GARDENING: LOUISIANA BAYOU - SO. CALIFORNIA TROPICAL PARADISE

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2mmCFTBzwHpIKbD57-WunIsISlJNzEiKxBu6kxowXsYXGVue0LZ-lQfUb676PEL-12v1PAC-_wjIibeQcqNFNGksGCvDv0q9xXrvDGJUONaJHMl76jxZddod9GTRxjDzKNbQ-6DpSfsA/s1600/eden+roses%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2mmCFTBzwHpIKbD57-WunIsISlJNzEiKxBu6kxowXsYXGVue0LZ-lQfUb676PEL-12v1PAC-_wjIibeQcqNFNGksGCvDv0q9xXrvDGJUONaJHMl76jxZddod9GTRxjDzKNbQ-6DpSfsA/s320/eden+roses%5B1%5D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">..</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">IN THE AFTERMATH OF KATRINA</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">My husband went to Louisiana to do some relief work in the area.  We'd never visited the South, so after his job was completed, we joined him.  It was an beautiful trip and an amazing adventure.  We actually stayed at a haunted plantation, and had an encounter with the ghost . . . but that is a story for another time...</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">THIS BEAUTIFUL AREA was so devastated by Katrina, and this gulf coast is once again threatened by disaster with the BP oil spill gushing thousands of barrels of crude a day into the waters there - I wanted to share my photos of this unique area with you.  It may be a long time before it looks like this again, although I am praying that the oil can be stopped, contained and removed and that it will never reach these shores.  The ecosystem in the bayous and swamps and the entire gulf coast are in danger and so many rely on these waters for a living.  </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;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJGAZzmPGpNvGoPGR_diYhivsJuv04RqCjFDuGOAkSOnshJPl4azxclN8ivspwM_VqaW47uomAXiRrQKQwlw1EynqZKq8HdJbUT_xv1_EMd6ZVXkJyqU9QJdhS_RhEtfB5bAkliw5GesI/s1600/IMG_2210+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJGAZzmPGpNvGoPGR_diYhivsJuv04RqCjFDuGOAkSOnshJPl4azxclN8ivspwM_VqaW47uomAXiRrQKQwlw1EynqZKq8HdJbUT_xv1_EMd6ZVXkJyqU9QJdhS_RhEtfB5bAkliw5GesI/s640/IMG_2210+(2).JPG" width="640" /></a></div></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cypress Trees and Spanish Moss - Swamp off of Lake St. Martin, Lousisiana</td></tr><br /></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">..</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7IKBQZznB6Cs3miCs4PhC7pNXqtpzP-s-3GF6ClYLmMs-B745q0_TQGI2dZdYCq-ELEThPcE_vSzEfIZfLrkwPAAlzR8cxipVzU6B9n1NwrD04UprfPyZogejK5K39THtfxJMKWL1ykE/s1600/IMG_2209%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7IKBQZznB6Cs3miCs4PhC7pNXqtpzP-s-3GF6ClYLmMs-B745q0_TQGI2dZdYCq-ELEThPcE_vSzEfIZfLrkwPAAlzR8cxipVzU6B9n1NwrD04UprfPyZogejK5K39THtfxJMKWL1ykE/s320/IMG_2209%5B1%5D.JPG" width="320" /></a><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;">snowy egret flying over bayou area<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhADiwhhRJzq4EzHugdrMODTcFrSBvoBOIB_GQ6N1f_YMIzNrT83rQj67NAdbi67J5Hz-8ZLOSpD1aBbr6sHgG0Ux88inmLcoSpII4qug-eIDuRLYAqMfJmKaq7z6LFoyoa5V12ukNfvVE/s1600/IMG_2211+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhADiwhhRJzq4EzHugdrMODTcFrSBvoBOIB_GQ6N1f_YMIzNrT83rQj67NAdbi67J5Hz-8ZLOSpD1aBbr6sHgG0Ux88inmLcoSpII4qug-eIDuRLYAqMfJmKaq7z6LFoyoa5V12ukNfvVE/s640/IMG_2211+(2).JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake St. Martin.  We saw over 20 gators this day, as well as hundreds of water birds and some box turtles.</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/AVvXsEiHQZFyJdWEnPOoRwMSWVFaZfQ9Zw9gokM6EDm0ddG_HojrODWOP6dTqtZLoj2N5hvZ74_hFw3KSHe5PiGP228BZTTvFjW63CELbbtmDsvmx7mnUUiG47vGrPL6RUYmsDrbYFooA_04pEg/s1600/Swamp+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHQZFyJdWEnPOoRwMSWVFaZfQ9Zw9gokM6EDm0ddG_HojrODWOP6dTqtZLoj2N5hvZ74_hFw3KSHe5PiGP228BZTTvFjW63CELbbtmDsvmx7mnUUiG47vGrPL6RUYmsDrbYFooA_04pEg/s640/Swamp+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swamp off of Lake St. Martin.  Our guide was Cajun and had built this boat himself.  It seated 12 in swivel seats - but we were his only customers that day.  He was able to take us deep into the swamp area, and promised us there would be NO mosquitoes. </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/AVvXsEhNYr_nN4hdhnCOQK7orl2W2cUHxYq3ehHg_SQaaiUmkHaXle3NQcdc7kf0dLbFYfMzYuuTucI7FhFzw140jsdPNdC6ulCxFZFTc1t2M5affKrNe8qoqpdzCsLfUg9pcJWFUdUGXKWSBkY/s1600/IMG_2068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNYr_nN4hdhnCOQK7orl2W2cUHxYq3ehHg_SQaaiUmkHaXle3NQcdc7kf0dLbFYfMzYuuTucI7FhFzw140jsdPNdC6ulCxFZFTc1t2M5affKrNe8qoqpdzCsLfUg9pcJWFUdUGXKWSBkY/s640/IMG_2068.