Auction Day!

I receivced an auction flyer in the mail a while back. My favorite store - Good Goods in Visalia, CA - was closing its doors. Not a victim of hard times or the recession, Jim and Sandy were closing for personal reasons. I was heartbroken. This store is where I go for new merchandise, for new ideas and for new inspiration.

So, I packed up the husband and kids, hooked up the trailer (well, Dusty does that for me!) and headed to my in-laws home near Visalia.

Good Goods is located in a rural farming area on the outskirts of Visalia, about 50 miles south of Fresno, CA. Good Goods can be found on a beautiful property that is home to a 4,000 square foot barn, beautiful Victorian home as well as other outbuildings - all full of great antiques. They specialize in industrial furniture like lockers and workbenches, white painted furniture and other unusual antiques. There is new decor mixed in as well as the best faux flowers you'll ever find. I have never been one to like things faux - but I buy some almost everytime I'm there because their displays are so great!

My mother-in-law Betsy joined be me for the auction and we arrived bright and early Saturday morning. I was so excited and a little sad at the same time. I have shopped at Good Goods for so long I couldn't image them closing their doors! On the other hand I was there to shop, there was great stuff and I was excited to start bidding.

There were about 400 items in the auction but there was one I had wanted to buy for years. It was white metal bench with stars on it. It was originally used in a doctor's office waiting room. I had first seen it 4-5 years ago but could never justify spending that much money. I was hoping it might go for a bargain price - we'll see!



Well, the auction was a blast! Most of the items sold quickly and for very reasonable prices - some were an absolute steal. I was amazed how quickly things were sold and learned that you have to make decisions fast. I also learned what a thrill it is to hear "Sold! to number 168!" That was so much fun it could get you into trouble - fast!

I went home with some great items - but sadly enough, not the white bench. It was one of the very last pieces in the auction but someone else was clearly in love with it too. I sadly sat in it one last time....

Overall, the auction was a great experience and I learned some valuable lessons. Buy what you love when you see it. Set price limits for yourself ahead of time - but don't be afraid to raise that number just one more time. Sometimes items you thought were totally out of your price range can go for a lot less than you realized. Most importantly - have fun.

The best part - a month after the auction I called Good Goods to see if they were still having the second scheduled auction for July. Well, they decided to cancel the remaining auctions and keep their doors open. That was the best news of all!!

Welcome!

Welcome to The Antique Gardener!
Sit down and visit with me and learn a little more about my shop, my love of plants, gardening, collecting and decorating.

Located at 80 Main Street in the small town of Sutter Creek, California, my shop fills a rambling old home and spills out into the surrounding garden.

I try to fill the shop with things I love, things I might have in my own home and that my customers would like to add to their homes. Unique old furniture, topiaries, ferns, succulents and other plants, galvanized tubs and buckets, old garden tools and accents, French soaps, flour sack towels, votive candles and so much more.

There are seven rooms in the shop. Each one with something different. The entry is generally full of ideas for seasonal or holiday decorating. Currently we have some great veggie items including flour sack towels, tomato plates and candles and garden seeds.

Our front room has a variety of pottery, seasonal napkins, jewelry and gifts for the wine lover. Bird feeders, garden gloves, herbal soaps & lotions and shabby white furniture fill one room. Another has been designated as the "kid's room" and is filled with great gift items, toys, puzzles and a unique selection of party supplies.

My favorite room in the shop is often referred to as the "skylight room". It was originally the family dining room. The walls are a great combination of old brick, concrete and ancient wall paper. The exposed beam ceiling is lit by the natural light from the skylight which also shines down on the wood floors. The floors were originally covered with a very early type of hand painted linoleum. When it was removed during renovations it revealed Douglas Fir flooring that hadn't been exposed since the early 1900's. The floors are incredible.

This room is usually full of galvanized topped tables, Guy Wolff pottery, lots of ferns or succulents and fresh smelling French soaps and lotions.

The back two rooms are the original kitchen and pantry. The kitchen is filled with vintage cupboards and currently has a wonderful red & white porcelain table. Right now the theme is definitely vintage cherries - from the paper napkins to the oilcloth party banner and pillows. We also have some unusual finds in the kitchen including vintage pop bottles, laundry supplies and vintage washboards.

Once you step out the screen door off the kitchen you enter our garden area. We have a variety of herbs, succulents and great container plants. There is always a lot of "Planted JunK" - unusual containers from buckets to seeders, hanging scale pans and chicken feeders. The garden area also has several tables where customers are welcome to sit with friends and enjoy a picnic lunch or a cup of coffee.

I plan to post more pictures of the shop as well as information on new inventory, upcoming classes and special events.

If your in the area stop by for a visit. The shop is open daily from 11-5, closed on Tuesdays. Or, if you have questions or would like to schedule a private class or garden party contact Aimee at 209.267.5551.

Have a great spring!