Madison In Bloom, Final Edition

Time to close the door on my Madison in Bloom series.

Hope you enjoy these parting shots. Has anyone seen any butterflies?

Have you ever seen a garden that had everything...including the bathroom sink?

Sigh.

Before photographing any child, I always ask the parent's permission first. This little gal's Dad said she had been awake just moments before then literally conked out. Her name is Briley.

Lots of beautiful lighting fixtures in Madison.

Shortly after this photo was snapped, this gentleman changed to a straw hat because the felt hat was too hot. I like the felt hat.

If you are within a few hours of Madison, IN, I hope my photos have intrigued you to visit the garden tour next year. We've been doing it for years and it is always wonderful.

Madison In Bloom, Part Deux

In Madison in Bloom, Part Deux, we shall visit the home of Dottie and Jerry Massie, 413 E. Third Street. When asked to participate in the Madison in Bloom tour, Dottie said "well, it just wouldn't be worth it if I don't let them see the house."
Thank you, Dottie!
For me, this home just made the tour. This home is a "shotgun" house and Dottie has taken advantage of every square inch of it. (More info on Madison, IN shotgun houses here.)

Exterior. Look at the little candle in the small lower window. I didn't notice it when we were there. I would have loved to have heard the story on that - does anyone know? To provide lighting for footing before street lamps?

Pulling out the original ceiling, the Massies opened up the ceiling to the rooftop. Isn't this skylight wonderful? I love the way the trees are there- it would be lovely to sit on the sofa in front of the fireplace and watch the skylight.

There was a fireplace which passed between the living room and kitchen. Two chairs covered in black and white gingham material complete with matching ottoman graced the fireplace on the kitchen side. This interesting fellow greeted us just as we entered the kitchen.

I would love to have a sink like this. Everything, including the refrigerator was covered in this wood. Dottie had drawers surrounding the island on all sides and cabinets to the ceiling. An abundance of storage in a very small kitchen.

This lightweight interesting light fixture centered the kitchen. Dottie told us she had collected the copper fixtures for many years.

Our gracious, welcoming, hostess, Dottie Massie. She showed us a copy of Midwest Living magazine (on counter) in which her previous home on Main Street (in Madison) had been featured.

I was quite taken with this candlestick.

This high chair was used by Dottie's children. She told us that she took it to the artist in pieces and that the artist not only repaired it, but painted it. Unfortunately, I did not get the artist's name. (Dottie, if you read this post- perhaps you might enlighten us?)

The quote on the back of the chair written by my beloved William Blake. (Yes, I love him...I have a degree in English.)

Another chair, painted by the same artist. The inscription reads "everyone needs their own spot."

In sitting area in the bedroom...I love dragonflies. Isn't this lovely?

"Might I have a spot of tea?"

Oh my. I just wanted to climb on and take a nap. Doesn't this look like the coziest bed, ever?

Laundry area. The entire house looked as if it were straight out of a magazine.
Look at the little brass squirrel door knocker. I do not remember if Dottie's garden was significant...I just know the house was. Is. My only regret is that I didn't take more photographs to share with you.

Madison In Bloom

Today, New Castle Kathy and I met in Madison, IN to take in Madison In Bloom. Madison in Bloom is a garden tour that we've been attending together for several years. For those of you who may not be familiar with Indiana, Madison is a town on the Ohio River. The Ohio River separates Indiana and Kentucky. From Bloomington, I headed south on 37 and then took 50 east across to 65 south. At Brownstown, the East Fork of the White River has flooded both sides of the highway. There wasn't any where to pull over and take photos- but the amount of water surrounding the road was unreal. In places, it looked like a reservoir. When you get to Madison, the fountain on Broadway is a good place to meet.

First, you head to the visitor's center to buy a ticket. The "ticket" is a brochure which has a map with the locations of the gardens and descriptions of each property. Along the way, the gardens are marked by these signs.

I liked this planter.

This is a bud...

of this flower. I love poppies. A flower I don't yet have in my garden. My paternal Grandma always had them in her yard and further north in the state where her farm was, (Losantville), her poppies would always bloom around Memorial Day. The furthermost southern part of the state is ahead of the rest of of the state by a couple of weeks.

Next post: a peek inside a beautiful Madison home. Touring this beautiful home was worth the $10. ticket price of the tour.

Water for Elephants

I just finished reading Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen.

On the New York Times Best Seller list for twelve weeks in 2006, I recently picked it up in Barnes and could not put it down. Each night, when going to bed I would think "I'll just read one chapter." Then, I would end up reading three chapters.

This is the story of circus life during the depression years. It contains drama, excitement, suspense, love, hate and agony. There is a scene containing swinging breasts that will have you laughing out loud.

Especially if you are an animal lover, don't let this excellent read pass you by!

New children.

I have always called my plants my "children." Here are some photos of some of my newly acquired family members.

I think I have all of these in the ground. I still have a lot more to plant...I will plant all summer long...but especially in the beginning of the summer- I'm planting like a mad woman! You know where to find me...