The Antique Gardener

Getting Back to Blogging

2012-02-07T23:31:00.000-08:00

The last few months I've had to take a little break from my blog. Like many of you I'm juggling work, home and kids and my blog seems to be the easiest thing to set aside when life becomes overwhelming.

But, after a busy holiday season at the shop I am looking forward to discovering new inventory, new events and new ideas for the coming year. What really helped me get back to this blog though was being around a great group of creative and inspirational friends, junkers and bloggers.

I had the pleasure of spending a morning at the shop with a group of incredibly talented women.

Pictured above: Maria from Dreamy Whites, Melanie from the vintage bricoleur in Loomis, Jacque from Old Soul Studios, Zizi from The Green Mum, Trish from The Red Door in Elk Grove, Sandy from The Olive and Rose and Terry, also from the vintage bricoleur.

We enjoyed some treats including coffee courtesy of Maria, treats from Jacque, cinnamon rolls from Andrae's Bakery in Amador City and some fresh squeezed Blood Orange Juice.

(photo courtesy of the vintage bricoleur)

Maria and Sandy getting to know each other better.

(photo courtesy of the vintage bricoleur)

Trish and Zizi catching up.

(photo courtesy of the vintage bricoleur)

The weather even cooperated and we were able to sit in the garden and enjoy a little sunshine while we visited. After being around this group of hard-working, creative women I have started thinking of new ideas for the shop and this blog so check back soon to see what's new!

Thank you girls for coming up to visit. I hope we can get together again soon!

(If you would like to plan a get-together at The Antique Gardener for a group of your friends please give me a call! Aimee)

Miniature, Tiny, Secret, Fairy Gardens

2011-10-01T02:22:00.000-07:00

One of the things we love at The Antique Gardener is our miniature gardens. Some call them Fairy Gardens or Secret Gardens or Tiny Gardens. No matter what they are called....they are big fun!

When I first ordered a few pieces of miniature furniture I thought it would be something new and different for the shop - - I had no idea how much fun they would be to create! Six years later our miniature garden pieces are still very popular and we now offer free classes on a monthly basis.

I love the fact that there are new and different pieces available every few months. The gardens in this post my son Jack and I created one afternoon after school.

I love the little white bistro set - makes me want to sit down and eat lunch. There are a number of different styles of furniture and plants for miniature gardens - just like our big gardens. I sell white arbors, fence and furniture that has a cottage garden look to it and looks great with mosses and ferns.

Probably the most popular is the rustic garden items. They are very natural looking and mix well with all kinds of plants. There are all kinds of different accessories including tools, watering cans, wheelbarrows and more!

One of my customers told me that she had created a fairy garden with her grandchildren. She purchased a mailbox so that she could leave them "fairy mail". When her grandkids stayed with her they would get the fairy garden all set up during the day. While the kids slept she would move things around in the garden so that it looked like the fairies had been there that night. The next morning the kids were so excited to see that the fairies had come and gone and could image them enjoying their special garden in the moonlight!

Gardens can be made in all differents shapes, sizes and containers. I sell these nice wooden boxes that last for years. This one has been planted and replanted several times over the last year and is just starting to show a little wear at the corners. I've also used metal boxes, fruit packing crates, enamel bowls or terra cotta pots. I generally prefer square or rectangular containers - but just about anything will work! Just make sure your container has proper drainage

This is a garden created in one of my classes last fall. We added a few seasonal decorations like cornstalks and the Jack O'Lantern. This year we have mini pumkins and tiny bales of straw for Fall.

I planted a moveable mini garden in an old wheelbarrow this spring. The plants went a little crazy so Jack and I had to do some "yard work" and trim things back a little.

He created the little fire pit area and then found larger sticks for log benches. I've also made firepits in class by using a tea light in the center of the fire ring. The candles are great - especially if you are using it as a centerpiece on a table.

Another style of mini's that we have available are the twig benches and chairs. They are a little larger but look great in a rustic setting. I like to mix these pieces with succulents too.

Close up of the fire pit under an asparagus fern.

