2cQoUj2dwNIKqORM47813p6jMSl7_8ciwpdEWKqXbqzcNdTtEsWcw2MAPF_PGse0sjoIbNMpI42Hw4/s640/bettyhydrangea.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">hydrangeas</td></tr><br /></tbody></table>The hydrangeas are now in full bloom. They are planted in the same area as the cymbidium orchids, this year the orchids bloomed first and were just beautiful, yellow, green and dusky dark pink. When the orchids go away the hydrangas are there for us to enjoy. <br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUZ-HJpZTBSShNZLidiK2cMpNTPZYCDw1mw6rv0izydzBM66H9cCZCUr9rTlg1HYDfDRaSbrQY2GSQulHoAZA94Gv1bzc6A_Z0yA06vFRoGYRK0_lkxtugW7-jHn4P6Go6FRsZ4wGq3wk/s1600/bettycampanulaandivy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUZ-HJpZTBSShNZLidiK2cMpNTPZYCDw1mw6rv0izydzBM66H9cCZCUr9rTlg1HYDfDRaSbrQY2GSQulHoAZA94Gv1bzc6A_Z0yA06vFRoGYRK0_lkxtugW7-jHn4P6Go6FRsZ4wGq3wk/s640/bettycampanulaandivy.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>The companulas in the hanging basket along with some grape ivy looks really pretty right now. Below the hanging basket in the pot is another companula that is also blooming right now. Both of these were purchased from Trader Joe's and brought to cheer up Grandma when she was in rehab and brought home when they withered.  I planted them in my garden where they are a nice reminder of her spirit.<br /><br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP1sU5ZhZNyxTROvj19VeDVfupbkVUYepio0g5__gBlch4FRCEl0JTecnBCKfE_dM5olE-Szbny-N9WL06UN_IPEM5itO-UjpuTVJAUshZuaYCvA-7yCFu7k7lBJnYS_RXLVkMrZoOx9E/s1600/bettyicebergs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="636" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP1sU5ZhZNyxTROvj19VeDVfupbkVUYepio0g5__gBlch4FRCEl0JTecnBCKfE_dM5olE-Szbny-N9WL06UN_IPEM5itO-UjpuTVJAUshZuaYCvA-7yCFu7k7lBJnYS_RXLVkMrZoOx9E/s640/bettyicebergs.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">white iceberg roses </td></tr><br /></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;">The roses are finished with their first bloom all except the iceberg by the front door which just keeps blooming. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx6r0WyjSbZKSifuhRraWIGrvtcOQCqfYa7f8Nf1xEsGXnFlqg-ctzXc0kWL2EMhCRsrpRNaXKnr4Uc4s7ZaLQmiGryGT9zKL0fnqJzIhT-u6AV6ja1oipea26FebuLY-5BSxybb4Cces/s1600/bettyterracotta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx6r0WyjSbZKSifuhRraWIGrvtcOQCqfYa7f8Nf1xEsGXnFlqg-ctzXc0kWL2EMhCRsrpRNaXKnr4Uc4s7ZaLQmiGryGT9zKL0fnqJzIhT-u6AV6ja1oipea26FebuLY-5BSxybb4Cces/s640/bettyterracotta.jpg" width="516" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">herb pots</td></tr><br /></tbody></table>I have discovered that the best sunshine is in the front of the house so I have been growing vegetables in pots in the front, this winter the lettuce was in abundance. I now have cucumber and peppers along with parsley in the window box that grows all year long.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLeK9xPJhUnYrzUt4ROT3QkVtX1ZGPhUuiLbcBlKkzF9gzEJnnOFUtKmFNfHZXbPSV6s5YInA95-FSIPS6Fj_ST9pva5opsUU4oqDJZeOWnbg5fxTr46jSKduHexBVIerTApi_yUxxpis/s1600/bettyterracotta2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLeK9xPJhUnYrzUt4ROT3QkVtX1ZGPhUuiLbcBlKkzF9gzEJnnOFUtKmFNfHZXbPSV6s5YInA95-FSIPS6Fj_ST9pva5opsUU4oqDJZeOWnbg5fxTr46jSKduHexBVIerTApi_yUxxpis/s640/bettyterracotta2.jpg" width="528" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">begonias at the front door</td></tr><br /></tbody></table>I have also been introducing succulents into my garden, I find their shapes and colors really interesting and they look really good integrated in with other things in the garden. You will notice the pot by the front door has Scabiosa which is doing really well, they were brought home as cuttings from our field trip to Casa Romantica in San Clemente.