Thursday, June 18, 2015

A Summer Cottage Garden Party


Hello there and welcome :)

Before we start the tour of my cottage garden, be sure to grab some iced tea...


We're having a heat wave here in the Arizona mountains and the temperature is an unusual 98 degrees. The average is around 80 at this time of year, so it's HOT. 

Not Phoenix hot, but hot nonetheless.

At least for us ;)

Anyway, for those of you that don't know me, my cottage was built in 1930, which you can read more about 'here' and see the inside 'here'. When I moved in, the very evil last owners had let the yard go and everything was pretty much dead or dying.

Here's a picture, a couple of months after I moved in from Google Street View:


You can see more of my garden in different seasons and some of the progress herehere and here, but this is what it looks like today:


It's taken 4 years, and a lot of blood, sweat, and tears, to get it to this stage.

The tears were mostly from my bank account.

"cough"

Anywho...

I weeded (A LOT), planted roses and lavender in the front planters, put in new grass seed, had the sprinklers fixed,  and had the trees trimmed of their dead branches. I also planted another Elm tree, that you can see to the left, up above.


My roses are losing their blooms right now, but there's still a couple to enjoy...











Come on back up to the front porch...


Excuse us, Mr. Towhee :)








There's more tea, if you need a refill. 

I'll be sure to grab some more ice, if you need it :)


I just painted this pot rack red. It's holds my bird feeder, some plants, extra pots and birdseed.


For those of you that don't know what it looked like before, you can see it 'here' and even more of my garden from last month.

That sad little plant below is a daisy that I rescued from the front yard, after some animal tried to eat it.

Poor thing...





Off to the side I have a birdbath and some herbs growing.











Oh! I almost forgot to show you the inside of my turret...


It's a little space, but I think it's welcoming.


Well, kind of....


I guess it depends on who you are ;)

"Ahem"

Moving on to the side yard...


See that little plant at the bottom right?


That's my rosemary.


I'm proud to say that he's doing quite well, after two years :)


Around the corner, I have two side entrances.


Here's the one to my office/sewing room.


I just painted the railings and the doors not too long ago.

There's a lot more painting to do, like the window trim on the sides and back, and the house itself, but I'll get there eventually.

My home is always a work in progress, inside and out.

Aren't they all? ;)


Oops! Excuse us, Mr. Lizard!


Here's the door that leads into the mudroom, onto the kitchen, and the downstairs...


and this is the little garden outside my dining room window...


I just planted a Hosta there and I plan on getting at least one more, for the other side of that candle stick thingy, with a bird on it.


Thank you, Su, for that idea ;)


Across from this is another little garden with a birdbath.

It's the view I see every morning from my kitchen window.





I just planted some new flowers there this week and I can't wait until they fill in :)











Just past the side door is a little passageway to the backyard.


I'm just showing a peak, because it's still not ready for show and tell. 

Besides, it's getting hotter out here and this tour has gotten kinda long.


Now if you'll join me inside....


we can finally get out of this heat!

After you cool off, be sure to visit all the other participants on Brenda's Cottage Garden Tour:











Thank you so much Brenda!


And thank YOU so much for coming by. 

I truly enjoyed having you.

xo
rue







71 comments:

  1. Since I am a regular visitor here, I know you have done wonderful things, with your precious cottage.

    But it is so nice to see more detailed views, around your outside. Thank you!

    Tessa

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  2. And just a note... At 9:20AM, your "here" and "here" links, are not working. And I'm sure new visitors, will so want to see, where these should-be-click-able links, would take them.

    Hugs,
    Tessa

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, Tessa! I think I have the links fixed now :)

      xo

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  3. You have lovely areas all around your home. I enjoyed the tour and yes it IS hot...I'd like another quick glass of tea, please :)

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  4. Your cottage landscape is so charming, Rue...front, side and back! I love all of your little touches and your little residents...from afar. ;) You have done so much work, reviving your beautiful gardens, literally from the dead. I hope it cools off soon, so you can get outside and enjoy the pretty views you have created. Too bad I don't live closer...I'd totally join you for some tea! You'd really have to move that lizard, though.

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  5. Rue, your tour was so much fun! I love all the nooks and crannies in your gardens with the pretty plants, the little pockets to wander about in, how neat everything is, and especially the green trim you chose to tie everything together. Your view from your rooms inside to these individual little terraces must give you so much pleasure. (And I love that you decided to paint your pot rack red to go with your pretty yellow table!)