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This green stuff is not slime - it is a tiny tiny plant that covers the top of the water in this swamp and is so dense it does not allow mosquito eggs to hatch.  There really were NO mosquitoes, as promised!</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;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbtOJ68pd8i6UWK4HmoW40q6NhLRKpg1KtxHrZtdaXlo48UOEEsIH3SAaqHT1mlPPI7vTx76P2rc6k0G9oYh1a1BXhyphenhyphenuWTlC9NWjEgnNIyHs4IJ77nJAFCzktEdKgIsK8hVlRa8a7hOK4/s1600/IMG_2218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="460" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbtOJ68pd8i6UWK4HmoW40q6NhLRKpg1KtxHrZtdaXlo48UOEEsIH3SAaqHT1mlPPI7vTx76P2rc6k0G9oYh1a1BXhyphenhyphenuWTlC9NWjEgnNIyHs4IJ77nJAFCzktEdKgIsK8hVlRa8a7hOK4/s640/IMG_2218.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">During our visit to the South we also toured Natchez, Mississippi.  There were beautiful antebellum homes everywhere, surrounded by giant sprawling oak trees dripping with spanish moss.</div><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/AVvXsEgrX3OkHrmbBoZE3xU2BCJYAiL5IYS3p7w-z0cMCL1VUdmdspnoZTibhUl7pSq7FGdFxsz7wWByD50GqTJyKFTdiSrlYVYczke_23LkHtUVh14Z7BFbeFV7ews0IEhVWvGwE-vnETRbYrA/s1600/antebellumhome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="474" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrX3OkHrmbBoZE3xU2BCJYAiL5IYS3p7w-z0cMCL1VUdmdspnoZTibhUl7pSq7FGdFxsz7wWByD50GqTJyKFTdiSrlYVYczke_23LkHtUVh14Z7BFbeFV7ews0IEhVWvGwE-vnETRbYrA/s640/antebellumhome.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></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/AVvXsEh56OrYGYvqiAeqa423Im0IJaqfvPujr30zs-AX57JbYtzPbidsnMNlp-kt9_j56BgCNVYIhKmFIN_22JMJP5rNDsFgz_XPGA8QtnuBr5uuGCeDGwbNlJ4xx9b5LgM8Lm8navhH9uwOvUE/s1600/IMG_2204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="508" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh56OrYGYvqiAeqa423Im0IJaqfvPujr30zs-AX57JbYtzPbidsnMNlp-kt9_j56BgCNVYIhKmFIN_22JMJP5rNDsFgz_XPGA8QtnuBr5uuGCeDGwbNlJ4xx9b5LgM8Lm8navhH9uwOvUE/s640/IMG_2204.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the way to Nathez, we visited St. Francisville, LA - also famous for its lovely antebellum homes.</td></tr><br /></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvN2e2tXPgeXinkl7F4IQGJdX6ap67X4QUSbHngIynrhtXuFsoojiux_8NEO1NzUxv4qHtdEW95JQnjpqZFv7lQEHTmHzHmANApQtd6WEYsF2RwxKrUMgmnwUmf6qlrgeotdaMFYdQFko/s1600/IMG_2207.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/AVvXsEhvN2e2tXPgeXinkl7F4IQGJdX6ap67X4QUSbHngIynrhtXuFsoojiux_8NEO1NzUxv4qHtdEW95JQnjpqZFv7lQEHTmHzHmANApQtd6WEYsF2RwxKrUMgmnwUmf6qlrgeotdaMFYdQFko/s640/IMG_2207.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><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/AVvXsEjVP0YAXw5ijlHqcCgzxVJ_oJUcA5d2QWuRkoYooBv4BQyqScmSS6Z8lNdsKfiDuBwtjorSKZOvXXRpO3YtHZ3v9KCzXqyvhqX1khyphenhyphenhM4OWBaFjWP1PIN-yNjhxmn5Kabmh3aC_UglIpUk/s1600/IMG_2060.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/AVvXsEjVP0YAXw5ijlHqcCgzxVJ_oJUcA5d2QWuRkoYooBv4BQyqScmSS6Z8lNdsKfiDuBwtjorSKZOvXXRpO3YtHZ3v9KCzXqyvhqX1khyphenhyphenhM4OWBaFjWP1PIN-yNjhxmn5Kabmh3aC_UglIpUk/s640/IMG_2060.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Water hyacinth in one of the swamps in LA</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/AVvXsEhC84oqgZD3TXMm-bTreMjqzoslRhh13sXZqrQrM9r21UUuek6dV3Gbz9gLhX8Ld0FK7g0DWLbA5oPwlfGcHFwu5nU2DPVSFureeZK14AdP5gepGmovcA-IrKHKc7-EnW-mKlT43KN0EEQ/s1600/IMG_2217.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/AVvXsEhC84oqgZD3TXMm-bTreMjqzoslRhh13sXZqrQrM9r21UUuek6dV3Gbz9gLhX8Ld0FK7g0DWLbA5oPwlfGcHFwu5nU2DPVSFureeZK14AdP5gepGmovcA-IrKHKc7-EnW-mKlT43KN0EEQ/s640/IMG_2217.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">note the wrought iron work on the house in the background - amazing homes!</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/AVvXsEjJT4TcW4wClOaJVmjf7iXP40cgwHbwYWGDG6YJzjJOkK0VCbA367FOylzD3BDyG3PniDr6CNfyhzG8FP4sJLGMhgGXGFU-h654bkPhESsOyr6r9wTmRG9OloJXM22Kwn63f1_lKvK3Ja0/s1600/IMG_2230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJT4TcW4wClOaJVmjf7iXP40cgwHbwYWGDG6YJzjJOkK0VCbA367FOylzD3BDyG3PniDr6CNfyhzG8FP4sJLGMhgGXGFU-h654bkPhESsOyr6r9wTmRG9OloJXM22Kwn63f1_lKvK3Ja0/s640/IMG_2230.