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?

French Door Shutters

Well, while a fireplace, a chicken coop and free range field may not be in the cards for a few different reasons - I definitely know that a courtyard and french doors are definitely happening! I know I need two sets of each ... just making a decision on making my own or buying antique ... what would you do?

Easy enough to make, just need the hardware! 

Probably the easiest of all of them to make ... old barn style. Love them, but not so sure they'd look like this when not against Provence limestone mansions.

I think even though these would be easy to make, they wouldn't look nearly as stunning without the arch.

Here they are ... without the arch. Of course notice the windows are louvered, the doors are planked. Not quite the look I'm after.

Same here, and no way I can make louvered shutters myself. 

More simple linear plank, again with the curve. Would we love this without the arch? I don't think so.

Unless, of course - they looked like this on a house like this. 

A bit cheaper than the louvered, and not necessary to source genuine antique. 

All photos via Pinterest

So, in using these photos for their intended purpose, I have gained some good ideas. Here's one of them:

via

Using pine louvered bi-fold closet doors gives me the louvers I'd like to have, in the height that I need! All for $80 for the pair. Can you get a better deal than that on real wood shutters? Once painted, and with weather protection from the eave overhang ... I think they'd not only work - they'd look a lot like this: 

Ah, yes - in fact, look at how many other elements of this sing to me! Pebble patio, boxwood, french doors with louvered shutters ... 

I also love this copper portico over these french doors, of course those hedges, brick, and louvered shutters are just as nice! 

Of course, if there were a way to make those new shutters look like these - I'd definitely be on that wagon. Love that destroyed/decayed look. Especially against stone. 

Photos via Pinterest

Outdoor Fireplaces

All images via Pinterest

I'm still not even sure that an outdoor fireplace could be a reality ... but I love the ambiance of an outdoor fireplace, particularly when there isn't a fireplace inside. Entertaining around the fire, or simply enjoying it yourself is such a luxury - one that I thought I'd have to have custom designed and built. But then ... I found this: 

via

Pre-cast stone, in that simple, almost French look that I really want for the courtyard. I'm sure this comes in pieces, that are assembled by a contractor. There are add-on options, like this one: 

via

with an extension on the chimney, giving it even more of a French vibe, don't you think?

More Courtyards

Design by Ty Larkins

Design by Ty Larkins

Design by Mark D Sikes

Design by Mark D Sikes

Design by Loi Thai

Thoughts on the ABSOLUTE must haves ... a pebble/gravel base, walls of trained evergreen ivy, and multiple lime washed terracotta pots boasting Japanese boxwoods and patio trees ... yes, these are a MUST have! 

Courtyards ...

Ok, so I am a little scared about being a chicken keeper - so many I just like the coops? Clearly not the only reason one should venture out to raise Chickens I see. So, I'll scrap that idea. But I won't scrap the courtyard ... it's simply a must!

Design/Architecture by John Saladino

Relais Christine Hotel