Johnnye Merle Gardens

Johnnye Merle Gardens always holds a place in my heart. My oldest daughter, Brande, opened this little nursery that sits behind Country Roads, my store. Johnnye Merle was my Mom, and Brande's Gramma. I couldn't think of any better way to remember my Mom than just to step outside and surround myself with what my Mom loved, flowers and plants. Her favorites were her beloved Bluebonnets. She missed them so much after she left Texas and moved out here. These are some of the pictures I took while thinking of my Mom the other day.

 What I love best about the garden is that Brande displays from different types of props. Whether it be an old bathtub, pallets, or discarded appliances everything makes you want to sit a spell. Right now there are plenty of succulents and Annie's Annuals available along with other great stuff as well.  And if you are looking for a place to just get away from everyday life, take a visit out back in Johnnye Merle's. It would make my Mom happy!!

Today I'm linking up with 

"Fishtail Cottage". . .
be sure to stop by a pay a visit and see some beautiful gardens as well!

Summer Whites

With Memorial Day a thing of the past, and Country Roads big holiday sale over, I'm ready for Summer and Summer Whites! I've noticed quite a few things lately that remind me of Summer. Even the globe below makes me think of Summer and the places so many people will be headed. Here are a few more of my favorite whites for "White Wednesday"!

I saw this sign the other day in Cathy Jarrell's little area at Country Roads. I loved it right away, and actually it did remind me of everything Cathy has been through. We've both have been in business about the same number of years. Last year, right before Christmas, her shop, The Vintage Lady, caught on fire and burned down. She lost everything. Cathy had emailed me and was wondering if I had any space opening up that she could rent. We very seldom have space available at Country Roads but for some reason, which I know it was meant to me, I had a space that was going to become available in January, the perfect timing for Cathy. Since then, I've watched her create stunning displays, and she has one of the greenest thumbs I've ever seen, just like my oldest daughter Brande. The area I had available for Cathy was in my favorite building where all the old used brick is exposed which just adds so much warmth and charm. I saw this sign Cathy had for sale the other day, and I knew I had to have it. Five little words that speak volumes about life. As I was walking away, I saw Cathy and mentioned to her that I was buying her sign. With that smile that she has never lost, she said, "just take it" and enjoy! Life is all about how we look at it and about being positive and never, ever losing that faith that things happen for a reason and we will all be just fine! Have a great "White Wednesday" and don't forget to go visit my friend, Kathleen,who brings us all together each and every Wednesday! Take care. 

Country Roads Summer Kick-Off Sale

This morning I've got thirteen reasons why you should stop by and shop our big Summer Kick-Off Sale! The sale will continue today through tomorrow, Memorial Day Monday. Meanwhile, check out my thirteen reasons why you should make a trip down to Old Towne Orange!

Johnnye Merle Gardens, here at Country Roads, and named after my Mom, is having a 15% off sale on all plants. There is a great variety to choose from. You will find plants that you just don't see every day at other nurseries. We've got a great selection of succulents along with the wonderful Annie's Annuals that we all love! I hope to see you today or tomorrow.

Nothing Says "Home" Better Than Fresh Flowers!

I always LOVE to have fresh flowers in my home. I don't know how to explain it, but it just makes me feel good every time I walk by them. This bouquet came from my garden, which makes it a bit more special. I love that I can walk outside and have an instant bouquet of flowers to bring into my home. Here are some of my favorites that are growing in my garden right now.

My garden and my home, filled with fresh flowers always brings me peace. I saw this quote about gardens and I thought I would share it. . .

"A garden is a grand teacher. It teaches patience and careful watchfulness; it teaches industry and thrift; and above all it teaches entire trust"      Gertrude Jekyll

I'm linking up today with Fishtail Cottage. Please, if you want to see some beautiful gardens, drop by and enjoy the eye candy!

White Wednesday at Country Roads

It's a warm, beautiful Spring White Wednesday here in SoCal. With Summer around the corner, our days have been so beautiful. Today, I've got some pictures from my store. Here's what caught my eye this week.

These over the top beautiful vignettes are courtesy of Debbie Watts. The girl puts these vignettes and displays together in a snap!  Debbie could do this in her sleep, seriously! And the results are always the same. . .wonderful eye candy! Speaking of eye candy, be sure to go visit Kathleen, our hostess for our sweet White Wednesdays. She has a list of blogs filled with sweet, sweet eye candy! And, speaking of eye candy, Country Roads is having a BIG sale over Memorial week-end. There is somethin' for everyone at really good prices! Our sale starts Saturday morning and ends Monday at close. I hope I get the chance to see many of you this week-end. Take care.