Wednesday, August 4, 2010

The peripatetic guest invites you on a walk.

I was a peripatetic guest this weekend, in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The hot summer has risen to the mountain tops, so I am sending you a meandering through my friend's gardens before they fall over. 


I have watched this garden patch evolve over the last 20 years. The beauty of this artist's style is her ability to let go. She fights the weeds, but the flowers reseed themselves, where they may, to striking effect.


Lillies and roses mingle democratically with Queen Anne's Lace and daisies.

"Gardening is civil and social, but it wants the vigor and freedom of the forest and the outlaw. " ~Henry David Thoreau


The "morning's catch" waiting to be arranged. 


Gardens are a form of autobiography.  ~Sydney Eddison, Horticulture magazine, August/September 1993
My friend's grandchildren call her bossy, but I would say her garden vibrates with her great love of beauty.   She also uses words like "behoove" and her southernisms delight me. 


A meander is good for the soul. 


"Why try to explain miracles to your kids when you can just have them plant a garden."  ~Robert Brault

My guest room opens to this tidy little space. 


While visiting gardens and my friends is good for my soul.....


I can always find a good place to shop!


Randy McManus is a floral designer extraordinaire.  His adorable little shop in a friend's old playhouse is an honor system establishment!! Visit his website to see some of his amazing floral designs and accessories. He is my favorite!


Garlic Jelly!! Who knew. Thanks for walking with me. My new blog friends have been, decidedly, a great addition to my life!

14 comments:

  1. I don't know what I love more...your friend's charming garden, or all the lovely quotes that you have sprinkled throughout this touching post.

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  2. Felt like I had joined you on the walked ... wish that could've been the case. You and your take on life, and gardens, beautiful!!!

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  3. What a wonderful journey. For a few minutes I forgot I was in hectic NY and was transported to the timeless serenity of your friend's garden. Thank you!! Also, thank you for introducing Randy McManus-a true design genius!!!

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  4. I was in the Blue Ridge a week ago....It's one of my favorite places on earth....thanks for sharing...especially the Thoreau quote. K

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  5. I must require all new friends to have charming cottages and beautiful gardens. What an enchanting spot.

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  6. Oh, so gorgeous! Your friends have the most lovely places! I love a wild English garden, this is just beautiful! Lucky you! XO!

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  7. Gorgeous photos of gorgeous spaces!

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  8. In reply to Alexis, birds of a feather....

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  9. How does your garden grow? Fabulous and slow...I LOVE that you've watched it unfold for 20 years!!!

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  10. My nose is pressed against the screen and my senses are alive.
    Love the jellies.
    pve

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  11. Your friend's stone cottage and gardens are charming, lovely, take-your-breath-away beautiful! The cottage looks like an old church.

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  12. wow gorgeous pictures looks like a perfect weekend getaway

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  13. The winding driveway was the picture that got me. It represents the way you write your posts. I drive up...you wave me in ;)

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  14. Great photos. Great quotes - equating gardens to autobiographies is lovely (although I am not sure my non-green thumb garden would do me justice...smile).
    Leigha (your newest follower).

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