Okay, my friends, it’s tour time!
This roof garden is not completely finished. I have to add the hanging plants. I have a few other ideas swirling around in my brain. Mini flowers and pots are not cheap, so I’ll add more as funds allow.
In no particular order, here are some photos (and there are quite a few, so settle in for Caroline’s Roof Garden – The Tour.)
The hedges arrived in the mail yesterday. They’re just what I wanted and something I see in the big city quite frequently. After all, Caroline needs some privacy.
A planter at the ready. (Purchased last year at Chautauqua Miniatures.)
Caroline can’t believe what a difference the hedges make – she remarked that she could now sunbathe in total privacy.
A cool drink, anyone?
Caroline likes to grow things.
(I got the flowers from Miniatures.com, the succulents were from a faux plant that I took apart. I found it at Michael’s. The picket fence planter boxes were found at Chautauqua Miniatures. Pea gravel, which is really ballast, found at Train Sets Only.)
Planter and potted plants from Chautauqua Miniatures, watering can, hedges, and large French pot from Miniatures.com.
Chair and ottoman, as well as the pillows, are from Chautauqua Miniatures. The magazine, I believe, was a gift from my friend Norma.
And now, Claudia climbs on a chair for the aerial view:
This gives you a nice look at the skylight. (All information about sources for the potting shed can be found here.)
Oh my goodness. I love this little space, which provides more living space for Caroline in the spring, summer and fall.
Pot and flowers from Miniatures.com – purchased separately, but don’t they go nicely together?
Table and chairs from Chautauqua Miniatures, pitcher and glasses were given to me by a friend (I’m having trouble remembering exactly who that was, so if it was you, let me know! I just heard from her, it was Sharon! Thank you, Sharon.) and the banner was part of a swap.
Boo really likes it up there. He can bark at the birds and listen to all the sounds of the city. (Boo came from Chautauqua Miniatures.)
The roof top garden and potting shed.
I love the hedges, but the dark green and the black wrought iron railing sort of blend into each other.
See?
I’m contemplating switching out the black wrought iron for the same item in white. I painted a piece that I had in my stash to see how it would look.
I think it provides more definition to that area. The trim and the hedge don’t become one big dark blob. I can always switch it back to the black if I decide to eliminate the hedges, but I really like them so I don’t see that happening anytime soon!
When Don came home late yesterday afternoon and I did a sort of Ta-dah! reveal, he said he wanted to be able to hang out there. We contemplated miniaturizing ourselves and going for it, but we soon realized that Caroline wouldn’t like that. Big thumbs up from Don, and he also mentioned again how much he loves the red floor in the potting shed.
I’m thinking I need a climbing plant of some sort on the side of the potting shed. Maybe another raised bed. And more plants. But for now…I think we’ve got a pretty nifty roof garden.
Hope you enjoyed the tour!
I’d love to open things up again for general dollhouse questions. I started a little series about that and haven’t written an additional post as of yet. So if you have questions, leave them in the comments section, or if you’d rather, email them to me.
Happy Thursday.
so sweet! Caroline sure knows how to decorate! It looks so comfy and I want to hang out there too. Doris
Caroline enjoys decorating, Doris – especially on a small, more affordable, scale!
Beautiful, Claudia! I’m with Don…I wouldn’t mind shrinking, ala Alice, and join Caroline for that cool drink. What fun and thanks for sharing–I think we all be fantasizing about getting our own dollhouses after today. And yes, the white iron railing is perfect! xxoo, Martha
(ps…and just to clarify, I can’t drown the Japanese beetles either–even though they do decimate my roses. :-(
Good to know there’s someone like me, Martha! I just can’t do it.
If only we could all shrink and walk around in the dollhouse and up on the roof!
I love it and I wish that I could shrink and visit Carolines home and garden!
The incredible shrinking women – that’s us!
I think Caroline could have a houseful of visitors if we could shrink ourselves! I think one of my favorite parts of the garden is the chair and ottoman. I could see myself there with my knitting and crocheting. Hours could fly by and I think I would be quite content in that little garden.
Blessings,
Betsy
Caroline was just considering that very thing. Time to start a knitting project!
