Happy Birthday, Bev!

Happy Birthday from the gals in your life who love you!

If you were here we would celebrate with a cake from Chestnut Lane (of course)...

And, if you were really lucky, we might even wrap up a tiny little balloon in a box for you...

(because its all about the packaging, right?)

*image

We love you so much, Bev!

Hope you have a wonderful day!

(feel free to leave a birthday wish for Bev in the comments!)

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A Tipi at the Organic Farm

TipiJuly 28, 2010
Home gardeners know that gardening is not  just the bare basics.  Garden decorations enter the picture at some point.  Some aren't even intended garden decorations but meant rather to serve practical purposes likes pest deterrents or critter protectors like toad home.  The organic farm has a wonderful tipi constructed on a bit of open space.  Despite adding character, the tipi

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A Tipi at the Organic Farm

TipiJuly 28, 2010
Home gardeners know that gardening is not  just the bare basics.  Garden decorations enter the picture at some point.  Some aren't even intended garden decorations but meant rather to serve practical purposes likes pest deterrents or critter protectors like toad home.  The organic farm has a wonderful tipi constructed on a bit of open space.  Despite adding character, the tipi

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Going Green!

Hello everyone,

It is another beautiful summer day here and we are busy getting ready for the garden tour tomorrow. I have been setting up all my little props to give the garden more interest. I am hoping it doesn't rain overnight but it is supposed to be a lovely day again tomorrow.

Anyway, in the process of setting up a nice little spot for people to sit and enjoy a glass of lemonade and cookies I thought you might enjoy a little break too.

Hope you enjoyed my going green and have a wonderful weekend. How I wish you could all come and enjoy our garden tour tomorrow!

I will take you on a photo tour of the garden soon.

I am joining in Show & Tell Friday at My Romantic Home again today- lots to see over at Cindy's again.

Thank you for visiting me,

Carolyn

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guest blogger: local lily

Local Lily is a wonderful new blog featuring all things local.

It is a great resource for local establishments from restaurants and stores to museums and markets.

They are definitely one to bookmark, especially if you are from Phoenix or planning to visit.

And, of course, the ladies of Local Lily are simply lovely. So, we are, indeed, thrilled to hear what some of their local No. 1's are here in Phoenix. We are so very happy to introduce you to the ladies of Local Lily...

Our five favorite things about Phoenix

by Local Lily

We found it nearly impossible to pick only five local faves! But we tried our best and here's a few close to our hearts...

1. The Duce!

A speak-easy that isn't going to be such a hidden gem for long. Little by little the Duce is becoming everyone's favorite spot! RnR surplus clothing, antique home items, great food and great drinks all in a family friendly atmosphere - you can't beat it!

2. Farmer's Markets

Farmer's Markets are a great way to start your weekend. See your neighbors, buy your produce and goodies from local vendors and increase the cohesiveness of your community.

3. Arizona Derby Dames

Arizona Derby Dames is a Saturday Night Out you won't soon forget! Grab a draft beer and get ready to holler - it ain't child's play!

4. The Phoenix Children's Museum

The Phoenix Children's Museum has many floors of awesome, air-conditioned fun for families of all ages... babies and big kids, too!

5. Nouvelle Armoire

For a one-stop shop of clothes and accessories, its all about Nouvelle Armoire! Gorgeous earrings, beautifully made and unique clothing with sales you can't beat.

Thank you so much to the ladies of Local Lily!

Keep up with their blog to find more fabulous places scattered across this great city of ours!

Hope you enjoyed all of our guest bloggers this week! We sure did!

For those from Phoenix, did you discover anything unknown to you that you are now itching to go check out?

What are some of you local favorites in Phoenix or your own city that you would recommend to someone if they were visiting?

Love to hear from you all!

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Tomato - Tamato.....

TOMATO - TAMATO

Which ever way you say it, we have an abundance of them!

Does anyone want to share some great tomato recipes with me?  Please??

Welcome Home,

Penny

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Tomato - Tamato.....

TOMATO - TAMATO

Which ever way you say it, we have an abundance of them!

Does anyone want to share some great tomato recipes with me?  Please??

Welcome Home,

Penny

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friday madness!

60% off everything in our Sale Section!

We have lots of little goodies and treasures hiding back there!

You won't want to miss this one time deal!

Come in and see us!

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'Blushing Butterflies'

Gaura 'Blushing Butterflies'™ 

With dancing wands of dangling flowers, gaura lindheimeri 'Blushing Butterflies'™ doesn't stop blooming in hot, dry summers.

It has been years since I've grown gaura and I had forgotten how pretty she can be from late spring until frost. My past experience has been with the lovely white 'Whirling Butterflies', a fabulous perennial that I grew in the somewhat neglected mailbox garden at a previous home.

I planted 'Siskiyou Pink' in this garden in 2007, but I kept moving her around—not a happy ending, but that was my doing and I can't blame the poor plant! 'Siskiyou Pink' has dark red foliage, can grow up to five feet and is a parent of the compact 'Blushing Butterflies'. 'Blushing Butterflies' fits into smaller gardens or containers with a height and width of 24 inches.

Grow all three of these gaura in full sun gardens in zones 5-9. Neglect is okay with gaura.

Handling drought conditions, once established, she's a low-maintenance plant that will reward you with her long, wispy wands throughout the summer. The humidity doesn't seem to phase the varieties of gaura that I have grown. Don't crowd gaura in the garden because she needs air to perform. A breeze moving through her stems not only keeps her healthy, but adds to her beauty.