There are lots of different plants you can use for mini gardens. Most ground covers work great. Isotoma, Blue Star Creeper, Scotch and Irish Moss, Baby Tears, Selaginella moss and Thyme just to name a few. Ivy, Angel Vine and Varigated Creeping Fig are great plants to train up an arbor - - just make sure to keep the ivy trimmed! Succulents also work great but I generally don't recommend mixing them with ferns and ground covers since they need less water.

Here is a simple little garden in a terra cotta pot. Mini's can be as simple as a plain pot or an elaborate garden in a large container or even in the corner of a flower bed. They are a great way to play with garden design because you can move things around and change plants so much easier than a "real" garden. The best part is they are fun and relaxing, great for all ages and for all types of gardening ability. It is something unusual to add to your porch or garden that will bring lots of fun comments - - but no weeding required!

For information on our classes check our class schedule. Private classes are also available for groups of five or more. Miniature garden furniture and accessories are available in the shop year round. Please contact Aimee for more information!

Great Finds

2011-09-15T02:36:00.000-07:00

I received a phone call the other day about some garden furniture for sale. I have people asking me all the time to come by and take a look a one thing or another. They always end by saying "It will be perfect for your store!" I have seen some pretty interesting stuff...some of it is great...some of it is not so perfect for the store in my eyes. Well, last week I hit the mother lode!

The nicest couple invited me to their home and gave me the opportunity to buy some of the best garden antiques I have ever found. These four metal garden chairs are just a few of the things I was able to buy for the shop.

Below are the two blue chairs in front of the shop after being scrubbed down. I haven't done a thing to these except clean them off. The patina is amazing. The perfect blend of shades of blue with a little rust mixed in.

This is one of the hardest parts of having a shop...I want to keep all the really good stuff!

Below is one of the green chairs after a little elbow grease. If you look in the first picture these chairs are badly oxidized. My secret...a little Liquid Gold furniture polish. I love how it looks on metal - makes the color come back to life. Although, if you are planning to leave these outside I always recommend a fresh coat of wax - just be careful that you don't lose too much paint.

I am going back for more treasures....I'll be sure and post more pictures soon!

Our Fall Postcard has Arrived!

2011-09-12T00:00:00.000-07:00

Our Fall postcard has arrived from the printers and I think it may be my favorite of all time! The shop has definitely "gone to the owls" because of our nest of baby barn owls this summer. I searched and searched for a vintage owl postcard and completely fell in love with this sweet face. (By the way, my owl photo from a previous post won first place at our county fair and prints will be for sale at the shop)

I have posted our upcoming fall events here on my blog and a list of upcoming classes is available here. Private classes are also available for garden clubs or groups of five or more. If you would like me to add you to our 'snail mail' list just send me an email and I can get a postcard in the mail to you.

The shop is filling up with great stuff for fall...more on that very soon!

Pesto 101

2011-08-11T02:40:00.001-07:00

It's summertime, and in my family that means eating a lot of fresh basil pesto. Last summer I had my first Pesto 101 class here at The Antique Gardener. This summer I had to cancel it because I was sick...so I decided to share the recipe here. Enjoy!

I always start with a couple of large bunches of basil. I try to pick it and use it immediately. If you can't make your pesto right away just leave it in water to keep it fresh.

In my opinion the quickest and easiest way to make pesto is in the food processor. It can then be refrigerated or frozen. This recipe was adapted by me from the original recipe found in The Silver Palate cookbook (one of my favorites) by Russo & Lukin.

Basic Pesto

2 cups packed fresh basil leaves, washed and patted dry

3-4 cloves garlic, peeled

1 cup olive oil, sometimes a little less

1 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup fresh grated Romano cheese

salt and fresh ground pepper to taste

1. Combine the basil and garlic in the bowl of a food processor. (I usually chop up the garlic a little, then add the basil and process together so the garlic is well minced)

2. Leave the motor running and add the olive oil in a slow steady stream. Sometimes I use a little less (3/4 cup) because I will either be adding more oil to pasta later or, if I am planning to freeze the pesto I add a little on top to keep the color fresh.

(Little hands are always a great help!)
3. Shut the processor off. Add the cheeses, a big pinch of salt and a liberal grinding of fresh black pepper. Process briefly to combine.

Makes two cups, enough to sauce two pounds of pasta.

I generally use one cup of fresh pesto right away and freeze one cup to use later. Having pesto in the freezer is so handy for a quick dinner!