<br /><br /><br /><br />Betty and Shawna, it looks just beautiful.  thanks for sharing it with us!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;">SOME EASY GARDEN CRAFTS</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Did you really think I could give a garden tour without adding something creative?</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR5G92zutb5c5JtVVTu8zmukL1LHNxxYyrxG6l8HTyd6nptzYOTK2fi6Bt81EvMl71XQy1_SdH1GQSKNXKRNeeQJOHDAkEmbgtCMxwh4rHJg6sWkLIGGtk8otI598gJA_x-77pklGDKOg/s1600/6a00e0098cf3a1883300e54f1b45fa8833-500wi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR5G92zutb5c5JtVVTu8zmukL1LHNxxYyrxG6l8HTyd6nptzYOTK2fi6Bt81EvMl71XQy1_SdH1GQSKNXKRNeeQJOHDAkEmbgtCMxwh4rHJg6sWkLIGGtk8otI598gJA_x-77pklGDKOg/s640/6a00e0098cf3a1883300e54f1b45fa8833-500wi.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">How adorable is this chicken wire moss heart?  I can picture it on a gate, or lying casually on a little side table.  Simply cut chicken wire into a heart shape - about 3 inches larger than you want your moss heart to be when finished.  (You will need to cut two - tin snips should do the trick).  Using gloves to protect your hands, fold the edges of the hearts over each other, creating a pocket (leave one portion open. large enough to stick your hand in,  to insert the moss).  Using your gloved hand, puff the shape out from the inside until it looks the way you want it to.  Fill it with green sheet moss and close the edges.  If needed, use wire to secure the two hearts together.  Add a little wire hanging loop - and embellish a little if you want! So cute!</div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc4t_xvtlp67Ysz6JSVmboaaa2fYmCfxNS3GVXN8uzjMy1P8RfTApoKu8acqJcD9d207wuCDfZxhJ5eUSDg_qsVc02hHEjoRORAaV_T2GAH4uFzzCgdF2SFitlQCrF3d9MnO_R3ixDd8o/s1600/chandelier+do+it+yourself.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc4t_xvtlp67Ysz6JSVmboaaa2fYmCfxNS3GVXN8uzjMy1P8RfTApoKu8acqJcD9d207wuCDfZxhJ5eUSDg_qsVc02hHEjoRORAaV_T2GAH4uFzzCgdF2SFitlQCrF3d9MnO_R3ixDd8o/s640/chandelier+do+it+yourself.jpg" width="464" /></a></div><br /><br />How genius is this little chandelier made from a wire basket and some chandelier crystals you can pick up on ebay.  This basket had a center handle, but if you can't find one with a handle, a few lengths of chain from Lowes (or your local home improvement store) on 3 sides with a hook to join them at the top will create the same effect.  A few jewelry jump rings for fastening the crystals (or some more wire) and some jelly jars to hold candles and your project is complete!  You could spray it white or a rusty color for a more shabby look.  Great for an outdoor party or alfresco dining!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTtpOrn0DDdWIrKk8y9qctpVQHITN8n7gsGIj9nEuyuz4Q9lnND_-WiXEZX2M2VIHGC-3NtHO3RJ_ezY3Nk4PSo5aNr3vXkU4DhDssIrNH9KEtR6lPGYoZJPUtAEMd1omQYGb9RTd6PMo/s1600/a98551_0301_chlkboardpots_xl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTtpOrn0DDdWIrKk8y9qctpVQHITN8n7gsGIj9nEuyuz4Q9lnND_-WiXEZX2M2VIHGC-3NtHO3RJ_ezY3Nk4PSo5aNr3vXkU4DhDssIrNH9KEtR6lPGYoZJPUtAEMd1omQYGb9RTd6PMo/s400/a98551_0301_chlkboardpots_xl.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Blackboard paint, available at your  home improvement store, around the top rim of a terracotta pot, creates a place to record what herb is planted - as well as looking darn cute.  Once the paint is on and dried (may take two coats), simple chalk is all that is needed to label your herbs.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRXtYJ2N5mky-h2pT6XXM_Qn4wsLZdhVOyeH59imjvamLVJSYufXNrNK-hYxMDcy13JOj1DU-g31mE2K0dYfr1MrXmg61EBQKAtMOmfroofSvOOuvxbdKoodPgrtBktVvUokRC-RH8fGI/s1600/terrarium_table_sunset_magazine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRXtYJ2N5mky-h2pT6XXM_Qn4wsLZdhVOyeH59imjvamLVJSYufXNrNK-hYxMDcy13JOj1DU-g31mE2K0dYfr1MrXmg61EBQKAtMOmfroofSvOOuvxbdKoodPgrtBktVvUokRC-RH8fGI/s640/terrarium_table_sunset_magazine.