Purple is possibly the most intriguing color in the garden. Because it is both hot and cold it works well with so many other colors in the garden. My new garden has very little purple. I think we are going to have to do something about that. Let’s take a look at Do You Think Purple has Power in the Garden and more.
Here Wisteria climbs along the roofline of the barn at our former home. I love the complimentary relationship with the purple and the salmon.
In my former rose garden the pathways were lined with Nepeta. There is also Russian Sage, not yet blooming and lavendar in the distance. The contrast between the white iceberg roses and the purple/blue nepeta is lovely in my opinion.
I love the combination of the gray greef foliage and the deep purples in the beautiful Town Place Garden in Sussex England.
OUTFIT OF THE WEEK
I don’t know why I never tried on jeans at J Jill. I absolutely love how these jeans fit. They don’t make me look like a sausage (like most white jeans). This pretty linen tunic is on sale at Talbots. Lavender is great for those of us with gray hair. The hat from Madewell is reasonably priced and packable. The bag, shoes, and earrings are from Etsy. How about sending someone you love purple tulips. You can do that here, or pick them up at TJ’s. I am wearing lilac polish right now and loving it for a change of pace.
SHOP THE POST
BARBARA FROM MANTLE AND TABLE
Barbara and I have never officially met, but I feel like we know each other. Last week she left the most insightful comment on the blog. She said ” reading all the comments makes me feel like I’m at a very lively cocktail party meeting a new batch of friends”. I feel like she hit the nail on the head. You can follow Barbara on Instagram here.
SNEAK PEEKS FROM THE NEW DIGS
Well we are officially moved in (sort of). Here are a few (very) sneak peeks. I am still trying to find things!
I don’t know about you but the creative in me has to stop unpacking and organizing boring minutae and style just a little corner to keep my sanity (even though I still have stuff at the old place and can’t find things here!)
Beau has his mojo back. He is so happy to have property to roam and a pool to swim in. He is a new dog, and Furrie the Feral is happy to be outside once again. All is well.
By the time you read this, we will be officially moved into our new home. I will not have any internet until my son comes down on Sunday so if I do not respond to your questions right away you will know why. If you would like to catch up on all of my Sunday favorites as always you can do that here.
SALES OF NOTE
GAP 40% OFF EVERYTHING NO EXCLUSIONS!!!
This is the best sale of the week
I love their girlfriend jeans here
I picked this up for a coverup. It is longer on me than the model!
These knotted sandals look cute and comfy
Love these woven slides (and the blue is to die for if you love blue)
BALLARD DESIGNS 20% OFF ALL OUTDOOR
If you have had your eye on my Suzanne Kasler outdoor furniture (or any other designs) now is your chance. I absolutely love mine. If you missed my post, you can see how I am using mine in my post How to get a Collected Look on your Patio here. or How to Select a Harmonious Color Pallett for your Patio here., or Before and After Backyard Transformation here.
If you can wear a size 10 or under I love these pretty cotton big shirts from Mango (love the colors)
I think this is a cute coverup
Thanks for reading Do You Think Purple has Power in the Garden. I am off to unpack more. Please pop over and visit Mary Ann and Annie for their Sunday favorites. Aren’t you loving Mary Ann’s new digs?
MOST LOVELY THINGS
CLASSIC CASUAL HOME
I didn’t even notice that you moved. New face, new apartment, new life…I wish you the best of luck. And are you still in Cal. ? Wherever, the main thing is that we can read your beautiful informative blog. And purple, a very delicate color but I love it in the garden .
We had always hoped to retire here but could never find the right place. We had a place down here a few years ago but sold it. So far we are very happy here!
I’ve been inspired by the purple in your garden. I only do container gardening on my patio now but I can certainly add some purple.
Hi Cardis
I do feel like purple and blues bind a garden together. This garden has spurts of bright red that I don’t think work.
Love all the purple in your garden (past and soon in your new one). Many shades of purple and blues in my garden right now. Soon the pinks will start with the peonies. Enjoying the sneak peaks of your new place, can’t wait to see more. Great outfit of the week. I also enjoy reading all the comments.
