For Whimsy and Romance
Tuesday, March 29, 2011 at 5:00AM Lou was balanced on a ladder in the Lady Garden, stretching upward to hang a relatively heavy wrought iron chandelier from a tree branch. 
"This isn't very practical," Lou said.
"Practical? Who said anything about practical? This is for fun. It's a whimsy. Why, it's for romance!"
With the word romance hanging in the air, Lou hushed his complaints and got into the spirit of the affair.
The chandelier is a new addition to the Lady Garden. It's not my fault I bought it. I was with friends when I found it, and they all insisted it would look fabulous in my garden and it was such a great buy, how could I pass it up? I would have walked away if I had been by myself, but, you know, they were right.
The chandelier holds six candles and is hanging between the arbor swing and a small but comfortable wooden bistro set, also a recent purchase. It is the perfect place for sitting with a relaxing drink and enjoying the sights and sounds of the Lady Garden and the surrounding area. Nesting bluebirds are nearby, as well as hawks and owls.
The Lady Garden, the newest addition to my gardens, is a feminine space with repetition of curves and flourishes. I raised three boys, so I think I am entitled! Echoing shapes, as well as materials and color, helps to unify a space. Below is a photo of the chandelier and a few other decorative touches in the Lady Garden.
This time of year the Lady Garden is surrounded by dogwoods and other flowering trees in bloom. Here are a few shots taken in and around the area:
I am waiting for most of the plantings in this area to mature, but a few colorful annuals add some color to the green shrubs and other plants.
Though life is serious business, I hope you will always leave a little place for whimsy, just for the fun of it, and for romance!
Note: I realize my last post also contained the word Romance in the title, but I just couldn't help it!
Reader Comments (24)
I LOVE the chandelier in the garden.
I absolutely love your logic--- after raising three boys you are entitled to create a feminine, romantic space. Yes. And what an interesting space it is, with beautiful design elements. The chandelier is a quirky and wonderful inspiration!
Such heaven Deb! Everything. I'm glad the girls were with you that day. Each day is such a new surprise in our gardens.
Here is hope that you and your husband spend many a wonderful evening in the soft light of the candles, watching it flicker on the leaves.
Just beautiful. The dogwood blooms have such a delicate lacy look, quite fitting for a lady's garden! The chandelier adds the perfect touch.
If raising boys entitles one to garden whimsy and romance, then pour it on ... I raised four. Love your new addition. Hope you have many romantic candlelit evenings.
love all the whimsy and especially the chandelier...priceless!!
LOVE IT!!! How clever and fantastic!! :o)
We would do anything for a bit of romance in our lives wouldnt we? The chandelier, the candles, the beautiful garden....just perfect!
Absolutely perfect on so many levels! The lady garden looks like it is straight out of a magazine shoot! I'm going antiquing this week - I just may have to look for a chandelier!
I raised three boys too (actually still working on one), and I didn't realize it entitled me to a special garden complete with amazing chandelier. I will have to inform my husband immediately!!!!!!!!!!!
Hi Deb, My husband would have questioned the chandelier in just the same way! Men just don't get a romantic, decorative item like your chandelier, but I can see why your friends tried to convinced you to get it- it's perfect and looks just great in your garden.
What a great find! I love, love, love the chandelier and the entire lady's garden! I'll be over with a bottle (or two) of wine!
Oh, I LOVE it! And hurray for your friends for making sure you bought that fantastic chandelier!
"Tis the season for romance. :) I love the chandelier. Your garden looks like springtime in heaven.
Deborah, it looks fabulous. I have been looking for a chandelier as well, but I was worried the wind would blow out the candles unless there was some kind of barrier around the flame. Any problems with that, or dripping wax?
Love the chandelier! so glad your friends talked you into the purchase. Your garden is so lovely! I would spend hours just sitting there admiring all the beauty. You deserve a little whimsy and romance!
That's a gorgeous looking chandelier Debs! And I love the idea, haven't thought about hanging a metal chandelier in a garden before. The finish and look of that particular chandelier is just right, good on your friends for convincing you to buy it :)
I adore the chandelier and the whole concept of The Lady Garden. It looks like a perfect date sport of a wonderful place to share tea or wine with the girl friends.
Thanks for sharing.
We all need a little romance.
Not everyone has a chandelier in their garden. What fun! Does Lou read your blog? He might be feeling a bit less romantic when he learns that you were more worried about the azalea than about him. Oh, wait, he's been married to you for years; he already knew that. It's probably even warm enough there to sit out in the garden and have dinner by candlelight. Enjoy!
Oh Deb! Absolutely enchanting! Love the chandelier! Your garden looks fabulous and very romantic. ;>)
Oh Deb, it's fabulous! So romantic. Your Lady garden is a dream come true!
Your friends were right to encourage you to bring home that chandelier, it's beautiful. I can just imagine how it will look in summer, on a warm evening, with the candles aglow. Your dogwoods look fabulous. I wish I could grow one here.
What an amazing idea - who wouldn't fall in love with it?! (What an excellent purchase!) I've always thought your gardens looked enchanted - now I'm sure of it.