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I also love this idea of a succulent garden under glass, at the same time creating something useful, like a side table for a seating area.  You will need an urn that is tall enough to be a side table - and if your earn is super large you may want to fill the bottom half with styrofoam peanuts so it doesn't get too heavy to move.  Make sure it has a drainage hole at the bottom, covered by a broken pot shard or some screening so it does not get plugged.  Add a good few inches of gravel on top of that, and then your cactus or succulent mix.  Succulents don't have very deep root systems, but they do need good drainage - or they will ROT.  Plant with succulents (low growing varieties) and top with a glass round (home improvement store again).  As for the watering - succulents need a good drenching about once a week - but under glass it may be different.  Just remember, they need to dry out between waterings, and if you see that the glass is cloudy or has a moisture build up, remove it for a little while and let that evaporate before returning the glass to the top.  </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">See you tomorrow for a very special garden tour.</span></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div>

GARDENING: SO. CALIFORNIA ROSES AND BEGONIAS

GARDEN BLISS DAVID AUSTIN ENGLISH ROSE - GERTRUDE JEKYLL The most rewarding part of creating the Garden Tour online this year has been the a...

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GARDENING: GARDEN TOUR PART I

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFW3NwVFM7BkP0aDfHAUhyphenhyphenXffcDrvziA0gleBWGpftD5nDDw2rquIv-26ZBsMS8EMN9Lg9jOfByaVKGyF4ec2EspiGhsct-9ZQ8HKDewCc9xRHtl6Ex2A79oV9hnJ5MqShdIuYM6585dk/s1600-h/shawna's+gate+bouquet.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344045683263044146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFW3NwVFM7BkP0aDfHAUhyphenhyphenXffcDrvziA0gleBWGpftD5nDDw2rquIv-26ZBsMS8EMN9Lg9jOfByaVKGyF4ec2EspiGhsct-9ZQ8HKDewCc9xRHtl6Ex2A79oV9hnJ5MqShdIuYM6585dk/s320/shawna's+gate+bouquet.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 411px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 339px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6xNJ903IHlfi_9qTmglwMsDLuTjL4NvVyh9rrUJdRwGfjYjHAbhJNZSatcgVch27wHWh9-6HEFGymB42CXwtt2cl81G2VJEpNOBqiCJ2k1ojEl3LWN268DzOYfYe5JwEeI2BtHLOniAs/s1600-h/IMG_1729.JPG"></a><br /><br /><div><div align="center"><div align="center">Once a year I host a Garden Tour. It has become an annual tradition that I look forward to. This year, the theme was Alfresco Entertaining. Where else, but in Southern California, can we truly enjoy our outdoor spaces - almost year round. We also celebrated Lemons . . . featuring them in both our tablescapes and our refreshments. </div><strong><span style="font-size: 130%;">thank you</span></strong> to all who attended and </div><div align="center">a <strong><span style="font-size: 130%;">big</span> <span style="font-size: 180%;">giant</span> <span style="font-size: 130%;">thank you</span></strong> to our gracious hostesses - </div><div align="center">it looked effortless, but I'm sure it took a lot of time and effort -</div><div align="center">sprucing up their homes and gardens for visitors.. </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">I promised recipes and photos . . . </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: 180%;">SHAWNA'S HOUSE </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: 180%;"></span><img alt="" border="0" height="320" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343538691386352370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnRdefbnD3yg9UM6yuiNdbdo74Eyh3IvTaS6QCAmDbvqr8bOGfuLZGP6enqnSq3Y_P9-wIdFYi5jcPdid2LdYIy3YcWwL_CGPR8004k_SwPy03kh0bxzJTS-P9G9hB4tD6cTDc0I7fvxE/s320/IMG_1706.