Hi Barb
I never really thought about how important purple (and blue) are in a garden until I kept noticing something here was needed, then it dawned on me.
Cindy, I just love Barbara from Mantel and Table. I was so blessed with her visiting Phoenix in 2020 for a few days. And I was happy to be the recipient of her Traveling Teacup. So nice of you to mention her. I love all your photos of purple flowers. I have lots of lavender here and it looks so nice against the sage foliage. So excited about your new home and can’t wait to see you work your magic.
Hi Mary
I have never met Barbara but I just had a feeling about her. She seems like a wonderful spirit. I do have lavender here in the new garden and some nepeta but not much else. I have spotted a few russian sage as well.The former owners did a wonderful job with the bones of the garden. I am sure I will have to add little things to make it my own.
Absolutely, purple is a winner in the garden. Your photos, especially the sweep of lavender, are so lovely. I’m in RI, so we have few flowers as yet, but it’s been a banner spring for forsythia and daffodils. I have a couple of huge clumps of purple baby hyacinth next to some daffodils, and the combo of yellow and purple is stunning. (Once they’re done, we need to get out and split the clumps. I’m just doing some of my container pots today and tomorrow. I’ve ended up with basic geraniums, but in stunning inks and reds. I also got several snapdragons to fill in until more comes up. Snapdragons are really satisfying for an annual. I’ve been mining your salad recipes — thanks!!!
Hi Maeve
Oh, I miss forsythia. I have never seen it grown out here but remember it growing up in the Midwest. I love the combination of yellow and purple as well. It is just lovely. Some of those newer geraniums are fabulous, aren’t they? Your garden sounds wonderful!
Congratulations on the move. Take time to relax and celebrate—I know how hard you two work!
Hi Pat
I think we are “through” the worst of it. I am enjoying the view of the hills right this very minute as I am working by the pool. It is a rough life!!
Purple in the garden is essential! You’ve inspired me to add more. And I’m jotting down a few notes about the plants you mentioned for my trip to the nursery later today. Congratulations on being in your new home! Getting unpacked and organized is a process … and it’s gratifying to see a little corner here and there done and styled. When you’re tired and frustrated … turning to the pretty spot is a welcome respite. I love that Beau is back in his element. Happy dog, happy life. xo
Hi Juliet
You are so right about styling little corners. It keeps one sane! Beau is very happy to have space again.
Cindy, I could not agree more, it is always fun to read the comments and to be a part of a sophisticated group of like minded ladies. I get as much from the comments as I do from your posts.
I wrote a post on Saturday about “all things lavender” you might see something you like there.
I cannot wait to see more of your beautiful garden, the snippets are. stunning. As for Beau, adorable. So fun to see him swimming.
Have w wonderful week, style a few more corners and do share.
One last thing, I cannot ever imagine you looking like a sausage. LOL
Oh my gosh…SO beautiful. Your garden gives everyone joy including Beau!! I know what you mean about wanting some corners of your home styled so that you can see the light at the end of the tunnel Our garden needs so much work.
Take some time to put your feet up…Steve too. Loving this new adventure of yours.
Love purple in the garden! I even painted an old bench purple. It looks great all year and especially in the fall with orange pumpkins. Love your garden photos! Would make a great painting. Will try to paint this afternoon 💜💜💜
Hi Kathy
I bet your bench is gorgeous! Isn’t it so interesting how purple is so prevalent in the garden but we rarely see it in our homes or on our bodies! Why is that?
Cindy! Congratulations! You must be thrilled to be getting settled….again! So exciting to begin planning your next garden. Purple is so powerful in the garden and of course I love your outfit of the week!
Ha! I know settled again…seems like we just did…wait we did!!
Aw Cindy – thanks for the shout out! I love coming over here! Welcome to your new home, and good luck with all the moving and settling. Your styled corner is lovely and I can’t wait to see what you do with your new garden – more purple would be wonderful.
Thanks again, and Happy Sunday!