I generally prefer using fresh pasta because it cooks so quickly. I also like to use a small Ziti pasta or tortellini which is great served cold.

After boiling for a few minutes I drain the pasta, add a little olive oil, stir in the pesto and dinner is ready! The kids love it - Emma had three helpings - and I love it because dinner was quick, fresh and healthy and there is a second meal waiting for me in the freezer!

Here are some other suggestions for using fresh pesto....

With Pasta - combine with any type of fresh or dried pasta. Serve plain or add fresh Parmesan cheese, toasted pine nuts, feta cheese or fresh cherry tomatoes on top.

Cold Pasta Salad - I generally use Ziti, Rigatoni or Tortellini pasta. Serve alone or add any combination of toasted pine nuts, sun dried tomatoes, olives, chunks of hard Italian salami, cherry tomatoes, peas or feta cheese.

Breakfast - whisk one tablespoon into 4 eggs as you scramble them. Top with Parmesan cheese and fresh tomatoes.

Panini's - Pesto is a great addition to any grilled sandwich. Spread on a slice of good quality bread, add mozzarella cheese and a thick slice of tomato. Grill until cheese melts. Other great additions include grilled onions or smoked turkey.

Add to mayonnaise to make a unique spread for sandwiches

Combine with garlic, Parmesan cheese, olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a refreshing summer salad dressing

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I hope you get a chance to enjoy some fresh pesto this summer. Better yet, stock your freezer so you can have a little taste of summer all winter long!

Barn Owl Update

2011-07-19T00:03:00.000-07:00

Well, our baby barn owls, like all babies, have grown up and left the nest - - - literally. I just wanted to do quick update to let you know that I think all five of our baby barn owls have successfully learned to fly! I am not sure how many are still living in their nest, located in the eaves of the shop just outside the back door. Below is one of my favorites. She seems to be the most curious or perhaps the most comfortable with her human neighbors. She often comes out when I whistle and will still tilt her head at me. Although I am not an owl expert I think she has stayed in the nest to watch over the younger owls. At any rate she is a very beautiful and responsible owl.

In the last few weeks our owls all seem to learn to fly the same way. They take their first flying leap out of the nest. Then they spend a day or two sitting on the ground or perched on our electrical boxes. Soon they are either back in the nest or on their way into the world.

I believe these are actually two different owls. In the photo above the owl just seemed to need a rest. The owl below was actually dubbed "sad owl" because he seemed much younger and looked like he was lonely and missed the nest. Luckily, after 2 days down below "sad owl" managed to fly back up to the nest to be with his siblings.

I love the last few fluffy baby feathers!

Although I am actually only 5-6 feet away this owl doesn't seem to mind! He is almost camouflaged against the old brick wall.

The other evening my family and I went down to see the owls flying. These three were perched on an old screen, across from where the nest is located. I believe these are the three younger owls. The middle owl refused to look down and the one on the right nearly twisted his head all the way around! Eventually they all took flight that evening.

As you can see they are quite a ways up - and very messy! We didn't stay around long to watch them. The mom & dad both show up at dusk to feed the young owls. The dad is HUGE and has a wing span of 4-5 feet! Both parents will screech and dive down if they think we are getting a little too close!

I've thoroughly enjoy our little owl family at The Antique Gardener this spring. This the first good picture I was able to take of the five baby owls (one can be barely seen on the far right). Just like my own kids I hope they have been given roots & wings. Perhaps one of them will come back to the shop to make a nest of their own in the years to come. I hope they do!

Our Baby Barn Owls

2011-07-03T00:16:00.000-07:00

I am so lucky! I have a nest of five baby barn owls up in the roof at The Antique Gardener! These darling little owls have been here for over a month and are getting big enough and brave enough that they come out to say hello. They are extremely messy but well worth it!
As you can see, they are getting big but still have some of their fuzzy little white feathers on the top of their heads. I have also learned that owls do not lay all of their eggs at one time. They will often lay a few and then lay more several days later. There are a total of five babies, two of them are older and the other three seem to be younger as they have a lot more of the downy white feathers. Since I have to clean up a great deal of pellets and poop each and every morning I find myself talking to my little owls every day. I found out that one of the two older owls will tilt his head when I tilt mine. He seems to be very curious and will come out to see me whenever I whistle.

