New Year, New Life - 2018

This new year is a bit more special than normal for us here at Grandma's Enchanted Fairy Garden. Dustin made his first appearance on December 24, born to my grandson John and wife Chelsea. They have all been busy with visitors in the past week (we have a very large family), but they made time to come visit my garden.

My husband held Dustin, both soaking in the warm California morning sun. This is Mr. Peanut's first time meeting Dustin and he doesn't look too happy about it. Grandpa's lap is normally Mr. Peanut's territory, so it's understandable. The warm sunshine is just what the doctor ordered for Dustin's mild jaundice.

Look at this happy family! Welcome to the world, Dustin.

I hope My Fairy Folks have had a wonderful year and will continue into the new year with us.

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Gifts for Grandma on Christmas

This big lot of farm decor was a great gift from my daughter who knew I was gearing up to make a farm-themed fairy garden. On the left is a cute little chicken coop to house all the little chickies, hens, roosters and eggs in a nest. A small sign reads "Farm, sweet farm" next to a cute little barn, tractor and water tower. Three little piggies huddle together near the farming tools. Also included is a curved, wooden bridge (a good opportunity to put over a stream) and a few bags of hay bales.

These items are also from my daughter. There are a few bird houses, weather vane, bunches of broccoli, wheel barrels, some cut wood logs, a white picket fence and a water well. I was exited to find out that the crank on the well actually works, allowing the pail to move up and down.

These items were gifted to me by another family member and include two fairies, a small water well, a slide and a teeter totter, as well as a swing set, all wonderful for a little play area for all the young fairies in my garden.

This kit was gifted by one of my granddaughters. I will be putting it together and let you all know how it turned out. This particular kit comes with glow in the dark sand as well as a fairy and a friendly unicorn.

If you received some fairy garden related items for Christmas, feel free to send me an email with some before and after pictures!

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My Fairy Folks: Christmas Offering

My Fairy Folks from Los Angeles are back! Here is the Christmas dinner offering to the fairies - a plate full of mashed potatoes, Brussel sprouts, dinner roll, ham, beets, roast beef and multiple desserts, as well as a cup of homemade eggnog. The cat statue looks like it wants to eat some of this feast. Not pictured is little Mina, who was too excited to get started on opening presents.

Thank you to everyone who was able to share photos from their holiday celebrations this year.

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My Fairy Folks: Nutcracker

This holiday nutcracker was sent to me by one of My Fairy Folks.

He is surrounded by toys at his feet and is holding a puppet, a box of treats and has some festive goodies in his pockets.

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My Fairy Folks: Santa's Helpers

One of My Fairy Folks sent in some photos they captured of this small Santa, his sleigh behind him and a bag full of goodies.

"Ho Ho Ho, Merry Christmas to all."

This picture is of Jimmy the Elf, one of Santa's helpers, sent in by another of My Fairy Folks. He travels with Santa and helps him to carry presents down the chimney. Balancing presents on his head is a skill Jimmy has mastered.

"Merry Christmas"

Hey, I recognize this face. That's Twinkle the Elf from the North Pole and a friend of Pierre. I guess we discovered what his night job is.

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Reason For The Season

One of My Fairy Followers sent me this picture from their yard of a nativity scene, depicting the reason for the season. Merry Christmas to all and happy New Year.

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New Purchases: Parkview Nursery

During my recent visit to Parkview Nursery in Riverside (to read about my trip and see pictures of a lot of wonderful stuff they sell, please CLICK HERE), I brought home a few irresistible items that I'd like to show you.

This father and son are enjoying a winter swing. This piece was the only winter-themed item I picked up during this trip but there were plenty to choose from. Believe it or not, this item lights up very bright and is battery operated.

These two fairies are enjoying their pets, out for a morning ride, hoping and running. These two look like they could be sisters, matching wings and clothes, which makes for easier character development. There were a handful of fairies with companion animals.

These two girls are best friends in their new home. I was very happy to find that this duet was the perfect size for this wagon. Often times, it can be difficult to find fairies and props proportionate to one another, but Parkview Nursery has a large selection to choose from, including an array of sizes.

This is a clothes line where fairies can hang their cleaned clothes on. This is a hot ticket item! This unique piece can easily fit into any fairy garden scene which is probably why they're flying off the shelves! If you're interested in this piece, you need to visit ASAP. Also, if you know of any other locations that sell pieces like this, I'd be interested to know because I think having a few different clotheslines would be a cute addition to my fairy garden.

Since none of these pieces have found a home in my garden yet, I would like to open up the floor to allow any of My Fairy Folks to suggest names for any of the fairies (or snow people) above. Feel free to comment below and share your thoughts.

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My Fairy Folks - Let It Snow

Hello again to Redlands, California! One of My Fairy Folks sent me some photos of their lovely Christmas tree and festive home decor! This beautiful, frosty tree is decorated with silver, gold and red and it looks lovely. I've never seen a Christmas tree decorated with Magnolia flowers before (which I believe is the type of flower shown here), but I like it!

One pillow is all it takes to turn the family couch into a festive couch!

The print on this chair is beautiful (and I'd love one in my home) and a white pillow with the  simple word "joy" will put guests in the right mood.

Thank you again, My Fairy Folks, for continuing to send in your festive photos.

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Parkview Nursery

Parkview Nursery

3841 Jackson Street Riverside, CA 92503

(951) 351-6900

www.parkviewnursery.net

Store Hours: Open 7 Days

8:30 AM - 5:30 PM

It's been a while since I've done a business review here on the blog, but my recent inaugural trip to Parkview Nursery in Riverside, California is a good reason to bring this segment back. 

