Isn’t this a beautiful inviting entrance? This photo was taken in the village of Castle Combe, located in the Cotswolds, on our England trip in July this year. I always like to take inspiration from my trips to England and figure out what exactly it is that I find so charming and try to recreate the look at my own home. Here the elements are two square gray metal planters adorned with colorful summer plants, a beautiful wreath on the door, and a climbing plant growing around the front door. Even if one only picks one element it could make an entrance look so much more inviting. I am thinking about the autumn look of our front door already and I will try to find a beautiful wreath for it. I want it to be made out of natural materials in soft colors and maybe adorned with dried flowers. Have you also started thinking about autumn and autumn decor in the garden and in the house? Wishing all of you a lovely weekend ahead. Here in the US Monday is Labor Day which is a federal holiday so most people have a long weekend. Yay! #organicgardendreams #cottage #cottages #cottageentrance #cottageentranceideas #cottageentranceway #cottagedoor #cottagecore #cottagecoreaesthetic #cotswolds #england #greatbritain #romantic #romanticentrance #beautifulentrance #beautiful #charming #charmingentrance #oldworldcharm #cottagecharm (at Castle Combe) https://www.instagram.com/p/CiA2PChuvvL/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

On our last day in England my husband and I visited Windsor Castle which was on our bucket list for many years and we have not regretted it. Seeing the splendor of the state apartments, St. George’s Chapel (where Meghan Markle and Prince Harry married 2018), and the impressive royal art collection were just some of the highlights of our visit there. I was delighted to find this beautiful garden located on the castle grounds with one of the impressive towers in the background. I wonder if the Queen ever wanders around here when all the tourists are gone? Of course, our vacation is long over but I still feel nourished and rejuvenated by all the beautiful things we saw on our trip a d the experiences that we made. For all you Anglophiles following me, rest assured I have plenty more photos from our England trip to post. Lastly I would like to apologize that I haven’t been posting here since we returned to the US from England in the middle of July. I have been visiting accounts I follow, though. Somehow it was difficult for me to settle back in and once I got out of the posting rhythm it was hard to get restarted, again. I guess many of you can relate. But I intend to publish now more regular again and I am looking forward to it. I would like to thank everyone for sticking with me and staying faithful to my account. My follower count didn’t go down during my silence here which in the fast paced social media world is a miracle, and I am very grateful for that! I hope to continue to provide you with content that you enjoy! Warmly, Christina #windsorcastle #England #anglophile #windsor #vacation #englandvacation #greatbritain #queenelizabeth #queenelizabeththesecond #queenelizabethii #homeofthequeen #windsorcastlegardens #windsorcastlegarden #organicgardendreams (at Windsor Castle) https://www.instagram.com/p/Ch0jDEWuyh5/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

One of my favorite things to do here in the Cotswolds is to discover and explore small little villages off the beaten track of tourism. Even though the Cotswolds is a highly thought after area because of its beauty but I guess also because of its close proximity to London and Heathrow Airport, it is surprisingly still possible to find sleepy little villages where the time seem to have been standing still. One of such villages is Filkins and Broughton Poggs in which I photographed this charming cottage. I especially love the old slate shingles and the beautiful garden that the owner created around this gem of an ancient building. What do you think? Are you a fan of this beautiful little cottage as well? #organicgardendreams #cottage #cottages #englishcottage #englishcottages #cottagecore #cottagegarden #cottagestyle #cottagegardenstyle #cottagecoreaesthetic #cottagelife #countryside #countrysidelife #englishcountryside #englishcountrygarden #cotswolds #cotswoldslife #anglophile #filkins #broughtonpoggs #oxfordshire #oxfordshirecountryside #charmingcottage #beautifulcottage #cottagesofinstagram #cottagesofinsta #england #greatbritain #westoxfordshire #simpleliving (at Filkins and Broughton Poggs, West Oxfordshire) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cf9_V2MKGUn/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