I’m so new at this yet (it’s all your fault, Claudia…ha!), I don’t even know what questions to ask. My dollhouse (a mini) is on order, will arrive in a few days and will come pre-built although it is painfully plain. It seems unlikely I can ever embellish it as you have (with wallpaper, etc.) because my fingers are too stiff and my eyesight is challenging. However, I will fill it with an assortment of miniatures I’ve collected for some time and not everything will be of proper scale but it’ll be funky/quirky and that’s okay. It will take enormous discipline to stay out of my somewhat-local miniatures store; thankfully, it’s in another town and, with the price of fuel out here in Southern California, I can’t justify traveling unless I can do multiple errands/shopping/appointments, so that will be part of the discipline because it is SO HARD to resist the many and varied miniatures available for purchase and they are NOT cheap. Anyway, looking at your photos in this post, what can I say, I’m in dollhouse-heaven and I want to live in Caroline’s house! A human dream, to live in a human house like that, should a person be so lucky!
Thanks so much, Vicki! I often lament the fact that I don’t live near a dollhouse/miniature shop, but I think, in reality, that’s for the best. You’re right – there is so much temptation there and it’s so easy to pile up a bunch of things for purchase and then get shocked at the total.
I’m sure that’s why I spent so long on this house – partly because I love the process, but also due to budget constraints.
I’m always happy to be a dollhouse enabler, Vicki!
What can I say……………love, love, love the roof top garden akc…. patio. DEB
Thank you so much, Deb!
Love, love the roof garden and potting shed! Your details are amazing. I’m getting lots of emails from mini stores having summer sales right now. Great job, Claudia!
Me too! Temptation, temptation! Thanks for your kind words, Sharon.
Oh Wow Claudia! I love that space. That might be my most favorite part of your dollhouse. Like everyone else, I want to shrink down (now that would take considerable effort) and visit/hang out on the roof. You have managed to secure what seem to be the perfect pieces. Love the hedge and I think the wrought iron would be great in white.
Thank you, Vera! I think the white would be a good idea. I initially resisted it because I loved the black wrought iron so much, but the hedges change the whole picture. You’re welcome to shrink yourself and pop in for a visit any time!
The roof garden is amazing! I’m coming to visit Caroline any day now! Would she let me stay in one of the bedrooms? I like the white fence since the black just disappears with the hedges (which I love). I especially love the picket fence planters and those succulents are so cute! Great job Claudia!
hugs,
Linda
Thank you, Linda! It’s been such fun – things have to percolate in my brain for a while, then I gather what I need, and suddenly it all takes shape.
Hang on Claudia – I’m shrinking my overnight bag and will be packing it soon – I’ll bring wine and tiny snacks so we can sit out and enjoy the view up there!!! Yes, white railings will definitely look nice with the dark hedge. I actually have a green painted potting shed floor – and long ago I stenciled blackberry brambles across it, quite pretty but they have faded somewhat now with foot traffic.
You have a fabulous ‘second home’ there!
Hugs – Mary
That stenciling sounds lovely, Mary! Wine and tiny snacks sound very tasty indeed!
Put me on that list of incredible shrinking visitors too Claudia..and Caroline of course…I really do think this is my favorite part of your dollhouse now…..it is just so pretty and cozy and relaxing…It is even beyond what I expected from you..you outdid yourself this time girlfriend..
Aw, thanks so much, Nancy! It’s been such a pleasure envisioning the whole thing and making it come to life.
Caroline’s rooftop garden is fantastic! We all need a place like that to chill….and that looks like the perfect place! The white fencing would certainly be more noticeable. It really is quite charming…she’s a lucky gal! ;)
She is. I think she regrets having to go to work today. She’d much rather laze around on the roof. Thank you, Donnamae!
I’m sorry…I’m drawing a blank…what does she do? A book editor perhaps…or an actress? I just don’t remember. ;)
She’s a professor of literature at the University. Right now, she’s stuck teaching a summer course.
Bummer…she really does need a place to chill after dealing with college students! ;)
xo
I love it, it’s perfect. I think Caroline has decorated her house to copy your tastes (the pottery just to mention one), and I love your cottage and Caroline’s home. Both you and Caroline have great decorating style. By the way, who is Caroline entertaining on her roof garden, does she have a beau?
