JULY MEANS ROSES FOR A THEME

 

With the July heat on I thought it was time

to set the dining room table with an "all 

about roses" theme.  We are in the 90 degree

range now everyday it seems and eager to

stay in where it is cool.  I made a big bouquet

with garden flowers which is always fun.

I have shared this tablecloth before made 

from older damask fabric and also the

center cut work topper which is a favorite with 

me!  Someone made it long ago - but not me.

I got out all my rose type teapot and many

of those in the armoire were Crown Dorsets from England from

 the 1990's era.  The others were

various English brands.

 I have been selling some of my tea things on

Etsy but of course I am not eager to part

with these pieces yet....

It seems like we all have similar and

different favorites and I do love roses.

I certainly understand that not everyone

shares my passion for English china, 

collecting and table setting but then 

I realize some do or  else you probably

 wouldn't even be here.

WE'VE GOT MAIL....AND HOLLYHOCKS

 There are still some delightful days to be appreciated and enjoyed before the July 

heat arrives.

We are loving our Hollyhocks.  You will

notice I carefully eliminated the white

Hollyhock seeds so as not to replant them.

I wanted brighter colors.

And boy have we ever had the rain. 

 May was the 10th highest rainfall 

May on record.

I hope your summer is very

lovely!

LAST PEONY CELEBRATION for "Tea In The Garden"

 

I have to admit that I am sad to see

 the irises and now the peonies 

going bye bye!  Some might remember this

area to the right as the former Koi pond.

Believe me, I don't miss the work.

I suddenly saw the weather report for

tomorrow which said temps were going

up so I thought I better get going on 

another "Tea In The Garden" post

for this blog.

This week has been so busy.  Our son came

over and took out the giant 25 year old

pussywillow in our front yard.  It was

dying and had to go but we will miss

the privacy it created.

Our spring has been lovely and I know what

comes next - getting ready for heat for sure.

I have loved all the columbines

this year.

I grabbed a little of this and that

for my big bouquet.

I am very fond of Crown Dorset Teapots:

I hope you

have a

lovely spring

and 

coming

summer!

"TEA IN THE GARDEN" Under the Lace Umbrella

 It is so wonderful to see the garden come

back and enjoy the month of May again.

It is a beautiful day, the lawn got mowed a

few days back and rain is on the way so now

is our chance for a little photo shoot.

Time to just sit, chat, have a cup of tea,

enjoy the flowers and talk about

 tea time recipes!

Right now the peonies are opening.  I didn't put

wire frames around them this year as when I

did last year, the stems just bent on the frame and

they hung down just the same.  I do love having

them for bouquets.  We still have lots of irises

too.

In March we had a freeze and it effected

the tulips and also the lilacs so we are

just skipping over those this year.

I have had an abundance of Columbines

this year and plan to make sure I spread

their seeds as that is something that seems to

work for me.  There is one type I don't like

as much as the little fairy bell types so I will

only spread those seeds in the back.

I finally have new glasses which is helpful.

  Lately in my pre-cataract surgery era I have had 

difficulty seeing to focus my camera.

This poor birdhouse has fallen backwards

twice this week and I have hoisted it back

up and forward.  The bittersweet vines are weighty and as soon as the little ones are gone I'd say

it needs repair.

Well, one more photo and if you have made

it this far you have endurance!

PANSY TABLE TIME

 

I am sure, just like you, I love the arrival

of pansies in the springtime.

I have collected pansy related china pieces

for years.  On the table are both English and

pieces from China.  

I so admire the old vintage embroidery and in

this case, the appliqued work.  I was never one

to do detail long term projects but I do  admire

them immensely.  This topper has little tea

napkins to match.

I have shared this cosy before that I made

from an old runner.

I clipped some pansy blooms from the garden.

We have enjoyed lovely weather this week.

I love the spring in Missouri.

I did not paint the metal holder but have

had it for many years.  Someone was sure

talented.

These dessert plates (above) were English

Crown Dorset from the 90's.

I am remembering all the snow we used to

get in Colorado in the month of April.  I feel

a little guilty sharing the flowers from our

garden but just remember if you are having

that snow now you will probably be enjoying 

cool evenings and afternoons this summer

and here in Missouri it will be high up in

the 90's with high humidity.