A new antique urn is gracing the garden.
I was "watching" it earlier this Spring on Ebay then forgot about it after losing my brother.
Last week, I finally went back to my "watch list" & couldn't believe it was still there.
I think because of the price? I thought it was too expensive at first too but then, after what happened, I decided who cares??
Life is short ~ if it makes you happy, do it. I thought I might have "buyer's remorse" after I purchased it but I didn't/don't. It's just WAY too spectacular for regrets.
I know nothing of it's history other than it's numbered, very heavy (Iron???) and exquisitely detailed. I think the "ears" are horses (or possibly dogs???)
I did some quick research and found two companies (Mott & Fiske) that manufactured cast iron items around the turn of the century. I will have to examine it closely when I remove the plantings this fall to see if I can find any other marks (besides the number.) I didn't see anything when it arrived but I was so excited to plant it, I didn't take time to examine it thoroughly.
I hope you won't get tired of seeing it, because just as with my other antique urn, I'm thinking this one will be featured often!!
I planted it with Begonia 'Cherry Bon Bon' and a Yellow fan-tailed Scaevola.
Once it fills in a bit, I will share a new photo of the whole container.
Meanwhile my house is filled with peonies because it's raining so much they are doing nothing but flopping over. I had just cut some more & set them on the Trader Joe's Nectarine crate when I realized what a pretty combo that made.
Roses are starting to come on now too. A little later than usual. The pink (unknown name ~ already here when I moved in) are blooming.
Above: Framing the zinc thermometer.
Over the years, many people have asked me the name, I wish I knew so I could share it.
Whatever variety they are, they're dependably hardy even in our volatile climate which makes them a valuable anchor plant in the garden.
The rain I mentioned earlier has forced me indoors much more than usual for June. Today we received 1.8" in 55 minutes!!!! A lot for us!
As a way for me to be "in the garden" when I actually can't, I put together this quick card with one of my old rose photos.
So simple, just a beautiful patterned paper, leaf ribbon (Martha Stewart) and bow.
Hope you and your gardens are doing well. I want to get back on a more regular posting schedule. Earlier this year I was publishing a new post every Sunday. I don't know if I'll try to get back to that day or not but once I figure out what works for the summer, I will let you know so I don't leave you hanging. As always, thanks for all your support.
Ohhhhhhhhhh - I am so happy you splurged on that gorgeous urn and I can't wait to see it! Since the bunnies are destroying your gardens, it's wonderful that you have so many wonderful containers to plant. Love the Peonies in the Trader Joe box too - you are so creative. Beautiful roses and begonias. And that card!!!!!! So happy to see another great blog post. Can't wait for Saturday! Maybe another blog about the tour????
Posted by: Dana | June 11, 2015 at 08:49 PM
I love that Rose! And the Peonies! I did the same thing this afternoon--picked the Peonies since we're having tons of rain right now and they'd be demolished by the morning. Gosh, they smell great, don't they?! I like your urn, too. I'm sure you'll do some wonderful creative things with it!
Posted by: Beth @ PlantPostings | June 11, 2015 at 08:54 PM
Kathleen girl ... I am so sorry for your loss.
I haven`t been by in a while ..I didn`t know.
This urn is exquisite! .. I don`t hink you will ever have buyer`s remorse it is too beautiful to feel that way about it.
It does look like a dog`s head as the èars`more than horse .. but what ever it is, it is gorgeous!
I won`t get tired of seeing it ..
Take care
Joy : )
Posted by: Joy | June 12, 2015 at 05:03 PM
Hi Kathleen! The urn is so unique; and I really like the peonies in the Traders Joe box. I wanted to let you know I'm thinking of you and praying for you. It would be so enjoyable to sit in your lovely garden and chat!
Posted by: Karen (Horst) | June 15, 2015 at 09:20 PM
We're having a rainy June too, and I know I'll appreciate it when summer gets dry and hot like it always does. But right now I'm feeling a little saturated! I'd like a cool, clear day, just once. Your urn is quite lovely, but my first thought was that the shipping costs must have been high! So you take all the pictures you want, we'll gladly look .
Posted by: Robin | June 19, 2015 at 06:00 PM
Good afternoon! I was wondering if you would be interested in a guest blogging opportunity with Gardening Know How? If so, please e-mail me for more details! Thanks and I hope to hear from you soon...
Posted by: Shelley Pierce | June 24, 2015 at 01:15 PM
Thank you everyone for your comments. I'm glad you won't tire of seeing the urn.
Karen ~ I very much appreciated your comment. A chat in (any) garden would be lovely. Thanks for posting.
Posted by: Kathleen | June 25, 2015 at 08:23 AM