Here is a closer view of one of the older owls and one of the younger. It is amazing how they grow and change.

I'll keep you posted on our little owl family. Hope you enjoyed the photos!

10th Anniversary Celebration

2011-06-24T01:09:00.001-07:00

Last weekend I was fortunate enough to celebrate my 10th Anniversary at The Antique Gardener. I started my shop because I had always dreamed of having my own business and thought it would be something I could do to make a little money, raise my kids and work with the things I love - antiques and plants. Although it has not been an easy journey I am happy to say that my little business has turned out to be exactly what I dreamed of. I have my two beautiful children with me at work and I am able to do the things I love to do each and every day.
I want to thank all of my family but especially my husband Dusty, our crazy kids Jack & Emma and my parents. They have helped me move and remodel at three different locations (and each time I moved I was pregnant!) They have spent countless hours babysitting, unloading and moving furniture, mowing lawns and a million other little things that help me every day.

A very special thank you to Vicki and Norma - my dear friends that help me out at the shop when I just can't be there every day. I truly couldn't do it without your help - and honestly it wouldn't be any fun without you there!

Finally, I would like to thank my wonderful, loyal customers. Many of you were there when the shop opened in 2001 in a 200 square foot shed. Then you joined me when I made the move onto Main Street in Amador City and finally our move to this huge rambling old home in Sutter Creek. You have watched both of my children grow up - often in a playpen behind the counter, sometimes crying, sometimes sleeping, always cute. You have tolerated my "Attempted Hours" or the occasional closed sign because of a sick baby or a quick "Back in a Minute" dash to school at 2:00 every day. Thank you for your patience and generosity. Thank you for your support. Most of all, thank you for all of your positive comments. It is the positive energy I get from my customers that makes me look forward to going to work every day. I thrive on your compliments and ideas. It is because of my customers that I'm looking forward to another 10 years!!! (shhh...don't tell Dusty!)

A Taste of the Ranch

2011-06-01T01:27:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks ago my family and I were lucky enough to spend a Saturday afternoon at one of my favorite events - A Taste of the Ranch - a wine event in the vineyard at Shake Ridge Ranch just outside of Sutter Creek.

Shake Ridge Ranch is only a couple miles down the road from where we are building our new house. My husband, Dusty, did some tractor work for the Kraemer family when they were first developing the vineyard. I love this event because it is so relaxing. You are able to stroll through the vineyard - wine glass in hand - tasting different wines right where the grapes are grown.

They even have root beer "tasting" for the kids - which Jack and Emma loved!

Em was having a great time spilling her root beer down the front of her shirt!

My little cowboy.

My Dad actually set these giant boulders up in an overgrown cairn of sorts when he was doing some backhoe work at the ranch. The family loved them and they have been there ever since!

The wine is bottled under the label Yorba Wines and is absolutely delicious! The Tempranillo is my favorite. You can find more information or purchase their wines at YorbaWines.com

I love this section of old fence next to an old oak tree.

We arrived a little late to the event so Dusty and the kids were rummaging around for the cheese and crackers. This old barn is where we tasted the Shake Ridge Red - and the Bucking Rootbeer from Jackson Hole, WY. A great wine and Jack's favorite root beer!

I love all the woodpecker holes in this old post.

It was pretty overcast that day but the vineyard was still beautiful!

Jack is growing up so fast - but not too fast - it's root beer in the bottle!

Our family rarely spends a Saturday afternoon relaxing. We are usually working - either Dusty's on a job or I'm at the shop. It was a great day to be together enjoying the beautiful area we are fortunate to call home - I hope you enjoyed it too!

Summer Postcards Arriving Soon!

2011-05-21T01:22:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to let everyone know that our summer postcard is currently at the printers and should be arriving at the shop any day. This is a very special postcard since it is announcing our 10th Anniversary Celebration...more on that later...

(although there is information on my Upcoming Events page) Now, let's back up a little. For those of you that are not familiar with our postcards here is a little Antique Gardener history. I moved to my current location a little over three years ago. I wanted to send out a "We're Moving" notice and decided to use a vintage postcard. Shortly thereafter I decided to use a postcard for everything - it's my business card, store mailer, calendar of events - - and I also tie it on all my bags!

