Barefoot August: Splendor in the Grass and Sweet Bohemian Dreams…

Splendor in the Grass – Impromptu Straw Bale Seating from Paige Gilchrist’s    The Big Book of Backyard Projects Image â“’ Janice Eaton Kilby

Long, languid, hazy days… August and everything after. Grab a baguette on the way home and some herb-scented cheese. Toss aside your iphone and kick off your shoes. Spread an old quilt in the meadow, open up a picnic basket and pop the cork on a split of champagne. Listen to the songbirds, marvel at the dragonflies, and watch the golden sunlight dance along the tips of tall grass. It’s high summer and the season is ripe –so squeeze out every last, sweet, juicy drop…

‘Tis the Season for French Lemonade, Sun-warmed Blankets and Rustic Picnic Baskets â“’ Michaela at TGE

Gather your friends up for a spontaneous, August soirée. Autumn will be here all too soon, so why not buy your mulch a bit early and create a temporary outdoor living room of straw bale lounge chairs and sofas? Add a few bright, comfy blankets and pillows —and perhaps a couple of cocktail trays to your improv tables— and you have the perfect scene for a late summer party. The best part? Not only is this seating a true bargain, but it’s 100% recyclable as well. Simply cut the twine and add the straw to your kitchen garden for a winter mulch, or slowly sprinkle the remains in your compost pile…

Image â“’ Janice Eaton Kilby from The Big Book of Backyard Projects

Inspired? I found this quirky furniture set —complete with easy instructions for assembly— in The Big Book of Backyard Projects, which I recently reviewed in my weekly post for Barnes & Noble’s Garden Variety Blog (click here to read review/buy book from B&N). This particular project is one of my favorites, but editor Paige Gilchrist has included literally hundreds of other creative ideas for building, repurposing and recycling items in the garden —including some fantastic furniture plans and project patterns— all for less than $20.

Summertime Picnic in the Meadow â“’ Michaela at TGE

Jet-Black Jewels at the Edge of the Meadow â“’ Michaela at TGE

Zucchini Bread and Blackberries on Curious Old Bavarian Plates â“’ Michaela at TGE

Wild Blackberries â“’ Michaela at TGE

A Slice of Sweet Bread and a Tea Cup Full of Berries â“’ Michaela at TGE

August Meadow Hues â“’ Michaela at TGE

Wildflowers â“’ Michaela at TGE

Sunspots in the Flame Grass (Miscanthus sinensis purpurascens) â“’ Michaela at TGE

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Image excerpts from reviewed publication are copyright as noted and linked.

Article and all other photographs â“’ 2010 Michaela at TGE

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