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="267" /> Shawna has an amazing talent for making people feel at home. Her welcoming courtyard featured a bubbling fountain and tiny mercury glass votives dangling from a low spreading tree. </div><br /><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Shawna has a talent for floral arrangements and you can see some of her handiwork on her blog: <a href="http://www.twomanyjohnsons.blogspot.com/">http://www.twomanyjohnsons.blogspot.com/</a>. She also creates these beautiful succulent pots - a tapestry of little works of art together in one beautiful spot. <br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-luTTOBmz-5lDN4ehImO41RS1acm_T_Kmx4lQD1Vj3QuOpG_oyEkasH2JGgsX3P-f4GiAzcWzj6TTdh-aICi3_RH6k2477iHxnn2Gj60f8cnSkGP4pTN7HjCNo0HCdVPrgDKjHgRg0f4/s1600-h/IMG_6228.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343538098845217234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-luTTOBmz-5lDN4ehImO41RS1acm_T_Kmx4lQD1Vj3QuOpG_oyEkasH2JGgsX3P-f4GiAzcWzj6TTdh-aICi3_RH6k2477iHxnn2Gj60f8cnSkGP4pTN7HjCNo0HCdVPrgDKjHgRg0f4/s320/IMG_6228.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 181px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 296px;" /></a> <br /><br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4BNF8Sw1IiN2PjJs1-dpX2YOlqMyRKwSpGA8s8WxsteDw-6ycqZ-90mlg6-NBn9D_XVKb3_azINKedLCQFTFnoaa_S_RhA-CuGJo-sMHlZEkM7OyZgjBpiVybYRRMEC1tsruWyg8Nu60/s1600-h/IMG_1703.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="240" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343538086596199266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4BNF8Sw1IiN2PjJs1-dpX2YOlqMyRKwSpGA8s8WxsteDw-6ycqZ-90mlg6-NBn9D_XVKb3_azINKedLCQFTFnoaa_S_RhA-CuGJo-sMHlZEkM7OyZgjBpiVybYRRMEC1tsruWyg8Nu60/s320/IMG_1703.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="320" /></a> The focal point of her garden is the t-shaped pool, crowned with this spa, waterfall, and a trio of bubbling urns. What enchanted me about her garden/yard was that </div><div>it could have been formal and stuffy. </div><div><strong>It wasn't.</strong> </div><div>Her plants and shrubs were deliciously un-manicured, growing in contained abandon. Her hardscape was interrupted by little areas or 'rooms' that invited intimacy for sunbathing, gathering by the fire, family dining and meal preparation. The effect was inviting and casually elegant - perfect for a little alfresco entertaining. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtvK1wvql9qQ21pYOcFMtmMKHufxB59ufw_2fYp3Z8cL0T-aGM8QVm2I1EqFi9BFdf_JZ-d9tSvSNMpsaVKbe0pIyMlYdNAcNdKa_w3e6BY9IsYKFoihNd4ov_MI6MDwqUlGyQyX-rPH4/s1600-h/IMG_1699.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="239" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343538088502655122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtvK1wvql9qQ21pYOcFMtmMKHufxB59ufw_2fYp3Z8cL0T-aGM8QVm2I1EqFi9BFdf_JZ-d9tSvSNMpsaVKbe0pIyMlYdNAcNdKa_w3e6BY9IsYKFoihNd4ov_MI6MDwqUlGyQyX-rPH4/s320/IMG_1699.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYAebDju7YzWSEpCLg5FdxGTQfILAyUJhuaNnkrpWlMsfRTN1Ucru4Eor17XgmjWPyx2sDJ1zFjWI2OJg_4p5I-2BizX4li1GAR1LujsYVoG44nf2hhyv3Rd_lkhjg67mxtRxvWhPHYP0/s1600-h/IMG_1692.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343536447290800930" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYAebDju7YzWSEpCLg5FdxGTQfILAyUJhuaNnkrpWlMsfRTN1Ucru4Eor17XgmjWPyx2sDJ1zFjWI2OJg_4p5I-2BizX4li1GAR1LujsYVoG44nf2hhyv3Rd_lkhjg67mxtRxvWhPHYP0/s640/IMG_1692.