Hi Barbara
Thank you ! Moving is a process that is for sure. This will be our last…then on to the old folks home!
I rarely comment…your blog is the best!
A combination of all life’s treasures…..and lots of quiet glamor mixed in…it is a Treat to read!!!
Thank you
Hi Shari
Thank you so much and keep commenting we love hearing from you!!
Hi Cindy,
I love purple in the garden. Pincushion plants are my favorite. I have every confidence that your garden will be wonderful. You have the magic touch.
When I moved into my new home this past December, finishing a corner or a room kept me opening boxes and organizing.
Best to you and your family and have fun in Hawaii.
Karen B.
Hi Karen
I so agree. I have to find a little beauty in the madness to keep from going cuckoo!!
Love purple in the garden, the photographs you showed are gorgeous. The garden comes alive with purple. I have no doubt that you will turn your garden into a resort feeling, it is already beautiful.
Hi Cindy!
Your “place” DOES feel like a little cocktail party! Very comfy, interesting people and great ideas! My favorite midwest garden colors are purple, bright lime green, white and a bit of yellow. It’s either hot or raining here right now, making for challenging efforts in the garden. May try to find some “pumpkin” colored items for the decks.
So glad I found your spot for so many reasons. Happy new home! Love visiting you.
Hi Katherine
You are so right…the garden does come alive with purple
Georgia
I adore lime green and purple here in CA as well. The best! We are all so glad you are here as well. Where do you live in the Midwest. I am a Hoosier! Well I was until after college!
Love spring purples popping up in my Vancouver Island garden ! It has been a grizzly spring, wet and chilly, but surprisingly, the flowers are blooming bountifully. I dug up buckets of original bluebells when taking over this garden, and created large groupings of them …under trees and shrubs to go with primulas and varieties of narcissus. Ground cover such as periwinkle is doing very well. It will be a wait for the slow growing purple wisteria over our pergola in the sunny back garden, but sea soil has been added to the giant pots to urge them on. Now , with many others , the mature purple rhododendrons are ready to add colour as foundation plants in the background of the flower beds. I have some perennial plants in the greenhouse ,waiting for some warmth, to be added to my sunny cutting garden… purple pincushion flowers, salvia, delphiniums, foxgloves, and geraniums . Hand cut bouquets over the spring and summer here remind me of the fabulous flower arrangements my Mum always created from her extensive garden.
I had the unique opportunity in April to visit bluebell woods in Dorset, as well as a lovely English cottage garden established in the 1950’s. Purple was very much in evidence .
Your hare is a larger version of a wee one brought back from a gallery shop in Wiltshire.
Ear broke off in transit, 😕 but my ‘repair man’ reattached it , so it looks perfectly fine.
I will dig into my summer linens to retrieve my lilac tunic top…your outfit reminded me of it!
Now , if it would only be warm and sunny as per usual, not this rain on and off all of the time.
Take your time unpacking, as moving can definitely be a major stressor. You’ll have it beautifully organized, but maybe it’s going to take more time than your last major move. We are all older!
Hi Cath! I see you’re from my little corner of the world. I’m up in the Comox Valley. You?
Your garden sounds beautiful. We are fortunate here that almost everything we plant grows well. Sometimes too well and we are constantly pruning or relocating shrubs. Even so, my garden is a joy to be in. Now, if only the weather would cooperate, we could sit out and enjoy.
Hi there, Joanna! I am adjacent to the southern border of Qualicum Beach …in French Creek…with mild conditions tempered by the water. You are so right about pruning and / or relocating shrubs! A puny hydrangea that seemed so insignificant overgrew it’s spot in my perennial bed , so it’s been lifted and replaces a non performer amongst the north facing hydrangea bed. 👍🌿 What I need to do now is trim a lot of ground cover plants…snow in summer, some blue stuff ? , sweet woodruff etc. Next is clipping the heathers and ajugas spilling over the border between us & the exceedingly ‘tidy ‘ neighbours’ gravel next door . No little volunteers rooting, but must respect their need for a certain aesthetic, if you know what I mean. Difficult when my style is more ‘flamboyant’ , but they enjoy a fabulous border every time they drive in or out! We haven’t even cleaned the outdoor furniture… a fair bit of grunge accumulated this time,since the weather has been so wet.💦Good to chat . C🐞
I’m one of those people that keep every weed pulled, every shrub pruned, nice dark bark mulch, no crowding of plants. I do appreciate the more carefree gardens of others with a riot of colour but my OCD won’t allow it. I’m sure your neighbour loves your garden and hopefully doesn’t mind a little spill over.