The multi-colored pots in the rear are the reason I stopped.

I had driven by this business a few times, eyeing the lovely pots that line their lot, but had never stopped until this day. These beautiful, purple pots are the reason I stepped foot in this nursery and I'm so glad I did. I was pleasantly surprised to find that, among other items, they had a good variety of fairy items. The staff was pleasant and extremely accommodating, even to the point of pulling out a tape measurer to help me find a very specific sized pot (12", in case you were wondering) for an upcoming contest. I learned that they are always getting new and unique items so I will be visiting often from here on out. 

This fairy garden container is
all ready to go home with someone.

Among fairy items and pots, they also had perennials, annuals, bonsai, trees, succulents and so many decorative pieces. In regards to fairy products, they range from single pieces to an entire set up (for anyone interested in fairy gardens but lack the time to create your own, piece by piece)! This nursery is not very large but they sure do have an abundance of product, especially colorful pots that you won't find at the big corporate stores. 

I made a few purchases during this trip and can't wait to show My Fairy Folks in the future. One highlight I'd like to share is the fact that this nursery actually had multiple male fairies which are very hard to find (you may know if you've ever tried to find a male fairy). If you're in the area, I highly recommend you take a peek inside Parkview Nursery.

They have a beautiful array of succulents that can be purchased individually or potted in a nice arrangement.

The selection of pots here is amazing, ranging in size, shape and color.

These pots were finished with a special treatment that makes them very unique.

Yard accessories range from metal flowers to animals.

Unique birdhouses are also available for purchase. I've never seen a birdhouse with such a curvy roof!

I love this display, showing off their product and acting as inspiration. They also sell fairy garden kits.

Here is one of the male fairies, sitting atop a mushroom. Grandma loves her mushrooms.

This container garden titled "Blue Creek" is competitively priced and ready to go home with the right person.

A selection of bonsai trees are for sale, as well as some unique ceramic mushrooms.

Here are some more bonsai trees.

This pot was painted by the owner's son. Before you ask, he will not paint one for you - I've already asked.

If you own a small business related to miniature gardening or know of one that would like a review in the Inland Empire, please feel free to get in touch with me.



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My Fairy Folks: Buddy in Redlands

This week I'd like to share some pictures from one of My Fairy Folks from Redlands, CA, and introduce you to someone special.

This is Buddy the Elf, putting the finishing touches on this Christmas tree. He's very excited for this time of year because it means he gets to go sledding - his most favorite thing in the world! He has his sleigh in his hand, ready to take off.

What a beautiful tree you've decorated, Buddy!

This tree is decorated with ornaments of all shapes and sizes - some even bigger than Buddy's head! Thank you so much My Fairy Folks for sending in your elf and holiday pictures. I'm still accepting submissions to share here on the blog so feel free to use my contact information below.

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Surprise Visit for the Holidays

Twinkle the Elf has brought a present for his friend and a cheerful personality to share with the rest of the residents of Grandma's Enchanted Fairy Garden.

This morning my dog, Mr. Peanut, began barking for apparently no reason. I finally got him to quiet down when I realized what had caused this reaction. I heard a light tapping on my window - tap, tap, tap. "What is that?" I asked as Mr. Peanut began to bark again. I pulled back my curtains to find a small elf with a large smile, waving at me through the window pane. I went outside to greet the elf who introduced himself as Twinkle; the name rang a bell. He explained that he had traveled from the North Pole and planned to see his friend, Pierre (pictured to the right), but admitted that he was a little early since it was a surprise visit. "Oh, you're Pierre's friend from the North Pole. I remember him talking about you last year," I said. I told Twinkle that I would get in contact with Pierre who visits King Edward and Queen Marlissa in Mountain Lakes every year around this time.

Twinkle has a bright personality that matches his eyes, a smile as warm as a hug and a nose that reminds me of Bob Hope.

My favorite thing about Twinkle are his dimples - I can't help but smile every time I look at that joyful face.

If any of My Fairy Folks have photos of their festive fairy garden, please send them to me via email with a paragraph description so I can share it on my blog.

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Winter Scene in a Basket

This basket was gifted to me last year and has housed a few seasonal container gardens. This rendition is a fun winter scene with a fairy who wants to swing, no matter the weather.

Another gifted basket that has lived through a few scenes, I replaced the plants and added some winter decor, including this snowman centerpiece.

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Fairy Garden Class - Frosty Winter

Anastasia looks beautiful in her full gown that blends in with this winter scene.

There is a chill in the air, reminding us that a new season has arrived, and with it is a new opportunity for decorative container gardens. This is the first Winter garden of the season that begins with the usual container with drainage holes, gravel and potting soil. This time around I bought my plants at Lowes and settled on four plants; I picked up alyssum, dianthus and dwarf snapdragons as well as dusty miller plants.

I placed the plants along the outside of the container, leaving space in the middle for room to get creative.

Once I was happy with the placement of my plants, I began to add elements to build my theme. The plastic snowflakes, nutcrackers and silver frills are all leftover items from last Christmas. I used fine white gravel to imitate snow and punched it up with some glitter.

By leaving empty space in the middle of this container garden, I've allowed room for many possibilities. Anastacia thinks it is a lovely place and is an example of how to add one simple centerpiece.

Another option is to add more than one center piece and create a scene. Here I've added a small house, some frosted trees and a quaint swing where Gloria has taken residence.

If you have some festive winter gardens you'd like to share, please send me your pictures and a small paragraph of some information on your creation.

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