This was my Spring 2011 postcard. I mail out four cards a year and have been amazed at the response from my customers. Not only do they look forward to receiving them in the mail, many customers are now collecting them and some have even framed them!

This was last summers card - before I had the shop information added to it. The red geranium was very popular.This is our Winter 2010 postcard. I always struggle around the holidays because I want to celebrate Christmas but I use this card well into January so it can't be too "Christmas-y" This little bird seemed to hit the right note with my customers and has been our most popular card so far! If you would like to receive our postcards in the mail just send me an email with your snail-mail address and I will add you to our mailing list!

Our Friends at The Vintage Bricoleur

2011-05-18T19:54:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post about a great source for The Antique Gardener - - - The Vintage Bricoleurs. I usually buy from Terry and her husband Danny at the Sacramento Antique Fair the second Sunday of every month. Their booth is the first one you see when you go through the main gate. They also sell at Alameda Point and were recently found at Remnants of the Past in Nipomo.

Terry and her fellow Bricoleurs are celebrating the 50th follower on their blog!

Please take a moment to visit their blog thevintagebricoleur.blogspot.com - - let's try to get them to 100 followers! They are incredibly talented, hard working people and they deserve great success. There is a great give-a-way too....maybe you will be lucky enough to win one of these great locker baskets!!!

Something New

2011-05-17T08:54:00.001-07:00

I just wanted to share some of the new treasures to be found here at The Antique Gardener this spring. Please give me a call if you need pricing or additional information on any items. I've been to some really great antique fairs in the last couple months and I've been fortunate to buy some great stuff for the shop.

Below is a huge purple foxglove in an old galvanized can. I love having this outside the shop for a bright pop of color. I've also added an iron butterfly spring from my friends Jacque and James at Old Souls Studio. This very clever duo create all kinds of wonderful garden art and jewelry.

This is an old dry sink (sorry, not a very good picture of it) the top is galvanized and the bottom is old bead board. I've had some beautiful blue hydrangeas for sale in the shop this spring as well as fresh-picked sweet peas. In the front of this shot are silver spoon and fork garden markers - again made by Old Souls Studios.
I was so excited to buy a couple of beautiful old garden urns. The urn is actually sitting on an antique, hand-carved stone capital. According to the dealer I purchased them from the capital (top portion of a decorative column) originated in San Francisco. Even though it is actually upside down to balance the urn on top I think they look great together.

Here's a closer shot of the capital. It is corinthian style and has acanthus leaves on the sides. I would love to have the rest of the column that it went with. There is a little damage on the corners but I think for its age it has held up well. It is also incredibly heavy. I currently have three pairs of urns & capitals for sale here at the shop. Another treasure added this month is a beautiful mirror from Maria at Dreamy Whites. According to Maria this mirror was created from an old arched window screen from a Spanish-style home (or school?) built in the 1800's. I believe she has a pictures of the window on her blog. This is an amazing piece and has old green paint along the edges. I love the way it looks against the concrete walls in this room.

Things are growing like crazy in the garden now that we have had some warm weather.Who says you can't use an old push mower - I just don't want to use it for mowing! It makes a perfect perch for this climbing rose.

Lavender and red geraniums - two of my favorites!

Old blue tool carrier sitting on an old white porch swing.

A rather unique old door - very solid exterior door with a four-pane window on the top. Also has an old towel rack beneath the window - would make a great shed door or maybe use it in the bathroom....

Sorry for the strange-colored picture - sunlight was pouring in my front window! I had to get a shot of this huge old galvanized turkey feeder. I have looked for the these for years and then managed to find two in one month! This one is for sale and is fabulous. The lid on top tilts (that's how they would fill the feeder) and the base is deep enough to plant seasonal bulbs and flowers. I can just picture this out in the garden with daffodils coming up in the feed tray!

One more smaller chicken feeder full of varigated creeping fig.

I hope you've enjoyed this small glimpse of what is new at The Antique Gardener. Be sure and check out our events page - we have a lot going on this summer!

New Windowboxes for Spring!

