Thank you one and all for your kind comments. They have inspired me to keep working and adding more color. You are all welcome for the tour. It was fun and I'm happy you visited. Blondie ~ The rains certainly have made a difference, especially after being in drought conditions for the past 3 years. The ground is still soggy. Janet ~ Cozy outside and cozy inside our cottage. I need to work more on what's around the corners to delight the senses. Nell ~ What you can't see about this far south in FL is that it is still swamp land. Those porch supports we found curbside shopping a few years back. The people put up 4"x4" posts instead. These are probably from the 50's which is what our cottage is. Those stones do grow all sorts of things. A lot of them are shell rock, others are not. DH and I love rocks. Do something with your iron gate, you won't be disappointed and do post pictures when you get it up. Tom ~ If I did it, you certainly can. Pick a private spot and go for it. We've always wanted privacy in our space. Our whole property except for the driveway and front gate is fenced/hedged off. When we first moved here other home owners were using our property and we had to put a stop to that. We had a little dog at the time so he was our excuse. We started out with wire fencing and then went to privacy fencing. Behind our cottage is our real secret garden, outdoor solar shower, jacuzzi, and claw foot tub, swing, bench. A quiet area to hang out in. It is hedged off from the back of the property where we park. ~ Sorry that got so long winded. Do look around and see where you want a private spot. You had one at the last place you lived, you can have one here too, only better. Enjoy the thought processes and the work. Rita ~ A tropical/cottage garden is what I've been working on since before I knew what a cottage garden was. I just knew I wanted things to grow happily along side each other. Bluesunflower ~ Having a garden as it is meant to be. I like that. It's my space away from the crazy, hectic world that we live in. Living on what feels like an autobahn with cars whizzing by all the time one needs a calming space. Pam ~ I don't usually show picture of my gardens, showing flower portraits instead. It is a work in progress. Limited space and funds. It's something I really enjoy doing for heart, soul and body. Patti ~ Our little whimsical, tropical paradise, here in the land of sunshine, where it's the lightening capital and we live in threat of hurricanes for 6 months. Winters are lovely though, except for the population explosion. Lavendrfm ~ We can't keep the whimsy out, it's part of our personalities. Jim ~ Peace is something I wish to create and for others to feel, even just walking by. It is our little piece of heaven on earth. GGG ~ I love that Queen. She's really grown since we got her two years ago. I'm happy to have her in our gardens. 'Unique, creative, fun, exuberant, life loving'. I'm a reclusive, crazy, happy person, living with the love of my life, trying to take each day as it comes. Dear Cottagers thank you. Your words have encouraged me once again. Your gardens have inspired me to keep on in mine. I ooohh and aaahh over your pictures, turn a shade or two of green at times, but jump right out into mine working with and creating with what I've been blessed with. I've learned a lot here and friendships made are priceless. Enjoy the rest of the week and happy gardening wherever you are. FlowerLady

Ewww, rats - I'm sure you'll win the war, but YICK to have them in the first place. I love the 'Silk Road' lilies. I really want to plant a bunch of oriental and asiatic lilies this fall. I had some gorgeous ember-red-orange asiatic ones called 'Avignon' at the old garden, but that variety is hard to come by now - I might have to try another similar one instead. I also had a lovely oriental called 'Bergamo,' that I think I can still find. And the "tiger" lily 'Sweet Surrender' is one of my favorites. The bulb catalogs are starting to roll in - I'll have my wish list made soon! Laurel

Bouquettes are very beautiful, lovely, elegant and arranged with great taste and color-petal appreciation. i love them all! do you deliver roses, please send me real ones, I would like to enjoy their aroma and beauty on my window sill.

JIm, your hostas look very healthy!. Thanks for posting Neptune is looking so beautiful. I have only been out with the camera once this year. You have reminded me that I must go out and get this done. Mine are still unfurling. But here in my neck of the woods........the bugs are crazy out there!!!. Black flies and mosquitos. Looking forward to more of your beauties throughout the summer.