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">this house was one of my favorite and we were able to tour it</td></tr><br /></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6K9rQ659xKulaMVkkT-86Xy5U4uf1VjXTLr_QmQzoFgHRj5jPwWxMY2-aGlvtQojVbQsffWIPg4X4TMUsq20Yikn3W8FXI4u9509JD2ELrqT6VNox1GLFTB_K46nVM2AxgtLfmh6Ojnk/s1600/IMG_2213.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/AVvXsEh6K9rQ659xKulaMVkkT-86Xy5U4uf1VjXTLr_QmQzoFgHRj5jPwWxMY2-aGlvtQojVbQsffWIPg4X4TMUsq20Yikn3W8FXI4u9509JD2ELrqT6VNox1GLFTB_K46nVM2AxgtLfmh6Ojnk/s400/IMG_2213.JPG" width="300" /></a></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/AVvXsEibfL-CV69u7yfwAsDz5iuuJhLsj4PCkbSsDxt_6uXlZgxWkBtQxrtt5XXqHxfAUMP_zoQncnj_lYZUQRdPpiHFzTGIod2ROVo4-UvxHsp75w0PYMMCWu2fOdmpl-UQcdKmRMI6zbJJlls/s1600/IMG_2216.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/AVvXsEibfL-CV69u7yfwAsDz5iuuJhLsj4PCkbSsDxt_6uXlZgxWkBtQxrtt5XXqHxfAUMP_zoQncnj_lYZUQRdPpiHFzTGIod2ROVo4-UvxHsp75w0PYMMCWu2fOdmpl-UQcdKmRMI6zbJJlls/s640/IMG_2216.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><br /><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the grounds were lovely, too - all shaded by the enormous spreading oaks and dotted with statuary<br /><br />ahem... the one in the back is mine - hamming for the camera<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></td></tr><br /></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;"><strong>WELCOME TO ALANA'S GARDEN</strong></span></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">in beautiful Southern California </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">..<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqL9K8AIo3Hvnfa4gCu-QrvFcHk9UOIKXXG2DO9sQRLqcUHyp4DLZ37EUV9Wz10uDEBfVvsJ3PdMkuoGAnkF6uqlGj0obc5qwXEt4jqelcMfeJ2p6-w8gJr3yJXT4BBmyPfb5YS8xtonk/s1600/ad+mixed+shrubs%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqL9K8AIo3Hvnfa4gCu-QrvFcHk9UOIKXXG2DO9sQRLqcUHyp4DLZ37EUV9Wz10uDEBfVvsJ3PdMkuoGAnkF6uqlGj0obc5qwXEt4jqelcMfeJ2p6-w8gJr3yJXT4BBmyPfb5YS8xtonk/s320/ad+mixed+shrubs%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://yournestdesign.blogspot.com/2009/05/great-outdoors-alanas-new-resort.html"><img border="0" height="468" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZTH23ETyRW-BBWl0e-CqOF4NpQsCFQtNaCkM7b7ibrTgSyTiBgsRtKjLIi9b2Pz3-5w5ehyW0KWclrhgt7p_bO32vj_dLC6u5C1AsxzqI5kxnvF4exE_eS6prGebV8bgbiOWD0hiFGuY/s640/ad+gate.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">a welcoming entry</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaKDcH9OOLc060-YvEizsm_x_4rrJ-bHU6E9k-g5I1AKApjNnxk-WECAWkqT-GCeMBXAMjs0Ho1dsxdrWHkNnJW0Gkdn8EMbn7-0bkUKnsRuK01-g0XbRg__cuVXvtDwHOnX6gxoQZm_I/s640/ad+courtyard1.jpg" width="640" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">plantings in her courtyard garden include impatiens</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="566" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBEK4w_8KdR_YsJ2c-cLOnEVS9nZoU5HSKy9_9TuOdA2Qzc9d51QTZad0GMTHO3fwq1NhkyEGuQ7JB3nMAgTl4suP2n1HNIQclz5BoyNoHCqCWS1Azv9t0icxxXUMWBVBexRaQWYA79vs/s640/ad+alstromeria.jpg" width="640" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">peruvian lily (alstroemeria)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="502" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpGD8I__zZx8y-uMTQB7x1uDe5sUOH3QTK2Q3ot-HbClIOsHPsl90WSnPIiQkpyhegIjisW04bSlPt0mNB7hifKN8BBlfNzhZst3rGYtSpBqTiaWCntPt8fm9LVEnc2L7caDoL0GSl6sw/s640/ad+fourthofjuly+rose.jpg" width="640" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and a climbing rose named Fourth of July</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2uaXDVNTvCA-l4QSMJRN6Ta5xHqG7CCPWOzeCj4smEcVvdAvAdcd2jvz3oG74eJVewCdoVo2a1wC5e5GBh08ZowVCh1aIYqj6RndH6rJUh3J_JjcsQOTqm0YW9hspZ_e-CEFPKhvqEfY/s640/ad+curved+deck.jpg" width="474" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But her backyard has a completely different feel (see the transformation from tract home to beautiful outdoor living space <a href="http://yournestdesign.blogspot.com/2009/05/great-outdoors-alanas-new-resort.html">here</a> )</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia_EimcklAShMpC7rPZsR_4jMaeA8OEujjFkMxdOpDDgFEv89_pwcXIkC2TGQXxttwatEaR3jR-CLjr-TVHQHjNLrogXr73tTlDKPap45PaLrRfoWVxpKf3UaP1NhG6x9I5hIaXZBPX1g/s1600/ad+veranda+curtains.