Wednesday, September 8, 2010

White in the garden...

I have a few wooden structures in the garden that I love. The round gazebo was a gift
from a friend, and the arbor my husband built for me is now
covered by a very large grapevine and a climbing rose. All of them started out
in their natural state, but over time have ended up white.


This gazebo that I am showing here is a square structure and was in it's natural state
until a few weeks ago, when I finally decided that I would
probably love it more if it were white.



This gazebo was built by a man in town who builds adirondack chairs
 and picnic tables and sells them for extra money. He uses lumber left over from
homes that he builds for a living.

My husband had gone to his home to buy a picnic table for our daughter.
While visiting with the man, he commented on this lovely garden
 house that was in his yard. The gentleman said that his wife thought
it was too big for their small yard and wanted it moved.



So my husband being the nice guy that he is, bought it for me and soon it
was coming to our place on a flatbed trailer to live in our garden.
It had been stained a redwood color and had faded badly and needed to be re-stained
 (or something)and of course that something happened to be white paint)).



It sits out back by the pasture fence.
 It took me days to paint it,
 but I think it was worth it.

You can see that I got in a hurry and didn't paint the ceiling yet.

Of course I had to make some pretty linen curtains to hang in it.


Even the willow furniture that I bought at a yard sale years ago, ended up white.
No surprise I'm sure. You know how I love white!!!



It's falling apart slowly, but I love this set of furniture.
They got their coat of white paint several years ago for
my daughter's wedding.



Not too comfy without cushions, but they add interest
 even if they aren't real functional.




The pergola over the front patio is my favorite of all the structures in the garden.
This is where we hang out most of the Summer.
My husband built it and I love him for it.
 He is so helpful that way.

I think he really does enjoy his contributions to the garden.
He hung an old door in the hedge just because I said that I would love to have
one there. It seems that all I have to do is say "hmm, wouldn't it be nice if"
and he puts on his trusty tool belt.
Ya gotta love that!!!
(and a man in a tool belt)

There are some lovely blogs sharing their whites today,

and I am linking up with Kathleen at Faded Charm for White Wednesday.

86 comments:

Yvonne - Frl. Klein said...

Dear June, thank you for sharing this beautiful photos from your garden!
Have a nice day,
Hugs, Yvonne

Anonymous said...

Every time I come to visit you, June, I'm just in awe of your beautiful pictures! Your gazebo is SO gorgeous! I LOVE the round table and chairs you have in it, and those curtains (sigh)! Always, always, always... thanks for the fabulous inspiration!
Hugs ~ Jo :)

Cheryl ~ ZanyMayd said...

Oh June, I love your garden posts ~ The Gazebo with the billowing curtains & that Table are Fabulous.... Love the Twig Chairs , Heck I always Love it All! I would love to be a bird flying overhead to see your entire yard ~ Beautiful... Have a Wonderful Week, Where does the time go ~ it really is flying by!
xox
Cheryl

Lovey said...

June, I love everything about your garden from the flowers to the furniture...it's just all so beautiful. I also love that you have a wonderful husband who loves you so much that he wants to please you greatly...the way God intended. Hugs My June!

Seawashed said...

It is all so beautiful June. Even with the ceiling left in the wood. The curtains blowing in the breeze woo me. The pedestal table is swoony. Your gardens and pergola are still my favorite of ANY I've seen in Blogland!!! I'm so happy to hear you've taken the time to be in your gardens...to live. I'm trying to do the same.

Sandi~A Cottage Muse said...

Sigh...so beautiful June! What a wonderful place to spend time and get lost in one's thoughts. Thank you for sharing!!

Peonies & Magnolias said...

Love your garden whites, they are all so perfect and those billowing curtains add the finishing touch. Your flowers look gorgeous as always. Have a great day.

Sandy

Julia @ Vintage with Laces said...

Hi sweet June, The gazebo and your garden furniture are all so beautiful and I would also have painted everything white. It's such a wonderful contrast to the greens, pinks etc. and looks also very pretty together with the white flowers. I just love your garden!
Hugs to you,
Julia

Lois Hughes said...

June, I've just found your blog and am truly enjoying it. The photos are gorgeous and transport me to a different place! Lois

Carolyn said...

Hi June,
Your garden looks so beautiful and I love the way the light shines through in your photos.
I love all your garden structures and those lovely chairs add so much to the ambiance as well.
the trees with the wine foliage look so pretty too-I am not sur what they are but I love them.

Thankks for sharing-I always love a tour of your home or garden!

Carolyn

maría cecilia said...

