summer garden tours

One of my favorite things about spring and summer is all the gorgeous garden tours. I did several in Spain, primarily in the Alhambra and Generalife, but also just wandering through the Royal Gardens in Madrid, a random garden in the center of Malaga, and a few gardens in downtown Dublin.

Last weekend, I got to tour Wing Haven, a serene little backyard garden near downtown Charlotte, NC. Wing Haven was created and cultivated by Elizabeth and Edwin Clarkson. 

They started in 1927 with a house on a bare clay lot and exchanged bricks, bird baths, trees, and other plants to create a green haven for birds and butterflies and other wildlife. As time passed, they purchased the lots next door until they had 3.5 acres of gardens. 

They also took in birds that neighbors and friends brought them that needed care when they were injured or abandoned by their parents. 

One bluebird in particular, Tommy, was more of a house bird and remained a favorite family pet as he flew around the gardens and always returned to perch on Elizabeth's or Edwin's shoulders. 

The garden was full of elegant symmetry, which was juxtaposed with the rambling trees and vines that grew overgrown to provide shelter for the wildlife. 

Fountains were at every turn, with birds (and bugs) bathing in the refreshing water. 

And Peter Rabbit stopped his munching the grass to stare at us until he decided we weren't a threat, and then returned to his grazing. Because it was designed for the animals, the staff encourage everyone to be very quiet to promote a sense of peace. It's refreshing for people and I'm sure the bunnies and other creatures decide to stay within the walls because of the protection and food offered there.

If you get the chance, it is a lovely haven from the noise and bustle of the city. Just wear bug spray. I didn't and I definitely regretted it. :) Where have you gone this summer? What are your favorite summer retreats?

Seaside Knitting

I am visiting my aunt, uncle, and cousins in Rhode Island. We’re enjoying the gorgeous seaside and parks. I also got to visit a lovely yarn shop called Unwind (http://www.unwindri.com/). There, we found a skein of Berroco Vintage, a multi with sand, brown, and two different shades of gray-blue. I’m almost finished a “In Threes Baby Cardigan” by Kelly Herdrich. The pattern is simple and quick because it uses a worsted weight yarn. I almost completed the smallest size baby sweater (minus three rows) and ran out, so I’ll pick up another skein in a few days. It also went by quickly because I’m using a multi, so I get to watch the colors change. I’m on the lookout for seaside-themed buttons, either anchors or boats. I highly recommend this pattern! I’ll probably be knitting another one this week. It only took me one day!

I cranked out a baby hat with a sock yarn that’s a cotton and nylon blend. I’m working on a second hat, which is fun, because the self-striping is working out differently for the second hat.

I also finished another seaside colored hat, made from a 100% bamboo yarn in an aqua/green color from the baby hat pattern in "Last-Minute Knitted Gifts."

I’m happily knitting along at the RI seaside, enjoying the cool breeze, but mostly keeping out of the icy water after the token swim.

We've gone kayaking and horseback riding, both things I haven't done before. I had a blast! Getting off the horse after our trail ride was a bit interesting. I was hanging on to the pommel, sliding down, and my feet just kept going. I didn't realize how huge my horse was! Standing on the ground, I think his shoulder was taller than my head.

What are your favorite seaside or summer projects? Are there any particular “vacation knitting” patterns that you love? Please post your thoughts in the comments below. Happy Knitting!