Thursday, December 12, 2013


In all its splendor.....
 This is my very most favorite picture of The Garden Palace. 
It goes without saying why.
Doesn't it make you want to go inside. 
 I don't know why but these are the only pictures I have showing 
The Garden Palace
in all its splendor.
Have I told you The Garden Palace is all of 18 by 22 feet?
396 square feet.
I could live in it.
One thing I could count on dear husband to do for me was use his pickup to haul equipment and material that was more than I could handle.

When it came time for me to paint the outside, he hooked up to his trailer and we went to the big city to rent scaffolding with humongous wheels so I could just roll it around.

I so wish I had a picture of me on the scaffolding scrapping the first and only coat of paint my little daydream ever had. 
I used bleach on the grayed wood, before applying one coat of Kiltz and two coats of paint. I remember I had the scaffolding for the month of September and I think I renewed the rental for October. 

The peek of the gable is at least 26 feet off the ground and my scaffolding didn't quiet put me high enough.

I have a vivid memory of taping my brush to a broom handle and turning a five gallon bucket upside down to stand on to reach the peak. 

 The above and below picture is of the same front corner taken at different times and most likely different years.
 As you can see, I did run a water line, but not to the inside. We dropped a pvc line across the tank and ran it to this corner. 
It is not functional at the moment. 
And I've just added that to my 2014 list.  
 The other front corner.
Monarda genus
aka horsemint, bee balm, bergamot
It grows wild on my place. 
It is thought to be a weed by some. 
Not me. 
Any Garden Palace should have bee balm.
When you come for the tea party, we will have

Bee Balm Tea
1 tablespoon of the fresh edible bee balm flower.
(leaves can be used too)
1 cup of water
honey or sugar to taste

Place bee balm in a tea ball and then in the prettiest tea cup you have.
Pour 1 cup of boiling water over it. 


34 comments:

  1. I am so enjoying your account of creating your Garden Palace. It looks delightful in these photos!

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  2. I am swooning over this like you can't believe!!!! It is so magical and wonderful that your long ago daydream is now this!!! Oh please let us see inside now......I still say walk in with a video camera and let us get the real experience!!!
    I would love to come for tea! XO

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    1. Dear Lisa, Eventually, I'm sure I can share with a video. You keep poking me about it because, it only inspires me to keep going. Thank you friend.

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  3. You are amazing, Sharon, to have done all this yourself! What a dream come true! I can't wait to find out what your new daydream is!

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    1. Lulu, It's a dolls house and I'm imagining playing with some of your amazing doll creations in it.

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  4. Oh Sharon, I am SOOO envious, I always wanted a dolls house large enough to stand up in, when I was a little girl, did try to build one but my parents were horrified and very concerned that it would fall down on us, so it only stood there for the school holidays. Sob sob, but now I can live my dream through you. You are one HELL OF a LADY.......that's all I can say !!!!! Well done and can't wait to get to have some tea. Well done.

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    1. Oh Heather, I think you just hit the nail on the head. I too had those daydreams as a little girl. I guess I dreamed this my whole life. Thank you

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  5. What Heather said. You kick butt. And that building has the prettiest lines; what a sweet outcome thanks to your hard work. I too have painted a building high on a scaffolding. I should tell that story some time. John and I milled the lumber, resided our 100 year old two story 4000 sq. foot house and had scaffolding up for 2 years while we primed and painted. New windows, etc. I know you can appreciate it. Almost killed us ... oops. Didn't mean to go there. Love you.

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    1. OK, you just one-upped-me Judy! You MILLED The wood!!!!! Yes indeed I can appreciate it and you should tell the story. I could never have managed 4000 sq foot. I get the "killed us" part.
      xoxo

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  6. I'm with Lisa, a video walking inside sounds magical.

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  7. Oh it's so, so beautiful!! I want to come for afternoon tea with you. xox

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  8. wow, sharon... just *wow*.

    xoxo

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  9. YES... I want to come sit in your Garden Palace. It's absolutley adorable!!! Did Bess get to see the revision of the house? So what do you use The Garden Palace for? Painting? You've told us the first part of your story, I want to hear about the joy it brings to your life.

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    1. I'm sorry to say that Bess did not get to see it. I was waiting until I got the inside totally ready for tea and company. I'm not quiet there.
      I had to tell this history and first part of the story before I could begin to share the second part. The second part is now. And I will be sharing every step of the way.

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  10. oh my, oh my, oh my.......i am speechless.....what an accomplishment.....i bow to you!!!!!!!!!

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  11. i must add add...... i LOVE the red stairs outside

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    1. Thanks Janie, Well you know me and color. Gotta have it.

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  12. It is absolutely beautiful Sharon......a very worthy project!! Wish I had one!

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  13. Oh please. To be sitting on your front steps drinking a cup of Bee Balm Tea. A dream.

    Darla

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    1. Yes Darla, that would be a dream if you could come. The planning will have to be just right to harvest the fresh bee balm. Or maybe I will collect it and dry some. That could work.

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  14. It looks most inviting :) Love the bee balm - how could anyone think something so beautiful could be a weed?

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    1. Thanks Sue, I have two different kinds on my place. This one I call Bee Balm because it is so pretty. The other one which is more prolific, I call horsemint because that is what I grew up calling it. Both have a very strong fragrance.

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  15. Oooooooo! I love The Garden Palace....and your story about it. I have always had a thing for small houses and imagine them as my studio,
    Thank you for your comment on my blog...I have spent weeks in the studio to be ready for the 13 days before Christmas...that is why I have been neglecting my friends :(

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    1. Hi Mo'a, I think small houses are the closest to fairyland we can get. Your 13 days are magical and I wouldn't miss it.

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  16. Sharon...I love your story and I love your little house....glad you were able to make your dream come true....and share it with all of us!

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