DEar June, the gazebo wouldn´t be that pretty withouth those soooooo very lovely curtains you made for it!!!!!
Everything is so wonderful today in your post, your garden is a marvellous one, all the structures that you have a really wonderful contribution to the garden, or your pasture (which I´ve seen with huge amounts of snow!!!!) and the best of all is having a supportive husband that spoiles you so much!!!!
I love coming to visit you.
maria cecilia

butiksofie said...

Dear June, this pictures are sooo beautiful! Your garden is sooo romantic!!Hughs Anja

Celestial Charms said...

June, these are the most beautiful photographs. To spend time in such a pretty garden, surrounded by things built and/or given to you by your darling husband, is such a gift. I'm smiling because of the joy it brings you. Thanks for sharing.
Have a wonderful Wednesday.
Maureen

joanne said...

This is absolutely beautiful! You know that I am now hooked on white?? And I totally blame you! All your beautiful ideas and photos make me want to whiten up things around here.
Thanks for the shade growing plant tips..I am going to check things out more over the winter and see what comes of it.
Hope you and Landon are well...thinking of you.
p.s. what a sweet hubby you have! you better keep him.;p

Sharing with Sherri said...

June, Lovely photos! Oh yes I know how much you love white! It has such a clean, fresh and pure look about it...doesn't it?

Btw, your hubby sounds like a real sweetie... and yes you gotta love a man in a tool belt! It's been way too long since I've seen my hubby in one! Anytime I mention how nice it would be to change something, he just grumbles!!! Ugh!

I have several pieces I'm debating whether to paint white as well... I like so many different styles and I'm ready for a change! I find myself being alot more drawn to monochomatic looks, but still love color! So whats a girl ta do?! Oh well...

Have a nice day! It's cool, cloudy and a bit windy here today!
Fall is definitely in the air!

XOXOXO, Sherri:)

Sandy~Romantique Inspirations~ said...

Hi June, What a nice spot to just sit underneath the gazebo taking it all in seeing all the hard work you had put into your yard. I had always wanted one those gazebo because of how romantic they look. The chairs definitely gives off charm in your garden too!

What a great guy you have to make you happy...

Hugs to you*

Connie said...

Lucky, lucky you, sugar!!! Ooooh, it's lovely out there. Raining here today.
xoxo,
Connie

sweetpea said...

why hasn't a mag snatched your garden up for a shoot? it's so beautiful and serene. i always love seeing your magical touch.

hugs,

shelley

oldgreymare said...

June,

The love and care you show your family and friends by "dressing" this beautiful garden is magical. You have made a haven for all to come visit, sit and reflect on the importance of nature in our lives.

Usually you paint with flowers, this time with actual paint!

Big hugs

z

Ana said...

Oh June, what beautiful whites...I tell you, everything you touch turns into gold...white gold :-) Oh and your garden my dear lady...Need I say it again...Wait, let me stop drooling here...IT'S ABSOLUTELY BREATHTAKING! Hope you're doing well my dear friend.

Much love,
♥Ana

jade said...

My dear June,
i looove your garden........it´s a wonderful place full of romance and magic and it looks, if angels would have created it - think so it is ;)!!!!!! Have a lovely time in your paradise,

Hugs Jade

Debra@CommonGround said...

Your gazebo is gorgeous. We had one when I was a girl, and loved using it for intimate dinners. So I'm really partial to them. The curtains really make it special.
Always love coming here, dear June.
xo,
Debra

Lynn said...

What a pretty garden! The gazebo looks great painted white. Thank you for this lovely post...

LiLi M. said...

Hello June,
Your garden furniture as well as the gazebo and the pergola over the front patio is awesome, I think the whites are better. I love to visit your garden. I'll have some coffee on the front patio. Walk through your garden and by the time I have admired every flower, (just look at the basket on the front patio filled to the brim with -are those pelargonia?-flowers.) it is time to relax behind the flower curtains. I could live like that you know?!
Have a lovely day and enjoy everything your garden has to offer!

Claudia said...

Someday I'm going to ask you for your gardening secrets! I love to garden, but you definitely have the touch!

Love your new gazebo and everything else in your lovely garden.

xoxo
Claudia

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Hi June,
Your garden looks like a dream. It's so lovely, peaceful and inviting. I would love to sit under the gazebo and just take in the sights and smells of new mown
grass.

thanks for sharing your wonderful life with us.

hugs
Sissie

Draffin Bears said...

Hi June,

Your garden looks like a romantic retreat ~ love the white gazebo with the table and chairs and pretty linen curtains.
You have a wonderful husband that is able to build pergolas and do what you ask him.
I would want to be outdoors, all the time. thanks for showing us.