2011-04-14T07:03:00.000-07:00

Well, a few weeks back I decided it was time to clean up the windowboxes out in front of the shop. The only problem is it has taken me weeks to get the post done! Spring is here and sorry to say, I have so many things to do in the garden and in the shop it is hard to make time for my blog. Now that Easter has passed I am grabbing a moment to catch my breath!
I have three windowboxes out front. They are hayrack style planters, 30" wide with a liner that has lasted almost three years now. I actually sell several sizes in the shop - prices start at around $39.95. I like to keep them looking fresh, so every couple months I clean out any plants that are old and tired and make room for new. Here I have left a couple ivy plants on the edges.

I usually clear out almost all of the old plants. Often I can re-use them in other containers but sometimes I just add them to the compost pile.
In preparation for warmer weather, I use a Rain-Mat that absorbs water so that the soil won't dry out as quickly.
After I cover the Rain-Mat sheet with a few inches of good-quality potting mix I add a liberal amount of Osmocote slow-release fertilizer. Make sure you use water-retaining products and fertilizers at root level, several inches below the top of your container.

As you can see I like to add plenty of fertilizer! It's hard to tell in the pictures but the fertilizer is actually several inches below the top of the windowbox.

Next, fill the remaining space in the windowbox with more potting soil.

I generally like to lay out the plants before I remove them from their containers. I never plant each windowbox exactly the same. I try to use 5-6 different plants of a particular color theme. For this spring I'm using my favorite combination of yellow, white and blue with several different shades of green as an accent. Each windowbox will be planted with the yellow Diascia and chartreuse Creeping Jenny (center front). By using one or two of the same plants in each windowbox it unifies the containers without having them look exactly the same.

The far right windowbox has a beautiful Heuchera (Coral Bells) in the center, one yellow Diascia, blue Lobelia, Creeping Jenny and variegated Ivy that was previously planted in the windowbox. (see the first picture for a 'before' shot)

Lobelia is available in many shades of blue and purple and is a great plant for containers of all kinds. Creeping Jenny is a fabulous ground cover but works great in containers because it creeps over the edges.

The center windowbox has two Diascia with a Shasta Daisy in the center. In addition to the Creeping Jenny I have added Stonecrop, a spiky, chartreuse green sedum; Calibrachoa with tiny, yellow, petunia-shaped flowers; and two small clumps of curled Parsley.

There are several different plants all in varying shades of green and all with different textures to add a little interest. The darker green curled Parsley, pretty Creeping Jenny, grey-green variegated ivy and the almost florescent green spiky Stonecrop.

In the far windowbox I used another Heuchera in the center, one yellow Diascia, one blue Lobelia, Creeping Jenny and Ivy. Again, to add another shade of green and different texture I used the curled Parsley as well as Onion Chives. Herbs are a great addition to most containers as they are generally easy to care for and have beautiful foliage and a great scent as well!

As you can see I tend to plant my containers very full. That way they look great from the start! As they grow, the plants get bigger and fuller and intertwine with one another to make a very welcoming entrance at The Antique Gardener!

A Trip to the Nursery

2011-03-30T23:55:00.000-07:00

Blue skies have returned and it is finally starting to feel like Spring in northern California. So, I am visiting one of my favorite places - Park Greenhouses in Ripon, CA. This wholesale & retail nursery is one of my favorite sources for beautiful, healthy plants.

When I arrive at the nursery, I check out a golf cart with Maria at the wholesale desk. Then it's time to head down the lane and see what is ready for market.

I LOVE going to nurseries - almost as much as a good antique fair! I always think of one more place in the garden to add one more plant - or maybe three! A wholesale nursery is even more amazing because of the volume of plants. At first it was so overwhelming and I would spend all day. It still takes me a couple hours but I enjoy every minute! One of the reasons I like Park Greenhouses is that I am able to pick out each and every plant that I purchase.

This is one of my favorite areas of the nursery. Hundreds of 1 gallon perennials line both sides of the road. In another month more plants will be in bloom and it looks like a living, growing rainbow. And, what shocks me most is that the variety of plants changes constantly. Some of my favorites today - blue Delphinium, Columbine, Shasta Daisies and so many others. Below is one section of columbine - so many plants - it's hard to choose only six!

