Garden A Day Challenge - Day 19, International Picnic Day

Does this scene look a little familiar? Just a few adjustments from the last scene and we have a new holiday to celebrate; International Picnic Day. In this photo you can actually see the red rim of the repurposed BBQ grill. Luca is relaxing on the driftwood, while Nadya sits on her on ladybug listing off her favorite Summer activities to council members Dianna and Radella.

Caspian and Poppy have helped themselves to some delicious snacks.

Julip and Ivy find a secluded area nearby to set up a picnic.

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Garden A Day Challenge - Day 5, Sun and Shadows

The area known as Gnominham is the first garden through the gate to my backyard. Today, I decided to focus on clearing it out as well as adding lights since it is somewhat of the welcoming committee to my garden.

Radella, a fairy council member, relaxes in a chair in the center of a cleared out area perfect for keeping an eye on the surrounding community. From this vantage point, she can keep an eye on most areas of the garden as well as enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. Luca is relaxing on a log behind her, humming a sweet tune.

The sun glides slowly beyond the horizon, shadows slowly make their presence known and before the moonlight illuminates the garden, a little electricity will do for now. This Petunia-topped home has the lights on. I wonder if anyone is cooking dinner inside?

The lighted trellis behind this area almost acts as a bright welcome sign, inviting all creatures to visit this friendly, safe area.

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Getting Ready For Spring

Radella, left, and Diana have been absent from the garden for a few months on official business. Alvina, the third council member, has not yet returned. These two have set out to relax after their journey but realized their area needed to be spruced up.

The area is cleared of dead leaves. Flowers are added around the inner and outer perimeter.

Moss is added to cover the soil and create a lively landscape.

Phew! Now that that's done, Radella and Diana can relax comfortably.

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A Shiny, New Council Square

The video above shows some fairy houses I purchased last year that I was very happy to find. In my experience with fairy gardening, I've come to discover that while wooden houses and decor for the garden may look lovely, they do not hold up to Mother Nature very well. These houses are hand-painted ceramic which are then "baked" to lock the color in. The glossy finish is also water resistant which makes cleaning them even easier.

I bought these pieces all those months ago knowing they would be perfect for a Council Square upgrade, and here we are. Here's a look at the Council Square before the update.

Council Square, October 2014

I decided this area would benefit from wood chips. California has been under drought warnings for a few years now and wood chips help lock in moisture (much like moss which I use in smaller fairy gardens) which allows me to water my yard less without starving my plants. 

I placed a fresh layer of potting mix before planting new additions to this area, then covering with wood chips.

After the flowers have filled out the space a bit more, I now have a better idea of where I should place the council buildings.

Yellow Iris

White Daffodil

Yellow Daffodil

Radella can be spotted just outside one of the new buildings which is accented by Amaryllis and Tulips.

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Fairy's Wheel

I have been cooped up in my house due to a promise I made to the fairies not to snoop on their newest addition to the festivities planned for the King. Finally the Council came to my window this morning and told me I could see what they had been working on.

A Ferris Wheel! Nestled amongst a colorful array of flora, this attraction will soon be bustling with activity.

Each cart is cushioned with fresh moss. I wonder if that would make our human-sized ferris wheels more comfortable?

The Fairy Council pose in front of the "Fairy's" Wheel for a photo. Grace asked me to save this picture for her to use for their newsletter.

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Fairy Shores

The scheduled arrival from Denmark came in this morning beginning with a lighthouse nestled amongst greenery (the green path was a nice addition put in by the Leprechauns). 

The Fairy Council oversaw the arrival, making sure things were put in their place. Here you can see that even small grains of sand can make it through the Rainbow Transport System.

And last but not least (who, for obvious reasons, could not have come through the transport before the arrival of the water), Ariel. Ariel is a friend from Denmark who has visited our community before and has returned to prepare for the grand party, celebrating the King's return.

Ariel enjoys her multi-level habitat and gussies-up to meet with visitors.

Ariel chats with some of her underwater friends.

Turtles, sharks, fish, crabs... so many underwater friends.

The Council enjoy a job well done.

The evening is nearing and the Council enjoy the feel of beach sand between their toes.

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Brianna's Tour - The School

One morning while Brianna had been chatting with Zookned, Leeann and Patrick, Queen AmberLynn made a surprise visit. After formal greetings the Queen announced that today she would take Brianna on a tour of the school. Brianna said farewell to her friends, excited to see the place where she would be spending most of her time as the newest teacher.

Queen AmberLynn, left, waits patiently as Brianna says goodbye to Zookned, Leeann and Patrick.

In a matter of moments, they both flew over the school yard. Brianna couldn't believe how much was going on! There were a few small groups of kids and teachers spread out all over, each learning something different.

AmberLynn and Brianna quietly land near the school yard.

The Queen explains to Brianna what her role will be in the school before she fills out paperwork with Radella. Beginning next semester, an herb garden should be in bloom to get Brianna started with her lessons.

Brianna and the Queen hash out the details on the new class.

The two of them continue with the tour of the school, meeting teachers and students in their learning spaces.

A large group of students gather round the Tree of Wisdom. This is where most of the lessons take place for all ages. Today they are learning about fairy history.

Willow, center, reads a story to the children in the play area. Willow has been in charge of teaching the younger children for a while now since she has shown that she is very patient and caring, and the children love when she sings her lessons.

April, left, and June enjoy some time with the music teachers, Maestro and Minstrel. Maestro is the taller of the two and specializes is composing music while Minstrel has a way with words, singing bardic tales. The duo create lovely melodies that harmonize and inspire. During their music classes children learn how to sing traditional fairy songs, read music and, with the help of guest teachers, learn to play instruments.

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