Blooms come and go all summer long without deadheading,
but gaura can be cut back if needed to shape the plant.

I removed a sprawling rosemary that had grown a big gnarly in the cottage garden. Wispy gaura is a lovely replacement, planted by the flowing stream. Fortunately, I found a large pot at a local nursery so I didn't have to wait for the plant to grow up to fill the space.

Companions include lamb's ear, sedum, salvia and lavender in this narrow strip of garden bed that separates the gravel path from the stream. This area of the garden has sun all day long and no drip irrigation. Plants that perform well in drought or xeric conditions are best.

Hummingbirds and other pollinators are attracted to gaura,adding to the delight of growing this perennial in the garden.

Stems laden with water following a heavy rain,
gaura will spring back up as she dries during the day.

Words and photos by Freda Cameron, Defining Your Home, Garden and Travel. Deer and rabbit resistance varies based upon the animal population and availability of food. All company or product or patented names mentioned are registered trademarks, copyrights, or patents owned by those respective companies or persons.

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Raised Beds at the Organic Farm

Strawberry BedsJuly 28, 2010
Imagine my delight when we pulled onto the organic farm to see 2 raised beds planted using the square foot gardening method and larger raised beds for the everbearing and June bearing strawberries.  Pictured are 3 of the raised beds for strawberries.  I didn't get a picture of the smaller (4' x 4' ) square foot raised beds.  I will be sure to get a picture the next

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Raised Beds at the Organic Farm

Strawberry BedsJuly 28, 2010
Imagine my delight when we pulled onto the organic farm to see 2 raised beds planted using the square foot gardening method and larger raised beds for the everbearing and June bearing strawberries.  Pictured are 3 of the raised beds for strawberries.  I didn't get a picture of the smaller (4' x 4' ) square foot raised beds.  I will be sure to get a picture the next

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Three Sisters Garden Bed

Three Sisters Garden BedJuly 28, 2010
A few days ago a flyer arrived in our mailbox letting us know about a new organic farm operation in our area.  I'm always watching for this type of thing for the fruits and vegetables I either don't grow enough of or don't grow at all.  Yesterday we drove out to see the operation and oh my gosh it is fabulous!  The next few posts will give a bit more on some

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Three Sisters Garden Bed

Three Sisters Garden BedJuly 28, 2010
A few days ago a flyer arrived in our mailbox letting us know about a new organic farm operation in our area.  I'm always watching for this type of thing for the fruits and vegetables I either don't grow enough of or don't grow at all.  Yesterday we drove out to see the operation and oh my gosh it is fabulous!  The next few posts will give a bit more on some

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Breakfast in the Terrace

Hello everyone,

In the summer we eat almost all of our meals outdoors and one of my favorite spots is in the garden terrace.

A few days ago I took some photos of our pancake breakfast to share with you.

I didn't spend a lot of time on this so it is a plain and simple meal but the setting makes it special to us.

I made raisin scones and raspberry muffins.

Crushed Island strawberries and fresh whipped cream on top of pancakes is oh so good.

Fruit salad and plain yogurt topped with phyllsum is healty and good.

While we sit and enjoy breakfast it is lovely to enjoy the surrounding beauty.This rose is Antique.

An Endless Summer Hydrangea is in a large pot in the terrace.

The Prairie Princess rose climbs on one side.

Well, I hope you enjoyed our breakfast in the terrace. I am joining Susan at Tablescape Thursday today our at her lovely blog Between Naps on the Porch. Lots of lovely tablescapes to see today!

Thank you for visiting me,

Carolyn

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guest blogger: georganne of frances and smeeks

If you live in Phoenix and are not already familiar with Frances and Smeeks, then come on out from under that rock and discover them.

Georganne Bryant is the brilliant talent behind both these fantastic local businesses.

Frances is one of the loveliest boutiques with wonderful gifts for anyone on your list (or, of course, for yourself, as it is hard to walk out of this store without something you just couldn't resist). And Smeeks is a dream of a candy store for any kid, or any person who still has that bit of kid inside them.

We couldn't be more thrilled to have Georganne here today to tell us why she loves this city of ours so very much. So, herewith 5 of her very favorite things about Phoenix, Georganne of Frances and Smeeks...

My five favorite things about Phoenix

by Georganne Bryant

(Georganne with the Frances & Smeeks staff Sandy, Cassandra and Julie)

1. Murphy's Bridle Path

I love walking my dog in the early, early morning along Murphy's Bridle Path on North Central.

2. Durant's

A definite favorite is Durant's on Central for its constant coolness. Its always a great place for a drink and we have celebrated many special occasions at this Phoenix landmark. Try the strawberry shortcake for a real treat!

3. Vintage Shopping along 7th Ave.

I love vintage shopping along 7th Ave. in Phoenix. I particularly love Indigo's style and finds at Retro Ranch. She always has a great collection/selection of vintage office supplies. Zinnia's, Hollywood Regency and Go Kat Go are all wonderful, too.

4. Urban Cookies and AJ's

We love Urban Cookies on a hot summer day with an AJ's iced tea! Yum! Try Urban Cookies ice cream sandwich!

5. Swimming pool at night.

My all time favorite "beat the heat" in Phoenix is hanging out with family in our pool at night. Love it!

Thank you so much to Georganne for another fantastic list of great things in Phoenix!

Maybe you should grab an AJ's iced tea and head over to Frances to check out all their lovelies and then pop into Smeeks for a little treat. Tell them we sent you!

And don't forget to check out their colorful blog for all the latest Frances and Smeeks news!

See you all tomorrow!

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