When I am picking out plants, whether I'm planting them at home or selling them at the shop, I usually buy one gallon containers in multiples of three. Generally they are perennials (plants that come back year after year) so I want them to make an permanent statement in the garden. One plant is often lost - three plants (I usually plant in a triangle as opposed to a row) will grow together and make more impact.

As overwhelming as the outdoor areas are at this nursery - - - the greenhouses are really crazy!

This is just one table inside one of five greenhouses and it is filled with 4" Gerbera Daisies in a beautiful range of yellow, red, pink and orange. Another nursery tip - the size (2" - 4" - one gallon - six pack) refers to the size of the pot it is planted in, not the height or size of the plant.

Lots and lots and lots of little, tiny tomatoes.

At a wholesale nursery you see all stages of plants. These tomatoes are not for sale - yet. They are seedlings and will be transplanted several times into larger pots until they are ready for sale.

There are hundreds and hundreds of hydrangeas in one greenhouse. Pink is beautiful for Spring and makes a great addition to your Easter decor. I have to admit the pale blue hydrangeas are a favorite of mine and several were added to the cart! Hydrangeas are one of those plants that need a lot of water - try to remember that the Hy in Hydrangea means water - and they need to stay hydrated!

Here is a huge row of beautiful deep red geraniums. As you can see there are only a few blooms. This is actually the ideal stage to buy plants. I prefer one bloom so that you know what color you're getting with lots of buds. If you buy a plant at the nursery that is covered in blossoms more than likely you've already missed the show and you will get few new blooms after you take it home. So next time you're at the nursery look for buds - not blooms!

The most difficult part of going to a wholesale nursery? Making sure all your plants fit in the car for the trip home! As you can see I have filled my car with many of my favorites - Maidenhair Ferns, Delphinium, Hydrangeas, Columbine, Geraniums and many, many others!

These will get unloaded at the shop, priced, put out for display and watered. Always water your plants when you bring them home from the nursery, especially if they have been sitting in a warm car. One last quick tip - the best way to tell if a potted plant needs water - feel how heavy it is. If you pick up a plant and it is light as a feather then there is no water in the soil.

I hope you've enjoyed this quick trip to the nursery. Next post I will show you the windowboxes and containers I am planning to create with this carload of plants.

Enjoy the sunshine and get out and get your hands dirty!

Daffodils in Bloom

2011-03-21T23:30:00.000-07:00

Since it has been so cold and rainy the last few days - well, actually weeks here in northern California - I wanted to share pictures of our beautiful miniature daffodils that are blooming right now.

Because of the weather it's hard to believe today is the first full day of Spring!

Pretty paper napkins, notepads and boxes of soap with daffodils and butterflies. They make a great Spring hostess gift or a treat for yourself or a friend.

I created the planter (above) using a vintage galvanized chicken feeder. After punching a few holes in the bottom of the feeder for drainage, I filled it with mini daffodils and scotch moss. The scotch moss has an almost florescent green color that is great for Spring. I love having the bulbs sit just out of the potting soil. They'll survive this way while they are blooming but this isn't a permanent home. After Easter I will allow the leaves to dry on the daffodils and then plant them in the garden. The scotch moss will probably be moved to a miniature garden.

The planter is sitting on a vintage green metal glider. Next to the glider is an old galvanized drawer that I sat on end to use as a side table. The lamp is one I made out of a salvaged post.

This big basket of mini daffodils greets my customers as they walk up to the front door of the shop. Minis daffodils are a great Spring flower. The bulb sprouts multiple flowers rather than one or two blooms like a full-size bulb. Also, if you dead-head the spent blooms it will continue to produce flowers for a couple weeks. The bulbs can be saved in a pot or planted in the ground 4-6" deep in full sun and the pretty Spring flowers will return again next year!

(All items in this post are for sale. Please call or email me for pricing.)

Thank you Maria!

2011-03-21T16:55:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to add a quick post to thank my friend Maria for featuring my shop on her amazing blog Dreamy Whites. She is such a talented person and I know we all look forward to each and every post she does. I am honored that she was willing to take time from her busy schedule to photograph the shop and now, because of her help I truly feel like I am a part of this wonderful, crazy world of blogging. Thank you my friend, I look forward to many fun adventures together!

