The Roses are In Bloom!

Our little shed is once again covered in pink roses. Its a variety called New Dawn and is very hearty. Despite having killed every other rose bush I've ever touched, this one thrives. I'm sure being planted in close proximity to our compost pile helps a bit, too. ;)

The blooms are such a lovely blush pink color!It certainly helps to bring a little cottage charm to the back yard. And speaking of cottage charm...the third annual Cottage Charm Giveaway, being hosted by Kim of Twice Remembered , is going on right now. Sadly because of scheduling conflicts I wasn't able to participate this year, but be sure to check out the link over on Kim's blog to see all the wonderful giveaways (now more than 60!). And if you would like to join in with a giveaway of your own, there is still a few days left to sign up!

And just because they filled out so pretty in the last couple of weeks, I'm showing another picture of the patio flower baskets.

Latest Dogwood Branch Tote

Just a quick post to share my lastest project... another dogwood branch applique tote bag. This time I've used gorgeous fabrics designed by Patricia Bravo of Art Gallery Fabrics along with linen and a pretty pink and green dogwood print put out by FreeSpirit. Enjoy the long weekend, everyone!

Moss Lined Flower Basket ~ A Garden How-To

I was able to get my hanging baskets planted this week, so I thought I would share a gardening How-To. I love the naturalized look of moss lined flower baskets. They are so much prettier than a plastic pot and surprisingly easy to do.


What you will need:

* Wire basket (mine is an 18 inch)

* long fiber sphagnum moss

* rubber gloves

* potting soil

* small plastic garbage bag

* bucket of water (for soaking moss)

*pretty flowers and trailing plants



Step 1 - Wearing rubber gloves (and a mask if you're sensitive to dust), soak the long fiber sphagnum moss in the bucket of water. Squeeze out the excess water and begin lining your basket.
Step 2 - Once your basket is lined with about 1 - 1 1/2 inches of moss, place a small circle of plastic with holes punched in it, in the bottom of the basket. This will help retain soil and moisture. (BTW, at the end of the season, keep your plastic piece with your basket and reuse it next year. I've been using this same circle of plastic for 7 or 8 years now)
Step 3 - Fill with potting soil and press in up the sides. I use a soil with a slow release fertilizer.Step 4 - Now start putting in your plants. I start with my larger anchor plants. This year I used Chartreuse sweet potato vine and a pink and green coleus. Step 5 - Fill in with smaller plants and flowers. My baskets are in filtered sun all day, so I chose bright multi-colored impatiens. Step 6 - Hang your basket, water, and enjoy!
Some people like to trim the the moss close to basket, but I prefer the look of the little hanging pieces. :)
Enjoy the weekend, everyone and Happy gardening!

A New Dogwood Tote and Its All MINE

Inspired by our Dogwood tree that finally bloomed (after having planted it 8 years ago) , I whipped up a new bag. I really like it, so this one is all mine. LOL

One side is a combination of two beautiful fabrics from Anna Maria Horner and on the other I've done a "rough" applique of a dogwood branch.
I'm also trying out my little rivot thingies. I've used them more as a decoration on this bag, but it will still give me an idea of how they'll hold up under daily use.
I like the look. :)Have a great weekend, everyone! And Happy sewing!