Need a Break …

This little patio in the woods is a good place to start.

Who needs a little break from the heat right about now? It’s time to escape to the mountains for some cool air.

You all know how much I love a good garden or home tour to find new ideas and inspiration. The biennial Joy Garden Tour was held last weekend here in Cashiers, and luckily, a friend invited me—I had totally forgotten about it!

After the tour, my brain began overflowing with new ideas for my back garden.

Have a break from the sweltering heat and enjoy a green shady garden escape!

Hydrangea and hosta line this nearby creek bed.

I love this storybook cottage and its front entry.

Boxwood and hydrangea line the gravel entry drive and that appears to be creeping fig on the stone wall.

More Annabelle hydrangea and boxwood fill the side entry.

These tall arbotvitae mark the side entry to another courtyard.

Love this little courtyard!

What a perfect place for an espalier.

The stone fireplace on the porch is inset with an old millstone—great idea.

What a wonderful place to enjoy the cool mountain air.

xo♥, Lissy

All photos by Lissy Parker for lissyparker.com. You are welcome to ‘borrow’ my photos—just please credit and link the source.