It's that time of year when most of the garden has started to wane and the only plants left blooming are those flowers that can tolerate temperatures in the 90's and low 100's.  One of my favorite summer blooms that can do just that are zinnias.


Every spring I start several packs of seeds knowing that the time will come when all of the showy perennials will succumb to our Southern California heat and the garden will need a punch of color to carry me through until things perk back up in fall.


This year I reserved a few seeds to sow directly in the ground amongst my pumpkin vines and tomato plants in true cottage style.  It has been fun to see them pop up here and there in my little potager.  Not only do they look pretty but the pollinators love them and my veggies love the pollinators, so it is a definite win, win situation.


About the only drawback to planting zinnias is that they can be prone to powdery mildew so make sure you allow plenty of airflow to help hold it off as long as possible.  And be sure to discard the entire zinnia plant when you see signs of white on the leaves as it will spread to other zinnias in the area.


Given the fact that the seeds are inexpensive (even six packs of zinnia plants from the garden store only cost a few dollars), I know I will continue to plant them year after year.

What are some of your favorite heat tolerant cottage flowers?

xo, Patty

Here's the latest video of my cottage garden if you'd like to see the full tour...

Are you like me and find yourself going through seasons of decorating inspiration.  Don't get me wrong, I love my home and I love making it cozy and welcoming but there are times when no matter how hard I try the mojo to make changes and freshen up just can't be found.

I find myself on the tail end of that particular season and am so happy to bid it farewell.  All of the sudden my head is swimming with little (and not so little) changes and tweaks I want to make to the cottage.


The first thing I'll be tackling is finishing up on all the partially started projects in the dining room.  Back in January I ordered buffalo check fabric for new curtains and had high hopes of revamping the entire room before the months end...that did not happen.  As a matter of fact, that same fabric has been propped against the wall in my craft room just waiting to be transformed.


I'd also like to freshen up the table displays and add a skirt of fabric around the little entry table and use it for more practical storage.

And I'm feeling a need for a little good old fashioned purging but where do I start?  That's always a touch and go situation around here.  Do I love it?  Do I use it? Does it bring me joy?  You guys know the drill.  I want to feel less clutter but I do love having my pretty things around.  I 'll be sure and share the final room reveal just as soon as I get it done.  Which will hopefully be sooner rather than later.

xo, Patty