Readers always ask where my studio is located. It is in my backyard and today we are going on a tour back that direction. First you head down my driveway towards the garage which is behind my house (corner of house is on the left).
We resided and painted our garage last fall. We got a new garage door that looks old-style and we just put the trellis up this year (a couple of clematis will climb up and across one of these days).
I have a screen made of a couple of old windows and a bunch of galvanized containers in the driveway that hide our giant yard debris and recycling bins (to the right).
A peek into the backyard.
This is looking from the driveway back into the yard. My studio windows are on the right with the window box. I have a ton of wild sweet peas that will be blooming like crazy soon (I can't get rid of them if I wanted to). I also have false indigo, dahlias, daisies and a rose that live in the two flower beds behind the picket fence. We are a little behind on our growing season this summer due to our damp spring and low summer temps so far.
Entering through the gate. True confession: I did not sweep or weed for this post.
You can see my cluttered windowsill of the studio thru the window.
We had outdoor light fixtures installed when we redid our garage. I love this barn-style light that I got from here.
This picnic table was my grandfathers and has been around since I was a little girl. He had it the natural redwood color and I painted it turquoise.
We have a brick path and patio that we put in a few years ago. Here we are walking around the curve of it and now looking onto the back patio space.
I switched out all of my terracotta pots this year for a variety of galvanized containers. I like all the shapes and sizes and the gray works with our gray house and fence. My studio doors are there on the right with the birdhouse sign overhead.
This is looking towards my studio french doors.
My favorite garden statue Bluebell.
This deer lives behind my boxwood row.
This was an old sandbox that I got at an estate sale a few years ago. Tom put legs on it and we added a galvanized top to make it a coffee table outside.
On our neighbors garage wall is the patchwork art that I did a few years ago.
The table back under the tree was my grandfather's old worktable that he had in his garage. I got it after he passed away and it has lived in the back yard ever since. I added a galvanized top and the stars to the front.
Pink flamingoes and a pair of ladders with great old paint. Part of my watering can collection live here.
I have a large row of hydrangeas that are great for cutting each year. If you head thru the gate at the end of the row you go to my side yard.
This is the side of my house and is my cutting garden.
I love this backyard and my studio space. It really is a wonderful little spot in the world for me. We did quite a bit of work to make it the way it is, but I do so enjoy it. Makes me happy every time I head down the brick path...
Happy Day!
Are you for real? I know you have an amazing studio but yard too? No wonder you're always so happy. I would have a "happy day" too if I lived there. Thanks for showing all us blogland people your home and studio. How fun!! I was up late last night going through your blogs again. Please don't EVER stop doing your blogs!!!!! Doreen :-p
Posted by: Doreen | July 14, 2011 at 06:51 PM
Wow, thanks for that wonderful tour! You guys put a lot of work into it and it shows. I just wanted to sit down and have some lemonade! Love the bird house sign over the doors. Also the turquoise table. It is especially great since it was your grandfathers. Love stuff from my grandparents. They also had one stained red. Makes me wonder what happened to it and wish I had it!
Posted by: Marci | July 14, 2011 at 07:02 PM
I love all the different galvanized containers and the barn light
Posted by: Jonathan | July 14, 2011 at 08:14 PM
That there is a slice of heaven. I wouldn't ever wanna leave. :)
Dontcha just love False Indigo? I got one several years ago and it is the gift that keeps giving, bigger and lusher every year.
Posted by: Maria (Magia Mia) | July 14, 2011 at 09:01 PM
I love all of the vintage things that you have in your yard/garden, and the family heirlooms too. It's all so charming! And you're making me want some blue hydrangeas. All I've ever had is pink, but that blue is just stunning!
Posted by: Carol @ Old Glory Cottage | July 14, 2011 at 09:12 PM
Your back yard is a treasure. I heart bluebell.
Posted by: Kim G. | July 14, 2011 at 09:16 PM
Hi Laurie, I knew I would envy your back yard. I wish mine were small like that and already mature. Yours looks so inviting and comfy. I love the furniture and the yard art and all your beautiful flowers. What a very HAPPY space....I'm so glad you enjoy it,
Annette
Posted by: Annette | July 14, 2011 at 09:27 PM
What a wonderful outdoor space you have made Laurie ! A proper little secret garden .... I Love it !
Posted by: Lisa W. | July 14, 2011 at 10:50 PM
I'm making my husband come peek at this post. It's just delightful and we're always looking at different ways to play with our yard. What a lovely outdoor oasis you have created. All the little details are just fabulous. I especially love how you are using that vintage toybox as an outdoor coffee table. To have pieces from your grandfather is pretty darn special too. Thank you for the delightful tour!
