Treasure Hunt

Scotts Antique Market, a huge antique show consisting of two warehouses filled with anything imaginable, comes to Atlanta once a month.  It was here this past weekend, but I was out of town and didnt get to go.  I love Scott's and always find such great stuff for the inside and out when i go.  This is a picture of my packed car from last month after a Scott's trip...

Ok, that is not really my car.  I wish!  Anyway, I am on the hunt for an outdoor work station for my house.  I want something rustic that can handle the weather.  I want it to have shelves for pots, and a sink would just be lovely!  This is close to what I am imagining...

Courtesy of Country Living Magazine

Sorry for the blurry picture.  I took that one with my camera phone at the Flower Show last year.  I know that Scott's would be just the place to find this outdoor work station, but I guess I will just have to wait until next month!  I did find some great treasures while in Birmingham for the weekend, but I haven't downloaded my pictures yet.  Stay tuned...

The Pony House

My sister requested I do a post on a small shed with one stall that could serve as a "pony house" in your backyard garden.  

Picture sister sent me of her dream pony.

This may seem like a strange request but you have to 1) know my sister and 2) know that we grew up with a pony in our back yard.  Ok, it is still a strange request, but I thought I would accept the challenge.

My first thought was the book Stylish Sheds and Elegant Hideaways by Debra Prinzing.

 

Filled with fabulous ideas on how to make a backyard garden stylish, this book has so many functional yet elegant examples of good design.  Unfortunately there are none that would work for the "pony house."  I was also surfing on the authors website when I came across this...

A photo of Bonnie Manion's hen house.  I think that a bigger version of this would be perfect for a small shetland pony.  I love the vines growing along the side.  Add a couple potted hydrangeas in front and voila, you have your chic pony house.  I also think it would be perfect for a children's play house for those that do not plan on getting a pony.

Hang Time

After reading yesterday's post Jane (my mother's best friend and a fairy god mother figure to my siblings and I) suggested I get a hammock until I can acquire that outdoor bed of my dreams.  What a great idea!  People always associate hammocks with the beach and palm trees such as this...

Which is not a bad way to enjoy a hammock, but they could also fit in just about anywhere. 

I would stick to the classic rope hammocks and find a couple of shade trees in a natural area of your garden.  Then the hammock will blend right into the canopy and serve as the perfect place for an afternoon nap.

Or if you are really lucky and have a large porch, that would also be the perfect place for a hammock.

via Country Living

Daily Dreaming

I have always dreamed of an outdoor bed where you could sleep outside or at least take a comfortable afternoon nap.  Today I am really wishing for one of these because I have one of those lingering colds and the weather is just perfect for an outdoor nap.  Below are some dreamy pictures I have come across that just make your mind wonder.

photo by Slim Aarons

photo by Tim Walker

I would love for a client to request an outdoor day bed to be incorporated into their garden design.  Below are a few companies that make an outdoor bed in their furniture line.

This is one of my favorites by Janet et Cie's Denan collection.  Doesn't the little model look so cozy! 

The Sweet Water Cabana would be perfect pool-side!

This wicker daybed by Iraya would be fun to include in a children's play garden.  It would be such a great reading spot for children or adults.  

Daily Travels

Today is going to be a busy day as I am leaving this afternoon to head to the beach and will not be back in the office until Tuesday.  Happy Labor Day everyone; I hope you have a great weekend.  I wish I was traveling this way!

Daily Bloom

 Fall blooming bulbs can be the perfect remedy for a garden that seems to be winding down from spring and summer.   They seem to appear out of nowhere in the garden and bring such a fresh new look.  

picture via http://cambridge2000.com/gallery/html/P9088400.html

The Colchicum byzantimum, a species of Crocus commonly known as Autumn crocus works in zones 4 to 8.  It will bloom from late September through October in this beautiful pinkish lilac color.  

picture via http://www.americanmeadows.com/FallFlowerBulbs/FallFloweringCrocus.aspx

Pictured above is the Colchicum 'Water Lily' often called Autumn crocus, but these flowers are actually part of the lily family, Liliaceae.  'Waterlily' are said to be satisfied in zones 4-9 and require full sun.    Each bulb produces a double bloom of this gorgeous lilac flower.

Fall blooming bulbs should be planted in early September, but once in the ground they will not take long for them to begin blooming.  For the Crocus and Colchicum it will only take about three to six weeks.  It is so exciting to watch these gorgeous blooms come alive in your garden!

Dining Alfresco

One of my favorite things to do is eat outside in the fresh air.  I appreciate when a restaurant has taken design into consideration and created a great outdoor dining atmosphere.  Sometimes it doesn't take more that a few elm trees or potted plants, but the effect is invaluable.

Here is my top five list of the best places for dining alfresco in Georgia:

Number 1:  George and Louie's in Thomasville, GA

This one is a no-brainer... it is only the best restaurant in the whole world!

Number 2: Anis Cafe and Bistro in Atlanta, GA

This quaint french restaurant located in Garden Hills has such a cozy patio.  Dappled with potted plants and whimsical artwork, this is a great place for any occasion.  

Number 3:  J.C.T. Kitchen in Atlanta, GA

Located off of Howell Mill Road, adjacent to a rail road line, this restaurant specializes in southern farmstead cooking.  J.C.T. has an amazing roof top bar that has a perfect environment for entertaining friends.   

Number 4: Big City Bread in Athens, GA

This hot spot is located in an eclectic neighborhood in Athens.  It is the perfect spot to grab a cup of coffee or to eat Sunday brunch.  The canopy of elm trees offers a perfect umbrella of shade on a sunny day.

Number 5:  Farm 255 in Athens, GA

This is one of my favorites not only because of their outdoor dining terrace, but because of their farm fresh food.  For more information on this check out their website.

What are some of your favorite restaurants with fabulous outdoor terraces?  Kiki Hicks, I bet you could enlighten us with some new hot spots!