This band of lavender running through part of the garden at Seend House was just mesmerizing! I had so much fun exploring the gardens of @maud_seendgarden. It was the perfect timing that the NGS Open Garden day just fell into the time frame of our vacation we are spending in the Cotswolds. Thanks for opening your garden to the public, Maud! It is simply stunning and it was a great joy to see in person! #organicgardendreams #cotswolds #seendhouse #opengarden #privategarden #england #englishgarden #englishcountrygarden #gardeninspiration #gardensofinstagram #gardensofinsta #instagarden #garden #gardens #gardenphotography #gardenphoto #lavender #lavenderband #lavenderdream #lavenderdreams #englishcountryside #lavenderfields #gardendesign #beautifulgarden #beautifulgardens #anglophile #melksham #seendgarden #seendgardens #gardening (at Seend, Wiltshire, United Kingdom) https://www.instagram.com/p/CfzL2TJqVoL/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

We had a wonderful visit at Highgrove Gardens, Prince Charles’ and Camilla Parker Bowles’ residence, yesterday. Unfortunately, it was strictly forbidden to photograph, except for the car park and the orchard cafe! I would highly recommend a visit there, if you have a chance, as the gardens are pretty spectacular. Prince Charles’s gardens are maintained in a completely organic way, and many parts are designed in a wild romantic style, which I loved. I was very surprised how much he lets natures have its course. We had a very delicious English Afternoon Tea there after touring the gardens. So this is the photo I leave you with, today! #organicgardendreams #highgrove #highgrovegardens #highgrovehouse #englishafternoontea #tea #afternoontea #teatime #teatreats #threetiredstand #teastand #teasweets #scones #teasandwiches #england #cottagecore #teainthegarden #cottagestyle #countryliving #countrystyle #englishcountrystyle #fineliving #livinginstyle #anglophile #teaservice #teabreak #quintessentiallybritish #englishtradition #englishafternoontea #teatreat (at Highgrove Gardens) https://www.instagram.com/p/CftDXyfqPk3/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Can you believe it? This is the view from our cottage! It hardly can get any more romantic than this. White horses on a vast meadow and an old English farmhouse as a background. We really lucked out with our first accommodation, an ancient self-catering cottage, in the Cotswolds, in Wiltshire, England. It is so quite and peaceful here, just as I had hoped it would be, only better! We will go to bed early today to be fit for tomorrow, when we will be visiting Highgrove Gardens, the gardens of Prince Charles’ private residence. So, night night it is. #organicgardendreams #cotswolds #wiltshire #cotswoldslife #england #idyllic #countryside #countrysidelife #englishcountryside #farmhouse #englishfarmhouse #whitehorse #whitehorses #livingthedream #cottage #cottages #cottagecore #cottagecoreaesthetic #englishcountry #englishcountryhouse #englishcountrystyle #englishcountryhome #dreamvacation #dreamvacations #englishlifestyle #anglophile #countryliving #englishcountryliving #peaceful #calm (at Castle Combe) https://www.instagram.com/p/CfpO1d9q_j0/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

One of my concerns was that the roses would not be blooming anymore in England when we would time our vacation in the first two weeks of July (usually we always go in June). Luckily I was wrong! Some of them are beyond their prime, others seem to be at their peak or a little beyond, and some are gone over, but there are still many to see and enjoy. I wonder if they had a very cold spring in England this year and that is the reason the roses are still blooming relatively profusely? Or do some re-bloom already? Maybe my British followers can enlighten me? Whatever the reasons are I am beyond happy that the roses are still blooming here. After all, an English garden/cottage garden without a flowering rose just doesn’t seem right. And who doesn’t want to see a climbing rose conquering an old cottage? I am sharing in this post my favorite rose that I saw today. Its dark burgundy red color was so deep and velvety in reality, but unfortunately my camera wasn’t fully able to capture it properly. The rose still looks amazing, doesn’t it? I guess, it is a David Austin rose, maybe Munstead Wood? Would you rose lovers out there agree? Or do you have any other suggestions what variety this could be? Wishing you all a lovely rest of the Monday and my American followers a wonderful and safe 4th of July celebration. #organicgardendreams #rose #roses #redrose #redroses #cottagegarden #cottagegardenstyle #rosephotography #flowerphotography #rosesofinstagram #roselover #rosegarden #englishgardens #englishgardens #cottagecore #darkredrose #darkredroses #fortheloveofroses #cottagegardens #rosegarden #england #cotswolds #cotswoldslife #englishrose #englishroses #davidaustinroses #davidaustinrose #cottageflowers #bloom #flower (at Castle Combe) https://www.instagram.com/p/CfmeeOwq96R/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

