Cottage and Vine

The Cottage and Vine Banquette

7.2.10

Not to worry, this isn't another post about "the plate wall". No, this is about something else. It's the thing under the plate wall. I thought it was high time that I share this with you because so many people have commented on it and asked questions about it.

That black thing back there is not a buffet, it's a banquette.

We had it built a few years back, before making the mortgage payment each month wasn't the main focus. Boy what a difference a couple of years make huh? OK, enough of that.

I kept seeing fabulous banquettes in magazines and shared my collection of tear sheets with the mastermind who did the design work. Doug, was so excited and immediately went to work with drawings. His inspiration came from storage on ships. You see ships are much like small homes; use your space wisely because there isn't much of it.

The seat backs pull down from the top and on the inside there are shelves. I store everything from cookbooks...

to school supplies....

and all things in between.

The bottom drawers open the full depth of the bench providing ample storage as well. Here you see my son's supply of origami and potholder making supplies. Other drawers contain hardly used appliances and the boys' schoolwork that I can't part with, etc.

Part of the the Cottage and Vine philosophy is making the most of a small space. Space for one could mean a one bedroom apartment or for another could be a rambling ranch, but here at Cottage and Vine, we are just like everyone else, looking for places to put stuff, and this has been one of the best additions to our home thus far.

What do you do with your space? Do you have any tricks up your sleeve?

Dreaming of Flowers

6.2.10

By the looks of things outside, I don't believe we will be using that umbrella any time soon.

Even with snow on the ground and flurries in the area, I can't help but think of spring and the flowers that it brings. Every year new varieties come into play and either prove themselves becoming gardener's favorites or they disappoint.

Here are a few of the chosen flowers for 2010.

Easy Does It Rose, Image Source: About.com

Fantasia Cardinal Red Geranium, Image Source: American-Farms.com

Snow Princess Alyssum, Image Source: Proven Winners

Lantana was one of my favorite annuals last year. I planted this in full sun and honestly left it alone. The leathery foliage resembled that of a shrub and the white flowers with yellow centers bloomed non-stop into fall.

Lantana was quite forgiving which suits me just fine. My intentions are good in the beginning of spring and then as life gets busy and the summer heat takes over, my poor garden is left to fend for itself at times.

Diamond frost euphorbia is another favorite.

Again, neglect was the approach and the blooms were plentiful until the first frost in the fall.

Hydrangeas are one of my favorites though. Here is the Annabelle border that I planted several years ago.

Each fall, they are cut back to about 18" and look like dead sticks throughout the winter. I am so ready for these lovelies to make an appearance.

A hydrangea that has caught my eye in the last couple of years is the Limelight. Isn't it gorge? The flowers turn soft pink as the season passes. That is the beauty of most hydrangeas, they start out one color and fade or gain intensity as they age. Beautiful.

Image Source: Proven Winners

I walked around the garden today, looking for signs of spring. Guess what I found?

That red thing is a peony bud. Yup. Spring is in sight, not now, but one day. This gives me hope.

Guess what else I found?

Lenton Roses. They are among the first bloomers here at Cottage and Vine. I can't wait until Hellebore Days which is hosted by a local nursery specializing in Lenton Roses. It is next week and I am taking you with me.

Other early bloomers include crocus.

And Camellia

I hope that I haven't bored you with all this talk of flowers. It is a nice diversion from all this goopy weather we are having though don't you think?

Cottage and Vine is located in zone 7.

What's your zone? Have you picked out any flowers for spring?

The Entrance

5.2.10

Hi there kind souls. Happy Friday.

It's another funky weather day here at Cottage and Vine and yes the kids are out of school again. Having the kids home is always fine with me. Some moms complain, but truthfully, I had rather have them home because I know those days are numbered.

Since you are always so kind to share insight with me, I thought that I would include you in a little project that I am thinking about and maybe together we can convince my husband.

It's the entrance to our home.

It needs lipstick, don't you agree? We come and go through this door, hanging bags and jackets on the hooks you see there. I've been thinking about recessed paneling on the bottom of the wall or maybe even beadboard paneling.

But more recently I feel the urge to do something with a little more oomph. It wouldn't take much wallpaper to cover this small wall.