Need a little garden inspiration?  Look no further than local garden tours. They're a great way to get ideas for what grows in your area, get a chance to meet a neighbor, and nose around some pretty amazing places. This weekend there are lots of events sponsored by the Garden Conservancy, but it is worth keeping an eye out locally for other events as well. 

Each of these can make a room feel at once interesting and elegant.

• Jamaica Plain, MA: Moroccan Lamp - $1365
  
• Los Angeles, CA: Brass Tray - $650
  
• Watertown, MA: Wooden Table - $120
  
• New York, NY: Glass Lantern - $150
  
• Santa Monica, CA: Mahogany Cabinets - $350
  

Both the temperatures and the sales are heating up as we move into June. From classics like Herman Miller to contemporary looks from Magis, there are deals to be had along with art, crafts and local goodies at city fests, fairs and fundraisers. Check it all out in the Weekend Guide, pass it on and be sure to send us your own sale or event.

Despite Boston's abundant amount of green space, there are very few local shopping options for urban gardeners. Lindsey Swett, a lifelong green thumb, got tired of making trips to the 'burbs for supplies, so she started Niche for people like herself, no Zipcar necessary.

Like this Small Cool 2013 contest entry? Favorite it below!

Name:

Emily

Location:

Boston, MA

Square Feet:

675

Division:

Little

What I Love About My Small Home:

Despite the size, I feel like I never will outgrow the space. It has everything I want in an apartment: charm, function, sunlight, splashes of color, local art and an open layout. My favorite spot is the tiny porch off my bedroom. It gets amazing morning sunlight - perfect for coffee and a newspaper - and then a great view of the Boston skyline at night.

Like this Small Cool 2013 contest entry? Favorite it below!

Name:

Yamini

Location:

Boston, MA

Square Feet:

485

Division:

Tiny

What I Love About My Small Home:

I remember falling in love with this apartment almost instantly as I walked through the doors. It was the windows really: four big windows letting in swathes of gorgeous afternoon sun light. In fact, my favorite thing to do really is to sit under my counter and look at the apartment, taking in the play of light on my turquoise walls. I love that despite being such a small apartment, there’s a proportional division of space between the kitchen, living area, and bedroom without making it look too closed off. It’s also rather quirky in that the walls are uneven and the ceiling is a little crooked, which though made structural changes really difficult, makes it that much more unique. Yet its biggest selling point is really the location. I’m within walking distance to downtown, close to Whole Foods and a whole bunch of restaurants and coffee shops, the cinema and art museum, all whilst surrounded by a whole lot of green!