Shop Pictures

2011-03-20T11:41:00.000-07:00

My friend Maria from Dreamy Whites was nice enough to come by the shop and take some amazing pictures for me. Here are just a few (I have to learn how to make them larger!) and I will be sharing more very soon! Thank you Maria - you're an amazing photographer!!!

2011-03-02T08:48:00.000-08:00

It's starting to feel like spring in Sutter Creek. One of my favorite things to decorate with this time of year is blossom branches. Although they only last for a week or so they are a wonderful cure for Spring Fever. If blossoms are not available on your property I recommend asking a friend or neighbor for permission to cut - on occasion I will pull off to the side of the road and snip a few branches. Never cross a fence line - but I think blossoms growing on the shoulder of the road are just begging to go home with you! Another recommendation - carry a pair of pruning shears in your car - they come in handy for random harvesting of blossom branches, pussy willows or other roadside finds.

Warm sunshine streaming into the shop!

Real daffodils will be coming soon!!!

Something New

2011-02-07T13:58:00.000-08:00

I am very happy to announce that my friend Maria from

Dreamy Whites.blogspot.com

has decided to sell a few of her great antiques here at The Antique Gardener. This is a beautiful white mantel that she brought in a few weeks ago.

I had a great time finding a spot for it in the shop. It has a really nice wide top so it was easy to find items to decorate with. I love this large European watering can and I paired it with a real bird's nest and a simple ivy topiary.

I wasn't sure what to do with the fireplace area of the mantel. I had the wicker plant stand in another room of the shop and decided to give it a try. I used two five-finger ferns but would have preferred three large maidenhair ferns but they are hard to get this time of year.

I am very busy getting the shop ready for spring. I try to re-arrange and clean each and every room in the shop (yes, all seven rooms!). It is important to me to have the shop looking clean and fresh for customers that stop by often. I'll try to post more pictures as things start to come together.

2011-01-11T08:46:00.000-08:00

I had so many customers asking about Valentine's Day decorations that I spent part of the weekend getting some out on display. I love getting to work with so much red and white! It's one of my favorite color combinations. I have great linen jacquard kitchen towels with hearts for $6.95 - they're selling fast. I picked up the cute picket fence coat rack on a recent trip to Good Goods. The vintage silver coffee urn is beautiful and looks great with a plant or fresh flowers. I will have more decor and gift items in the coming in soon including topiaries and pink jasmine, cupcake kits and great new flour sack towels.

In the meantime, stop by the shop for some great sales!!!

Starting this week all plants - including topiaries - are 40% off!!!

There are lots of ivy and angel vine topiaries, red & white cyclamen, ferns and much more available. I am trying to clear out and make room for new inventory. It's a great time to add a little green sunshine to your home.

Plant sale ends Monday, January 17th!

There are lots of other items on sale right now. One of the best deals is our hand made Paul Peterson birdhouses and feeders. Paul has been doing custom birdhouses for me for years. Each one is different and all are made from salvaged materials. This one is a combination birdhouse/birdfeeder. You just fill the silo with bird seed and it comes out into the tray. All of Paul's birdhouses are 25% off throughout the month of January.

Other sale items include:

50% off all Christmas Decorations

25% off on all hanging baskets and window boxes

40% off all plants (one week only)

50% off all vintage postcards

and 25% - 60% off select items throughout the shop!

Stop in soon for best selection...

Planning for 2011 at The Antique Gardener

2011-01-02T15:42:00.000-08:00

I am always so happy to start a new year. It's a time for me to get organized, clear out old inventory in the shop and start the search for great new ideas and new products.

This year I hope to start several new ventures at The Antique Gardener. To begin, our garden area will be available for weddings and small parties. We hosted our first wedding in September for Jillian and Matt - a darling couple having a small wedding for friends and family. It was absolutely beautiful and I realized that after two years of endless yardwork we can share our garden area with others.

Next, I plan to offer design services for our customers. I have had several customers comment that "I wish you could come to my house and give me some ideas" and now I can!

Finally, I plan to add more to my blog - and to post on a more regular basis. Changes to the shop, great antiquing adventures and the building of our dream house are all things I hope to share with you in the coming year. Happy New Year!!!I'm looking forward to a great 2011!

Auction Day!

2010-07-07T14:32:00.001-07:00

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!

2010-04-28T12:18:00.000-07:00

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!