Thursday, May 09, 2013

May Flowers

Willow's Week Fave Fives

1. This five minute Ignite Phoenix talk by Joshua Becker about how minimalism has changed his life and enriched his family.  I've heard Joshua speak in person and have read his blog for several years and find his posts always wise, thoughtful, and encouraging.

2.  On Sunday afternoon a friend and I visited five local gardens which were part of the community garden tour. We toured five gardens and discovered elements of each one which we loved.

My kind of back garden--whimsical and practical. 


3.  My favorite architectural style is California Mission and this inner courtyard surrounded on three sides (including a bell tower complete with bell) by the home and the fourth side by a high wall was lovely.


4.  Bright bougainvillea and white roses greet visitors at this home's front entrance.


5.  My photographer's eye invariably zeroes in on the details.






This Sunday is Mother's Day.  I am going to have a special treat.  My world traveling graduate student son will be home!  That's my bonus fave!

15 comments:

nikkipolani said...

Mmmmm, lovely gardens, Willow. I like the openness of that Mission-style courtyard.

Hurray for special treats for Mother's Day!

Faith said...

wow what lush, beautiful gardens!! and yay for your son coming home for a special day!! enjoy every moment of your weekend......

Tracy said...

BEAUTIFUL garden inspiration... If only mine looked so good, LOL! ;o) Wishing you a lovely Mother's Day weekend ((HUGS))

Kathie said...

Beautiful architecture and gardens! I don't think I've seen one home around here that has a courtyard like that. It's lovely.

So happy that your boy is coming home - best present ever!

Bethany said...

Happy Mother's Day Willow!! I'm so glad to hear you'll be seeing your son! Your photos are just gorgeous as usual. I plan on listening to the talk when I eat my lunch today. :) Have a great weekend!

Gattina said...

Lovely gardens and flowers !
I love spring that's my favorite season !

Barbara H. said...

What beautiful gardens. I haven't seen any bougainvillea for quite some time.

ellen b. said...

Beautiful! I'm glad the traveler will be home again...

susan said...

Thanks for sharing your garden tour photos, Willow. I especially love flower groupings that have more than one colour. It is "food" for my soul.

I will have to check out the video as I am in the down-sizing mode.

Hurray that you'll be seeing your son. Happy Mother's Day.

Sara at Come Away With Me said...

Enjoy your Mother's Day, Willow!

Thank you so much for the Joshua Becker link; I will be checking out his blog soon.

What beautiful gardens you visited. I also love the Mission style, with the courtyard in the middle, I guess that's the old Roman Villa style too. Something so peaceful and safe about an inner courtyard.

Laura@OutnumberedMom said...

Beautiful, beautiful. Thanks for taking us on your tour!!

I enjoyed reading your "lessons learned," too. Have a wonderful Mother's Day with your son!

Brenda said...

Your garden tour sounds like fun. I'm particularly fond of the California Mission look in architecture, I'm sure I'd love it in gardens as well.

Have a happy mothers day and enjoy your boy!

Susanne said...

I love courtyards! What a gorgeous home. I love the gardens and the look of the red and purple container flowers!

Enjoy the time with your son! The best gift of all is having those kids home.

Julene said...

Beautiful gardens! It must have been nice this last week to have the cooler, and less windy days! I'm so grateful the fire danger is over!! Have another great week!

snoopydogknits said...

Beautiful photos! Hope you're having un with your son home. Ros