From my personal textile collection…a rosy antique toile from Petitpierre…earlier post about rosy colored toile here. As you probably know by now, I favor 18th or early 19th floral textiles…particularly those with some added texture: embroidery, brocade, hand quilted. Wendy Lewis (Loody Lady) of the Textile Trunk here has a huge antique toile selection. Morgaine-la-Fay is the nom de plume of a UK textile dealer who sells on Ebay here as well and blogs here. The toile pieces above are from another UK textile dealer Sallie Ead who has a large collection of toile and early chintz and sells on Ebay UK here. I love how all three sources sell groups of smaller pieces that can be used for projects. Smaller, less perfect makes them easier to cut! If you search Wendy’s listings by “project” you’ll get these wonderful, inspired grouping here. Though at heart I’m into neutrals…I love the deft mix of color and form! 
I’m moving a bit closer in my thought process to a garden project that will be started in a few weeks. The start is figured out…it’s the end that I’m not quite sure of! I’ll be sharing a few favorite inspirations and more of my plans in the next few posts. One of my long time favorites is local San Francisco Bay Area garden designer Scott Colombo (photo from one of his garden’s above). Elle Decor has more wonderful photos of his work here
A plateful of some of my best blooms from last year…all antique Bourbon shrub roses. March is the time to start feeding our roses out here in Northern California. One of my favorite “Rose Diets” is Rayford Reddell’s here…though I improvise with Maxsea Seawead plant food here, occasionally alfalfa pellets, love “Walt Whitman” compost from American Soil Products here. I rarely (if ever) use insecticides or fungal sprays. I give my roses as much sun, fresh air (don’t overcrowd!), and good food as possible and have “pruned with a shovel” any that just seem too “precious” to thrive in my particular micro-climate! The deeper a rose’s color, the more sun it seems to crave…so I position my white roses in shadier areas. Photo below is a June glimpse of my first garden…designed over 20 years ago. Once the basic structure is in place for your garden…it just seems to age so beautifully!
If you’re not a compost and alfalfa sort of a gal….if Paris in the Spring is more your thing….there’s still room in Jermaine’s French Kissed May Paris Shopping Party here and great photos on her Paris Shopping Give Away here
Maryanne at Beadboard UpCountry also has a great post about both Jermaine’s tour, and Kit of Chic Provence‘s Provence tour Going to France in Two Styles here. Beautiful photos from both ladies! Hope I’ve given you enough links to keep you busy!
Trish,
I visited some of the eBay links…I love toile and would like to get a small piece to make a pillow from. I’m happy to know of these various sites…thank you.
I too have started dreaming of a few changes in the garden. They may require my gardener since some of what I plan involves removing massive roots from a particular planting area. The roses are showing promise and I can hardly wait for the first bloom, which always seems to me to be the best bloom of the season. I appreciate your tips on fertilizer since I’ve never much cared for the standard chemical-infused granules sold at the big box stores.
I realize its technically too soon to say happy spring, but it’s getting there in California, isn’t it?
Can’t wait to see what your plan for your lovely garden involves, you always inspire me.
Karen
Hello dear Trish. Nice to see a new posting. I had hoped that now that I have more time, I would start a rose garden….it’s work! Maybe I will just admire your and stick to succulents. Smile!
Trinidad
Such a beautiful post! Gorgeous images and linen.
Happy Wednesday.
Teresa
xoxo
Lovely. Thank you so much.
Hi Trish, trying to stay busy and occupied with other than garden thoughts….spring is really just around the corner for you, I have a bit longer here..your posts always entice me to add roses to my border again. They are simply the queens I think!! We shall see! N. XOXO
I love the toiles in the 1st pictures , can’t wait to see pictures of your garden project
What a lovely garden, cannot wait for spring, but it will be about 3 (long) months till I won’t have to worry about frost. Love, Love, Love your blog! It takes me so many places I would love to go! Did I say I love your blog?
As a new reader to your blog-I second Karen(from comments) Love your blog. xxpeggybraswelldesign.com
So happy to read a new post and lovely as always! As a rose aficionado, I agree with your choice of soil amendments…and as a gardener, Scott Columbo has been one of my favorites for years. Have you seen the issue of Garden Design (April 1996, I think, just googling to find pics but no luck) featuring Scott’s incredible design for a California couple? (roses everywhere!). Its one of my most favorite gardens ever. Am so looking forward to seeing ideas and inspiration for your new gardening project.
I started gardening when I turned 40. I wanted to recreate the intoxicating smell of my very southern Oklahoma childhood. Roses were everywhere (antique roses purchased from California!). As my garden has matured,my favorites have come forward: almost always woody plants~trees and shrubs. I’ve given my neighbor who has more sunlight the roses of my gardening youth.I count the seasons with the coming of leaves, shadows and green.
Thank you for pointing me to where I need to focus–on the beauty of nature. I love the water color feel of the antique toile. Have a super day. Mary
“La vie en rose”…..
May your daily life be bedded on roses!
xxxk
Hello Dear Trish,
I am a fellow rose-lover as you probably know.
Always a pleasure to see the close-ups of beautiful blossoms. I never tire of it.
I’m inspired now to quit working inside and go visit my garden for awhile -thank you for that!
Have a wonderful day,
xo~LeAnn
HI Trish!Love your pictures of the fabric and the roses…… I thought I was goint to have a boring day doing inventory……. Well you gave me some relief I will be linking!!!!!!!!Thanks for the mention………Maryanne xo