She has a beau. Or two. She’s not ready to commit!
Claudia, the rooftop is now the kind of space where one can flop into the wicker chair, and nothing will come out of one but an “Ahhhhhh”! You’ve created a special soothing space. Lovely.
Let’s all say it together – “Ahhhhh!”
Thank you, Wendy.
Love the tour! You have done a fabulous job on decorating the doll house:)
On your recommendation, while I was visiting NYC, I went to tour and explore The Strand. Wonderful place!! Wish I live closer
I’m so glad you liked it! Isn’t it the best?
Oh my gosh ! Adorable to the hilt!!!!
Loved the wellies , checked your source list but couldn’t find ’em.
Another source for you…Joann Etc and Hobby Lobby , Fyi
Wellies are from Chautauqua Miniatures – I mentioned them in another post. I think you can get them at a variety of miniature sites.
Yes, the front door of the dollhouse was purchased at Hobby Lobby.
Absolutely lovely – you have quite the touch. I’m tempted to give you my dollhouse – she sits out in my shed now with quite a few lovely things, but deserves more attention.
Uh oh, don’t tempt me!
Oh it is so cute! Looks like my kind of space to hang out also. Yes, I think the white railing looks better. Lets everything stand out. Have a great day!!
hugs
Thank you, Nancy. The white railing has been ordered!
It is a beautiful garden!! I love that you made such a great place for Caroline to hang out, I can see why you and Don would love to join her! I think that the white railing looks really good and makes a nice finishing touch! xx
Thank you, Amy! I think it will work, too. Caroline is going to enjoy her new space.
Just adorable! I’m so envious of Caroline!
Me too, Kathy!
What can I say? Just wonderful.
My “Nell” who resides at Gull House is an avid gardener – one of these days she may just have to send Caroline some samples from her garden..
Caroline and Nell could become pen pals and seed/plant swappers, Barbara! Wouldn’t that be fun?!
It would indeed! :)
xo
Oh!! Where to start! I immediately could picture the functionality of the potting shed so close, yet a bit hidden, for the real “dirty” work that must be done to keep such a lovely spot full of beautiful living things. The weeding and trimming and dead-heading just never ends!
The hedge is perfect and I agree with the idea of a white border. Of course at Christmas a bit of garland, and when the summer furniture and plants must be put away and wintered-over, a pretty Christmas tree up there would be perfect!!
You know you could probably make money if people wanted to have a dollhouse, but not the “work” of it. Wouldn’t THAT be a fun job?? Get the dollhouse someone requests (along with a budget, of course), and put it together for them. They say people will pay for anything!
Caroline is a busy gal, what with teaching, entertaining the gentlemen, and being a gardner along with it all! With so many wanting to visit her, sounds like a guest cottage ~ a B&B!!~ might be just the answer!
The soil, the potting supplies, the boots and tools – all of that is in the potting shed and just plain pretty resides outside the shed.
Caroline is extremely busy; she makes me look like a sloth!
Please add my name to the waiting list of visitors. Has Caroline ever thought of opening a B&B?
I love the idea of painting the wrought iron white. It looks great against the hedges plus it goes nice with the porch railing and white picket raised flower beds!
Lovely……..
She’s too busy, I think, for running a B & B. When she has spare time, she wants to read and garden and listen to music.
Wonderful! That blue furniture is truly envy-provoking. Glad you’re going with the white crest rail.
I’d like that furniture here at the cottage. So would Don!
All I can say is, “OH MY GOODNESS”!!! I love, love, LOVE what you’ve created with the rooftop deck! It’s absolutely perfect Claudia, and I’m now officially jealous that my own dollhouse doesn’t have a rooftop deck. I didn’t remember the red floor in the potting shed … it’s perfect. I vote for the white railing, I think it looks really good next to your hedges.
Yep. I think you’re right. The white railing is a go! Thanks, Debbie!
If only you could have heard my gasps and oohs and aahs while paging through this post. Claudia this is just amazing.
