My gardens here at the Cottage aren't quite up to that type of admiration yet. I did get some compliments on the photos I took of the main bed last year though, which did make me feel very good! My grandparents used to get people stopping to take photos of their house in spring, it was surrounded by rhododendrun and azalea they had planted in the 60's, so they had grown as tall as the roof on the porch and garage. It was quite striking. I wonder now and then if the new owners kept them or not-I do know they were divorced a few years after buying the house and he lives there now (gotta love facebook, lol). There is one house I have always admired the garden at near our old house. It's not a big garden, just a nice bed around the front of the house/walkway, but it blooms from spring to fall and always looks so perfect. I've seen an older woman tending it sometimes, usually dead heading or cleaning out weeds, but never had a chance to stop (it's on a very busy road with no shoulder) to tell her how lovely it is. I even google streetviewed the house when doing the original gardens here hoping for inspiration-too bad the streetview image was from WINTER. I know she has daffodils, tulips and daisies, but I can't recall what else I've id'd while passing at the moment....

WOW, thanks for sharing her stuff. She sure knows how to get the most out of bling. And her garden totem is wonderful. Most of us over on Garden Junk Forum are addicted to those things (I've made 17 or 18, LOL) and cobalt is a favorite of everyone. Just looks so good in the yard. I've bookmarked this site. hugs, Karen

Good job! I always bargain with the Walmart garden center manager. Recently, I got 5 beautiful Adeniums (tropical plants) for $4 each - down from $15 ea. Yesterday, I got a 5' orange tree for $20, marked down from $40. Hey, it never hurts to ask - all they can do is say 'no'. Lowes is even easier to bargain with - I save a TON on garden items and plants by just asking - it means that much less they have to take care of. I happen to have a greenhouse and the manager knows that. She says she'd rather I take it home for 20 cents on the dollar as for her to toss it in the trash.

Sandy, you are a lucky lady!!! Jenni, you are so talented and create such fun things! I adore the trim on that purse. Especially love the little beads on the pockets. Your rag bag is cute too. I made a grocery bag this weekend with fabric that sure looks like what you used for your rag bag. I love the shopping bag. I think I have FlamingO to thank for that idea! I'll post a picture of my bag if I can get a good enough picture. ~Betsy