Southern Lady Magazine

Relish Mother Nature’s Garden Oasis

Notes of wonder abound in open-air spaces that beckon us to sit a spell and take in the splendor.

Step into a casual cottage garden where the flora takes center stage and invites guests to delight in a serene landscape. Take a moment to enjoy the outdoors with an upscale picnic, complete with elegant food, beautiful bouquets, and fine china. A piece of decorative fabric dresses up an unassuming table, while bright cushions provide comfort and color that livens the rustic surrounds.

An old wagon provides practicality for tending to the surrounds and displays the days’ treasures—dahlias, zinnias, cosmos, and amaranth—in the form of a brilliant floral showcase. Bold-hued blooms enhance the view and celebrate the resplendence of beauty that both lingers and comes alive this season.

Well-placed architectural elements, such as statuary and seating with distinctive charm, add interest to prismatic cottage gardens in full bloom. Stop a while to smell the flowers’ sweet perfume, admiring the scenery from a scrolled iron bench cloaked in white.

A stepping-stone pathway leading to a hidden door casts an air of enchantment. Delight in the boxwood hedges, seasonal color, and climbing evergreen before crossing the threshold to sights unseen.

A sense of serenity prevails as apricot-hued petals unfurl and the full spectrum of the season’s allure shines forth. Spend an afternoon among flowers for a blissful alfresco experience that offers a restful, verdant escape.

Hues of deep purple and cornflower blue invite guests to follow the stone path in hopes of discovering garden splendor just beyond the cottage door. Listen for the rhythm of a bubbling fountain to find your way through an antique wrought iron arch framing a set of stairs that lead to the source of the sound.

Take a seat on this intimate patio where abundant greenery provides a cooling escape any time of day. Adirondack chairs situated beneath tall trees create the perfect spot to retreat for a cup of coffee or to relax while turning the pages of a favorite book as the day winds down.

Sow the seeds of convivial cheer as blossoms set the perfect scene for your backyard adventure. That perennial saying about stopping to smell the roses takes on new meaning as old-fashioned wicker rockers beckon you to slow down and bask in the delightful aroma as you sip refreshing lemonade.

Step through the garden gate for a late-afternoon gathering among the petals. Climbing roses and variegated hostas with their vibrant green-and-white stripes are ideal companions for savoring the carefree spirit of summer. Create a getaway for yourself and loved ones complete with lacy linens, freshly cut blooms, and simple but scrumptious treats. Then while away the afternoon with a cup of divine tea and the peacefulness of the passing hours just before dusk sets in.

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