Sometimes, I actually get a project done. This driftwood planter is one of them. I saw the idea several years ago and thought it would make a nice addition to our garden. First, I had to find the driftwood. We picked up this piece on our trip to the north Island during spring break. Tim drilled and gouged it out recently, and I added dirt and succulents and oregano from my garden. It's sitting on the garden edging bricks for now, until I decide where it will fit best.
On a fine summer evening I was inspired to get out a piece of watercolour paper and do a quick sketch of the bird bath. I've begun painting it, but haven't made much progress this past week. It's a pleasant way to while away an hour or two with the windows wide open to let the breeze drift in.
The peonies are in bloom. How I love them in all their ruffled elegance. Layer upon layer of soft petals. There's a vase full of them on the dining room table tonight.
A view of one corner of the garden. Siberian Iris, Aquilegia (Columbine) and Centaurea Montana (Cornflower) are in bloom just now, with blue hydrangeas and white stock waiting their turn behind them. For months, it seems, we wait and wait for the garden to bloom. Snowdrops appear, then crocuses and daffodils and tulips and suddenly everything bursts into life and colour and it's impossible to keep track of every bloom. Isn't it wonderful?
Next in line: foxgloves. They are a bit rascally in my garden, appearing where they've not been planted. This particular bunch is in the vegetable bed, but I've left it there and will uproot it after it blooms. It's a different colour than the others I have, so perhaps it flew in on a mischievous breeze from another garden.
I do love volunteer plants that show up unexpectedly. I imagine much of what I get in my potted plants comes from the birds. Great use of the driftwood and I love your little watercolor. I say I'll draw every day and then I don't. Even took supplies on our trip but didn't journal or sketch. :/ Have a good Friday!
ReplyDeleteWhat a pretty little group of blues in your garden. Aquilegia is one of my 'naughty' plants as it will try to take over a bed and has to be removed. But they are so pretty! I am waiting for my Paeony to open. I only have one and this year it has five buds!
ReplyDeleteThe driftwood planter is fantastic! What an wonderful focal point for the garden. I like the watercolor as well, looking forward to seeing your progress. What a lovely time of year this is.
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo
I love your driftwood garden!
ReplyDeleteHello. The driftwood has had a new life with pretty plants in your garden. Thanks to your idea, it will voyage with a happy smile.
ReplyDeleteNot only have you been very creative with your driftwood planter and painting, but also here on your new look blog - it is looking lovely and fresh. Love the raindrops on the foxgloves - ours are in flower too, all self seeded, but I love them.
ReplyDeleteLorrie, what a great idea for the driftwood planter - will Tim be on to making canoes next, haha!
ReplyDelete'Rascally' foxgloves, you lucky thing you! I wish they'd do better in my garden here - I did buy a beauty last year and kept it in a pot - cut it back for winter and have a couple of new baby plants coming up - hopefully tall foxgloves will grow by summer.
Peonies seem early but are gorgeous - mine are coming along but no buds yet!
What a cool planter! I am reminded that you do paint. It should not be difficult for me to
ReplyDeleteremember, though I received the news that you are painting a birdbath in the garden with
brand new interest. This from the one who has a painting Daffodils by Lorrie. Lovely spring
garden looking fine.
Your driftwood planter is beautiful! Our peonies are out right now and I love them. I'm hoping for more rascally plants in my efforts to transition my parking lot gardens to perennial gardens.
ReplyDeleteYour driftwood planter is fabulous, Lorrie. It seems the perfect addition to your already lovely garden. I fondly remember all of the driftwood I saw when we visited your area.
ReplyDeleteI love your watercolor painting. You are a woman of many talents and I'm so glad you share them with us here.
Your garden is so lovely and the watercolor is cute. Please show us more pictures of your garden as the growing season progresses.
ReplyDeleteFirst, oh my you changed your format here. Nice! Love, love the driftwood planter. Flowers in the garden always make me smile and peonies are swoon worthy. Your painting is wonderful. It almost makes me want to pull out the watercolors, but I must stay on task this year. Hopefully by fall I will have my house thinned down, pictures gone through and put in order, then I can paint, crochet, spin, or do whatever art/creative thing my heart desires.
ReplyDeleteSuch a nice Five, Lorrie. The driftwood planter is great! Peonies are my favorites but I love flowers, and have been enjoying seeing video and photos from the Chelsea Garden show!
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely weekend!
Lovely plants in your garden and the planter is a wonderful idea. Our peony is flowering at the moment, Such gorgeous flowers:)
ReplyDeleteLorrie, I knew that you were such an artist with the camera, but I am loving the watercolor you're doing of the bird bath. Bien fait! Your posts always have a way of calming me and leading me to a peaceful place of just soaking in the beauty. It's a little like I used to feel when I'd read Victoria magazine... just almost feel my heartrate slowing just to take it in, so thank you!
ReplyDeletetesting
ReplyDeleteThe driftwood planter is fabulous, what a great idea. Your flowers are gorgeous, especially that luscious peony, I am green with envy!
ReplyDeleteI didn't know you were such a talented artist. I love your pretty watercolor! I see so many things I wish I could paint. Your flowers are lovely and what a neat driftwood idea! Enjoy your weekend!
ReplyDeleteYour driftwood planter is charming! Oh my . . . such beauties in your garden!
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous post this is. I think I'd like to come and live in your garden, surrounded by its colour and beauty. It sounds and looks like an enchanted place. x
ReplyDeleteThe driftwood planter is gorgeous. And your painting is too! I hope you finish it, that kind of thing can be so soothing.
ReplyDeleteI love the driftwood planter !! I am in southwestern PA and I can recall my grandmother
ReplyDeleteusing driftwood that she had collected for what SHE called " settings" and today's bloggers call " vignettes"
I somehow missed this pretty post! Love the driftwood planter!
ReplyDeleteWow, your driftwood planter is really neat, Lorrie! Love your other flowers, especially the columbine and the cornflowers. I had foxgloves in our garden in Greensboro years ago; they're one of my favorite flowers and always remind me of an English cottage garden.
ReplyDeleteHope you have a lovely weekend!
Hugs,
Denise
Such a lovely post.
ReplyDeleteI think the driftwood planter is amazing.
I enjoyed seeing all of your photographs.
All the best Jan
I am totally loving your driftwood planter. How clever! You have a lot of the same flowers blooming that I have. Enjoy! Kit
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