I'm a little "tardy to the party" as the saying goes, in posting my Christmas gifts. Even tho it was almost 3 weeks ago now, I thought it still might be fun to share my garden related treasures. (I always think I must be the easiest person in the world to buy for ~ get me anything garden related and I'm happy!) I was thrilled to get these two books ~ they will keep me occupied for quite a while. I have you, garden bloggers, to thank for receiving "Stylish Sheds & Elegant Hideaways." I saw it recommended on several blogs so I put it on my list.
I haven't had time to actually read either of them yet, I've only flipped thru and looked at the pictures. I have to say tho, this chicken coop (in the Stylish Sheds & Elegant Hideaway book) sent me over the moon:
I think it would make almost anyone want chickens, it's so adorable. I just love everything about it, too, too cute. Another fun gift I received was these garden magnets:
I have a thing for "vintage" so these images, combined with my plant obsession are perfect. This "Mighty Magnets" set is called "Old Tyme Posies" and are by Lucy Lu Designs. I also received two magazine subscriptions, one to Country Gardens and the other to The English Garden. I was pretty spoiled, wouldn't you say? Anyone else care to share their garden related gifts??
Kathleen, What inspiring gifts! I would love a new shed, but I'm wondering if it's that important. We already have one that I could paint a bit more. (It's that I'd love to have one for the grandchildren!) ;-)
My daughter gifted me with a rabbit sculpture (of modern lines). It will be in a Spring post, I'm sure.
Have a wonderful time enjoying your books And your hot chocolate! A great combination. :-)
Posted by: Shady Gardener | January 13, 2009 at 12:15 PM
The chicken coop is too cute....but I still don't want to care for chickens! A rain gauge and a hori-hori knife I bought myself!
Gail
Posted by: Gail | January 13, 2009 at 12:25 PM
I would even live in that chicken coop. LOL! What great magnets. You made out alright.
Lona
Posted by: Lona | January 13, 2009 at 12:26 PM
Super good gifts! Love books for sure and I too think that chicken coop is too cute. I got some crocuses to force, some clippers, a garden angel from a good garden friend, a indoor/outdoor thermometer, and a garden magazine. Gotta love those garden gifts. Have fun reading your new books. Do share some good info in them when you can.
Posted by: tina | January 13, 2009 at 01:08 PM
Hi Kathleen, what lovely gifts you have got, it's nice to be a little bit spoiled sometimes.
I would love to have a look in the Stylish shed book. I think I would like to build a small shed for the tools, don't you think that would be a great idea :-)
Posted by: Tyra in Vaxholm | January 13, 2009 at 01:23 PM
Hi Kathleen, what food for thought with those books. I never tire of looking at imaginative shed designs and that chicken coop is dreamy. Offspring Chickenpoet raises chickens and I can tell you that the cleanliness issue would be a problem with that wooden building in no time! My big present was a rainbarrel, now set up and collecting water for the orchids and plants to be used when they go to live back outside. Orchids especially like the untreated water.
Frances
Posted by: Frances | January 13, 2009 at 02:31 PM
You were indeed spoiled with some lovely garden gifts Kathleen! I got a gift card to my favorite Big Box store that I'll be happy to use this spring for some plants and maybe another trellis! :)
Posted by: Racquel | January 13, 2009 at 09:37 PM
I love the chicken coop too! I love everything about Stylish Sheds cause there is so much inspiration inside. You did get spoiled and love the magnets too.
Posted by: Anna/Flowergardengirl | January 13, 2009 at 10:21 PM
What a fun Christmas! that chicken coop is incredible...my neighbors have chickens - I should show them that in case they want to upgrade :) And I think those magnets would be super cute attached to the front of a card.
Posted by: Alice Golden | January 14, 2009 at 06:46 AM
I love that chicken house.
I just have to have one!
Posted by: Stacey | January 14, 2009 at 07:46 AM
Oh, Shady Gardener, you are already set then. It appears that a lot of the sheds in this book were pre-existing buildings that were converted into something stylish/more useful. Get to work ~ you could be in the sequel!!
Posted by: Kathleen | January 14, 2009 at 08:49 AM
I don't know if I want to or not Gail. I just "think" I want chickens but if I actually knew what it entailed, maybe not! If I had a shed like that, I'd definitely give it a try tho!
Posted by: Kathleen | January 14, 2009 at 08:51 AM
We are like-minded Lona because I had that same thought! (that I could live in there)!
Posted by: Kathleen | January 14, 2009 at 08:52 AM
Hi Tina. You received some nice garden gifts too. They're the best kind, aren't they? I will certainly share any information from the books if I ever make time to sit down and read them!
Posted by: Kathleen | January 14, 2009 at 08:54 AM
If anyone could build a stylish shed for tools Tyra, it would be you!! I know that from seeing your beautiful greenhouse! I think you should pick up a copy so you can get inspired and then start building! We'd all love to see what you come up with!
Posted by: Kathleen | January 14, 2009 at 08:55 AM
Frances, you are just a wealth of information. I would never have known that about wooden buildings and chickens. I tend to go with "looks" and it sure looks good but being practical is better in the long run, right? Good to know about rain water and orchids too. I didn't know that either but I only have my one lone clearance orchid. It does have buds on it now so I'll be posting about it soon. I think you should do another post on yours to keep us all going thru the winter.
Posted by: Kathleen | January 14, 2009 at 08:58 AM
A giftcard is always a welcome gift isn't it Racquel. I love those! You'll have fun this spring.
Posted by: Kathleen | January 14, 2009 at 08:59 AM
Hi Anna. I knew you loved that book, your blog is one of the sites that inspired me to put it on my list. Thank you for that, I'm really enjoying it. :-)
Posted by: Kathleen | January 14, 2009 at 09:00 AM
Yes, show them Alice and maybe you'll get that cute coop right next door. It would be fun to take photos of, wouldn't it?
Posted by: Kathleen | January 14, 2009 at 09:02 AM
Oh too funny you posted this morning Stacey. My Mom and I were talking about the chicken coop last night and she told me you had chickens. She said she'd have to tell you about the coop on my blog so you could take a look and here you are!! You should definitely build yourself one! It would be amazing. Thanks for stopping by!
Posted by: Kathleen | January 14, 2009 at 09:03 AM
I L-O-V-E that chicken coop!!!
Posted by: Darcy | January 16, 2009 at 01:58 AM
It really is the BEST, isn't it Darcy!! I love it too ~ I look at it almost every night!
Posted by: Kathleen | January 17, 2009 at 07:58 PM