Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Lindsay and Jesse

October 4, 2014 was the perfect sunny day for a beach wedding at Sandbridge Beach, Virginia. Lindsay and Jesse tied the knot facing the ocean in front of a beautiful beach home, the Vista Royale that served as the reception venue.



Lindsay selected to carry an arm bouquet of Blue Bom orchids and Calla lilies.



The Bridesmaids carried nosegays of Blue Bom orchids, white roses, and ruscus.






Since the reception tables would be on three different decks we decided to do different centerpieces that added interest, and kept with Lindsay's vision of a tropical beach themed wedding.



The Conch shells consist of Blue Bom orchids, Fuji mums, Lemon Leaf, Bear Grass, and White Roses.  Glass boxes of gold fish were a fun addition to the tables. 








Lanterns are always a great idea for out door weddings and receptions.  Especially when the party goes on into the night. 


Lindsay and Jesse, wishing you many happy beach days and dances!

The following vendors that brought this beautiful and fun wedding together are:

Wedding Planner: Reva Stein 
Photographers: Andi & Zoe Photographers
Second Shooter Photographer: Luke Rieke
Catering: HK on the Bay
Makeup:Amber Norge







Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Better late than never really isn't a good excuse

Last time I posted the new raised flower and shrub beds were on hold waiting for March to finish doing her thing.  FINALLY top soil, a few plants, mulch, and sod made their way to the backyard.


Left to right, Limelight hydrangea,  a PeeGee hydrangea (paniculatas) that I can't remember the exact name, and a variegated Lacecap hydrangea, and lots of mulch!

Later in the year, a few other plants were added and frankly I will have to move some of the plants in the fall to bring some of the smaller plants forward. Isn't that the life of gardening?  We are never completely satisfied, and a garden always changes.

This is a current view


You can see where the birds have kicked half of the seeds out of the feeder-well I should say the SQUIRRELS-ugh, I really dislike those rodents. There are a few hostas in the front, and lilies on the far right. Recently, a friend gave me some Shasta Daisies that are planted near the bird feeder. I can't wait to see them next summer. They are such a happy flower.

Two of the hydrangeas did not bloom but had good growth. I can only hope for next year that they will produce beautiful blooms like the Limelight did this year. Love a Limelight. They are truly an easy hydrangea. If you are reluctant to garden, this plant is so easy. Be sure to purchase a Proven Winners Limelight. Their name is no joke.  Look at this bloom!


Fall is right around the corner. It is the perfect time to plant bulbs. I hear we are going to have another cold winter so tulips might be in order since they love cooler weather. What are you planting?

Friday, March 7, 2014

Can it get any more dreary? Don't answer that...

I usually don't complain about the weather and the seasons. I enjoy the change and what each season has to offer, but this year in the Tidewater area of VA, winter, you have over stayed your welcome. 

While I wait for the weather to warm up, I made some plans for new flower beds. Having a new patio put in earlier this year caused some major changes in the yard.  I'm ready to dig in my yard and start on my newly designed backyard flower beds (thank you Chris S.)  


I want to see some color! I want my yard to be green again.  Is that too much to ask?  Obviously it is since we won't really see any warmth for a while and April is so dicey. It is warm one day and then we get a crazy freeze in the middle of the month.



This will become one large bed of shade loving plants. I have two hydrangea planted here. The limelight is planted, and the variegated leaf lace cap hydrangea is plopped after moving it when we had the patio replaced.  The hydrangea will remain plopped until the soil arrives. This bed receives some afternoon sun, which really isn't great for hydrangeas, they need morning sun, but the sun is filtered by the silver maple that stands near.

If my beds had been established I would have purchased some gorgeous wintery-early spring perennials that I saw at Home Depot today.  (I still may go back and get them!)  Home Depot had Candytuft, English Primroses, English Daisies and Creeping phlox. Even in the misty rain, these flowers were amazing and happy!

English Daisy
 English Daisies are beautiful in pots or as a border plant. 

Candytuft
Candytuft reminds me of my grandmother Davis and my mother-in-law. Both loved this early spring plant, planted in drifts along with tulips, daffodils and Hyacinths. 

English Primroses
English Primroses can brighten any dull corner or edge of a flower bed. They can do well in clay soil! (yay) They may go dormant in the hot summer, but should come back next year.  These are even pretty grouped together in a basket for inside. Don't keep them inside for long, they are outside plants. 

Creeping Phlox subulata

Creeping Phlox is another beautiful late winter, early spring flower that gives hope that spring is on its way. The Subulata variety likes full sun, but can tolerate some light shade. This flower makes an excellent ground cover. After bloom time, shear it, for a nice green color that will be much appreciated when we are all complaining of the hot sun! ;)

This year, what are you planning on planting?

Mary