Becoming a Painter

"I perhaps owe my becoming a painter to flowers"
                 Claude Monet

Painted Gardens

Thomas Kinkade is one of my favorite artists. His paintings always bring a smile to my face. His use of light and color are amazing. Many of his painting have paths which not only invite you into the painting, but also into their gardens. Here are a few of my favorites.

Hydreangeas

I love hydrangeas. Last year I finally got around to planting one in my yard and I can't wait for it to be in full bloom. They love the shade and are great for brightening up a dark corner of the garden. 

I'm looking forward to bringing some in the house! I recently read that the cut flowers from hydrangeas like to be in warm water. So I'm going to give it a try and see how it goes.

 Here are a couple pictures I took last summer at a local public park...so beautiful!

Happiness

Happiness is a butterfly,
which, when pursued,
is always just beyond your grasp,
but which, if you will sit down quietly,
may alight upon you.


    Nathaniel Hawthorne

Gardens I'd love to Visit

I love visiting park gardens of all types. Here are a few beautiful ones I would one day like to see. 

The famous painter, Monet's garden in Giverny, France. This garden is so unique and I can see how it inspired Monets paintings.

 keukenhof gardens in the Netherlands. These gardens look so beautiful...so many tulips!

 Jane Austen Chawton House and Garden in Hampshire, England. I love everything Jane Austen and would love to spend some time here.

The Bloedel Reserve in Washington State, U.S.A. These trails look so inviting for a peaceful walk.

Lavender

I always have English lavender in my garden. It gives the garden that old English cottage feel. It has a light scent and looks great in a vase with pink roses or really anything pink.  Lavender also loves the sun and are drought resistant. I always prune mine a couple times a year to keep its shape because it just looks better that way. :)