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="480" /></a> So we set up a tablescape - a little casual - a little elegant - </div><div align="center">a little contemporary - a little traditional. </div><div align="center">A lot like Shawna. </div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsxJU3Wf_TOSN6ATUDipdkYwL-X3gBvFCiJvJ09GrlnkdZfBXP0NF7Zjk8ggSkuVQTD0Uegt53ZYZcihpsw-JN9DmBB1e_Wux9aS2vPImTmRHB3iseiB7TmGKadH2xtbQKQ9dnHyx6lQ8/s1600-h/IMG_1690.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343536446897406450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsxJU3Wf_TOSN6ATUDipdkYwL-X3gBvFCiJvJ09GrlnkdZfBXP0NF7Zjk8ggSkuVQTD0Uegt53ZYZcihpsw-JN9DmBB1e_Wux9aS2vPImTmRHB3iseiB7TmGKadH2xtbQKQ9dnHyx6lQ8/s400/IMG_1690.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="300" /></a>Shawna's two tiered iron candle chandelier twinkles invitingly over her table. </div><div align="center">A new acquisition, she confessed to finding it on Craig's List for $20. </div><div align="center">If only I'd seen it first. . . </div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL2wLrDpsP9ldIUe3y0rHOHpO63utElfPnn4y-50r6NeeyD4BCKN_2IwmfcENuG6V76vXHdJ6A2hMMIFovpozbjLKIsfxtrTSFPz4T4L3VP54dYWKgktBtQR_jQLCsUWRhm15rcSK5ehE/s1600-h/IMG_1691.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343536443648544594" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL2wLrDpsP9ldIUe3y0rHOHpO63utElfPnn4y-50r6NeeyD4BCKN_2IwmfcENuG6V76vXHdJ6A2hMMIFovpozbjLKIsfxtrTSFPz4T4L3VP54dYWKgktBtQR_jQLCsUWRhm15rcSK5ehE/s400/IMG_1691.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="400" /></a> Keeping it casually elegant - I chose table runners over a tablecloth (too formal) or placemats (too casual). We used two across the table - using them placemat fashion to set our dishes on - topped by two lengthwise down the center of the table. </div><div align="center">A wooden beaded mat covers the place where they overlap in the center of the table and makes a perfect spot to place our centerpiece of lemon tree branches, with lemons still attached. </div><div align="center">More lemons cover the branch stems in the vase interior. <br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjAWj7DG3wt9UHoKrOR0uCY_cbnlFcGH3pUPbvBPXEefZt5PqrYYbkixtFIfXCVgt61lNGibeVR-r6p3XgUdfEdx-SzfniRQCGyjqkZ0LdrieFWncGlYo_d6VAufjSHeg8CEAdzgTj5Co/s1600-h/IMG_1687.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343536437468376802" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjAWj7DG3wt9UHoKrOR0uCY_cbnlFcGH3pUPbvBPXEefZt5PqrYYbkixtFIfXCVgt61lNGibeVR-r6p3XgUdfEdx-SzfniRQCGyjqkZ0LdrieFWncGlYo_d6VAufjSHeg8CEAdzgTj5Co/s400/IMG_1687.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="300" /></a>Our table runners coordinate, rather than match - another way to create a more casual atmosphere. We used dishes and glassware that Shawna owned, mixing patterns and styles. Polished stones with the help of a sharpie pen were transformed into placecards. <br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB1QPkjJtFGygL3sbPX57_sZNPCkHgbDQls7x2ompBSfPV4Man0BppOQk7sKMwP0SmIg7_U8GRk2nvXL9p57NnLD0UvUahzuziGDGrptd3Ys-PaIBR1Du3QmnvLITIE_fPzvApJMKPuGk/s1600-h/IMG_1689.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343536439898307682" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB1QPkjJtFGygL3sbPX57_sZNPCkHgbDQls7x2ompBSfPV4Man0BppOQk7sKMwP0SmIg7_U8GRk2nvXL9p57NnLD0UvUahzuziGDGrptd3Ys-PaIBR1Du3QmnvLITIE_fPzvApJMKPuGk/s640/IMG_1689.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" /></a> I wanted to demonstrate several ways to present napkins so I folded some to create pockets for silverware, and tucked some into the glasses themselves with accents of lemon leaves. </div><div>The watercandles were both fabulous and a disaster. After assembling this great concept - a candle <strong>inside</strong> a vase <em>inside</em> another vase - <span style="font-size: 130%;"><strong>surrounded</strong></span> by water (tinted with a couple drops of blue food color) - the effect of a lighted candle underwater was completely lost when the candle wasn't heavy enough to keep the smaller vase it was in from floating . . . . </div><div>I had to weight the inner vase down with glass pebbles </div><div>and then the candle was too tall for the full effect. </div><div>So..... <strong>NEXT TIME</strong> I will use a shorter candle. </div><div>The cylindrical vases were purchases from Michaels and TaiPan Trading. </div><div>The great urban chic faux grass accents were also from TaiPan.