Friday was made for flowers: Peonies

230 different kinds of peonies — wow! I finally had a chance to visit the Peony Garden at Matthei Botanical Garden a couple of weeks ago and that's how many varieties they have. It's one of the largest collections in the country and is truly spectacular. I love how frilly and delicate peonies can be. If you live in the area, it's worth a visit and for those of you who don't, I put together a collection of favorites to share with you this Friday:

I'm posting this from sunny Winston-Salem, NC — the first stop on a little mixed work-play mini-vacation. I'll have a couple of quick posts for you next week, but will be spending some time beachside in Wilmington, NC before heading up to Baltimore for Pile of Craft on Saturday, June 26.

Cheers and have a great weekend!

Get your shop on locally! Blue House

Sweater squid
Wooly Mammoth

I did a little shopping last night in the Blue House consignment area. At first I thought I would give at least one of my purchases away — namely the sweater squid for my nephew — but I easily talked myself out of that one. It's a keeper. It was made by Wooly Mammoth of western Michigan. A superstar talent. If you're local, you can find more of her squid and other creations at Blue House. Or you can check out her Etsy Shop here.

Sewn owl
Enamor

I also couldn't resist this little owl from Ypsilanti's Enamor. So sweet. So simple. So perfect. Again, stop by Blue House or check out her Etsy shop here.

Wee fairy
Siobhan Lyle

And last, but not least: A wee pointy hat fairy to live among the plants. Awwww… so cute. Look at those rosy cheeks. Can you see them? Made by none other than the owner and mastermind behind Blue House, Siobhan Lyle.

Balcony Garden update 06.15.10

I love this photo — it epitomizes our little balcony garden. One lovely delicate poppy framed by the concrete floor. The garden is going like gangbusters — I'm so happy with it. We learned a lot last year and have had some happy accidents along the way.

My resident basil farmer is very pleased with this year's crop (left) — even while we're still eating pesto from last year! The spinach we grew was very short-lived, so I pulled the stalks that were already going to seed and threw some nasturtium seeds (right) into the box where it had been. They're one of my favorites and I can't wait for the blooms.

The tomato plants are lookin' good…

Carrots and scallions are just about ready…

The lettuce is a heat-tolerant variety and just keeps on coming! And the peas…

Oh yes, the peas. Last year I harvested exactly eight pea pods. 8. I saved most of them to plant again this year and it's an entirely different story this go round. We are in pea-city! I've been battling a little powdery mildew, but the peas keep on coming!