    And everything sheltered by the beautiful trees and that amazing shake roof!

    Dewena

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  6. It was lovely to see all of the outdoors at one time and I absolutely love the architecture of your house.

    I love the photo of the side yard that shows the window. The reflection in the window shows its own picture.

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  7. Absolutely charming Rue! Love it!

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  8. Absolutely delightful! I love how you've made little pocket gardens here and there, each with its own vibe. Wonderfully put together!

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  9. Loved the tour, Rue! Birdbath a are one of my favorite things. I have one outside the window of my studio and gives me (and the cats) great joy! I love how your garden seems to have nooks and crannies and lots to discover. You've done a great job!

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  10. Rue,

    Everything is looking great! What a fun tour. You have such an eye for detail. I understand the bank account crying. My dreams find a way to grow bigger than my budget. I guess it gives me something to aspire to! I hope you made plenty of tea, 98 is no joke!

    Have a great weekend!
    Carlee

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  11. I hadn't seen all that you showed today. WOW! You are so lucky to have found that wonderful little cottage. It suits you so well. And the views! I like the cart red. A great accent color. I've never seen a roof like you have. Looks like it's from a story book about fairy tales. I think your home is a fairy tale come to life! Thanks so much for joining the party!
    Brenda

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  12. You have accomplished so much! It's so pretty, and I love all the different spaces! I also love the green trim that you recently added. Love the little bird, I went to bird statues, because I kept forgetting my candles. xoox Su

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  13. Wow you have gotten so much done to that beautiful home. Your style home is so charming. It all looks so wonderful.
    Kris

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  14. Your cottage is extra special, Rue!! So glad you found it.

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  15. You have done a wonderful job in your gardens Rue! What a difference.

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  16. What an unusual roof! Is it common on the type of home you have or common to Arizona? I wonder how hard it would be to replace. It looks like a work of art. Do you know much about it?

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    1. It was original to the house, but redone 20 years ago by someone in Carmel, California, where you see quite a few storybook cottages, a few with roofs like mine. It's definitely not common here though. I know it's the original design, because I have the plans for the house in an old 1929 plan book by the house's architect.

      It's cedar shingle and it's called a seawall or an ocean wave roof and was meant to mimic the thatched roofs in England. You can see and learn more about them here: https://www.behance.net/gallery/2987431/Country-Cottage-Roofs-by-Custom-Cedar-Solutions

      xo

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    2. Oh and I'm not replacing it, but right now there are two men on my roof fixing some shingles that came off in the wind and treating it. If I had to replace it though, someone told me it would cost about 40 grand, but it should last me at least another 20 years, so I'm not too worried about it.

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  17. Rue, what a great tour! You have done so very much to make your home look wonderful. I love the color you choose for both your railings and trim, and then there is that red door. Love. Your garden is looking wonderful, and you have quite a bit of color and flowers in that heat! We have a few "storybook home" neighborhoods in Southern California, they are so charming.

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  18. Thank you I think I will have a glass of ice tea, it was so sweet of you to make it! Your cottage is special and all that you have created here. Your gardens are so pretty, warm and inviting too. Love all your outdoor spaces, and yes it seem like its all never complete, but then that's what gardening is all about. Very beautiful Rue and I think everything captures your heart!

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  19. Loved your garden tour. It is all charming.

    FlowerLady

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  20. Rue, what a beautiful garden you have, and your patio is so inviting...don't mind if I help myself to some of that refreshing tea. This sure is a heat wave we are having....I can't remember that it ever got that hot where you are!! You worked really hard everything looks fabulous! Enjoy your day!

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  21. Your yard and gardens are just beautiful Rue! I love the glass topped table with the reflection of the trees...so pretty. I enjoyed the sneak peek of your back deck. What a nice sized space for entertaining! Thanks for the tea...and have a beautiful day!

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  22. Your cottage is lovely, Rue. Such an inviting space and the gardens are so sweet.

    Hope you have a wonderful day.