And so it begins… We have safely arrived in England and explored the nearby village of Castle Combe on the day of our arrival, which is close to where self catering cottage is located. I love how the British often let their houses be engulfed by climbing plants and surrounded by beautiful gardens. It makes the houses look so much more beautiful and cozy. I certainly would have no problem living in this one! Hope you all are having a lovely weekend! #organicgardendreams #castlecombe #castlecombevillage #wiltshire #cottagegarden #cottage #cottages #cottagegardenstyle #cottagecore #england #romantic #romanticcottage #climbingplants #wisteria #beautiful #beautifulcottage #georgianhouse #georgian #georgianarchitecture #anglophile #fortheloveofengland #cotswolds #cotswoldlife #cotswoldstyle #englishcountryside #englishcountryhouse #countryliving #countryhomeandgarden #countrygardens #countrysidelife (at Castle Combe Village, Cotswolds) https://www.instagram.com/p/CfgWj5bq5S_/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

One last post from Austin. My husband and I are waiting to board our plane to depart to England. As always, it was hard to leave our beloved Dobermans, Kira and Skylar, back at home. I am sure all you dog and cat owners can relate. But they are well taken care off by a dog- and house sitter who stays permanently at our home during our absence and is also watering our garden. We are full of anticipation to reach the Cotswolds and explore this beautiful area in England and visit as many gardens as possible! Stay tuned, I intend to post lots of photos and stories! #organicgardendreams #doberman #dobermanpinscher #dobermans #dobermanpinschers #dobermansofinstagram #dobies #dobiesofinstagram #dog #dogs #doglover #doglovers #rescuedog #rescuedogsofinstagram #rescuedogs #reddoberman #blackdoberman #naturaldoberman #naturaldobermansarecool #dogmom #lovemydog #lovemydogs (at Austin, Texas) https://www.instagram.com/p/CfcqhxJuDP6/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Sorry for my absence here on Instagram. Somehow I have fallen off the Instagram wagon. I was just not feeling it and I hate posting just to post, so I don’t! But today I felt inspired by another border shot that I took in England and found in my archives recently. I love that these borders are basically composed of just three colors: Purple, yellow, and various shades of green and yet, they look so interesting and beautiful. I gather, it is the various textures, height of the plants and of course that gorgeous black iron gate that make this garden area work. What do you think? Like it? Not so much? On another note, only three days until we hopefully head off to England. I haven’t started the actual packing, yet, but I hope to begin today. I have been thinking of what I need and made sure I stocked up on the usual things like toiletries, washed what I intend to take with me etc., though. Although, judging by previous experiences, it always gets a bit stressful for me at the end, but that seems to be the faith of a late packer. Even though I have to admit that I hate that, I don’t seem to be able to change my ways. Maybe this time? Are you a late packer as well or are you prepared in advance for a trip and close your suitcases three days ahead of the travel date? Whatever your travel preparations look like, I am wishing you a wonderful rest of the day. #organicgardendreams #border #borders #englishborder #englishborders #englishgardens #englishgarden #cottagegarden #countrygarden #englishcountrygarden #cottagegardenstyle #england #anglophile #fortheloveofenglishgardens #gardentravel #gardendesign #gardendesigninspo #gardeninspiration #gardening #garden #gardens #gardensofinsta #gardensofinstagram #focalpoint #gardenfocalpoint #longaxis (at England) https://www.instagram.com/p/CfUL817ORp_/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Looking at a beautiful rose always delights me even if it is only on a photo and my hope is that this image of ‘Charles Darwin’, a David Austin rose that I grew in my previous garden in San Diego, also brings a bit of joy into your day. A lot of people are on the fence with regards to this rose, mainly because it changes color like a chameleon depending on the weather conditions and age of the bloom. It can be a lovely almost clear yellow, cream, or a bronzey yellow like on my photo or anything in between. I, like many others, love the color changes in this rose because it keeps it always interesting to look at and I find different colored blooms on the same rose quite fascinating. ‘Charles Darwin’ is not the only rose that changes its bloom colors quite severely as the blooms age or with different temperatures and soil conditions. So I wonder, in what camp do you fall? Loving roses that change colors a lot or hating that trait in a rose? Also, what rose varieties do you know that alter their colors substantially? Please share in the comments so that the lovers can maybe find another chameleon rose to add to their collection and the haters can avoid these varieties altogether to not be disappointed. Wishing you all a lovely day! Texas continues to suffer through a long term heatwave and I can’t wait for that to come to end but unfortunately it is not in sight, yet. I hope you gardeners out there are facing more favorable weather conditions. #organicgardendreams #charlesdarwin #charlesdarwinrose #davidaustinrose #englishroses #englishgardenroses #yellowrose #yellowroses #unusualcoloredroses #bronzecoloredrose #rosephotography #flowerphotography #rose #roses #rosesofinstagram #instarose #instaroses #roselover #roselovers #cottagegarden #beautifulrose #beautifulroses #fortheloveofroses #unusualrose #bloom #blooms #flowerphotography #cottageflowers #gorgeousrose #stunningrose (at Austin, Texas) https://www.instagram.com/p/Ce34VtnuiOU/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

