Summertime Watermelon & Tea

Summers in Oklahoma are hot and this year everything is growing like a weed thanks to record rainfall.  Even with this heat and humidity I still enjoy a cup of  hot tea in the morning so I paired my tea time with cold watermelon slices.    

I found the cute little teapot at Goodwill for $3.oo a few months ago and thought it would be perfect for a themed tablescape.   I have been looking for some watermelon plates or bowls and found the perfect little slices at Pier One...even the shade of red was a perfect match to the teapot.  Love that!

I started with a summery red gingham tablecloth.   I added lime green placemats, then a white charger topped with my favorite cabbage plates and finally the  watermelon slices.  

I used the matching napkins with
 cute red gingham trim.

The English teacups were from an estate sale..I'm still looking for teacups with a watermelon theme..but thought these
would blend in fine for now.

The green majolica plates are some of my favorites to collect.  The geranium leaf plate came from a antique  store but I don't think it is vintage.  

I found the sunflower plate for $1.00 at a

thrift store - such a bargain!

The tiered server was  perfect for all those watermelon slices and I added some lime green hydrangeas...they are so pretty right now in my garden in various shades of green with hints of mauve and purple..I love how they change colors throughout the season.   

Lastly I added a watemelon scented candle. 

Watermelon is so refreshing on these hot summer days....I'm even going to make a melon soup for a first course tonight with the leftover melon.... hope you are finding creative ways to stay cool this summer!    

This week I'm linking with:


The House in the Roses-Show off your Cottage Monday
Linda at Coastal Charm's Nifty Thrifty Tuesdays
Lady Katherine's Tea Time Tuesdays
Marty's Tabletop Tuesdays
Susan's BNOTP Tablescape Thursdays
Chari's Sunday Favorites
and
The Tablescaper's Summer Sundays

Los Poblanos Lavender Farm

On our recent trip to Santa Fe we took a little day trip to Albuquerque and visited the historical 

 Los Poblanos Lavender Farm.  What a treat for me as I love lavender and anything too do with lavender!  (Even Mr. Bloomers enjoyed visiting this historical farm) 

The tree lined entrance is beautiful and is a lovely greeting to the farm.  There is also a bed and breakfast and more extensive gardens that we found out you can tour by appointment, but the lavender farm and shop was open for visits.  

The parking lot is lined with large mass plantings of lavender that form a heavenly hedge next to a lovely little sitting area.  

The farm shop's aroma is intoxicating...even with the door open and little chickens running in and out the lavender perfumes the entire store!  

I love the architecture of the building and while Mr. Bloomers chatted with the most friendly and informative lavender gardener, I snapped a few pictures of this charming old building. (with his permission of course)

He gave us lots of information about how lavender was brought to the area by the Spanish and was grown along the Rio Grande where the farm continues to grow "Grosso" lavender for the strongest essential oils. 

I had to buy several gallon sized plants and he gave me growing tips as lavender likes well drained sandy soil..(in Oklahoma we have a more clay-like soil).  I am going to grow my new little plants in a raised bed specially prepared just for lavender and use a pea gravel mulch.

There are sweet little animals too...chickens, ducks and goats were in little stalls next to the

 lavender field.  

Los Poblanos has a lavender festival every June and right after we were there he said they were expecting thousands to visit that next weekend..(kind of glad I got there when there were no crowds)  

I enjoyed my visit and learning more about my favorite herb.  I came home with soaps, lotion and essential oils from the plants grown right there on the farm.  Such a simple luxury that I enjoy almost everyday!    

Another view of the lavender field.

To learn more about lavender and the farm I've included the link:

http://www.lospoblanos.com/lavender_farm/

 I'm linking with Susan's Outdoor Wednesday and always enjoy seeing what everyone has to share.  

Garden Walk-Fourth of July Weekend

It's Pink Saturday again and I just had to share some of my  favorite pink bloomers while they are strutting their stuff!  I'm also linking with Susan's Outdoor Wednesday this week.

This hot pink "watermelon" crepe myrtle is in full bloom...so pretty that I wish it was in bloom all year.

Pink Stargazer lilies--my all time favorite flower!

The scent is wonderful too.

Pink and white Spider Cleome...fun plant and so easy to grow..it reseeds itself faithfully.

Pink Hydrangeas....I just adore them in any color!

Pink Knockout Roses...they are the best roses ever!

My bloomin' border

 And the prettiest little pink blossom in my garden is growing like a weed....

Happy Pink Saturday...enjoy the holiday with family and friends!

Go by and check out all the outdoor posts at Susan's this Wednesday.   

I'm also joining Chari for Sunday Favorites..drop by for a visit and check out everyone's favorites.