Spring CDLV Garden

Recently, Scott and I were asked to have the garden photographed for a local newspaper as part of a piece the reporter was doing for the Lifestyle Section regarding the many garden walks that take place in Western New York. I was quite hesitant because nothing in our yard blooms this time of year. Luckily, the alium and wild columbine came out to play just in time for me to snap this picture of the corner of the round garden.

When I started gardening back here 5-years ago, I never knew that it would turn out to be such a big garden, and also so much work. Just to get this photo, for example, I had to put down 28 bags of mulch, cut back all of the tulips (117) and daffodils (98) that were spent, and plant the chimney pots with pansy ... oh AND, dig out all of the area around the fountain to add the pea gravel path!

I'm tired, and sore, and it's still not the best representation of the CDLV garden. In a few days though, with all the groundwork (no pun intended) finished, the ornamental dogwood tree and peonies will bloom; and that round garden will be a burst of color and blooms. Which had me thinking ... perhaps now that I'm spending time out there, I should update all of you with the progress! What do you think? Good idea?

Kitchen Inspiration Month: Day 26 - Reclaimed

Not everything in a kitchen remodel has to be brand spankin' new. In fact, I think that the more creative you can be about recycling and reusing elements that existed, and/or elements that you find - the more unique and personal your kitchen will be. These kitchens had great examples of reuse - all in their own way - and gave me great inspiration! I hope they'll inspire you too, and have you rummaging through your local reuse center. Enjoy!!

Using an old store counter (readily accessible at most Antique Markets) instead of store bought kitchen cabinets gave this kitchen a vintage feeling with a custom look.

Antique barn planks, oiled for a warm finish, make the perfect material for this custom island. Rolling stainless steel restaurant carts provide beautiful and modern storage for dishes. So. Inspiring.

So European, right? Old wood fruit crates make great, deep drawers in this rustic cabinet constructed from reclaim timers. Love the juxtaposition of the cabinets and the sleek Euro stove.

Who needs cabinets? I mean, how many of us have inherited our grandmothers dining room suites, which always include those giant china cabinets that we can't wait to get rid of? Paint it black and put it in the kitchen!

Shipping Pallets! Can you believe it!? Shipping Pallets!

An old metal warehouse slider makes the perfect pantry door.

An old lunch counter with attached stools makes this gives this kitchen more to look at that just those amazing windows! That was a real find.

Adding heavy duty casters to this old table and painting the legs a sophisticated gray gives this kitchen a rolling island with tons of style. Love the look of this - wish I had the space!

Reclaimed timbers act as open shelving against the tile wall of this kitchen, and are used to build that awesome island! Using reclaimed timbers allows you to have the size you want without being confined to the cabinets off the shelf, or the expense of custom. Save on this, and splurge on counters!

Reclaimed timbers with old metal shelf brackets marry to make those glorious open shelves! Can you imagine how much they saved, and far more beautiful than cabinetry!

Shipping Pallets? AGAIN! This will have you thinking twice about driving past those suckers on the side of the road, won't it?