Happy Thursday
Hugs
Carolyn

Miss Gracie's House said...

Oh...June, I LOVE it when you show us all of your beauty! My favorite...a man in a toolbelt...or in my case...a painting suit! They do spoil us so, don't they?!
Rene

Blondie's Journal said...

A gazebo!! What a sweet gift. And I give you credit for painting the whole thing, too!! What a job that must have been. I love the pretty curtains. And as always, I love coming to your blog to see all your gorgeous pictures!

xoxo
Jane

time worn interiors said...

Two of my favorite things, gardens and white! Great photos, thank for sharing!
TOT

highheeledlife said...

What a wonderful garden tour!! HHL

Sherry @ No Minimalist Here said...

June, Your photo are gorgeous! The gazebo, pergola, urns...everything is just beautiful.
xo, Sherry

Unknown said...

thanks for the beautiful stroll through your garden.....i just love your garden and all the pretty whites!

Anonymous said...

June how fun for you that the gazebo was too big for the other ladies yard!!! It is fantastic and I can imagine great tea parties you will be having out there!!

Bill dug up my day lilies and iris to thin out. Gosh what a job and now my flower bed looks terrible but it must be done!

bee blessed
mary

Unknown said...

Oh my gosh June, your garden is simply amazing. Your gazebo is so pretty and I love that white weathered iron pot planted with flowers and swwet potato vine! Thank you so much for the tour.

cindy-stitches-n-stuff.blogspot.com said...

Hi my friend, I always love visiting you and your garden. I just want to sit and relax and visit everywhere in your garden. Especially love the panels on the gazebo.

hugs
cindy@stitches

Diane said...

Your white is so beautiful in your garden, everything is beautiful in your garden! This is such a sweet, beautiful post. Diane

Nice and Easy Antiques said...

I just love visiting your yard and today was not exemption!

Anonymous said...

The gazebo is gorgeous...those serendipitous discoveries are always the sweetest, aren't they? Your gardens are still looking just beautiful, the fruit of all your hard labor no doubt!

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Dearest June, EXQUISITE is the only word I can think of as I dash out the door to school...your yard, garden and property are simply blessed by the beauty of God's own hands.....bless you, Anita

~*~ saskia ~*~ said...

I just adore how the sunbeams touch the leaves in your first pictures, in all pictures, June!
Have a happy Thursday xxxx

Tania said...

Hello june, I love your garden, Its the kind of space im aiming to achieve. Your have done an amazing job. Take care
Tina

Muggensteekjes said...

Hello June,
here I am finally....back from a very long break. I am so happy to read your lovely blog again and see so many beautiful pictures from your garden. Over here it is beginning to feel like autumn but your garden still looks like summer. If you put some cushions in those chairs, then I can come sit with you for a while and enjoy it all with you ....(wish...wish...wish I could)
Dear hugs, Ingrid.

Chrissy...The Apothecary Shop said...

Right out of a magazine my friend,peaceful and lovely!! Hope you are well! x0

Julie Marie said...

Hello June, love your gazebo and the curtains you made are so very lovely... all of your little garden structures and accents are just wonderful... I would have a hard time choosing where I wanted to relax with a cup of tea and a good book, or just sit and daydream... your hubby is so sweet to help with all of these things... and yes, I too love a man in a toolbelt!... (Jack takes his turn "decorating" too!)... xoxo Julie Marie

Deb said...

Thank you June for all the beauty here @ Laughing With Angels ... I always feel like I have just looked through a gorgeous glossy magazine when I visit.
{Have been trying to send you an e-mail but sadly it keeps being returned}

MJ Ornaments said...

Ah, a trip into June's beautiful garden. Thanks so much! Martha

Tammy said...

One day you will wake up and find that I have set up residence in your garden! :o) Everything is truly perfect.....

Susan McShannon-Monteith said...

If beauty is in the eyes of the beholder then June your garden is an everlasting vision ...
Susan x

Unknown said...

G'eve June ~ The serenity, beauty & elegance of your gardens, gazebo & WHITES are breathtaking. The perfect peaceful place to rest after a day of joy amongst the florals ... what a precious husband you have. Everything is absolutely perfect ... just like you, my sweet friend.
TTFN ~ Hugs, Marydon

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Dearest June,

Oh how I love coming here and seeing Sunny, Turbo and Smoke looking at me, not to mention all the other characters! THANK YOU for your visit; it is well-appreciated and after a long day of running around, trying to make sense of new things and managing 50 children. Budget cuts have forced the dismissal of two English teachers, so I now teach English to two classes and French science and social studies to two classes. It is down right frightening. I don't even get much time to go to the restroom!!!! But, God has a plan to strengthen our wings to fly to higher ground in the area of faith and character, and you know that well. Tired but happy, I sign off now and send you my warmest regards, Anita

Pondside said...

