Jen Bowles Design

Garden Work

We've been working on getting the garden ready for planting around here.

The house already had a large garden area (about 25x35 ft.).  There are lots of blueberry and raspberry bushes.  And a lot of cleaning up to do.  Back in the day (say 2007), looks like the old owners grew quite a few fruits and veggies.  Last year there were the remains of some peppers, tomatoes and strawberries along with chives and perhaps rhubarb.  I'm working on revamping the space and bringing in some cleaner lines and more flowers. 
I built the two semi-raised bed boxes on Friday. I was quite proud of myself, out there on the driveway with power tools and wood. These two boxes will be where the 20 packages of veggie seeds Ebby picked out will be planted.  At the same time, we (mostly the hubby) are putting up a new fence around the garden.  The old fence is wire and stakes which works fine for keeping out rabbits and deer, not so well for keeping out curious puppies.  Plus, it doesn't look very nice and it lacks a proper gate.
Our new fencing is cedar pickets with the French Gothic tops.  So far there are 5 sections up, about 13 more to go. 
It's muddy, hard work out there but it's looking good.

(Makes Me) Happy Friday

Happy Friday and Happy Mother's Day weekend!  We deserve at least a weekend, right?

It's sunny and 75 degrees today, just wonderful--and made even more so by the fact that it's rained for at least part of every other day this week.

Sunshine, as always, makes me happy.

And what else?

• Lawn bowling.  Ok, I haven't actually done this yet, but I'd love to.  This set from LL Bean could be a perfect family fun activity for the summer.   Of course it could also devolve into the boys beating each other will the wooden pins and chasing Ebby with the wooden balls.  But that doesn't really fit the theme of the post, now does it?
• With A Twist.  A great etsy shop with loads of eye candy and great embellishments for creative projects.  Love all of her layers and colors.   These silk posies are available in her shop.  Unless I get them first.  Tara also has a blog featuring her beautiful work that you can visit here.
• I'm loving this  fairy garden created by Kelli at Kelli's House.  So clever and adorable, I love how's she's used the dollhouse furniture and the pot to make a unique and cozy fairy space.  Definitely on my (endless) list of creative projects! 

Lots to do this weekend, wishing you a very Happy Mother's Day (whether or not you're a mom)!

{all photos are from the linked sources}

Early May Birdbath Garden

This past weekend I spent some time edging and weeding the garden bed that is home to our bird feeders and birdbath.  I look at this garden area all. the. time. because I can see it from my desk while I'm on the computer. 
I've not yet planted anything in this bed (everything that's growing in there is from the former owners).  This is our first spring in this house so it's interesting to see just what's appearing.  So far we have:

• Vinca
• Bleeding heart
• Hosta
• Tulips

While the deer haven't been a problem with the tulips, little Miss Maisy has found she enjoys munching on tulips.  And stray birdseed.  I found some semi-cheesy wire fencing for cheap at one of our local discount emporiums, Ocean State Job Lot and used it to create a small barrier around the area.  It's not stopping her from going in there, but it's making it less accessible.  Hopefully she'll learn that she doesn't belong in there.  The good thing about the fencing is that it's thin and green so it's barely noticeable when you look at the garden.  Maybe that's why the dogs still think they can tromp through there...

No matter, I'm looking forward to having gardens to document once again!

Old School Stools

On my last visit to ExCL, I came home with more than just art supplies.
Check out my new old school stools!
I love 'em.  Lots of character, they take up less space than the chairs that I used to have in my office, they're actually more comfortable and, best of all, they spin.
Needless to say, the kids love 'em too : )

{The stools were $10 each, for a worthy cause.  Also pictured is my new favorite rug, Mary-Kate & Ashley Earth and Sky from Target}

Thoughts of flowers

Feeling a little blah today.  It's cloudy and my studio needs a thorough cleaning--much like the one I finished today involving the boys' room.  I was in there for at least 6 hours: sorting, organizing & editing.  8 year old boys have a lot of little, tiny stuff!
 It's possible they might get that from me...

(Makes Me) Happy May Day!

Happy Friday and Happy May Day to everyone : )
Can you guess what's making me happy this first Friday in May?
May baskets, of course! Pictured is the May basket I received in the May Basket swap from my partner Julie.  It was full to the brim with wonderful vintage & vintage inspired goodness, much of it handmade by Julie.  She did a beautiful job with packaging and presentation as well, I loved untying and unwrapping the tiny vellum envelopes and discovering treasure after treasure.  I just love the Mamie her scallop circle friends (for details, more photos & links be sure to check Julie's Mamie in a May basket post)!  The white compote bowl/nest is lovely and joins my growing collection in my office.  A great partner and a great swap!

• More May baskets!  I've shown you the one I made & the one I received but I still have a few more to reveal.  These colorful beauties were made by my talented mom.
  
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• In keeping with the spring and "green" theme, these Green-It-Yourself projects from green design expert Michelle Kauffman were very cool.  My faves are the planted bag dryer and the garden chandelier . There are loads of great tips and projects on her website and blog and her videos are very well done. {photo from Michelle Kaufman's blog}
• This week I discovered that one of my favorite illustrators, Jill McDonald, has a blog.  She posts her wonderful artwork on a regular basis, definitely worth checking out! {photo is her blog banner}

Sorry for the jumble of words and images today, Typepad is not being my friend.
Wishing you a happy weekend and a Happy May Day!

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