It has been a while since I posted a photo of an English garden on my feed, so here is one more from my archives of images of previous travels to this wonderful country. One thing that I associate strongly with English gardens is the concept of a long border. I have never seen extensive garden borders of the size and harmonious perfection like the one captured in this photo anywhere else other than in Great Britain. I find them just fascinating! Talking about Great Britain brings to my mind that our vacation to England in the beginning of July seems to come closer with a lightening speed and I am so much looking forward to it! I am very relieved that our accommodations are booked. We will be staying in two, hopefully beautiful, self-catering cottages in different locations in the Cotswolds. It was really hard to find them as everything was pretty much picked over even a few weeks ago. Wishing you all a beautiful rest of the Sunday, which I will be spending indoors since we are facing another scorcher of a day with the highest temperatures being forecasted to reach 104 F/ 40 C . But I am not complaining. The house can truly use some love and I have redecorating the living room shelves with some new thrifted and antique finds on the agenda! What are your plans for the today? #organicgardendreams #englishgarden #englishgardens #longborder #cottagegarden #cottagegardening #cottagegardenstyle #gardendesign #gardeninspiration #gardeninspo #border #englishborder #anglophile #england #beautifulborder #beautifulborders #longaxis #focalpoint #garden #gardens #gardening #gardenlover #gardenlovers #gardenloversofinstagram #greatenglishgardens (at England) https://www.instagram.com/p/CetzeoFO_Pp/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

