Company's Coming!

High Season has begun at Lowfields Farm and I can't contain my excitement.  Sister arrived yesterday and everyone else arrives next week to celebrate the 4th.  As per my usual efforts for company, I put together lovely arrangements of summer bouquets to greet everyone!   I always think that fresh flowers are welcoming and make the house feel lovely and ready for guests.  

Sister has arrived! 

Close up of one of the summer bouquets

Hydrangea, Feverfew and Lavender in a tiny toby jug

Another tiny toby reporting for duty! 

Wild black-eyed susans that I picked from one of our fields

And The Winner Is...

By now, you know that I collect things.  Everything from garden books to christmas ornaments and more.   Well, I am not sure how it started, but many years ago, I started to collect vintage trophies.  I have always been drawn to them and over the years I have either sold or given most of my collection away.  But lately, I have started to pick them up again.  They have gotten very expensive and hard to find but I can't help myself.   

There is something about a trophy that exudes positivity, the fact that someone excelled in something and this intricate beautiful object was the reward.  Here are just a few pictures of my collection.  Not only are they used for display in my homes but also to hold pens, pencils and sometimes even as an ice bucket!   

A gathering of winners

I love the unusual hammered one and the low one behind it which we use all the time as an ice bucket!

Vintage trophies are beautiful but also quite useful

Sunday Morning Eggs

Although it's not what you think!   As I was watering a boxwood this morning, a bluebird flew out. I figured that I had just disrupted its breakfast but when I peered in, I saw these beautiful bright blue speckled eggs.  What a way to start the morning - the color is just exquisite!   I'm going to keep an eye on the nest in hopes of catching some shots of the babies once they arrive. Happy Sunday!  

Lovely Summer Greenery

I can't believe it's the middle of June but here we are... The pool is open, everything is green and lovely and we can't wait for family to arrive in a couple weeks.  Sister is on her way next week followed by the rest of the family to celebrate July 4th (and also Sister & Michael's birthdays).   Here are a few shots that Nutmeg's father shot when he was visiting... I love all the different shades of green.  I guess the rainy days, although tedious, do have a fabulous affect! 

Great shot from the Hall looking towards the Barns.  Photo by Bob Carroll

Love the Gate House surrounded by all the green.  Photo by Bob Carroll

Pool is open!  Photo by Bob Carroll

WOW!   Photo by Bob Carroll

Happy Birthday Deborah!

Piggyback Pea Chick

Looks like riding piggyback on mummy is the easiest way for this little pea chick to get around.  Our 3  pea chicks are thriving! When Nutmeg's parents visited a couple weeks ago, her dad Bob also shot some great pictures of the chicks.   In the morning I let them out of the cage so they can go on a "walkabout" and eat bugs and grass.  I can't wait for Cutty to see them in a couple weeks!

Photo from my phone of the piggyback pea chick!

Chick on a walk - photo by Bob Carroll

Siblings checking themselves out in front of the mirror - photo by Bob Carroll

Special Project: Pimp My Gator

My friend Cathi is a great partner in crime when it comes to special projects!  During her last visit we decided to "Pimp My Gator" with new sunbrella fabric.  Clara Belle even got a new pillow for her transport!

Before

After! 

Lovely & Bright

Clara Belle is pleased!

Perennial Update

When my friend Cathi was visiting last week, she took some amazing pictures of my perennial beds.  All of the below pictures are from one bed but it's chock full of Annabelle hydrangea, Lochinhe Buddlia, Feverfew, Verbena and more!