Antiquing Weekend - Open for Business Part II

MARKET IMPORTS

This was our second stop last weekend when escaping from the house at last.

Going out into the world of 'treasure hunting' was so much fun - despite

 being masked and very hot and sticky in such high temps.

Market Imports is an amazing local business which I've always enjoyed

and have purchased many things from over the years, mostly garden items

 which they specialize in. Check their website and you will be amazed at the

 size and inventory at this great venue which is located in downtown Raleigh

 at the State Farmers Market.

On this visit I was blown away by so much, especially the great display of

Chinoiserie - blue and white - and may have to think about adding more

to my home.  Since purchasing the lamps in this style for the living room

I can see perhaps a decorative piece for my mantel or shelves on each

 side of the fireplace.

 I would love any of these pieces!

Outside, just walking through the two plus acres of garden paraphernalia was a

job and a half, it was sooooo hot, but we wanted to see everything!

The colors of the ceramics were stunning and made me want to start all over in

 my own garden design, the citron yellow ones were certainly eye catching!

Of course I can never have too many of the gorgeous shades of blue and teal.

Of course I also fell for these neutral beauties from Germany. 

They were so well made with a smooth as silk finish - would be lovely 

in the house where they would stay clean, or I could use a couple on my

 covered front porch. . . . . . .so I may be heading back to make a

 purchase this weekend!

So what did I purchase at Market Imports?

This gorgeous ceramic bird bath made in Vietnam. 

Well made, in two pieces so easy to carry/move, and top locks onto

 the base, $95 was a good price.

They come in a lot of brilliant colors and, as I already have two blue

 and teal pots (this is the smaller one), I fell for the teal one which

 also blends with the three lanterns hanging in the fig tree.

Our garden birds seem to be enjoying their new blue swimming 'pool', 

and the old concrete one has been moved to the side garden.

We now have five bird baths - and with mosquito season upon us

it will mean keeping them spiffy clean and filled each day.

This coming week we'll be refreshing this area as the bluebell leaves

 should be dead enough to remove, then spreading mulch after

 planting the new hydrangea in the ground and finding something else

 for the blue pot. . . . . .of course!

Always something to do in the garden at this time of year.

*******************

A quick look back at the REVIVAL purchases I mentioned in my former

 post.  Above the two botanic prints waiting to be hung in a perfect spot.

The ceramic pots in their caddy are now holding an assortment 

of flatware, antique silver serving pieces and Portmeirion 

cake forks and spoons. . . . . .

 . . . . .and the attached bud vases are being put to good use with

garden snippets changing on a daily basis, I really love this one!

It's been a busy week again with more social interaction now that we

 and many of our friends have been vaccinated. We're still cautious but 

have been out to a pub supper with a friend, had another to the house for

 coffee on the porch, and granddaughter stopped by for supper in the

 gazebo last night. It was lovely as the birds were loud as darkness fell,

and a gentle shower brought cooler air and 'music' on the cedar shake roof.

Monday, Memorial Day here, we will have a cookout with our

 next door neighbor - grill salmon on the salt block - and eating in the

 gazebo again. We had planned that for tonight however with heavy

rain expected we've postponed to a promised sunny Monday.

Enjoy your long weekend/bank holiday - may the sun shine

 and the breeze be gentle wherever you are.