Everyday Living

Gibbs Gardens

~ Everyday Living, Faith, Gardening, Outdoors, Spring

“When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul.”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭94:19‬ ‭

Happy Thursday my friends. After sheltering at home for almost two months, the hubby and I took a little excursion last week. For several years, I have been hearing and reading about Gibbs Gardens. We have passed by their signs numerous times on the way to Highlands, but were never able to stop. The gardens had only opened recently, maintaining compliance with the COVID-19 restrictions. Tickets were not available on site and had to be purchased on line. Some of their operations were not available, such as the Arbor Cafe, gift shop, and tram. Not to worry, we could certainly afford to miss a meal and would always choose to walk rather than ride a tram. Social distancing would not be a problem with almost 300 acres to explore. We left early for the two and half hour drive to Ball Ground, GA keeping in mind the time difference.

 

We could not have asked for a more perfect day, with bright blue skies and temps around 65 degrees. The staff were extremely friendly and helpful as we arrived. At the entrance to the gardens, we were met by lush flower boxes attached to the wooden fence. The flowers were so vibrant and healthy as they fell onto the walkway. I can only imagine how many gardeners are employed to keep everything pristine. I am sure as these annuals become root-bound and need to be replaced, the task is handled quickly and efficiently.

Upon entering the gardens at the welcome center, we were treated to a beautiful area planted with annuals.

Jim Gibbs traveled for fifteen years covering the nation and world as he visited famous gardens of every style and decided he wanted to design and build a world class garden. As the founder and owner of Gibbs Landscape Company in Atlanta, he only had to look at his family…generations of dedicated gardeners and farmers to trace the roots of his passion for horticulture and landscape architecture.READ MORE

Everyday Living “Live”

~ Everyday Living, Faith, Food & Entertaining, Gardening, Tablescape Tuesday

“but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭40:31‬ ‭

Hello dear readers. I hope that all of you are staying healthy. Everyday living feels so strange and surreal. I have trouble keeping up with what day of the week it is, much less what day of the month. I think when this virus crisis has passed, we will have a new appreciation for our day-to-day normal life. Hopefully, we will have learned to count our blessings and not take anything for granted. My prayer is that we will turn our hearts to the Heavenly Father who holds all things in His hands.

You can click on the highlighted links to view the original posts.

In “normal” times I might shop around and come home with an assortment of fresh flowers, however…a view of the dining room table doesn’t show a bouquet of fresh flowers, but an arrangement of dried hydrangeas. (I should have azaleas and snowball viburnum that I can cut in a few days.) In the meantime, I love the dried hydrangeas from my friend who owns a hydrangea farm. They provide a little cheer as I pass by many times a day.

Recently, I was honored to speak at the Gadsden Antiquarian Society. This lovely lady invited me and it was a pleasure to finally meet her. Kelly is as sweet as she is lovely. Several years ago I had the privilege of hearing my favorite interior designer, the late Charles Faudree, speak at the Gadsden Antiquarian Society. Being there once again brought back fond memories of Mr. Faudree autographing my copy of his first published book and taking time to chat with me.READ MORE

Floret Farm’s A Year In Flowers & Giveaway

~ Everyday Living, Faith, Gardening, Outdoors

“For you, O Lord, have made me glad by your work; at the works of your hands I sing for joy.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭92:4‬ ‭

Happy Thursday dear readers. A couple of years ago I started following a fabulous account on Instagram, Floret Farm, a family run-flower farm and seed company founded by Erin Benzakein. In 2001, she and her husband, along with their two young children left the hustle of Seattle city life and moved to a small farm in Washington’s Skagit Valley to pursue a simpler life. Shortly after arriving, a generous neighbor brought over his tractor to till a plot of ground where she could finally have the garden of her dreams. So, began their journey…

The giveaway details are at the bottom of this post.

Brimming with gorgeous photography and practical design techniques, this new book by celebrated flower farmer and floral designer Erin Benzakein presents all the secrets to designing garden-fresh bouquets. In these stunning pages, you will find everything you need to start making your own incredible arrangements, whether you’re harvesting flowers from the backyard or sourcing ingredients at the local market.

Discover easy-to-follow advice on flower care, material selection, and essential design techniques, along with how-tos for more than 25 seasonal arrangements. Included are magnificent centerpieces, gift-giving posies, festive wreaths, and breathtaking bridal bouquets.

The pictures in this post, unless otherwise noted, were photographed from the book by me with permission from the author.

Photo credit: floretflowers.comREAD MORE