Saturday, September 12, 2015

Plant Adventures Abroad

It's only been five months since our Honeymoon, but with all this extra time on my hands these days (ha), I figured it's about time I post some photos from our trip. This first photographic adventure is dedicated to my dear friend of Glass Gardens. He has traveled down many of the plant roads, but I think I found a few stops from our trip that would certainly impress him. From sidewalks to retail shops, the botanical scene wasn't easy to miss. Here we go!


Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither were some of these magnificent ivy walls. From top left, shrubs and bushes in terra cotta pots to make an "alley" into an apartment building (Rome); hotel covered in Ivy (Rome); flowers in barrels to create a wall between a restaurant and a street (Bologna); ivy having from powers lines (Rome).



City shops and residents made up for the lack of green space by adding it to their entryways. Left, garland and hanging baskets (Venice); Right middle, herbs planted in wooden boxes adhered to entrance gate (Madrid); ivy and herbs scattered throughout a wire hanging plant box (Florence); Right bottom, shrub-looking plant trained to grow over a door (Siena).



There were an abundance of florists and markets to do your flower shopping. From top left, everything shop (Florence); florist shop (Bologna); florist shop (Bologna); open-air street market (Florence).



I couldn't count the number of times I tripped or stumbled - and not because of the delicious wine OR uneven cobblestones - because of the beauty you'd miss if you weren't looking UP. From top left, stunning purple fence box gardens (Rome); terrace gardening (Siena); waterfront gardening (Venice); covering ugly, barred windows with plants (Madrid); window gardening (Venice).



Plants in retail. From top left, cactus in glass houses; cactus in bird cages (Rome); crates on wheels for easy shopping at a market - with plants (Madrid); hanging plants and bicycles from the ceiling in Toma (Madrid)



More plants in retail. Left, hanging spider plant baskets INSIDE a food market (Madrid); Right top, clover plants in miniature pots (Rome); Right bottom, unique head pots with ferns and herbs (Rome).



A few curious plants. From Top left, algae and seaweed on steps leading into the Grand Canal (Venice); a giant plant fountain island in the Vatican (Vatican City); miniature green house at a botanical garden (Florence).

Monday, September 7, 2015

Well, it proved to be yet another intensely busy Summer. However, when people ask me how my Summer was, or what I did, I seem to draw a blank. I guess this is my answer.
  1. Tassel banners
  2. New hair clips
  3. Inspiration photos
  4. Relax
  5. FREEBIE: Tides Game
  6. Pop Up Shop
  7. Succulent Brooches
  8. Terrarium kits
  9. Stuffed pretzels
  10. Hang with a babe
  11. New 'do
  12. Craft kits
  13. Eat waffles
  14. New hummus
  15. Catalog gift bags
  16. Organize
  17. Celebrate a birthday
  18. Outdoor lights
  19. Wear a hat
  20. Volunteer
  21. Zekes Beans & Bowls
  22. Fantasy Fest
  23. New beer
  24. The Plot
  25. Cotton Candy
  26. Floral headpiece
  27. Wedding book
  28. Walk a new hood
  29. FREEBIE: Crabcakes
  30. Italy photos
  31. Send care package
  32. Cocktail napkins
  33. Help a friend
  34. Write an article
  35. Beach
  36. VOW
  37. Exercise
  38. Toast
  39. Cocktail sticks
  40. Garlic plate
  41. Bike rides
  42. Smoothie
  43. Play chess
  44. Grill
  45. Date night
  46. Attend speaker
  47. Homemade goldfish
  48. Write newsletter
  49. Golf
  50. Drink Tinto with Emily
  51. Kiss
  52. Freelance
  53. BFF time
  54. Cutout cookies
  55. Replant African Violet
  56. Chrysler Museum
  57. FREEBIE
  58. Color
  59. Lock on bridge
  60. Library card
  61. FREEBIE: Diner en Blanc
  62. Bake a pie
  63. Girls night
  64. Invite friends for dinner
  65. Hot dogs
  66. Animal bust
  67. Pet a dog
  68. Selfie
  69. Paint toenails
  70. Crossword puzzle
  71. Governor's School
  72. Brewery
  73. Drinks on a deck
  74. Glass Gardens stamp
  75. Photo shoot
  76. Porch planters
  77. Sandwiches
  78. Flower cart
  79. DIY Noise Makers
  80. A to Z Norfolk
  81. Write a love letter
  82. Engagement book
  83. Glass Gardens buttons
  84. Go thrifting
  85. Felt corsage
  86. FREEBIE: National Donut Day
  87. Finish old projects
  88. Purge and donate
  89. Dirt pudding
  90. Drink more water
  91. New glasses
  92. Vermouth