Garden Walk

The weather has been crazy this spring in Oklahoma.  We had a late frost and lots of cold weather that was preceded by a brutal winter.  I've been busy working in my garden and I'm almost through cleaning out my flower beds and replacing things I've lost.  

I love waking up early, grabbing a cup of coffee and walking in the garden to enjoy the sights and sounds.    

Red geraniums, salvia and white alyssum are great companions in a french wire basket.

Oakleaf hydrangeas are just wonderful for our climate, although slow to get established...so worth the wait! 

  

First little lavender sprigs from my mini-lavender garden.

Roses on the arbor 

  Million bells outside my kitchen window looking

 into the woods behind our house.

Last week I saw the first Monarch arrive so I replaced the butterfly bushes I lost this  winter so they would have plenty of flowers to visit as they migrate through.  

This butterfly is on our privet that is blooming and smells so good!

I love morning garden walks!

I'm off to the nursery...in search of white hydrangeas

 for a very shady spot.  

What's blooming in your neck of the woods?

I'm joining 

Tootsie's Fertilizer Friday

  

Almost France

Our recent trip to California took us along the Pacific Coast Highway down to Avila Beach and just a few miles from San Luis Obispo and Pismo Beach.   We stayed in a condo overlooking the ocean at Avila and on this day trip we decided to explore downtown San Luis Obispo and have lunch at the Splash Cafe.    There are several locations of the Splash Cafe and we highly recommend the clam chowder...pure heaven in a bowl!

It was serendipity to find the cutest inn right 

next door to the cafe. 

The inn looked liked it belonged in the 

countryside of Provence.  

After lunch we walked next door so I could take a closer look and get a few pictures of Petit Soleil.   

The enormous gate looked old and heavy and 

 I loved everything about the exterior especially 

the window boxes full of geraniums. 

More window box love....

Oh how I wished I could fit one of those babies in

 my suitcase!

I love the vibrant Provencal colors. 

The courtyard had an old bicycle and beautiful 

potted plants.  

A flower cart filled with pots.

 Parked right out front was the inn's shuttle bus. 

What a fun ride...when I was a teenager my Dad bought a VW mini-bus and our family thought we were so cool!  I still remember the sound it made.   

I did check out the website and the rooms are lovely and the prices seem quite reasonable.  

Clam Chowder with crab and shrimp topping...oh my! 

If you are in the area the Splash Cafe is very addictive and hands down the best clam chowder I've ever had.  The bonus

 is right next door you're 

almost in France!

   

I'm linking with:

Smiling Sally's Blue Monday