The Gardens at Hollyhock Cottage

I am writing this particular blog post from Rockford, IL, where I am currently visiting my mother. Driving here yesterday in terrible rain storms was a challenge, and I was glad to finally arrive and see some sunshine in the afternoon...but it didn't last for long, as another terrible storm moved through the area last night. Yesterday afternoon I managed to visit The Needle and I, Acorn Quilts, and a local Sewing Center. Acorn Quilts was amazing - I really enjoyed this new shop - it was clean, organized, and beautiful - with lots of new fabrics and projects I had not seen in person before...one of the best little shops I have had the pleasure of visiting. I didn't pick up much to speak of at The Needle and I...one pattern and a needle minder with counting pins.

My mother took me on a tour of her gardens when we returned to her house (which she loving refers to as Hollyhock Cottage). Obviously my passion is needlework, sewing, and quilting - my mother's passion is gardening. It is hard to take photographs that do all her hard work justice. She grows both vegetables and flowers...and everything she plants seems to thrive...if you would have seen this yard before she started, you would be blown away by the transformation! Here are just a few photos: