GARDENS: PUBLIC AND PRIVATE

I'm back from Atlanta, Georgia and had a great time at Michelle and Dave's wedding. While down South, I squeezed in a quick visit to the Atlanta Botanical Garden.

They have a nice collection of pastel hydrangeas...

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Endless Summer'

Hydrangea 'Sister Teresa'

Hydrangea serrata 'Maiko'

Hydrangea serrata 'Miyami-ya-muraski'

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Alpenglow'

I also sighted several species of frogs.
Throughout the gardens there is an exhibit called Sculpture In Motion.
It featured the works of 16 artists that captured the energy of wind, water, sound, the sun magnetics, or touch. (FYI: The happy bride and groom who were being photographed in front of one of the sculptures are not Michelle and Dave.)
In the large conservatory,
there are collections of orchids and other floral wonders...
and tropical birds competing for your attention.
One of the reasons I love touring public gardens is that I usually discover some new "must-have" for my own garden. This time, I spied an unusual splotched lily. Unfortunately, it wasn't labeled.

Last summer in a Paris park, I fell for a salmon-colored rose, tagged Meilland Star 'Passionate Kisses'. It now grows in my garden
Although I'm not usually a fan of coral blooms, I needed to add this one to my private collection.

Here's a tour of what else is exciting in my garden today.

The Color Flash astilbe is thrilling even when not in bloom.
Introduced in 2006, along with Color Flash Lime (below), which I grow on the opposite side of the slate path in my center bed , the tri-color leaves are as interesting as the flower plumes.The Deutzia are putting on quite a show in the back border.
Several years ago I planted five small deutzia bushes. Three produced the pretty pale pink flowers that I expected.
The other two shrubs, however, are really amazing.
The flowers are much bigger and striped in several shades of pink. I'm not sure if they are 'Rubra' or 'Pink Parfait', but they sure are spectacular.
When you put the flowers side by side, it's hard to believe the shrubs are the same species!
My herb and veggie garden has had to fend for it self this week, because since getting home, I have spent morning, noon, and night proofing and fact checking my Cozy Waterside Cottage book. Can you see the weeds?
It was great fun touching base with all of the homeowners and companies I worked with last year.
Several have exciting new projects or products in the works, which I can't wait to tell you about. I may even be involved in one ... as soon as The Mystery Project is wrapped up.

*** BOUQUET DU JOUR ***

The leaves are a burgundy heuchera and striped hosta. The flowers include magenta peonies, white and raspberry colored astilbes, and 'Passionate Kisses' roses.

IT'S TYBEE TIME

This morning, I’m waiting for two homeowners to call me. I e-mailed them the chapters (#10 and #11) that I’d written about their homes and now it’s their chance to let me know if they have any corrections.

Did I get their dog’s name wrong? Did the antique chest in the dining room belong to their husband’s great grandmother, not his grandmother? You get the idea.

Anyhow, Chapter #9 has now been reviewed and is in the ‘Done’ folder. I know the last one mentioned by number was #7 but I was never very good at math! I forgot to report that Brooke’s story (#8) was done.

Chapter #9 is a cottage on Tybee Island, Georgia. This barrier island off the coast of Savannah is lined with gorgeous cottages and colorful beach bungalows.

Of course, modern condos and high-rises exist, too, but they hold no fascination for me. They are never as interesting as older homes, especially ones with a good story waiting to be told…

When Marcia and Tom bought their cottage it was considered a tear down. It had sat empty for 20 years -- abandoned by all but the flocks of pigeons that called the place home.

After they purchased the wreck, however, a funny thing happened. Marcia’s new Tybee Island neighbors started telling her tidbits about the house and it’s history. The more she heard, the more determined she became to save the 19th century cottage instead of knocking it down.

The cottage got a second chance (see above photo of cottage hallway) and Marcia, Tom and the cottage live happily ever after. The pigeons, on the other hand, all had to find a new home.

FYI: Marcia is the granddaughter of Sema Wilkes, the founder of Savannah’s famous southern-style eatery, Mrs. Wilkes. For years, four generations worked together at the restaurant dishing out sweet tea, irresistible collard greens, whorls of mashed potatoes, platters of legendary fried chicken and biscuits that would make even Paris & Nicole go off their diets.

I had the pleasure of meeting the family matriarch several times prior to her passing in 2002 and she gave me a copy of her cookbook. Even though the book is now well worn with use, my pet chickens feel safe – my favorites are her recipes for Crab Stew, Creole Eggplant and Sweet Potato Souffle.

***** BLOG DU JOUR *****
In keeping with today’s southern sojourn, I’d like you to meet Harriette Keen Jacobs. Her blog South of The Gnat Line is a gorgeous eclectic mix of southern humor, nature worship, fabulous chicken photos and farm life. After you visit, you’ll understand why I love Harriette’s blog. How many stylish sites have links to McMurray Hatchery? City slickers may want to skip this one.