Our spring can hardly be called such. I’m so ready for warmer temps so we can get outside enjoy our gardens from our comfy chairs with a well deserved drink in hand.
Anyhow, I just wanted to say “Hi!” to an almost neighbour,
😎🍸👍🌞soon!
Cath
Tell me about sea soil. That is new to me. Vancouver Island is so beautiful. We would love to come again once Steve retires. You are totally right about moving. I am sort of a nose to the grindstone person and then all of a sudden I am ready to drop! Words to the wise…
Sorry to be so late replying… SEA SOIL is basically 50% fish byproducts and 50% forest waste …all organic…that helps retain moisture, breaks up clay soil , and good for veggies. We have a lot of both ingredients here in central Vancouver Island. Bags which I tip into my wheelbarrow and, in my overalls 👩🏻🌾 , get busy with my shovel. Finally some good weather, so planted several new perennials in the sunny south bed. Hanging baskets are finally out , and a trip to choose bedding plants is next… very late this year due to the colder nights.
Several pots and window boxes that need some love. 🪴💕
Love this time of year… a riot of colour presently.
So pretty. I love lavender, salvia and statice – all purple and lovely! Can’t wait to see your whole garden Cindy. Take care of yourself. Moving can be stressful. You have time to get things just as you want. I know it will be lovely! Yay for Beau and the kitty. x Kim
Hi Kim
I have never grown statice…maybe I need to!! Would love to have the girl group here if you guys don’t mind the trip!
Your nepeta catmint is so stunning in your old home. I have planted some here in our DFW area home. And the bees love them! Plus they have survived Texas’s snowmaggedon in Feb 2021 and a hail storm too. I think it would do well in your new home. Purple is your color. Go for it!
Congratulations on your new home and beautiful garden areas which I know you will be make even more spectacular! And seeing your sweet boy Beau swimming and happy will make it worth all the hard work of moving. Hope you can relax and enjoy it soon.
Hi Marcia
I think they are pretty much foolproof. Anything the bees love is a good plant in my mind! I am learning to embrace purple in other areas besides the garden. Always love hearing from you
Everything is looking great! I love purple and blue in the garden, paired with pink, salmon, white and yellow. Right now my garden is almost all purple and green.
Hi Lori
I agree with all of the above. Salmon is another winner isn’t it. I hope you come to visit this summer. We would love to have you!
You are right! Everything pops with the purple in the gardens shown. The only purple I have in my garden is the wisteria, while in bloom.
I love your hare. He’s quite the handsome fellow.
I look forward to seeing more of your new home and styling to come,
Hi Lori
I agree with all of the above. Salmon is another winner isn’t it. I hope you come to visit this summer. We would love to have you!
Hi Joanna
I am glad you reminded me…we must not leave him in Salinas! I love wisteria. I don’t think we can grow it down here.
Congratulations on the move! Love the peek at the garden path and styled corner. So looking forward to seeing the new place and your magical touch on it, Have a great Sunday and join Beau for a dip in the pool!
Hi holly
I don’t know if i have a magical touch…fortunately the former owners installed a garden with great bones. How is your garden doing Holly?
Thanks for your comments on lavender in the garden. Our new home has limited gardening space, but its a clean slate and I’ve been thinking blue/lavender and white. You may have sealed the deal! And, yes, I too had to style a few things before unpacking everything. Infawct my pattern has been style/unpack on report. Enjoy!
Hi Janet
Limited gardening space can be good! That is what I loved about our little town garden it was easy. Now we have a larger garden again but it feels right