With all the smoke in the air, I feel like I'm on the set of a scary movie! The air quality has been so poor, making gardening (at such a busy, crucial time) nearly impossible. Yet, somehow the garden does not disappoint...so many plants bloom in the same week. I don't recall this happening in… Continue reading Everything is blooming…
The new perennial garden beds…
Now that the paving stones are in place, the next step is planning the perennial borders along the walkways. I've been to practically every greenhouse in the city, some more than once, hoping to find just the perfect white perennials that grow in full sun in my growing zone. As it turns out, this may… Continue reading The new perennial garden beds…
Almost happy hour….
In January, I posted a blog titled "Mood Boards" and talked about the "Happy Hour" room we are working on. The image left (from Pinterest) was one of the inspirations from my mood board for the floor. The creation of the painted "mosaic tile" floor has begun with the help of many...one… Continue reading Almost happy hour….
Round One of the Spring Cleanup…
There is just no easing your body into the garden season! Thankfully this week, I've had my niece helping me with the spring cleanup; honestly, she has done most of the heavy lifting. And where did ALL the leaves come from? I raked last fall, but there are still endless bags of dried twigs and… Continue reading Round One of the Spring Cleanup…
Men at work…and Charlie…grrrrr
Poor Charlie! She's completely worn out after trying to put the run on all the workers (intruders, by her account!) doing the landscaping project of expanding the walkways in the back garden. Her circuit was repeated all day from the front to the back door to the kitchen window. And she has barked… Continue reading Men at work…and Charlie…grrrrr
The Unwrapping…
One of the scariest days of spring is when I take the burlap off the boxwood hedges. I'm always relieved to see the bright green leaves that look almost neon compared to the surrounding landscape. So far, so good. It looks like the hedge faired well over the winter. There are a few dried… Continue reading The Unwrapping…
Beauty and the beach…
It's been four years since my last visit to La Jolla. Before the pandemic, we went at least once a year, sometimes twice or even more. I believe I've been there every month of the year...with the exception of May. It's always been amazing, but I now realise I took it for granted, thinking… Continue reading Beauty and the beach…
Where have all the shops gone…
You know that sad 1960s folk song, "Where Have all the Flowers Gone"? That's how I feel about the closing of so many retail stores. However, when I looked up the meaning of the lyrics, the site suggested: "that even though the flowers have died, new ones will eventually grow in their… Continue reading Where have all the shops gone…
Seeing green…
I may not be wearing green on this St. Patrick's Day, but I am celebrating the beginning of Spring. Every year on March 17, I start my gardening season by planting cuttings and seedlings. It's an easy date to remember, and the timing works out nicely with the last frost dates (hopefully)… Continue reading Seeing green…
Embracing the grey…
I stopped colouring my hair in 2016, about five years after I should have! My hair started going grey when I was in my thirties. Ultimately, it was a nightmare staying on top of the dreaded "skunk" line; my hair completely revolted by no longer holding the dye..it just washed away. It was a battle… Continue reading Embracing the grey…