Posted by: Musings from Kim K. | July 15, 2011 at 04:26 AM
I love it! I love the fact that all your "old" stuff looks industrial and modern. I have a lot of old stuff in my yard and lots of old motel chairs and gliders too. I think I am up to 14 chairs now. I want to find a vintage child's chair someday. For now, I have three from Lowe's that look old, except they are shiny and wll painted. And you know me, I like my stuff chippy! Have a happy day in your wonderful yard!
Posted by: Shara | July 15, 2011 at 07:24 AM
Laurie...absolute perfection. From the sandbox/table to the perfect rust flower cart. The turquoise pops of color add just enough. I would stay outside all day. Gee too low of temps? What is that? Bluebell is a doll. Your title should have been "What Women Create". Crafty Queen...smiles...Renee
P.S. Can't wait for the mail!
Posted by: Renee | July 15, 2011 at 08:10 AM
I love it all, the house, the garage, the lowers, your studio.....so cool, just like you.
Posted by: Debby Messner | July 15, 2011 at 08:11 AM
Oh my, I love, love your outdoor space. You've made is whimsical and charming and utterly welcoming!
xo
Claudia
Posted by: Claudia | July 15, 2011 at 10:47 AM
Your garden is delightful! I love the outdoor "room" look and your is very inviting. What a joy to work in your studio and come out for a break on that patio. I think I would be pulled in two directions, running in and out!
Posted by: Kathy | July 15, 2011 at 12:02 PM
It looks so welcoming and comfy. I love it.
Posted by: sandy | July 15, 2011 at 01:00 PM
Laurie, Your backyard is truly an extension of your studio. It's as inviting as your creative space. So many ideas to take away here. Swanky Swigs - two of my most favorite words! I have been looking for over a year now to replace my broken black animal glass. If you come across an extra, I would gladly purchase it. Why I wonder are there no black ones to be found? Were they broken more easily? A mystery for sure! Enjoy your beautiful yard this weekend! Elizabeth
Posted by: Elizabeth | July 15, 2011 at 07:23 PM
Absolutely charming down to the last little detail! That sandbox table is incredible -- I'd have my coffee out there every day. We have neighbors with those bobbing flamingos at the end of their driveway and I give them a tap every time I pass by them while out on a walk. Love that barn lamp too -- your eye for detail is awesome!
Posted by: Into Vintage | July 15, 2011 at 09:43 PM
LOVE the tour, Laurie! So beautiful and relaxing! I was going to ask you a question, but I forgot what it was...something to do with the climate where you live, I think. Oh well. Thanks again for the great tour! Take care!
Laurel :)
Posted by: www.google.com/accounts/o8/id?id=AItOawkxkkdo-XGc7bf56f_F7GmlaLIAzcnD7Vw | July 16, 2011 at 04:27 PM
Hi Laurie, Oh what a wonderful
tour!!! :) Everything is so
charming and it truly must be
such a happy, happy place to live
in!! Your hydrangea's are lovely!
Mine turned out well this year,
and I don't know if it was the nasty winter that we had or the
very wet spring, but, I have more
blossoms than ever before!
Thank you so much for the tour!
Hugs,
Janis
Posted by: Janis | July 16, 2011 at 09:22 PM
I am in awe!!!! I look at your yard and see the most wonderful things!!!!! I would never want to leave it...except tp go into your studio! The work this must entail...I can't imagine! You and your hubby have a gift...no doubt about it!!!!!!
Posted by: Sandy McClay | July 17, 2011 at 12:33 PM
Wow, what an absolutely lovely yard! It makes me want to curl up with an iced tea and a good book!
Posted by: Victoria | July 17, 2011 at 03:22 PM
i'm coming to your house for coffee and inspiration!!! you have magic! if i wasn't a military spouse, i'd decorate my garden like yours for sure!! moving every 2 years makes it hard to have that cumulative awesomeness you have leading to your studio!!!! i LOVE, LOVE the pink stove and lil ceramic animals on that chippy white garden rack. you always inspire me!!!!!! i love your blog.
sue
Posted by: vintagesue | July 18, 2011 at 08:23 AM
OMG...sorry it took me so long to leave a comment...but I just have revived myself after fainting after seeing your BEEAUTIFUL area... you are one amazing chickadee and blessed gal... havea a honey of a night ~ sweet dREaMs! ;O) xox
Posted by: Marlene | July 18, 2011 at 07:21 PM
your garden is gorgeous, laurie. i'm dying over miss 'bluebelle', love her!
xo
~molly
Posted by: birdie blue | July 19, 2011 at 10:19 AM