Thursday, May 29, 2008

Flags and Lanterns

Each year, around Memorial Day weekend, I start "dressing" the gardens. Here, in the Northwest, we have lots of rain through June, so I put things our gradually, depending on how well they weather the rain. One of the first pieces to go up is this flag. I made it several years ago from an old piece of corrugated metal roofing. It's weathered and peeling, and hangs of the side of the garden shed that we covered with old barn wood.
I hang lanterns here and there around the yard. At night, when I light the candles, the lanterns glow in the hidden rooms, lighting the pathways winding around the gardens. The poppies and Jupiter's Beard are blooming their wonderful scents and color now.
Several birdhouses tower above the gardens. They are attached to old branches that I use as posts. I like the graphic silhouettes they make in the twilight.
The culinary herbs are so lush. The chives, oregano, and marjoram are growing in wild confusion. The chives are so good chopped in salads, or sprinkled over any vegetable. The flowers are edible also, and are festive when added to a bowl of greens. I'll harvest more herbs to dry for winter use. I'll make some flavored oils too. Next time I'll show you how to make some of my favorite herbal oil blends.

3 comments:

Garden Antqs Vintage said...

Hi Debbie, I love metal flags. I have several that a friend made out of pieces of metal and then ones you hand made out of material. Have a great rest of the week, T

tincanlily said...

Great post! I love the flag, great trash to treasure. The lanterns must be so pretty at night. Birdhouses are a must. I am looking forward to learning how to make herb oils. I just planted some basil, but maybe I will plant a some more herbs.
denise

Anne Fannie said...

Hi Debbie, I found your blog through another.....love the stuff in your yard! Nice blog!