Shop Pictures

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!!!

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

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.

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

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!