Picnic in the Garden

A few Sunday's ago, I decided that it was time for me and Scott to spend a little time in the Garden enjoying what has grown from all of the hard work, time, and money we've put into it this year. I posted this originally as a SAGS post in early August, but Susan at Between Naps on the Porch left a comment a few days ago and said it'd be a great Tablescape Thursday post, and I have to agree. So, here it is. Make sure to stop over at Susan's and take a look around at the gorgeous blogs with tablescape posts, old and new. As a secondary note, my work load at the office has become very strenuous these past few weeks, leaving me with little time for much else. Next week, we'll resume with new Tablescape posts, and a GIVEAWAY! Make sure to come back next Thursday to learn more!

It's been a cool summer - with unbelievable rain - and the flowers have been very late to bloom. Recently, we've had a couple of 80 degree days, and Scott and I had a few new flowers finally open up:


This is called a pineapple lily, and in our region (Zone 5) it's treated as an annual. We bought it as a bulb in May, and we've waited almost 2 months for the flower to emerge. With the wait now over, I couldn't help but stare for a while.

Scott's favorite, and my gift to him last year for all of the hard work that he puts forth: the tiger lily. This year they reached 4' and even though many of them have yet to bloom, the ones that have are certainly putting on a show. Can't you see why they are his favorites?

And my favorite pairing in the garden this year, and a bloom that is relatively new - the cherry and apricot re blooming daylilies. Shaded and sheltered by the palms of the banana tree, they have been spared any color bleaching from the sun, and the vibrancy of their color is really eye catching. The combination was so beautiful in fact, that it inspired our picnic that evening:

Nestled in the cove of the new garden extension, behind the massive Japanese ribbon grass, Scott and I set a lovely picnic for two, with fresh fruit, and apple baked brie. Chardonnay and a lemon ice are also in store.

I put together two mini arrangements from flowers found in the garden. I was so happy that we planted cutting flowers this year. I wrapped Japanese ribbon grass around the inside of a small whiskey glass, and filled with a large star gazer lily, orange and lemons guillardia, dahlietta, butterfly bush bloom, and a sprig of flowers from the Wine and Roses wiegela bush, which re-bloomed this summer. I added height with a pedestal from Colonial Candle.

Of course, the cherry and apricot colors of my newly blooming lilies were the inspiration, so I was pleased as punch to find this throw in the linen closet. Originally purchased on a whim during our trip to a POPS concert last 4th of July, it was the perfect base for the cozy picnic for two.

Even with hours left of daylight, it's nice to have the flame of a candle near by. The garden lantern from Colonial Candle was a wonderful accent to the setting, and will provide a nice light if conversation takes us to dusk - which is bound to happen.

And Scott adds, "with a park like setting in our very own back yard, who wouldn't find something to talk about for hours on end?" and I have to agree. Now, setting this up was so fun and having my new accessories from Colonial Candle made it even more so!

The pedestals from their website are so functional. You can use them for candles, as height boosters for flower vases, decorative accessories, shells, stones - you name it. Their uses are endless, and at a cool $10 each, they're beautiful and sensible.

Best part is, you can stack them if you need more height, or leave them be if you need the symmetry. Definitely recommended: you can find them here.

And the garden lantern we used for candle light is perfect for any setting, but is so suitable to garden entertaining. It's soft pewter finish and curved lines make it easy to stand out, but also fit in. Here it is hanging in my tree.

And here it is nestled between the dusty miller and carnations on the bark mulch. Again, another great Colonial Candle find, I highly recommend these if you're doing any entertaining where candle light can be appreciated. These are $24/ea. and available here. Oh, and Colonial Candle was nice enough to offer all of you a discount if you're looking to purchase these items. Just use the promotional code: ARTIE15 to get $15 off your order of $75 or more.