Hello June - your beautiful white post was just the peaceful thing I needed right now. Aren't we both lucky to have husbands who'll strap the tool belt on for us?....or find a garden house and bring it home?!

Privet and Holly said...

June, your garden
is truly a slice
of heaven! And
oh, heavenly day,
to have a man THAT
eager to contribute
to your garden passions...
Well, that is truly
LOVE : )
Happy day!
xx Suzanne

Jacqueline @ HOME said...

My dear friend June,
I am so sorry that I have been AWOL for a while. It seems to be taking ages to catch up after our holiday. I think that I've caught up with everyone and then they all post again !!!!
As you know, I adore your garden and all of the white structures just add to it's beauty. The gazebo look wonderful and looks even better with it's coat of white paint and the pergola over the front patio must be a wonderful place to sit and admire your stunning roses. Your husband is a star, tell him from me !!
Your garden is a credit to you and all of the hard work that has gone into it has been so worth it. XXXX

Karen said...

OK June. This was a fabulous post. Great photography - great story.
AND WHAT A GUY! :)
I look at your lovely land and home and just sigh.
You are truly Blessed!
Love it all.
Have a wonderful weekend my Friend.
Hugs! :) Karen

Tracie~MyPetiteMaison said...

How nice your little white house. I would never let that go, no matter how big it was for my yard... your gain though for certain! Love the willow chairs, we had a couch of the same design that our dear dog, Victor used as his bed. Can't help seeing your chairs and not think of him and his kind ways. You always touch my heart here with your photos and kind spirit, just like chatting with an old friend.

I want to see the door hanging in the hedge. What a nice thing for your hubby to do for you!

Happy weekend, June!
xoxo

Anne Lorys said...

Wow, your husband really IS a nice guy!

Just beautiful June, it is the picture of tranquility. :-)

Big hugs,
Anne

Anonymous said...

Just gorgeous, June. Don't you love how everything develops a story to go with it? LOVELY! :)
Have a wonderful weekend,
Zuzu

Jane said...

Beautiful as always!! I love all the wonderful little spots you have in your garden to sit and enjoy the beauty.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Jane

{oc cottage} said...

Your yard is so darn magical! {and I am eagerly awaiting your GARDEN "coffee table" book! ;}

m ^..^

victorian parlor II said...

It's all so lovely! What a wonderful place to relax and enjoy the garden splendor:)!

Blessings,

Kim

Laura said...

What do I do now?
I have run out of words.
So, I will repeat myself.
YOU ARE AMAZING.

Laura
who wants to follow you around in your yard

Anonymous said...

I am so glad that I found you.
What a beautiful blog:o)

Lots of greetings from Denmark.
AUNTIE GREEN

Barbara said...

Every time I visit you I am charmed! I adore your garden and all the surprises that I find in it. What fun the gazebo must be.

And the Adirondack chairs are so perfect...who cares if they're not comfortable? My sister has some newer ones and they aren't comfortable either and hers aren't nearly as charming as yours!

paperbird said...

June your garden has such a beautiful peaceful atmosphere- I love the white you have tucked in here and there- so serene.
Your hubby sounds a lot like my sweety- today he is out in the yard finishing up our garden shed- tool belt on the hips!!!

Vicki said...

June, you do have a great guy. I am sure he loves you very much and seeks to please you in every way. Blessings to you and your beautiful family always~your garden and all of its structures and embellishments are always a pleasure to behold~love to you~Vicki

Burlap Luxe said...

June, Your husband did a beautiful job on the gazebo, it is an amazing place to rest your soul and do some creative thinking, a restful place of peace.

Tell him I need him to stop by and build me one :)

June thank you so much for your kind inspiring words left to my post of a featured spot in R/H magazine :)

Love the inspiration you pass onto us all.
xoxo
Dore

Ps. your header is Fabulous.

Alaina said...

June, thank you for your lovely comments. Yes I do enjoy bringing the blooms into my home as much as I like seeing them in the gardens. Your gardens are an inspiration to me and I hope next Spring I am able to expand with my seedlings. I always enjoy seeing more of your
home and gardens. Have a wonderful week. Alaina

a Bohemian Market said...

oh June:
Joe Cocker sang a song "You are so beautiful to me" and I think it appropriate to you and your home!!!
The love, the laughter and the light is all in you.
peace
carole

Elizabeth said...

