Happy Monday GPODers!
There is nothing I love to see in the GPOD inbox more than a first-time submission from someone inspired by a recent post. It’s a two-fold kind of treat, hearing that a particular topic or garden really struck a chord and being able to showcase another member of the GPOD community. Last week, I had the pleasure of receiving the following message from Elise Scanlan of Swampscott, Massachusetts, and now we all have the pleasure of enjoying photos from a magical event she attended in Salem.
Love reading/seeing the GPOD post every day! After seeing last week’s “Whimsy in the Garden” I was prompted to send in my own little contribution.
I recently had the opportunity to attend an afternoon “Tea with the Fairies” at the seaside home of Belle and Mark Steadman. Located in historic Salem, MA, Belle has created a beautiful Beacon Hill style garden lined with repurposed bricks and stones from the area. The space, which she named Bellehaven’s Fairyland, is filled with lush plantings and hidden surprises around every corner.
During the pandemic, Belle and Mark opened their gates to families looking for a spot where their kids could have fun and “let their imaginations soar”. Since then they’ve invited kids and adults alike the chance to do the same in their magical garden by the sea.
On my visit, each guest was given a set of fairy wings and magic wand on entering Bellehaven’s Fairyland. Before us was a beautifully set table spread with yummy treats and family heirloom china. What a delightful welcome! Sporting our newly acquired wings and wands, we all began to explore the gardens while enjoying the scrumptious treats and each other’s company for the afternoon.
So make yourself a cup of tea and let your imaginations soar as you enjoy these glimpses into Belle’s special haven!
Garden art is always fabulous, but it’s even better when it’s multi-purpose. This lovely little sign helps point party-goers in the right direction, but also serves as a planter pot that brings a pop of color to a shady corner.
Some fairies enjoying their tea in an enchanting side garden. Elise mentioned that even the color of the house was magical, which I have to absolutely agree. The cranberry red color is a beautiful compliment to all of the pinks on display for the tea party.
It’s not a garden tea party without lots of pink rose decor!
Two gardeners would likely arrange a group of plants completely differently, and the same applies to the art pieces and decor we add to a garden. While some gardeners would utilize this fountain as a bird bath, others would fill it to the brim with annual flowers, while Belle and Mark transformed it into a mini fairy garden complete with a tiny table and set of chairs.
A great entry (no pun intended) to incorporating some more garden art into a space is through an interesting garden gate. While it is a little more subtle and subdued than the ornate and colorful decor found in this garden, the beautiful lattice and curved top still bring plenty of interest into the space.
Tea time! I love all the little details sprinkled throughout Belle and Mark’s garden. From the statues and signs to the various sized pots that hold all different kinds of plants. Even when a party is happening in the space, it feels like you can retreat from the action and get lost in the details of a small section.
Lastly, a little fairy watering hole with various foliage plants giving the fay folk plenty of places to hide in this delightful scene. Because anyone can add a water feature to their garden, but turning a small fountain into a miniature world in your backyard brings a whole other level of joy.
Thank you for sharing this wonderfully whimsical event with us Elise! Who else has attended a fun garden event this summer? Let us know in the comments or follow the directions below to share your photos!
Have a garden you’d like to share?
Have photos to share? We’d love to see your garden, a particular collection of plants you love, or a wonderful garden you had the chance to visit!
To submit, send 5-10 photos to [email protected] along with some information about the plants in the pictures and where you took the photos. We’d love to hear where you are located, how long you’ve been gardening, successes you are proud of, failures you learned from, hopes for the future, favorite plants, or funny stories from your garden.
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