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/AVvXsEia_EimcklAShMpC7rPZsR_4jMaeA8OEujjFkMxdOpDDgFEv89_pwcXIkC2TGQXxttwatEaR3jR-CLjr-TVHQHjNLrogXr73tTlDKPap45PaLrRfoWVxpKf3UaP1NhG6x9I5hIaXZBPX1g/s640/ad+veranda+curtains.jpg" width="562" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">because even though it has this beautiful veranda complete with cozy seating, privacy curtains, a fireplace, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGGhDGWc54Yw9wgjvm4E1Ez7AQ0FDwa1NvEaMTTU-IvPNIS5M_C38mvteylKLaZzWAMTuo0fl5vwXEpvxLpYGYW_mYjiO0gexmr8qbVy1-urEg7arAFJjqLB9kcbsrOi2QECbvxeT3POQ/s1600/ad+birdbath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGGhDGWc54Yw9wgjvm4E1Ez7AQ0FDwa1NvEaMTTU-IvPNIS5M_C38mvteylKLaZzWAMTuo0fl5vwXEpvxLpYGYW_mYjiO0gexmr8qbVy1-urEg7arAFJjqLB9kcbsrOi2QECbvxeT3POQ/s640/ad+birdbath.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and lush plantings and accents,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHcIOxNoMP6XNwdgA2KafLmcG9eMIh3QL8vVUJWhmBRDMWebneXDO4TfLackTv3vSS-Cfq9wJvtBPbCvXx_13b8FU08pdxs0rGFSyPxAOh9XZyrbyAT2aqM198HQEqoVlefEYKjOItltg/s1600/ad+fern.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="470" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHcIOxNoMP6XNwdgA2KafLmcG9eMIh3QL8vVUJWhmBRDMWebneXDO4TfLackTv3vSS-Cfq9wJvtBPbCvXx_13b8FU08pdxs0rGFSyPxAOh9XZyrbyAT2aqM198HQEqoVlefEYKjOItltg/s640/ad+fern.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">this garden is really all about</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTaEIcL9WUTgLUXt3zQm38vKWtc3lS_AOCVh-qtMlWshI2oalDSRGj0dniXVXh8UMvtyCkkkuF7tard9YPaXQC7Z6sgMKCAS-0npCqQZcASciAftCr1wMm7ggs964SMPzJgLv6-L5Ii20/s1600/ad+waterfall+pool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTaEIcL9WUTgLUXt3zQm38vKWtc3lS_AOCVh-qtMlWshI2oalDSRGj0dniXVXh8UMvtyCkkkuF7tard9YPaXQC7Z6sgMKCAS-0npCqQZcASciAftCr1wMm7ggs964SMPzJgLv6-L5Ii20/s640/ad+waterfall+pool.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">the pool!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-YE8DAcD-MQW3znDSzWCVN19grvmmgFHP62DoeUtJLQlJo3QLBRBfPeSR1vXpl0w3V8gt_rKfcmDPkPCLqFW97ww_qnaAR_cbn7xJaZ3eHBU7KWz0zbXIKolBsHJLDk0fUeqdsGa72x8/s1600/ad+blue+saltwater+pool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-YE8DAcD-MQW3znDSzWCVN19grvmmgFHP62DoeUtJLQlJo3QLBRBfPeSR1vXpl0w3V8gt_rKfcmDPkPCLqFW97ww_qnaAR_cbn7xJaZ3eHBU7KWz0zbXIKolBsHJLDk0fUeqdsGa72x8/s640/ad+blue+saltwater+pool.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and that dictates what is planted here - no petals, or small leaves to clog the filter</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVMeEPLI4GNcfNlRq5RfRj1RRCjM3LNkkwPIm5NrWCP2ndT_9iEZ7YNuPA-wi5EoVzsQ49U2yISjkqYg3BJ_2EFeQMlGph8j_vKo7Qw9npBaAR-qOjsgU425OUZQVXMIidq-6T88SzHOs/s1600/ad+tropicals3.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/AVvXsEgVMeEPLI4GNcfNlRq5RfRj1RRCjM3LNkkwPIm5NrWCP2ndT_9iEZ7YNuPA-wi5EoVzsQ49U2yISjkqYg3BJ_2EFeQMlGph8j_vKo7Qw9npBaAR-qOjsgU425OUZQVXMIidq-6T88SzHOs/s640/ad+tropicals3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">this back yard is all tropicals</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNXKZvI5HHy2ZDUs8dYWSFJnyqFy0LZyWSvqUYlSi4ThFFL3zYrZzVDX_SUcBd6mfnAyi0ix-K0gAoA3i_5uw_wXOZtTYXvj501DkXL89Z1OHd5IxF8qSTM5kmhQdr-TTNtPlYYd7rEu8/s1600/ad+tropicals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNXKZvI5HHy2ZDUs8dYWSFJnyqFy0LZyWSvqUYlSi4ThFFL3zYrZzVDX_SUcBd6mfnAyi0ix-K0gAoA3i_5uw_wXOZtTYXvj501DkXL89Z1OHd5IxF8qSTM5kmhQdr-TTNtPlYYd7rEu8/s640/ad+tropicals.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">with big beautiful leaves</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8xcbCe53Xoy5rrQYgf8N8nBByiDUfWvJFrglwWd1d6JYVWhciQlj4EdqH8UOXpu5vpPOFcBfPN-Q3PL8j1xuJ4OWXrFKOpB0XP7Vz60IiRJjuVDaskC6n3s4rd4dnKop14rRN8dDu_SA/s1600/ad+tropicals2.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/AVvXsEg8xcbCe53Xoy5rrQYgf8N8nBByiDUfWvJFrglwWd1d6JYVWhciQlj4EdqH8UOXpu5vpPOFcBfPN-Q3PL8j1xuJ4OWXrFKOpB0XP7Vz60IiRJjuVDaskC6n3s4rd4dnKop14rRN8dDu_SA/s640/ad+tropicals2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div>that create a private oasis for Alana and her family <br /><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">How beautiful is that?</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><strong>STAY TUNED FOR MORE OF THE TOUR</strong></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><strong>TOMORROW!</strong></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div>

GARDENING: LOUISIANA BAYOU - SO. CALIFORNIA TROPICAL PARADISE

.. IN THE AFTERMATH OF KATRINA My husband went to Louisiana to do some relief work in the area.  We'd never visited the South, so after ...