Ok June,Where do I start! Your pictures of your garden are absolutely gorgeous! I was catching up on your blog and the post you did about your son,wow!beautiful!
Love this tea pary pics too! Thanks for your sweet comments!
Many bessings to you and your family June!
Elizabeth

Elizabeth said...

Ok June,Where do I start! Your pictures of your garden are absolutely gorgeous! I was catching up on your blog and the post you did about your son,wow!beautiful!
Love this tea pary pics too! Thanks for your sweet comments!
Many blessings to you and your family June!
Elizabeth

Julie@beingRUBY said...

Dear June
Your garden is simply wonderful.. I bet you get a lot of enjoyment here ... such a beautiful and relaxing space... and of course white is the perfect choice.. My favourites here is that willow furniture ... divine!!!

Have a lovely week.. sorry I'm so late to this post.. just losing track of everything lately... ciao xxx Julie

J. Wecker Frisch said...

Hi June - Pretty, pretty photos, as always of your pretty, pretty garden.

Rosie said...

Greetings Dear One...
Oh, you know, I share your love of white, and am always covered from elbow to fingertip in one of Ben Moore's many delicious shades.
I also tried my hand at making twig furniture {got sucked in with it's truly whimsical style} Well...had visions of an entire collection gracing my garden...I wanted each and every corner to have a little something. Then took an afternoon class and decided right then and there that if I finished the chair I started that would be just fine...all I can say is...ouch!!!!...it hurts too much to make these "twiggy beauties"
So I know the value of these white whimsies...
Such a lovely post dear one...I have missed you...pop over for a cuppa when time permits...until then, I shall send you a hug...love Rosie

Georgianna said...

June, I love your garden. I love your photographs. I love your gazebo. Everything is so delightful! And inspiring! We finished our stone wall project so I think a gazebo is a good thing to build next! Have a beautiful week ahead and thank you for all this loveliness. xo – g

Natasha Burns said...

simply beautiful!!! it was well worth the days it took you to paint - and it's more special knowing it was hand built. You know, I actually love it with the timber unpainted inside the roof?!

Reading Tea Leaves said...

Dear June

What a very lovely hubby you have! I have to cajole and bribe mine into doing anything! No, he's lovely really!

Of course the garden house had to be white - what other colour is there?:-)

I always love seeing pictures of your garden June and these have such an ethereal feel to them and the vibrancy of the green is stunning.

Love the white chairs and I bet they're nice and comfy with a big squashy pillow!

Jeanne
xx

Rosie said...

Oh Junebug...I am so very honored that your morning cuppa was with little OLD me :)....Enjoy each and EVERY second with those sweet sisters of yours. Take lots of snappies and share a few with me...xoxo...Rosie

Donna Reyne' said...

Hello My sweet friend!
I am so glad I got a chance to stop by this afternoon!
I really needed this vision of serenity that you have created here in your garden!
I love how peaceful everything looks!
blessings and hugs,
Donna

Fete et Fleur said...

June, I'm stunned by the beauty of your garden. What a blessed place to retreat to. The gazebo has found the perfect home.

Hugs!
Nancy

Moments of Grace said...

June,

As always, I loved your post. Your garden is worthy of award but I would settle for a glass of sweet tea and one of the lovely white chairs to sit in while I sip. How absolutely lovely.

I am always refreshed by your lovely photos and your writing. You bless me each time I read.

May the Lord continue to bless you as richly as only He can.

In Grace,
Marie

Custom Comforts said...

I am very new at this blogging thing, but some of the blogsites stand out above the others and yours is one of them. What beautiful pictures and commentary. You truly are gifted!
Cindy

Rostrose said...

Dearest June, it's als´ways wonderful to go for a walk trough your garden!!! I liked it very much - and I also want to thank you for crossing your fingers because of our book!!! :o)
Warm, warm hugs, Traude

Tara said...

You have such an amazing yard. They love and care you put into it speaks volumes. Thank you for sharing your little piece of paradise with us!

Creative Grammie said...

Aloha June; Your place is astounding! You are absolutely fantastic with your home and garden. I could sit and look at your photos for hours. Thank you for sharing.

Rose ~Victorian Rose ~ said...

June...you seem to lead such a charmed life....with all the beautiful old things that mean so much to you...and to think you have TWO locations to wander between...love the mirrors and vases of flowers, etc. in your little shack.
I too love the "reflective" look in our home, the more mirrors the happier I am to be able to see the things we love twice as often.

Just can't tell you how much I ADMIRE your photography skills...just so sensitive and dear...just like yourself.

Rose