    Barb

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  23. You have such pretty gardens. And, I love your color choices... bright and beautiful. :)

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  24. Goodness, I think all my ice melted in that heat. It was worth it though to see how fabulous everything looks. xo Laura

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  25. Oh, it is so easy to see your pride in ownership. Your home is wonderful. That roof is outstanding; I have never seen one like it before. It's like the cherry on top of a perfect strawberry sundae :) I wish there were a way to jump into my computer screen and share a glass of tea with you.
    Have a lovely week.
    Your blogging sister,
    Connie :)

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  26. So much work and it has paid off beautifully! Your turret is so quirky - I'm deeply jealous! and the roof is incredible! I felt as though the trees had opened up into a clearing and I had come across a story book cottage. Absolutely stunning xx

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  27. Wish I had such a beautiful garden:-)
    Love it!

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  28. It was lovely to go on the tour of your garden with you!! It is all so very pretty and you have obviously done a lot of work. I also liked seeing the roof of your house and the way that the shingles are arranged, I have never seen a roof like that before! Is it original from when the cottage was built? Hope that you have a lot of fun in your garden this summer! xx

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    1. Hi Amy :)

      It's mean to look like your thatched roofs of England. I wrote a comment above that explains it more :)

      xo

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  29. Rue, what an inviting home and garden! Your flowers are just lovely and I'm crazy about your deck and the rustic feel of the entire outdoor area! Beautiful!
    Nancy

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  30. Lovely and inviting garden Rue-your hard work has paid off!

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  31. Enchanted garden cottage in the woods. Keep cool Rue, Kathleen in Az

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  32. Oh, Rue! You have really turned your outside area around and I know that must be hard to do as a single home owner. I do my physical work myself and shop sales but it was a learned art to sneak into "someone's" wallet every now and then! Ha!

    I love all your pots and container veggie gardens. We share that love. And everything looks so lush, nothing like the Arizona I've ever seen pictures of. Don't laugh but I didn't know there were mountains there!! Anyway---your home is so unique, the turret, the stone wall in front and all the big old trees. I like all the nooks and crannies and doors. Although it's been a lot of work for you, I can see it must be fun to accomplish projects here and there. Good for you. You're the inspiration star of the Garden Party. Now get over here for that glass of wine on my patio girl!

    Jane x

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  33. Hi Rue, lovely garden areas all around your home. You have done a beautiful job in bringing in the charm. Love all your color themes too. Thanks for the special tour.
    Hugs, cm

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  34. Loved seeing your yard and all your plants and flowers. I really like how you painted that pot rack red, too - goes well with the yellow table. I noticed in these photos how deep blue the sky was, with no clouds. Must mean low humidity. Lucky you! It's not been overly hot here YET (it will get there), but the humidity has been a killer. Thanks for the lovely tour!

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  35. Yes, I am back again!

    Noticed your roof, in the close-up of the porch, to your office/sewing room. It is amazingly intricate. Have never seen one, laid out like this! Classically cottage, I surmise.

    All of your roof, must be like this. But the front pics, have so many tree leaves in them, that I had not noticed or properly appreciated, your unique roof.

    Hugs,
    Tessa

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  36. Your cottage garden is absolutely delightful.

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  37. Rue, you have transformed your cottage. The before and after is amazing and inspiring. For some reason, I overlooked your darling roof. I read your comments (above) and plan to read about your roof with the link you provided. I love your red doors and red cart--and your gardens are beautiful. I was intrigued by the glimpse into your patio (adore the chairs) and the European-type walkway. Your house looks like a world traveler--a very pretty one! Everything you do to just amps up the magic and charm. Enjoyed visiting with you! P.S. Yes--I thought of you immediately when I started reading the vintage tea party books. :-)

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  38. Love all your cottage gardens! Looks like you've really been working hard! I especially love that morning view you get from the kitchen! ;)

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    1. Working hard doesn't even describe it LOL It's a labor of love though :)

      Thank you, Donnamae!

      xo

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  39. Love your house and gardens. Just beautiful.

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  40. Rue.
    You have done so much and it looks amazing! Yes, always work to be done, but you don't want to be bored now do you? ;-)
    Lori

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  41. Sweetest garden areas you have surrounding your house, Rue! You have done a lot with it and we all know just how much work it is to keep things up and looking great. Your garden area nearly makes me want to move to Arizona. It was home for decades and there are times I find myself wishing we were still there. Thanks so much for this heartfelt tour of your home... xox

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  42. Rue, everything is so gorgeous! I know it is a labor of love and your love for your home and garden shows through at every turn! Thank you for the beautiful tour and for the iced tea! We southerners love some iced tea during the hot summer months! Thank you for being such a gracious and considerate hostess! :-) Hugs!

