New Bookmarks in Stock!

I have a new line of pretty, floral, brass bookmarks in the shop, perfect for the avid reader!

Christmas in July Sale! 15% Off Everything in the Store.

I'm having a Christmas in July sale and everything in the SHOP is 15% off. You don't have to use a coupon code as prices have already been reduced. 

Happy shopping!!!

Peony in Full Bloom

My peony is in full bloom this week. Rain predicted for this evening though so the flowers won't last too much longer!

Evergreen Amaryllis

I was browsing a local garden store in November when I came across this gorgeous amaryllis. The vibrant lime green of the flower on the label was so different from any amaryllis I've ever bought that I snapped it up immediately.

I couldn't wait to see it bloom and it certainly did not disappoint me. It's quite stunning. I'll definitely be on the prowl for more of these bulbs again next November.

Some Treasures From My Garden

I've been so slack updating my blog lately but in the summertime there's just so many fun things to do outside!

Here's some of the lovely plants growing in my garden right now.

Rose of Sharon - I have had quite a bit of success propagating these. I love them!



Sweet Peas - my grandmother always grew these in her garden so I do mainly for sentimental reasons!

Peony Power

My peony is flowering. It looks stunning in our front garden. Today I shall cut a few and put them in a vase in our kitchen.Here's a poem about this gorgeous flower that I thought you might enjoy.

PEONY

Carman, Bliss, (1861 - 1929)

Arnoldus Villanova
Six hundred years ago
Said Peonies have magic,
And I believe it so.

There stands his learned dictum
Which any boy may read,
But he who learns the secret
Will be made wise indeed.

Astrologer and doctor
In the science of his day,
Have we so far outstripped him?
What more is there to say?
His medieval Latin
Records the truth for us,
Which I translate--virtutem
Habet occultam--thus:

She hath a deep-hid virtue
No other flower hath.
When summer comes rejoicing
A-down my garden path,
In opulence of color,
In robe of satin sheen,
She casts o'er all the hours
Her sorcery serene.

A subtile, heartening fragrance
Comes piercing the warm hush,
And from the greening woodland
I hear the first wild thrush.
They move my heart to pity
For all the vanished years,
With ecstasy of longing
And tenderness of tears.

By many names we call her,--
Pale exquisite Aurore,
Luxuriant Gismonda
Or sunny Couronne d'Or.
What matter,--Grandiflora,
A queen in some proud book,
Or sweet familiar Piny
With her old-fashioned look?

The crowding Apple blossoms
Above the orchard wall;
The Moonflower in August
When eerie nights befall;
Chrysanthemum in autumn,
Whose pageantries appear
With mystery and silence
To deck the dying year;

And many a mystic flower
Of the wildwood I have known,
But Pionia Arnoldi
Hath a transport all her own.
For Peony, my Peony,
Hath strength to make me whole,--
She gives her heart of beauty
For the healing of my soul.

Arnoldus Villanova,
Though earth is growing old,
As long as life has longing
Your guess at truth will hold.
Still works the hidden power
After a thousand springs,--
The medicine for heartache
That lurks in lovely things.

Poem is in the public domain..

Flower Bloom Necklaces - New Additions

I've added some new flower bloom necklaces. My Green Tea Pearl Bloom Necklace was so popular that I decided to add some variations on the theme. And has the price of silver gone up? I went to my silver wholesaler yesterday and spent a staggering amount on supplies to see me through the summer and possibly the fall. Not looking forward to the credit card bill!

Lilac and Blooms

Today's Tuesday and I have a tons of tasks to get done. Looking through my todo list and feeling rather overwhelmed. My lower back is still really sore and I'm going nuts.

My husband started raking the old leaves off our flower beds yesterday and uncovered a world of small little seedling poking their way through to the sunlight. I love this time of year when the plants start coming alive.

Here's another photo of a gorgeous mauve flower I saw in Cuba. To complement, I've also included two pairs of earrings that reflect the floral theme.

Experimenting With Copper - Part 2

The other day I posted a copper bracelet that I was working on.  Well I finished it and here's a pic to prove as much.  I attached a small copper charm and a couple of vintage German glass beads that have a hint of copper in them.

My amaryllis is finally flowering!

My mother-in-law gives me an amaryllis bulb every December and every January it blooms in my kitchen. It brings a lovely splash of color to an otherwise rather dreary weather winter. I never know what color it's going to be. Here's this year's...a gorgeous orange-pink with white striations.