Beautiful Terra Cotta (Baked Earth)

If you have traveled in Europe you will have seen how terra cotta is used profusely. Over 500 hundred years ago, Filippo Brunelleschi demanded that the roof bricks of the Santa Maria del Fiore (the Duomo) in Florence be made of Impruneta clay - they are still in place and as beautiful as ever. How is this possible?

Pieces made from the rugged, red-colored clay of Impruneta in Tuscany are the epitome of Italian terra cotta. They are durable and frost-proof to -30F. Unlike mass produced or machine made products from other countries, Italian terra cotta is made from the robust clay indigenous to northern Italy and is kiln fired at 2000 degrees F for five to seven days. This slow 'high firing' ensures that the clay is fully fused, resulting in a legendary product. These traditional methods create high quality terra cotta that is durable, frost and salt resistant, and can last a lifetime

One of my most vivid memories of Tuscany are the thousands of terra cotta pots of every shape and size, lining the sides of the road as we drove past the potteries in Impruneta - they were breathtaking.

The other areas well known for terra cotta are Umbria, where the clay is softer and used for urns and classic Renaissance shapes - these are frost-proof to -20F. Siena, where the clay is similar in color to Impruneta clay, but with a finer grain and smoother texture, pots are easier to produce which keeps costs lower - frost-proof to -10F and ages well for many years.

The materials, methods and craftsmanship used by northern Italian artisans for hundreds of years has resulted in some of the most beautiful urns, vases and containers in the history of garden design. (Collezione ~ Italy's Finest Terra Cotta)

Above - the terra cotta tiled roof on my brother's 200 year old house in the South of France.

Below - view across the village from the upper story of the house showing the lovely roof tops.

Small terra cotta pots in my potting shed.

Terra cotta pots and planters at the garden center I described in my previous post.

A mix of glazed terra cotta and ceramic containers.

This has to be the 'guardian angel' of the pots.

