Farewell, summer

The first step is admitting you have a problem. But too many books is such a wonderful problem to have!

As we near the end of summer (so long, I say, bring on fall, my favorite season!), I found myself flipping through a few garden books. Here, a few pics from some of my favorite titles. 

Royal Gardens, George Plumptre and  Derry Moore, Harper Collins, 1982

Gardens of France, Anita Pereire, Gabrielle van Zuylen and Robert Cesar, Harmony Books, 1983

The Gardens of Spain, Michael George and Consuelo M. Correcher, Abrams, 1993

Enjoy a last dose of the season's beauty... until next year, that is.

 

(I had some help.)

Highgrove House, a new home for Emma Stothard's sculptures

It's official. I'm absolutely smitten with Yorkshire-born artist Emma Stothard's willow sculptures.

Her work is newly available through the shop at Highgrove, Prince Charles's home and garden in Gloucestershire. In fact, it's the Prince's Charitable Foundation that awarded Stothard a grant to begin her career as a sculptor in 2001. By offering her pieces for sale (proceeds go back to the trust and continue to fund good causes) the circle is completed.

The sculptures shown on the grounds at Highgrove represent the prince's particular interest in historic breeds and his association with the Rare Breeds Survival Trust. Below are a few of Stothard's creations photographed on the estate but you'll find many more images of her incredible work on her Web site (click here.)
 

Gloucester Old Spots, £950each or £1,750 for the pair

Pheasant, £250 each or £600 for a set of three

Cotswold Ewe £700, Cotswold Lamb £600 (as you might expect, there’s also a collie at £800)



Irish Moiled Cow (aka Clarence) £2,750