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GARDENING: GARDEN TOUR, PART II

<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYL2GR1qQAGkYhqZvb3xo36jRvYyeFauGjVh-ZNdivTxGv_sjMaY7mg8fT3oW8opfUZKnRIiKWXhoM7vNzesSHr_iPLNMd-FnxvyVpXesoXaT5pH5j6QAN-IT8orW6G_xbC0AkkIe0K0E/s1600-h/eden+roses.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344500898683301218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYL2GR1qQAGkYhqZvb3xo36jRvYyeFauGjVh-ZNdivTxGv_sjMaY7mg8fT3oW8opfUZKnRIiKWXhoM7vNzesSHr_iPLNMd-FnxvyVpXesoXaT5pH5j6QAN-IT8orW6G_xbC0AkkIe0K0E/s320/eden+roses.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 375px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 402px;" /></a></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: 180%;"><strong></strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: 180%;"><strong></strong></span></div><div align="center">Before we go to <span style="font-size: 130%;"><strong>Nedra's</strong></span> House to show photos of the Garden Tour, I wanted to post the photos of the Southern California Garden Show - held each Spring at South Coast Plaza (in the annex formerly known as Crystal Court). My husband and I look forward to it each year.</div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: 180%;"><strong>SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA </strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: 180%;"><strong>GARDEN SHOW. . .</strong></span> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UiTCjRj9HkI/Sit7AUFB6eI/AAAAAAAACJI/tLL-ZJIELLU/s1600-h/eden+roses.JPG"></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UiTCjRj9HkI/Sit6YKFewzI/AAAAAAAACJA/VL9688FX1vM/s1600-h/IMG_1718.JPG"></a></div><div align="center">APRIL 24, 2009 I attended the Garden Show with</div><div align="center">the REAL gardener in my family - my husband. </div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz1xweCphmsR5r1TusU-o0EMN-Aqv59J4ryGE845KFsV8e_n0NtfxNjwgSzqxRGbZY06fCahe1U12mFKNbA0E_greQ0dT9LhHVLGlG7hVjWAkFggEZaOI6r6xthJ6d2CucsuovZREeeOQ/s1600-h/IMG_2117.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344476988982560098" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz1xweCphmsR5r1TusU-o0EMN-Aqv59J4ryGE845KFsV8e_n0NtfxNjwgSzqxRGbZY06fCahe1U12mFKNbA0E_greQ0dT9LhHVLGlG7hVjWAkFggEZaOI6r6xthJ6d2CucsuovZREeeOQ/s320/IMG_2117.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 318px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 397px;" /></a> M&M Nursery always has the Fairy Gardens on display, complete with tiny plants, fairies, arches, benches and pathways. </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq4mDcSzckAY0tugDz6n6WKritvNbM-NFj2Y-ENJM1I1ZzS1GJph6B3y5t0j70EqU-DNBXFCxqYjbkWbLFjluHDC7wsQWUKDfCmGp0E4GYCchgQXMi16VPB-CjSqGDXTGj8UzG81Y9UlE/s1600-h/IMG_2116.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344476979231292722" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq4mDcSzckAY0tugDz6n6WKritvNbM-NFj2Y-ENJM1I1ZzS1GJph6B3y5t0j70EqU-DNBXFCxqYjbkWbLFjluHDC7wsQWUKDfCmGp0E4GYCchgQXMi16VPB-CjSqGDXTGj8UzG81Y9UlE/s320/IMG_2116.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 318px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 391px;" /> </a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGnaBp0BJxokPyGskvyzrhwR8bbqbpEn8TQW49T8I3aZPnuZplyn-eYGABvfuJlJWX78rpbgg4mKIb-Hi_NpY0tH6oESQNDDSNRrr_lakWNgc_pE_wa3Ihnub49m8VIzXzpWBLK08eSqE/s1600-h/IMG_2115.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344476976583948594" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGnaBp0BJxokPyGskvyzrhwR8bbqbpEn8TQW49T8I3aZPnuZplyn-eYGABvfuJlJWX78rpbgg4mKIb-Hi_NpY0tH6oESQNDDSNRrr_lakWNgc_pE_wa3Ihnub49m8VIzXzpWBLK08eSqE/s320/IMG_2115.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 334px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 410px;" /> </a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJGmJg4hk7OmX1WT286dqzw6nVfSZBtw7hT2yycym97Ws2yy0T2NRJplGoSk6jRbUnE34ar8cyApqGW-8_VAJ5Gu61cHipAg-MWJFG-yC3KW9VRqA-B0VFpLdnShkJfHHdSQtHrvhnPfw/s1600-h/IMG_1684.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344476378231111218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJGmJg4hk7OmX1WT286dqzw6nVfSZBtw7hT2yycym97Ws2yy0T2NRJplGoSk6jRbUnE34ar8cyApqGW-8_VAJ5Gu61cHipAg-MWJFG-yC3KW9VRqA-B0VFpLdnShkJfHHdSQtHrvhnPfw/s320/IMG_1684.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a>We arrived at Nedra's house after dark. (That was the idea all along.) Our theme here was 'intimate/romantic' and the scene was set beautifully with candlelight. Votives lined the pathway and led us to the back yard where our guests stood in amazement, gazing at the immense lighted hillside that crowns her backyard. Long ago - at our very first Garden Tour - Nedra visited Betty's yard and discovered vegetable gardening in oak barrels. Suddenly she knew how to tame her hillside and make it productive. On a leveled area of the hillside she has oak barrels with a variety of vegetables. Among the many trees and shrubs she has planted to cover her hillside, she also has 15 fruit trees including lemon, avocado and pomegranate. Nedra (with the help of her 5 children) <em>does all of her own gardening.