</div><div></div><div></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><strong>REFRESHMENTS:</strong></span> Now for the important stuff! Shawna and her daughter Emma made the most fabulous <strong>Cupcakes</strong>, and I made <strong>Pink Lemonade Thins</strong>. The recipes follow... </div><div><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 180%;"><strong>emma's coconut cupcakes</strong> </span><br /><br />duncan hines white cake mix-make as directed (instead of oil, substitute applesauce.)</div><div>add 1 cup coconut to batter.</div><div>(the applesauce makes the cupcake a little bit sticky...but oh so yummy) <br /><br /><strong>frosting:</strong> <br /><br />1 box powdered sugar <br /><br />1 8oz cream cheese softened <br /><br />1 cube butter, softened <br /><br />1 tsp vanilla beat until smooth, dip frosted cupcake in coconut <br /><br /><em>note: these were made mini size and were perfect for refreshments!</em><br /><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size: 180%;">pink lemonade thins (betty crocker)</span></strong> <br /><br />1 1/2 cups butter or margarine, softened <br /><br />2/3 cup powdered sugar <br /><br />2 tablespoons grated lemon peel <br /><br />1 tablespoon lemon juice <br /><br />2 - 2/3 cups Gold Medal® all-purpose flour <strong><span style="font-size: 130%;"></span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size: 130%;">Pink Lemonade Glaze </span></strong><br /><br />1 1/2 cups powdered sugar <br /><br />2 teaspoons grated lemon peel <br /><br />5 to 6 teaspoons lemon juice <br /><br />1 drop red food color <br /><br /><br /><br />1. Heat oven to 350°F. </div><div align="center">Lightly grease bottom only of 15x10x1-inch pan with shortening. </div><div align="center">In large bowl, beat butter, 2/3 cup powdered sugar, </div><div align="center">2 tablespoons lemon peel, 1 tablespoon lemon juice </div><div align="center">and 2 drops food color with electric mixer on medium speed until creamy, </div><div align="center">or mix with spoon. </div><div align="center">Stir in flour until well blended. </div><div align="center">Press in pan, using floured fingers (flour fingers several times to prevent sticking). </div><div align="center"><br /><br />2. Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until light golden brown. </div><div align="center"><br /><br />3. In medium bowl, mix all glaze ingredients until smooth and spreadable. </div><div align="center">Pour glaze over warm bars; spread evenly (glaze will be very thin). </div><div align="center">Cool completely, about 1 hour. <br /><br />Bars are very tender; remove from pan using very flat-edged metal pancake turner. </div><div align="center">For bars, cut into 8 rows by 8 rows. <br /><br /><span style="font-size: 180%;"><strong>Enjoy!</strong> </span><br /><br /></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size: 180%;">Be sure to leave a comment -</span></strong> </div><div align="center">and check out the postings you have missed on the right hand side - </div><div align="center">under what else - <strong>'what you missed'</strong></div></div>

GARDENING: GARDEN TOUR PART I

Once a year I host a Garden Tour. It has become an annual tradition that I look forward to. This year, the theme was Alfresco Entertaining....

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