Do you plan to start another any time soon?.
thanks for sharing
Sue
I do. Don’t tell anyone, but there’s a contest on Miniatures.com. I’m not necessarily going to enter it, but the structure they are using intrigues me. You can use it for anything, but I’m thinking I’m going to make it into a miniature recording studio/music hideaway for Don. I don’t want him to know, but he doesn’t always read the blog, so I think I can get away with saying it here.
After that, I’m going to find some sort of house I can build that will be like a Chautauqua cottage.
I’m excited at the prospect of starting on these projects. And, of course, the dollhouse still needs little details here and there. I’ll keep working on that, too.
Loving the rooftop garden! Especially, as I’ve said before, that gorgeous green wicker chair and ottoman, which are even cozier now with those pretty cushions. Boo is another perfect touch, although I agree a climbing plant on the side of the potting shed would be great. PS – looks like Caroline might be serving ‘Tang’ today. :>)
It does sort of look like Tang, Janet! Thanks for the kind words.
OK, this is it. I’ve had a half finished dollhouse for 20 years and I’m dusting it off for sure. The work you’ve done and the love that went into this place is beyond the beyonds. I’m totally reinvigorated. When raising the kids I thought my mini place was just another house to dust. :)
One note of caution, if you add mini climbing plants watch for mini Japanese beetles.
Those pesky Japanese Beetles don’t come in mini form, thank goodness! (I suppose I could make some, but…)
This is the cutest thing ever!!!! Your talents know no bounds. I want to move in with Caroline. Thanks so much for sharing!
You are very welcome, Shari! It’s a true joy to share with all of you. I’m real proud of the whole endeavor – and I’ve learned so much!
Your rooftop garden is the cutest thing. Love the adorable furniture and the hedges. I wish my outdoor space was as pretty, the pea gravel pulls it all together too, very nice. I can’t believe I’m jealous of a dollhouse. You’ve done a great job!
Dollhouse gardens don’t get weeds! Unlike my gardens. Thanks for the kind words, Diane!
FABULOUS! I couldn’t be more thrilled with your doll house
Well Done!!. -Judy A
Thank you, Judy! I’m pretty thrilled with it myself!
I looked at this post earlier, Claudia, and have been thinking about it and had to come back to say that I like Caroline’s lovely rooftop sanctuary very, very much! And I haven’t read all the comments, but it looks like you’re going to have to write a novel about Caroline and her wonderful home/life in order to satisfy our curiosity. :O) Pleeease?!!! Enjoy your weekend! Bess
Thank you so much, Bess. I’ll probably reveal little tidbits about Caroline here and there!
Love Love Love!!! I have to admit being a little envious, too. Caroline and her decorator have done a simply superb job!!! I agree that the white wrought iron makes everything just pop. I hope Caroline is properly thankful for the wonderful house and rooftop garden that she has. Great job and thank you for sharing.
I hope she is, too! Thanks, Dottie!
Oh, Claudia, I’m just LOVING this. The chair and ottoman are so inviting. If I were to visit Caroline, I would spend all of my time there:) I agree, the white railing really pops against the dark hedges. Thanks for the tour!
Me too. I want to plop down in that chair and read a book, sipping some lemonade!
Claudia, it’s wonderful! You and Caroline both have excellent taste. I think this is my favorite part but I’m going to have to re-visit the rest of the house just to make sure. Thanks so much for the tour.
You’re so welcome, Charlene! Thanks for taking the tour!
LOVE IT!!!! Adorable!!!! the green wicker, planter and blue wrought iron set with the lemonade is my fav part!!!!
I don’t have a doll house but love seeing them.
Addie
They sure cast a spell on you! Dollhouses and miniatures are enchanting. Thanks so much for taking the tour, Addie.
It’s so much fun to look through your doll house and see all that you have done to furnish it in a very REAL way as though people actually live in it. I agree, do paint the railing white…. the black is almost invisible.
The white railings are on the way. I’m going to save the black ones should I even want to use them again. Thanks, Diane!
The roof top garden is adorable!
Thank you, Cindy!
The rooftop garden is lovely! And you take great photos of the minatures! Congrats on getting published in the magazine! And I am using far too many exclamation points …
You can never use too many exclamation points – well, you can, but not today!
Thank you for your kind words, Leanne.