</em> <br /><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><br /><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: 180%;">Nedra's House</span></div><div align="center"><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh664J_CtnvOR4jcE__jBROopTM4q_jiN4Cl0tVkwQ1RHBkoZu2eakBpUolkYKByEbvskZ7AaskwEOQdxOJk7AlBBPpRAtA2b3vzJ8gW1SaK7B01mrB7gEWFn1L2q52ZZRDizXzh0Ma0X8/s1600-h/IMG_1723.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344476373968945458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh664J_CtnvOR4jcE__jBROopTM4q_jiN4Cl0tVkwQ1RHBkoZu2eakBpUolkYKByEbvskZ7AaskwEOQdxOJk7AlBBPpRAtA2b3vzJ8gW1SaK7B01mrB7gEWFn1L2q52ZZRDizXzh0Ma0X8/s320/IMG_1723.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 325px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 423px;" /></a> A large basketball court dominates the first part of her backyard. The rest of the yard opens elegantly into a beautiful entertaining area with pool and spa. <br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy2uXkMY0-JP45jI1-pi84QiQG9Dr1p9-HSDFl83s94Dps2i5tSvJou-MtT0ZlRYXHjOrrMJXn-hoS7H08WLEA4K99MkgWf23w_xw1uHVjMF_aeFaDwcP2zpYGfHoeDSFg8lxtt9ifcoA/s1600-h/IMG_1711.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344475191169041698" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy2uXkMY0-JP45jI1-pi84QiQG9Dr1p9-HSDFl83s94Dps2i5tSvJou-MtT0ZlRYXHjOrrMJXn-hoS7H08WLEA4K99MkgWf23w_xw1uHVjMF_aeFaDwcP2zpYGfHoeDSFg8lxtt9ifcoA/s320/IMG_1711.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 314px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 385px;" /></a> There was a beautiful fireplace with deep seating area. By that time we were in the middle of a heavy evening mist and the fireplace with it's crackling fire was warm and inviting. <br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqA_PBHGoIhMEaFPUVGavlx69ZgtXFhW6oC99bIxDc_ipfJdu6rQIFkBvh7y5Fqn3dMijn_DBKblUrc8lnroIVTqqSYJu4spt0g5GwFrPtLktqKEbBGLcBWBSIPZ7IPeQlIV9r7bmLCUs/s1600-h/IMG_1724.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344475186760696274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqA_PBHGoIhMEaFPUVGavlx69ZgtXFhW6oC99bIxDc_ipfJdu6rQIFkBvh7y5Fqn3dMijn_DBKblUrc8lnroIVTqqSYJu4spt0g5GwFrPtLktqKEbBGLcBWBSIPZ7IPeQlIV9r7bmLCUs/s320/IMG_1724.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 256px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 402px;" /></a>We set up the refreshments on the barbecue area - glazed lemon pound cake with strawberries and whipped cream. </div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTvIbO8-g7ObgQcAqrHvCCexJzBSnZDtU3H1nfChRMGcX6ZM3a6NWAnB_3ycCCNIEiYQVlGdvImUiA8lwjSG0DRA1TjtIJxj3wNF9VEAPqmRBAfRPiTbdra5Q-OpyT5Hgzi1Jro_WYAHk/s1600-h/IMG_1722.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344475182609630354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTvIbO8-g7ObgQcAqrHvCCexJzBSnZDtU3H1nfChRMGcX6ZM3a6NWAnB_3ycCCNIEiYQVlGdvImUiA8lwjSG0DRA1TjtIJxj3wNF9VEAPqmRBAfRPiTbdra5Q-OpyT5Hgzi1Jro_WYAHk/s320/IMG_1722.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 340px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>Next to the barbecue area, fuscia bougainvillea climbs to the balcony above. <br /><br /><div>Nedra's yard is magical.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiRmLlQtlE_DIHd8_yupd2qSkKyc4VfdF-HoIlQdtDlQNmj38nfA7ld5VvAzS7iS6XXCOzF5uvQLCs6f34CSSO_BeXYO6JT57MHAkEO3EwZai5VDahqFDruJG6fihl6okn5XfcrN-Kvcc/s1600-h/IMG_1708.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344475179270215362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiRmLlQtlE_DIHd8_yupd2qSkKyc4VfdF-HoIlQdtDlQNmj38nfA7ld5VvAzS7iS6XXCOzF5uvQLCs6f34CSSO_BeXYO6JT57MHAkEO3EwZai5VDahqFDruJG6fihl6okn5XfcrN-Kvcc/s320/IMG_1708.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 423px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 384px;" /></a>We were enchanted. <br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7lTB16t5HGc1kvfhAz_ffDy_Qot4hfP5Y1Wz09pteGAx3x7JnBF3Nih74z3EysTsLbUzLux-exDIW4W-X5yiXBa1fXQy_6gyDPiw9y-BiydrCkbmfjtHV6UOkepM_3XA3yJ_Sm0BYi1M/s1600-h/IMG_1718.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344475178358943666" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7lTB16t5HGc1kvfhAz_ffDy_Qot4hfP5Y1Wz09pteGAx3x7JnBF3Nih74z3EysTsLbUzLux-exDIW4W-X5yiXBa1fXQy_6gyDPiw9y-BiydrCkbmfjtHV6UOkepM_3XA3yJ_Sm0BYi1M/s320/IMG_1718.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 467px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 380px;" /></a>Our table was set for a romantic dinner for two. A bottle of French Berry Lemonade chilled in a candle/plant stand which we repurposed as an ice bucket. </div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYITrJl1InksjjVGUeZdQpuV9qa0eLtm-YXcYolZ-pUHGqfKG2Z3r8Ets8syze-H5wuMznEy-JgBwqLdD8mwqaS1H57jjHHuoMcygkGRUOFyuEQ8KUOHCfQxv20ZGegZtRIWX_KyvYD-w/s1600-h/IMG_1716.