My green thumb came only as a result of the mistakes I made while learning to see things from the plant's point of view. ~H. Fred Ale

“They say a person needs just three things to be truly happy in this world: someone to love, something to do, and something to hope for.” ~ Tom Boddett, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

Meet some of my latest rose blooms. After adding a picket fence to my front yard, it was quickly followed with the addition of some pretty pink roses.



I'll share photos with the fence soon too.

Cottage Garden Curb Appeal

"Cats never strike a pose that isn't photogenic." ~ Lilian Jackson Braun, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

Nothing is more relaxing to me than walking my dog through my neighborhood, and studying my neighbors "cottage gardens."


My home is a small 1950's ranch house, and as my rose and front yard wildflower garden grows and flourishes, it finally occured to me that I want a picket fence, and a coastal cottage curb appeal. Luckily, my neighborhood is filled with this cottage gardening style.


As my ideas for the the landscape design become solidified, I'll post before, during and after photos of my garden updates. I'm currently studying fencing, arches, and cottage garden accessories.


Meanwhile, enjoy the stroll through my neighborhood!

“There are fairies at the bottom of our garden.” ~ Rose Fyleman

Gardens are meant to soothe the soul, and inspire the weary mind. Part of the fun of gardening, is inviting the magical idea of fairies, sprites, and their feathery bird friends. Adding simple touches, like bird baths, and a fairy door at the bottom of a tree, evokes the magic that you and your plants need. When you have time to rest a spell in your magical garden, sit back, close your eyes, and open your imagination.

Pink Roses

Rose with Texture, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

Okay, I'll admit it. I can't stop taking photos of pretty pink roses. They are my all time favorite thing to photograph. I'm also in love with the color pink. I've been told that my signature color must be pink. If that's true, then the pink rose is my signature flower!



According to this article (linked to the title above) their primary meaning is appreciation, gratitude and love.
http://www.proflowers.com/flowerguide/rosemeanings/pinkrose-meanings.aspx



In the spirit of Thanksgiving, which is rapidly approaching, I do appreciate pink roses.



I am grateful for my the gift of sight...



And I do love pretty pink roses! I hope you do too, enjoy! Happy almost Thanksgiving!

Fall in Southern California

The Color Purple, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

Southern California suffers from overcrowding, and here's the reason. Fall in California comes shades of purple...



...fading pink hydrangeas...

...and seashells lying about in your cottage garden...

But before you move here, ask yourself, can you handle the traffic, the multi-cultural diversity, and the expense. I moved away once, briefly, and I don't think I'll do that again. Yes, I'll stop my whining, and stay right where I am. Southern California is a gardener's paradise.

Descanso Gardens

I've been Schmap'd. Is that a word? Yes, Schmap is an online a mapping service for your computer or iPhone. Click the "Descanso Gardens" title above, and you can learn more about their service!

Lots of Easter bunnies, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

This photo was taken at Easter time in Descanso Gardens. Descanso Gardens, located in La Canada / Flintridge, California, is my absolute favorite garden in Southern California.

It's sprawling 150 acre garden once belonged to E. Manchester Boddy, a wealthy newspaper publisher. He built a lovely home, which has recently been renovated and is open to the public, and the most peaceful garden you can find. Descanso means "rest."


They have many types of gardens within Descanso Gardens, including a Children's Garden, a duck pond, a rose garden, and a lovely Japanese Garden (pictured above.)
For more information about Descanso Gardens, visit their website at:

http://www.descansogardens.org/site/home.cfm