Current Obsessions: Bouquets & Boardwalks

Slow down and enjoy: There’s plenty of time left in this lovely summer. Here’s a look at some things we’re considering:

• What to do during a summer rain shower? Make bouquets till the sun comes out.
• Get a glimpse of a secret garden in Beantown.

• Dig the City, the urban gardening festival in Manchester, England, is back until August 10.
• And while you’re in England? Make your way to London’s Garden Museum to see the special exhibit on gardener Alan Titchmarsh; it’s closing August 31st.

• Inspired by Long Island’s beachy shores, Bates Masi Architects designed the hardscape of this Southampton vacation house to resemble a boardwalk.
• A tour that involves drinking wine and seeing art in the rolling hillsides of California’s Marin County can’t be all bad.

• We look for any excuse to toss stone fruit into a savory salad. Thanks to this Pluot Summer Salad Recipe, we didn’t have to look far.
• Spinach popsicles? We’re on board. (The secret: Bananas and pineapple are also involved.)

• Above: Spotted and admired: This Victorian-style bistro table and chair set from Marston & Langinger. Photograph courtesy of Marston & Langinger.
• Recently pinned: string lights. What are you pinning?

For more from this week on Gardenista, see Patterns and Prints. And don’t miss Remodelista’s week of Patterns and Prints for the home.

Today’s the day we announce the winners in the 2014 Considered Design Awards! Stay tuned for the results.