~Spring Mantel 2010~

   I began putting together a new vignette for the hearth room fireplace, Monday afternoon and completed it, this morning. 

I tried a couple of different ideas, before deciding on this one, inspired by the iron gates of Charleston, South Carolina.

During April 2005, we took a little road trip south and east.  Our journey began in Saint Louis and took us to Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia, for a few days of exploring. 

Our destination was Charleston, South Carolina.  As we all know, it isn’t always about the destination, but rather the journey.

After our stay in Williamsburg we drove down through North Carolina, via the Outer Banks.  Absolutely wonderful drive.

We spent several days in Charleston, where we walked all around the historic streets, took tours, had wonderful meals and visited the Market, where we purchased several prints of iron gates, seen around town.

The prints are from the work of artist Mayfield Williams.  Williams’ mother, an absolutely delightful southern lady, was selling the work from a booth at the Market. We enjoyed talking with her; spending quite a bit of time with her, that morning. 

I added two iron pieces, from the basement storage.  What I really want, above the mantel, is a gate, instead of the “scrollie”.  I think I know where I can find one.  I’ll be looking on our way to the lake tomorrow.

The piece on the hearth is made of three separate iron pieces, strapped together.  I bought the pieces at Welcome Home, a store that is now closed.

Bear with me on the faux ferns.  As soon as Lowe’s has living ferns, in stock, I’ll be buying one to replace the silk, which is fine for now.

Besides the Williams prints of gates and Rainbow Row (Charleston), I used white ironstone and chicken wire cloches.

I used felt adhesive dots to secure the frames. The mantel is fairly high from floor level, so the dots aren’t visible.

As I mentioned, above, we are driving down to the lake.  A short trip, this time, to pick up something we purchased, last week, for one corner of the hearth room.  When we have it in place, I’ll post photos.

Linking to The Inspired Room Inspired by Mantels.

BROOKGREEN GARDENS

I love spring anywhere, but if I could I would always greet it in a garden.
~Ruth Stout~
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Brookgreen Gardens is located between Myrtle Beach and Pawley's Island, South Carolina. We visited these gorgeous gardens, during April 2005. It is an unforgettable memory of our fabulous road trip down the coast of the Carolinas.

We arrived at the gardens late in the day. We had time for a tram tour, but missed the chance for the water tour. I would love to return someday. It is an absolutely beautiful and peaceful place. I wish we had more than a couple of hours to spend there. Perhaps we will find our way back.


The Azaleas, which I love, were in bloom. There were pathways, leading to small gated gardens. It was wonderful sitting in these gardens. It felt as if we were in a world all alone.

We wandered through the gardens, then took the tram ride to a sanctuary for native wildlife. Walking through this area was like walking into another time. There were many beautiful animals and birds in natural surroundings.

A visit to Brookgreen also includes beautiful sculptures, scattered through the gardens and in a special sculpture park. We were mesmerized by these beautiful artworks.

Breathtaking is an excellent word to describe our visit to Brookgreen. Perhaps you've found your way there. If not, I hope you will one day. Included within this post, are just a few of the hundreds of photos we took during our visit.

For more about Brookgreen Gardens, visit:

http://www.brookgreen.org/