As Gale and I entered the main hall, we were immediately hit with the powerful scent of hyacinths from this exhibit just inside the front door. What a wonderful relief it is to see some springtime, after all the snow and ice we've been dealing with all winter.
This little lady was nearby. She didn't appear to be concerned that she was bathing in a large hall amid crowds of people.
Ashland Berry Farm, which also specializes in water gardens, had these as part of their display. I love most things Tiki, so I was immediately drawn to them. The water-spitting caterpillar-thing was really cute.
When Gale and I saw this display, we immediately called it the Man Cave.
The scale of this swing arbor is very similar to my Arcade. I can see a simplified version of the top treatment making an appearance in Hartwood in the very near future.
This little garden shed was precious. I love the colors. If you have to have a shed, you might as well make it cute.
This little vignette, with the bench sitting on salvaged baluster legs, was in the same exhibit. The idea is cute, but I wouldn't sit on it because it didn't look all that sturdy.
As we exited that exhibit, we turned and saw this
Our jaws dropped. This tree house is perfect in every way. It's exactly the right mix of junky and classic ... chippy and lived in. We both agreed that we would lift it out of the show and place it in our yards without any changes. (She would have to battle her HOA to do it, though. Living in the country as I do, there'd be no problem like that here.)
Look at the details. The stained glass on the porch, the brackets, the windows, the pressed tin roof.
I photographed this little beauty from all angles, with a flash and without, so I wouldn't miss any part of it. It gave me so many ideas that I can use as I remodel the cottage by the barn.
(written by Hartwood Roses. Hartwood Roses blog.)