"He who works with his hands is a laborer. He who works with his hands and his head is a craftsman. He who works with his hands and his head and his heart is an artist."
~~~~~~~~St. Francis of Assisi~~~~~~~~~~

Going Potty!

Remember when a Spring visit to your favorite garden center - a real one, not a big box store where 'garden center' is an add on - was mainly tons of healthy plants, shrubs and small trees being watered properly by dedicated plant lovers.

There were a few true and lovely classic terra cotta pots (another post coming on these) piled on an old painted bench or crusty wooden table, and then later wobbly piles of plastic and faux stone versions that promised less heavy lifting but more drying out on hot Summer says. At a recent visit to a nearby 'real garden center' which still has a beautiful selection of plants this Spring, I was confronted by the most amazing display of pots ever!

Moving through the garden, I discovered these colorful displays which make the idea of container gardening very enticing - and look at the ceramic birdbaths to coordinate with your pots!

The aqua shade against the chartreuse green of the garden hut is pretty.

Love all these natural shades of cream, tan and brown - some highly glazed and glossy, others with a matte finish.

These glowing cinnamon and milk chocolate shades - perfect for bright green foliage.

The citrus colors would be beautiful in a tropical garden......but I'd happily place this lime green birdbath in my garden.

Blue, true blue - what heavenly cobalt shades, some with over glazes looking like water spilling over the edges - I can imagine these around the deep blue of a salt water pool.

Love the swag garland of roses on this tall urn.

Aqua, chocolate and lime - more beauties - paired with......

.........unglazed terra cotta lantern pots with a Moroccan feel - lovely with candles glowing through the cut work design.

Needless to say, these are not inexpensive pots. Prices start high and creep upwards to several hundred dollars for the larger ones! Oh well, some of those faux stone ones are pretty too - and in my garden the old galvanized watering can always stands nearby when they dry out.

Building a Gazebo

Several people have asked for information on building a gazebo - that quintessential Victorian garden structure which evokes thoughts of English teatime, gazing out at the wonders of Nature......and clinking a glass of wine with good friends on a Summer evening. Because it appears I will never be able to tolerate mosquitoes - having not grown up with them in England - and to enable me to dine outdoors in the Summertime, we decided to replace the little original deck on the back of the cottage two years ago, and add a screened gazebo big enough to seat four for dining.

Above is the original deck - below the finished deck almost double the size with the gazebo incorporated into the deck structure.

The gazebo, custom designed and partially assembled, was purchased from Pennsylvania and shipped here to North Carolina by truck - shrink-wrapped and looking like a small iceberg! (If anyone would like the name of the company, or further info. on the product, I will be glad to share - they were excellent to work with and we had no problems with them or their product). We chose Western Red Cedar and opted for the cedar tone sealant to prevent it from aging to grey. We had the cedar deck pickets built by our carpenter to match the gazebo pickets, along with the trim around the steps and base of the deck to tie the two elements together. The decking itself, and the top rails, are the beautiful Brazilian hardwood called Ipe.

The floor is screened underneath to prevent bugs from entering and has been very successful - very few creepy crawlies get in! The entire structure including deck was built over a bed of gravel for drainage.



We purchased the finished screens - a rather expensive option but it was the only way to go for me - and they fit perfectly. The double roof is also screened and I can honestly say I've never been bitten by a mosquito while in the gazebo - only when making the mad dash with the tea tray from the back door has one decided it wanted my blood!

Above, the construction in progress - deck pickets yet to be stained to match gazebo (Cabot Clear Cedar 3002). Below, the outdoor ceiling fan/light fixture which is great - dimmer on the light, and we had two extra outlets installed to enable plugging in a portable heater on cool days, and fairy lights for year-round decoration and a tree at Christmas.

The finished gazebo and deck really made a huge difference to our back garden, both visually, and by giving me a space to sit and read, sometimes use my laptop etc. It makes breakfast, lunch or dinner an enjoyable time - after all nothing beats dining al fresco without having to battle flying insects!


.............and today, seen in the pic below, we are having the deck and gazebo power washed to ready it for a re-stain to freshen it up after the horrendous pollen season we just experienced. Even with the cedar sealant it still starts to fade and it's recommended that it be refreshed every few years to keep it bright looking. We have also decided it's now time to also use a clear oil made for Ipe on the deck floor - this will help bring back the natural color.
Never a dull (or inexpensive!) moment is there....... when you have a house and garden to keep up?

Market Morning

Early light showers, cool air, threw on casual clothes and sneakers................off to the Summer Farmers' Market that sets up just a few minutes away on Saturday mornings.

Nothing beats farm fresh eggs..................local sweet strawberries.................just snapped asparagus................hopefully flavorful tomatoes (still hothouse - too early for field ones)..........also bought sugar snap peas from the egg farmer but forgot to photograph them!

But look at this fabulous goat cheese from the famous North Carolina Celebrity Dairy - the sample was delicious so I had to bring one home.....................must go now, need to pick up a fresh crunchy baguette from the bakery. Wow! I feel like I'm almost back in France!!!!

Celebrating with Friends

Sometimes life just throws you a curve.......and when you round the bend you're pleasantly surprised at the view. I discovered SuzAnna's Antiques just over a year ago and since then have become an avid hunter and gatherer of vintage treasure. Over the railroad track, a quick right into the stony driveway/parking lot, and there you will discover the original building now with a new addition..................and last night it was the place to be!

Of course I was armed with the camera - here snapping that fabulous glass glitter PARIS sign which is now hanging in my French styled guest room - one of just a few small treasures purchased last evening. Shopping was secondary because we were all having so much fun at the ribbon cutting for the new shop addition.

Susie, the gorgeous tall blonde (I love to stand next to women even taller than me, the only way I get to feel petite at five-eight!), and the ever funny, perky, adorable Anna - impossible to catch her without a radiant smile. Dressed in vintage, including the cutest aprons, they introduced the dealers who have filled this new space with wonderful things, then cut the colorful 'ribbon' banner. A wine tasting and snacks, meeting fun people, the perfect May evening weather wise - thanks gals for putting out the citronella torches, not a single mosquito attacked me - made it all special and memorable.

Above, the lovely Linda on the left, she just has to be 'employee of the year' - Susie and Anna's amazing 'go to gal' who will locate, paint, hammer, hang, and organize anything with such gusto and design - and my new bubbly Brazilian friend Vanessa (see last post) whose great dh took care of their baby so she could come party with us - thanks Ryan!

You can also spy the fabulous Sam in white cotton embroidered, pintucked shirt (I want it!) who brings us beautiful European treasures.

Jeannie - dark hair, white skirt between Susie and Anna, is the owner of Uniquitiques, another delightful shop full of cottage treasures in Hillsborough, NC, and now shares space in the new addition here - I recently showed several of her pretty pink pieces in a post, and thank her for getting me the Paris sign.

Tracy (hugging up with Vanessa), who's creative and artistic endeavors with furniture and accessories have found permanent homes around my cottage.

And............there's Bob (my always patient dh) centered between Anna and Bruce, (Susie's strong, wonderful dh who carried the secretary up my stairs to the 'French guest room'). Many other fun people I didn't manage to catch on camera - but it was obvious all were having a good time throughout the evening.

Thrilled my very good friend Deborah (front right in the pic of four of us) joined us - her blog Pictures, Pots & Pens

many of you already visit...... and it was fun to meet another local friend who always leaves nice comments on my blog, Vicki from Durham - wearing the neat vintage hat!

These are just the nicest shopkeepers ever and I can't imagine my life without them in it!

Thanks to both of you

for bringing joy

to so many people - SuzAnna's Antiques is the best place to be any day of the week so if you're anywhere close to Raleigh, North Carolina be sure to stop by, and tell them Mary sent you!

New Friends ~ Partying at SuzAnna's

VANESSA - a sweet name for a lovely new friend!

I recently met Vanessa via my blog and as we live just half an hour apart we've already met in person to shop at SuzAnna's Antiques. Later we enjoyed tea here at the cottage.

This evening we'll meet again for the grand ribbon cutting party celebrating SuzAnna's new addition. Susie and Anna will introduce the new dealers who are bringing in such fabulous merchandise. The fabulous Linda, queen of organization, has assisted in editing and displaying all the great merchandise - now if only I had more room at the cottage................!!!!

The weather is grand - Sam's Country Porch will also be open for more antiques, plants, fresh vegs. and local strawberries - there will be wine tasting and camaraderie among a great group of people who love to treasure hunt for antiques, vintage, and shabby chic - wish you could all come along.

Do stop by and introduce yourself to Vanessa, originally from Brazil, at Vanilla Lavender. I know she would enjoy hearing from you.

These old magazine images of lavender from my file seem perfect for today ~ imagine painting a wagon this shade of lavender - how wonderful it would look in the garden on the green lawn.