Yellow is not allowed

Yellow Flowers are not allowed in my Garden.

I make exceptions for Sunflowers.

Beans are looking good.

New Basil and new Cilantro growing. It finally dawned on me that seeding them in July is perfect.

In the past they would bolt before the tomatoes were ripe.

Shade carrot seeds under boards, germination will be almost 100 percent.

All colors, but yellow,  are allowed in my garden. 

It's because my house is yellow.

Happy Sunday to you

my dear

Blogging Friends.

Gina

Joining  http://blissfulrhythm.blogspot.com/
Also joining  http://nominimalisthere.blogspot.com/
Linking to  http://dearlittleredhouse.blogspot.com/

A new Ceramic Tile Table

Narrow tables are perfect.

A perfect serving table which can be moved to wherever it is needed.

This one is perfect because it can stay outside. 

The surface is covered with hand painted ceramic tiles.

I love painting Montgolfier Tiles.

They're light hearted and charming.

One of these days I will muster up enough courage to go on a balloon ride.

Over the Serengeti or maybe in France this September,  Montgolfier country.

Have a great remainder of the week my dear

Blogging Friends.

Gina

Joining  http://thetablescaper.blogspot.com/
Also joining  http://betweennapsontheporch.net/

What Summer looks like here

Summer at our house

A lot of work and a lot of play.

First, there was a lot of work.

Now, there is time for a little play. 

 The guesthouse is always ready.

Little niceties are waiting to please.

The garden is bursting with lots of flowers for the house and table.

Kirschwasser is ready to serve from last years' cherries.

And so is the Pfirsich Likör.

Every now and then I take time out to fill an order of my hand painted ceramics.

Cabbages are ready for making Sauerkraut.

Lavender is ready for Lavender Bottles.

There is always time for a craft project or two.

All are welcome; creatures great and small.

We make time for Picnics, this time in our Barn.

Or by the Pond.

No need to go to the Grocery in Summer.

Champagne is always on ice.

Kir Royale prepared for us by our Friend Steven.

While making plans for our trip to Europe.

Of course, there is nothing wrong with our neighborhood.

This is the time of year we can enjoy the fruits of our labor.

Home is always best.

Yet I can't get the wanderlust out of me. 

Have a great weekend my dear

Blogging Friends.

Gina  

Thank You, Regina of Fauxology

Thank You Regina of Fauxology,

where  "Studying the Love Affair Between Decorative Painting and  Interior Design" is an every day adventure.   

Thank you Regina for including me in your "Kitchen Week", 

 the week-long series "focusing on five Artists with extraordinary projects".

http://www.fauxology.com/2012/07/kitchen-week-gina-garner/

Please visit Regina at Fauxology,

where you will have several opportunities to win a very special prize.  

From my garden to you. 

Gina

While it rained I painted

Finally, cool refreshing rain.

Flowers are growing.

So are the vegetables.

And the flower boxes.

A new kind of Petunia.

And old Favorites.

While it rained I painted for a special order.  We live in the "Beehive State."  Bees are popular around here. 

Picked red currants in the rain and made syrup for pancakes.

Potatoes, peas, squash and sunflowers are growing on the
"Back Forty".

The sun is out this morning.  My favourite hoe is waiting for me.

Weeds are not particular, they grow rain or shine.

Have a great week my dear

Blogging Friends.

Gina

What's the use in growing a pretty flower

in your garden if you can't enjoy it in an arrangement?

Poppies only last a few hours in water unless you give them this special treatment.

Singe the Poppy stem over a flame for 10 seconds,

and hold the flower head away from heat.

I hold several stems at once over my gas cook top. 

I have placed these Shirley Poppies in water without treating them first.  I will show them to you after a few hours have passed.

 Even at this stage the blossoms can be revived, as long as the stomata (guard cells) have not collapsed.  Cut off about an inch from the stem and proceed as above.

The same treatment works for other flowers.  Hollyhocks are a good example. 

Hollyhocks have thicker stems... singe them for 20 seconds or longer.

This only works for side shoots.  The main stalk is too thick. 

Both Hollyhocks and Poppies, treated this way, will last longer in water than roses.

 By the way, can you name this charming flower?

Have a great weekend my dear
Blogging Friends.

Thank you also for your kind comments in my last post.
It is great to feel welcome.
You are the Best.


Gina

https://betweennapsontheporch.net/