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344474128000519890" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYITrJl1InksjjVGUeZdQpuV9qa0eLtm-YXcYolZ-pUHGqfKG2Z3r8Ets8syze-H5wuMznEy-JgBwqLdD8mwqaS1H57jjHHuoMcygkGRUOFyuEQ8KUOHCfQxv20ZGegZtRIWX_KyvYD-w/s320/IMG_1716.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 460px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 380px;" /></a> Beautiful Eden roses from my own garden tumble casually from a stoneware urn. <br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSu23bMz-p-SuNMaGjrF2O-b4DguI_HD3uqhRXchXtR6LFjQwNi9F8D9_bDERdPeen3bdeywLBCRrIy4Bo4lFCVhApqeiBxRkD-2Pi1yl1hA8KnJLyjp-e3Xy8uYI_CxxXqYlvzirSmoU/s1600-h/IMG_1712.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344474123726096482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSu23bMz-p-SuNMaGjrF2O-b4DguI_HD3uqhRXchXtR6LFjQwNi9F8D9_bDERdPeen3bdeywLBCRrIy4Bo4lFCVhApqeiBxRkD-2Pi1yl1hA8KnJLyjp-e3Xy8uYI_CxxXqYlvzirSmoU/s320/IMG_1712.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 377px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 442px;" /></a>The setting was perfect in a private patio Nedra calls her secret garden. It's centerpiece is a musical fountain under an arbor topped with wisteria. </div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSdzWZfQAQV7phwG5k_vhx87urVTvm9-Ml4E5kmlI9dw0xXyxnwv45VnjPLy9Nne6uciWhaBs59CM-lFv5ihsteOqDGRDdnkkYeE-yGEaZcBhwlpGaAh6YwkbdhXoY0S45g8osAIGKdo4/s1600-h/IMG_1717.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344474121850486898" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSdzWZfQAQV7phwG5k_vhx87urVTvm9-Ml4E5kmlI9dw0xXyxnwv45VnjPLy9Nne6uciWhaBs59CM-lFv5ihsteOqDGRDdnkkYeE-yGEaZcBhwlpGaAh6YwkbdhXoY0S45g8osAIGKdo4/s320/IMG_1717.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 358px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 438px;" /></a>The arbor was wrapped with tiny white lights. <br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBZFSbjdMjsV52EkiQMzXw1RPfoDTln4BWzhcmjFbDymT2i3k6tHuFWyCYUoteDftMZJylGSFcMC_lCai1q2WH7dXR5n52MdB-sTBcku70_gPPLnTkae8IL8vZntME6z84LWS4GIBv5wI/s1600-h/IMG_1713.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344474120770468706" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBZFSbjdMjsV52EkiQMzXw1RPfoDTln4BWzhcmjFbDymT2i3k6tHuFWyCYUoteDftMZJylGSFcMC_lCai1q2WH7dXR5n52MdB-sTBcku70_gPPLnTkae8IL8vZntME6z84LWS4GIBv5wI/s320/IMG_1713.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 471px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 425px;" /></a> I fell in love with these amazing fabrics in muted gold and cream, which I found at my favorite discount fabric store, Home Fabrics (El Toro/Rockfield). </div><div></div><div>I layered two toppers over the round tablecloth, for a casually elegant yet opulent look, and scrunched the top one to let the light play on the silky fabric. The dishes, utensils and glassware are Nedras. </div><div><strong><span style="font-size: 130%;">To make a square topper</span></strong>, measure the width and cut the length to match. Turn the edges under twice 1/2 inch and sew, hemming the edges. Sew any trim or tassel embellishment as desired.</div><div><strong><span style="font-size: 130%;">For a</span></strong> <strong><span style="font-size: 130%;">round table cloth</span></strong>,</div><div>measure the height and the width of the table. (You will need twice the height plus the width.) For example, if 2xheight+width comes to 70 inches, add one inch to each side for a hem, or 72 inches. You will need two lengths of the fabric sewn together lengthwise in order to get a 72 inch circle. Fold the sewn-together fabric in half and then in quarters. From the inside folded corner, measure down 1/2 of the total length. Using a tape measure, mark the distance with pen or pencil all across the fabric, keeping the top of the tape measure at the fold point and moving the bottom. Cut through the 4 layers of fabric along the marked line - you should have a full circle. Hem the bottom edge the same as for the topper, adding trim if you wish. </div><div>If you make these linens out of decorator fabrics, please remember to have these dry cleaned and don't put through your washer/dryer. </div><div><strong>Email me if you have any questions on how to make the linens.</strong> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie5HjAdvQ7GhR2uzGp0a7RWQXKrfyUg-SMsirZAJzJBMyjyDv1UBIsb6J5y-KwlXwgHJgkEjSdjEuDoOKC_LlkuPhu3LDVGsKhiM_8aAC5m9uY7Kk3zabpgYcC6A0YHDFT31G3ez0VzNo/s1600-h/IMG_1714.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344474116614901138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie5HjAdvQ7GhR2uzGp0a7RWQXKrfyUg-SMsirZAJzJBMyjyDv1UBIsb6J5y-KwlXwgHJgkEjSdjEuDoOKC_LlkuPhu3LDVGsKhiM_8aAC5m9uY7Kk3zabpgYcC6A0YHDFT31G3ez0VzNo/s320/IMG_1714.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 348px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 420px;" /></a> A HUGE thank you to Nedra for making her beautiful space available for our visit.