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  43. So pretty Rue. I always enjoy seeing your gardens. The roofline on the side of your house is so interesting...love it.

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  44. I just love your house. Especially the trees! Oh my gosh!

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  45. Hi, Rue! I linked over from Su's Butterfly Bungalow. I love your storybook Norman cottage. You've done an amazing job transforming it. I'm impressed! I want to follow the links and see the inside because I'm a nosy lookie-loo.

    xo,
    Ricki Jill

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  46. Your garden and your home are so beautiful and colorful! Great landscaping!

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  47. Rue, I enjoyed the garden tour, especially those roses - and the side yard of your cottage is charming.
    Thanks for giving us a peek into your home; seeing front yards and porches always inspire me.

    ~Sheri

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  48. Rue,
    This was a delightful journey through the passages, pathways and nooks of your adorable and charming garden! I love all of the details and love which you have poured into each space, I think the lizard likes it all too and oh the Tea was sooo good!
    Thank you for having me today:)
    xoxo
    Jemma

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  49. So many things about your garden just scream 'you' and show so much attention to detail. The elm tree was a brilliant addition, as it really cozies up the front of the house perfectly. Gardening is so challenging and such hard work, and you don't even know if the effort will last, but when it does, it's so worth it. Well done Rue.

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  50. I very much enjoyed the tour and learning more about your lovely home. I lived in Arizona for almost three years and I loved Northern AZ so much. It reminded me of home.

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  51. Hi Rue,
    This is the first time I've visited your cottage.You've done a great job landscaping. It's lovely and unexpected to this Yankee who has family in the Tempe area. Its wonderful that you can grow Rosemary outside. It smells so wonderful. I love old things as well....when my hubby and I married we didn't have much so people gave us furniture. That's when I realized I love antiques and repurposed things which is what my home is full of. Happy gardening!

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  52. I love all your pretty plants and flowers and your house is so interesting and adorable.
    Thanks so much for the great tour...and the iced tea was delicious. :) xoxo

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  53. I enjoyed seeing your house inside and outside. Your hard work makes your house look and feel is very good. The garden around your house looks amazing. Beautiful flowers...

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  54. Rue,
    I love your cottage, it is so very charming! The landscaping is beautiful! I can imagine the inside is perfectly decorated to every nook and cranny. Will have to look for inside photos., but really you had me with your blog title..... Old fashioned is in!
    Linda
    Mysewwhatblog

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  55. Your yard and gardens are so pretty, you've worked so hard. I love your cottage. Thanks for visiting my blog and especially leaving a message.

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  56. Rue, I miss the old days of blogging, too.

    Hugs to you, sweet pea.

    Barb ♥

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  57. Oh Rue, what a charming and delightful garden! Your sweet home is simply beautiful and your hard work is quite evident. Thank you so much for sharing your lovely place with us....hugs to you!

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  58. Your garden is very pretty, Rue! Your backyard deck looks like a nice year round place to relax. I like all the colorful decorative touches that you've put around the front garden.. Your rosemary patch looks amazing and must smell so good every time you walk by it!
    This is the third summer we've been in our Colorado home and we have found it very difficult to grow flowers because the deer and rabbits eat them like candy. I have had luck with lavender so far as a perennial, and they don't like marigolds as an annual. We had many new shrubs installed last year by a landscaper as our ground is hard to dig. Four froze and a few had to be wrapped in chicken wire so that the deer would not devour them before they had a chance to grow. We will keep trying to find the right combinations of shrubs and flowers--hopefully we will achieve the look we like sooner or later ;)

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  59. You have been one busy girl! Everything looks fantabulous!

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  60. You have been one busy girl! Everything looks fantabulous!

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  61. What a beautiful thing you've accomplished with the house since it became yours! I love the before and after photos... and so inspiring to see the lovely changes you've made! I really enjoyed the tour, you are quite the entertaining hostess :) Lots of loveliness abounding everywhere :) Have a wonderful day!

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  62. Wow, this garden party was full of fun. I loved everything and those flowers are looking dazzling. You really did great job! Well, I am also going to book most popular party venue Houston for my son’s birthday party. I hope our party will be enjoyable too.

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