It is „survival of the fittest“ time here in my garden in Austin. It has been pretty hot for days now already, but my poor plants will be dealing with a full week of temperatures in the 100dreds of Fahrenheit (around 40 degrees C) without a drop of rain for the next seven days according to the weather forecast. Verbena EnduraScape ‚Dark Purple‘ is relatively new to my garden but so far has been holding up well in the heat and continues to bloom even though not as profusely as I would like. But maybe it is still establishing itself, so there might be hope that it will perform better in the future. I am curious to see how it fairs through the next very hot seven days. Are any of you growing verbena in your garden? Maybe even this particular variety? If so, I would love to know how it is performing for you. If you are also sweltering away in the heat take good care of yourself and make sure you don’t overheat. There will be definitely very little gardening happening here in the next coming days, except watering of course! #organicgardendreams #verbena #verbenas #verbenaendurascape #verbenaendurascapedarkpurple #purpleverbena #darkpurpleverbena #austingardener #austingarden #centraltexasgarden #centraltexasgardener #zone8b #zone8bgarden #flowerphotography #flower #bloom #purpleflower #purplebloom #purpleblooms #organicgardening #organicgardener #cottagegarden #cottagegardening #cottagegardenflowers #heattolerantplants #heatwave #austingardeners #centraltexasgardeners #flowersofinstagram #instaflowers (at Austin, Texas) https://www.instagram.com/p/CejTCHnOYZL/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Welcome June! It has been super hot the last week here in Austin, Texas, and very few of the plants in my garden are looking good right now. One of the exceptions is Echinacea purpurea ‚PowWow’. This beautiful white coneflower seems to love the heat and is relatively drought and humidity tolerant. So it is an ideal plant for Central Texas. It Is also supposed to attract butterflies and hummingbirds even though I have to say I haven’t seen neither feasting on my plant. I have often complained on my Instagram account about how hard it is to garden here in Austin. And I do believe everyone who is gardening in this area will attest to that. But I have decided to try to find plants that like to live in the conditions that my garden has to offer and that I love. That will make my life as an organic gardener much easier and also will probably make for a much more satisfying gardening experience. Coneflowers are definitively belonging in this plant category. Anther good thing is that they also fit into my desired cottage garden style and there are many different varieties out there. So one thing is for certain, I will go on the hunt to find some other echinacea varieties in the near future! Are you also garden in a challenging climate? What is a plant that naturally thrives your area? #organicgardendreams #echinacea #echinsceapurpurea #echinaceapowwow #powwow #whiteechinacea #echinaceaflower #echinaceaflowers #inmygardentoday #inmygarden #inmygardennow #austingardener #austingarden #centraltexasgardener #cottagegarden #cottagegardens #cottagegardenstyle #organicgardening #organicgardener #gardening #whiteflowers #whiteflowers #cottagegardening #fortheloveofgardening #perennial #droughttolerant #heattolerant #droughttoletantplants #coneflower #coneflowers (at Austin, Texas) https://www.instagram.com/p/CeR89K-OVsR/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Have you ever seen an orange rose as beautiful as this one! Well, I haven’t. I photographed this beauty in La Jolla, California, where I recently went for a trip. Unfortunately, I don’t know the name of the variety, but I would love to, since I think it is absolutely gorgeous. The wired thing is, that usually I am not a big fan of the color orange but this rose has won me over. It was grown together with dark purple salvia, which you can see in the background, and this made for a stunning color combination. I am curious to hear what you think. Do you like this orange rose as well or is it not your taste? How do you feel about the color combination of orange and purple? Is it appealing to you? #organicgardendreams #rose #roses #orangerose #orangeroses #rosephotography #stunningrose #bloom #flower #flowerphotography #orange #orangeandpurple #colorcombination #gardening #fortheloveofroses #unusualrose #stuningrose #growingroses #rosesofinstagram #instarose #instaroses #rosebloom #roseflower #californiaroses #roselover #roselovers (at La Jolla) https://www.instagram.com/p/CeGd8c3uy3b/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Another beautiful Spanish style home I came across on my recent trip to La Jolla, California. And a good example how effective container gardening can be. I love the pop of color that these containers planted up with lovely annuals add to the front of the house. Just the right dose of cheerfulness and personal touch to make it truly unique! What do you think? Do you like the container plantings of this home? Or not so much? Wishing you a lovely rest of the day! #organicgardendreams #containergardening #containergardeningideas #spanishstylehome #spanishstyle #beautifulhouse #beautifulhomes #beautifulhouses #lajolla #beautifulhouse #spanishstylearchitecture #containergardeninspiration #containergardeninspo #oldhomes #oldhouses #oldhome #oldhouse #beautifularchitecture #charminghome #charminghomes #homesofinstsgram #housesofinstagram (at La Jolla) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cd9NSFTO-m_/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

The Oriental Lilies have started to bloom in my garden here in Austin, Texas! I am growing them for the first time and I am smitten by their beauty. It is difficult to get large and showy blooms in our hot and humid climate but the Oriental Lilies deliver! They were super easy to grow and I intend to plant more next year! Unfortunately, I can’t share the name of the variety, since this one should have been pink but is clearly a mislabeled one! I love it anyway, though! Please tell me, are you growing Oriental Lilies as well? What is your experience with them? Any particularly beautiful varieties that you would recommend? Wishing you a great day! #organicgardendreams #orientallily #orientallilies #whiteorientallily #flowerphotography #flower #flowers #whiteflower #whiteflowers #organicgardening #inmygarden #inmygardentoday #innygardennow #flowersofinstagram #floweroftheday #organicgardener #austingardener #centraltexasgardener #austingarden #cottagegarden #zone8b #cottagegardenflowers #austingarden #gardening #gardeningintexas #cottagegardens #zone8bgarden #zone8bgardener #bloom #blooms (at Austin, Texas) https://www.instagram.com/p/CdvYf8TODoS/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=