</div></div><div></div><div>NEXT INSTALLMENT - MATTIE'S HOUSE (TUSCAN CHARM). </div><div></div><div></div><div><strong>WE WOULD LOVE TO HEAR YOUR COMMENTS! </strong></div><div>Thanks to all who attended. </div><div></div><div><strong><span style="font-size: 180%;">RECIPES</span></strong></div><div></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><strong>LEMON GLAZED POUND CAKE</strong></span></div><div></div><div>Makes 2 loaves. 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened, plus more for pan / 3 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled), plus more for pan / 3/4 cup low-fat buttermilk / Zest of 2 lemons, finely grated / 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons) / 1-1/2 teaspoons salt / 1/2 teaspoon baking powder / 1/2 teaspoon baking soda / 2 cups sugar / 5 large eggs<strong> / </strong><strong>Lemon Glaze (below)</strong></div><div>DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees, with rack in lowest position. / Butter and flour two 4 1/2 -by-8-inch (6-cup) loaf pans. / </div><div>2. In a small bowl (or liquid measuring cup), combine buttermilk with lemon zest and juice. / In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. / </div><div>3. With an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. / Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. / </div><div>4. With mixer on low, add flour mixture in three parts alternately with the buttermilk mixture in two, beginning and ending with flour; beat just until smooth (do not overmix)./</div><div>5. Divide batter evenly between pans; smooth tops./Bake until a toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean, 50 to 60 minutes (tent with foil if browning too quickly). / Cool 15 minutes in pan. / Turn out cakes onto a rack; cool completely before glazing. </div><div>6. Set rack with cakes over a baking sheet lined with waxed paper. Pour glaze over cakes, letting it run down the sides; let dry, about 30 minutes. <strong><span style="font-size: 130%;">LEMON GLAZE</span></strong> 2 cups confectioners' sugar / 3 to 4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice <strong><span style="font-size: 130%;">Directions</span></strong> 1.Place confectioners' sugar in a medium bowl or liquid measuring cup; stir in lemon juice (glaze should be thick, yet pourable). / Add more sugar or lemon juice, as necessary, to achieve desired consistency.</div><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></a>And varieties that smelled as sweet as roses! Amazing! </a>There were more varieties of Orchids this year than I knew existed. </a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg031EJ79BWcCXGYplhKNgGgh9X-o39tOaoTzD1OvtPZHJYSrYI-XrDAn8tfrpdCvkDtyAvSI9itBtAXMNCaUljJcK8jK_PgBmrQ9fii6ddUdTTcRFSywjMJ4xDCE2exIWylzulTIa20AY/s1600-h/IMG_2114.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344476394114304258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg031EJ79BWcCXGYplhKNgGgh9X-o39tOaoTzD1OvtPZHJYSrYI-XrDAn8tfrpdCvkDtyAvSI9itBtAXMNCaUljJcK8jK_PgBmrQ9fii6ddUdTTcRFSywjMJ4xDCE2exIWylzulTIa20AY/s320/IMG_2114.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 467px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 388px;" /></a> LOVE these stripey ones! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_YHFLTR4cWaQJySYDofGxGlDwCEnad5J8FZDa4q2-8c_qra3O-LH39ii7XeILFo2Z1DmxFoMsJKo4scYa5RC40ul_vtLFR9N5jzzzi_egad6a_QUZ-mN5f3rHWTpQSNIm8g8z0RH5qnE/s1600-h/IMG_2113.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344476387218689570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_YHFLTR4cWaQJySYDofGxGlDwCEnad5J8FZDa4q2-8c_qra3O-LH39ii7XeILFo2Z1DmxFoMsJKo4scYa5RC40ul_vtLFR9N5jzzzi_egad6a_QUZ-mN5f3rHWTpQSNIm8g8z0RH5qnE/s320/IMG_2113.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 316px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 387px;" /></a> Beautiful new orange colored Cymbidiums. <br /><br /><div align="center"></div></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7N7MxI7mXUZhenj_uDcUqqf5hSoucx19A2mq__gAynmUV6xYvf_DiA_bvUpvFIoqgcnNM7OUhHo7VqjalppW_RuBsJXWmpj4FCwgj-Kk8YW9hkHNE63wX67N6SBfe0sVcCx4ZqbVMXzY/s1600-h/IMG_2112.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344476385759210226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7N7MxI7mXUZhenj_uDcUqqf5hSoucx19A2mq__gAynmUV6xYvf_DiA_bvUpvFIoqgcnNM7OUhHo7VqjalppW_RuBsJXWmpj4FCwgj-Kk8YW9hkHNE63wX67N6SBfe0sVcCx4ZqbVMXzY/s320/IMG_2112.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 344px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 430px;" /></a> Put it on your calendar for end of April next year!! I was a little focused on the beautiful orchids, but there were amazing plants of every kind, garden gadgets, outdoor decor - and the great Home decor stores like Crate and Barrel, Pottery Barn, Z Gallerie, etc. in this annex as well. A great way to spend an afternoon. <span style="font-size: 180%;">THE GARDEN TOUR - PART II</span>

GARDENING: GARDEN TOUR, PART II

Before we go to Nedra's House to show photos of the Garden Tour, I wanted to post the photos of the Southern California Garden Show - h...

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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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