Greetings from Pike's Market in Seattle!

Cliff Walk, Newport

Hurricane Earl at the Breakers, Newport

My favorites from Heritage Gardens in Sandwich, MA

On my walk...

Found this cheery friend on (appropriately named) Green Street in Cambridge. Happy Day!

Double Rainbows over the Milk House!

Sunday night, after a short sharp downpour, the sun came out and these rainbows appeared over the milkhouse. It was still raining gently in the sunshine when this shot was taken!!

Old Westbury Gardens on Long Island are a delight in any season. Yesterday I went there to organize a meeting for the autumn. This walled garden is the most famous and rightly so. Even with the drought and terrific overnight storms (the site had no power when we got there), the gardens were beautiful and lush.

The lotus garden - one in bloom on the right front - is framed by a striking blue/green pergola arcade. When you stand in the right spot the arches of the pergola match up with the reverse arched walls to make a series of circles.

Amazing red striped water lily pads with purple flowers, too bad my photo doesn't capture them as they were.

A cottage for a Swedish summer night - everyone wanted to relax on the bed!! The cupola and clerestory windows gave it a lot of light and ventilation. Think of what you would do with an ordinary kit garden shed and some imagination.

A retreat for a writer nestled in the garden, its' doors thrown open to the breezes. Notice how each cottage has used a different roof line. These changes make all the difference - the paint colors help too!

From the back, is this the cottage of the wicked witch? A 'thatched' roof of bare branches lends a mysterious air to this shed. Top photo shows the inside ceiling which is upholstered with birch trunks.

Do Cottages Grow in Your Garden?

A recent visit to the Berkshire Botanical Gardens in Stockbridge, MA turned up these charming cottages scattered throughout the landscape. Five designers, working with the same stock garden shed, came up with very different ideas. This is a pastiche on an 18C privy - it's a four-holer in there.

The Newport Flower Show is 15 years old this year. Susan was part of the very first one, when she decorated a bedroom at Rosecliff, the Newport mansion where the show is held (above). Fifteen years later, the show is impressive with many many entries in design, horticulture and photography. Cascades of white tented booths radiate out from the mansion toward Bellvue Avenue and toward the Atlantic, housing booths of marvelous garden tools, plants, gifts, jewelry, hats and more. While a jaunty band plays on the waters edge, people of all ages congregate at small tables and have lunch.

Talented Laura Haley, of Harrison NY, stands next to her entry in "High and Mighty", an interpretation of the Aswan Dam. Laura not only won the class but also the coveted GCA Certificate of Excellence!

Newport Flower Show

This masterful arrangement won a class called: "Floral Delights - Earth"

Congratulations!

Here at Shireflowers we are exceptionally proud of one of our own who has won the prestigious Pucket Award for her gorgeous arrangement (pictures below). Please join us in congratulations, many, many compliments and general awe of her accomplishment! Simply beautiful. Stay tuned and maybe she will honor us with a personal message.

The Winner!!

CapeHaida Peony and Papaver Orientale (opium poppy!!)

Hummingbird moth

Another joint posting with capehaida where this was discovered. Here is a hummingbird moth - an amazing moth that looks like a giant bumblebee with transparent wings and acts just like a hummingbird - traveling from flower to flower feeding on the nectar. It seems everytime Al visits the capehaida crowd, there are moths involved. The Colorado moths are still my biggest fear and are featured in my worst nightmares. This one was really fascinating. For many reasons I thank you for moving East and now I have another.

Welcome Cape Haida!

We are very proud to host our guests and fellow bloggers at http://capehaida.wordpress.com/. Check out the amazing house transformations that occur every day on their site. They wanted to share some amazing blooming plants that surround the construction and provide such vibrant color! Thank you Cape Haida, keep them coming.

Beautiful Azaelas

Gorgeous Dogwood and Horse Chestnut

Results from Susan's workshop in Westhampton, NY

Portland Rhododendron Garden

I wish my Ma and all mom's a happy and much deserved mother's day. Since my Ma is on the road today, she can enjoy these flowers at all her locations.

Al's sunflowers

Al had a tough week and these are the best pick me ups!

Class by Susan and friends

Results!

More Results!