Flowers! Flowers! Flowers!

May is quite possibly one of the best times of the year for flowers, and I have developed a tiny little obsession with taking pictures of anything floral, clearly something that has evolved from my love of gardening.

Whenever I get overly obsessive about flowers, I think of the scene from Sex and the City's "The Chicken Dance" episode where a character, an interior decorator who is redesigning Miranda's condo, maniacally utters that line, "Flowers! Flowers! Flowers!" (in reference to her design scheme; this is the same character who steals Miranda's possible love interest, a house guest from London). I don't know why it has stuck in my head all these years, but it's what my subconscious seems to scream whenever I'm near something blooming.

As with any year, it starts with Tulips, Azaleas and Dogwoods and then moves on to Alliums, Irises, and Foxglove. Newly planted in the garden for 2013 and future photo subjects: Tobacco Flower (I have one potted and seeds hopefully growing), Love in the Mist (Thomas Jefferson appears to have been a big fan of this species; seeds purchased at Monticello), Zinnias, and Morning Glory. I have a feeling I will be taking "artful" pictures of vegetables next. . .

Dogwood

Allium

Tobacco Flower

Clematis

Foxglove

All images are the sole content and property of of Jennifer Pullinger (unless otherwise noted). Contact me if you would like to license any photos.

Weekend Agenda: Five Places to Visit in the Outer Banks

The Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse in Manteo

We are just a few weeks into spring, but no doubt many of us have been feeling that compelling need to head to the ocean. It has to be some kind primal urge to return to the water, where all life begins, this time of year. For many on the east coast, there is no better destination to renew and recharge or just "relax" than the Outer Banks. Here are the top five places you should visit while in Nags Head and surrounding area.

Jockey's Ridge State Park
If it's sand you want then sand you will have at Jockey's Ridge. Billed as the highest active dune system on the east coast, the park offers visitors expansive views of the ocean on one side, and the Roanoke Sound on the other. The dunes aren't as intimidating as they look, and by the time you're at the top, you might have enough courage to join in with the others who take a running leap over the edge, just barely keeping their legs moving fast enough to stagger down the steep incline. Others bring their kites to catch the winds, and still others just sit and enjoy the panorama.

The wide open view from on top of the dunes.

The Shipwreck (Shop)
I have been going to the Outer Banks since I was little, and without fail, my family would stop at The Shipwreck shop every time. It's become a tradition, and I always leave with something I don't necessarily need, but definitely something I want. They have every kind of seashell imaginable, as well as jewelry, sea glass balls, lamps, driftwood, and other nautical gifts that you can't leave the Outer Banks without.

Seashells "embedded" in concrete pillars decorate the entrance to The Shipwreck.

The Elizabethan Gardens

The Elizabethan Gardens feature over 500 different planet species on 10.5 acres next to the Roanoke Sound. Several pathways wind around property, leading visitors through specialized and themed gardens, down to the sound and back. In May, a number of flowers and shrubs will be in peak bloom, from Azaleas, Allium, Hydrangeas, and Confederate jasmine to Dogwood, Cherry Laural, Shasta Daisy, and Rhododendrons. The crepe myrtle-encircled Sunken Garden with the ancient Italian Renaissance Foundation and the incredibly detailed bronze Queen Elizabeth I Statue are among the highlights.

The gated entrance to the Elizabethan Gardens.

Duck Donuts and The Good Life Gourmet
There are loads of places to dine out in the Outer Banks -- The Tale of the Whale in Nags Head and the Blue Point Grille in Duck for starters -- but if your tastes run a little more casual, motor up to The Good Life Gourmet in Kitty Hawk, which can be described as the local "fast casual" version of Panera Bread. Their display case of cakes, pie, cookies, pastries, and other treats is guaranteed to stoke your sugar craving. They also have take-out and boxed lunches, or you can get your grub on or sip a brew or glass of wine in their cozy dining area, decked out with a giant tiled fireplace. For your morning pick-me-up, make sure you visit Duck Donuts -- the donuts are literally "hot and fresh out the kitchen" and virtually melt in your mouth. Try the Peanut Butter Icing flavored donut. Or Vanilla Icing. . . or Maple or Lemon. Really, you can't go wrong no matter what flavor you select.

Yummy iced donuts are made fresh every day.

The Beach
Come on. . . This is what we came for.

The Outer Banks has over 200 miles of shoreline.

All images are the sole content and property of of Jennifer Pullinger (unless otherwise noted). Contact me if you would like to license any photos.

Pops of Yellow on a Rainy Day

Yellow is the theme color of the day, even when the forecast calls for a series of rainy weather here in Central Virginia. Yellow is a "sunny," happy color, so works to counteract the dreariness of the rain. But I love the look of how the water droplets cling to the petals of the flowers.

Rain dots the petals of a yellow Iris.

 Japanese kerria shrub.

Now that spring is here and "holding" (meaning, the threat of a late season snow is highly unlikely as is a killing frost) I am so eager to plant vegetables that I purchased some tomato seedlings from a local greenhouse, one climate (plant hardiness) zone over in Richmond. (Yes, I do like the distinctions of zones.) Some would say, "Wait, until at least May 15 to plant tomatoes," but I'm sorry, I can't. Again, note the yellow theme with the little flower bud forming, signaling that tomatoes will be ready to be picked before you know it! 

Tomato seedlings soaking up the rain.

The deep imprint of my shoe in the red clay mud.

Charleston, S.C, the Green City

Charleston, South Carolina is one of the most beautiful, decadently southern cities in the U.S. It's a fact.

I have been to Charleston a few times before, with my latest road trip occurring this past February. I shouldn't have been surprised to see the azaleas already in full bloom (but I was). That's my kind of sub-tropical environment. Charlestonians love their trees and flowers, the true indication of a gracious society. Whether its the stately palmetto or oak draped in Spanish moss in the yard, the window box spilling over with wave petunia, begonias, voluptuous ferns on the front porch, or vines twisting around a wrought iron fence, plant life and gardening is elevated to an art form here, created by nature or "on purpose."

Planter boxes in Charleston literally overflow with an abundance of blooms.

Palm shrubs poking through the aged wrought iron fence downtown.

Looking skyward at a Sabel Palmetto.

Charleston is the kind of city that you have to experience by foot. Leave your car behind and take in the colorful, antebellum homes along Rainbow Row or amble down Meeting and King Streets (and in between) while shopping the diverse assortment of downtown boutiques. The city doesn't have a shortage of eating establishments either. . it's known for having some of the best places to get your grub on in America. While I was there, I highlights for me were Bull Street Gourmet Market, Jestine's Kitchen, and Saffron Cafe & Bakery - each didn't disappoint (and in fact I had to stop at the local grocer's to purchase a cooler to take treats back home with me).

Window shopping along Meeting and King Streets.

Love the giant neon pig signage at Jim 'N Nick's Bar-B-Q on King Street.

The historic grounds of Drayton Hall.

Maybe one of the reasons why Charleston is so, well, verdant and lush is its proximity to the ocean, where the moist sea breeze can easily "get at" the plants and help them grow and flourish. Yes, Charleston is known for many things - its food, its architecture, its history, its people, but most inspiring to me is its love of the green life.

Palmettos against the dusk sky at The Battery.

Beach flowers at Folly Beach, about 12 miles from Charleston.

All images are the sole content and property of of Jennifer Pullinger (unless otherwise noted). Contact me if you would like to license any photos.

For the Love of Bubbles

For my inaugural post, it would seem natural for one to offer up a blog purpose or mission. . . but I'd rather start with some photos of bubbles. Welcome to Bake Build. Sow.