This past weekend was the official kick-off for Summer 2021, and what a difference a year makes! Finally, there seems to be something to look forward to...like seeing friends and family again, eating out in restaurants and possibly even travelling. What could be better? The onset of Summer 2021 will bring excitement… Continue reading Summer…
Peonies…
Is there anything more beautiful than a row of peonies in full bloom? Peonies have been a part of the floral mix in gardens for centuries (1000BC!). They have a nostalgic feel along with their beauty and scent... my grandmother grew peonies in her simple garden at the edge of massive vegetable beds. As part… Continue reading Peonies…
A difficult choice…
At the end of June, we will be getting our Labradoodle puppy, and in the coming week, we have to decide which puppy is coming home with us. We have the fourth pick of the litter, which eliminates some of the choices, but how do you pick one over the others? Last week the breeder… Continue reading A difficult choice…
My Extended Family…
By the beginning of June, we can be fairly confident if a plant or shrub in the garden hasn't started to push out greenery, it probably didn't survive the winter. This is always a sad reality, knowing that plants, too, have a life cycle. I was reminiscing with my daughter about the loss of… Continue reading My Extended Family…
Lily of the Valley…a lucky charm
This photo (left) and quote are found in Carolyne Roehm's book, Flowers, where she has dedicated a chapter to Lily of the Valley. Like her, I have an affection for this simple, delicate, fragrant, hardy woodland flower that grows so effortlessly in our Northern Hemisphere gardens. On May 1, France celebrates, La… Continue reading Lily of the Valley…a lucky charm
Rainy Days…
I love a rainy day, which makes me, by definition, a pluviophile, which by the way is not a word in my personal lexicon! The garden looks so beautiful during and after a rain. Dust and debris are washed away, leaving behind a lustre that cannot be replicated by watering with tap water. Have you… Continue reading Rainy Days…
Baseless Pots…
As part of my garden transformation, I decided to "experiment" with baseless pots. After watching the "Bunny Guinness YouTube" channel, I couldn't wait for the opportunity to implement this idea into some of my garden beds. Bunny Guinness (see April 22 blog post for more information on her) has used baseless… Continue reading Baseless Pots…
An Uplifting Mother’s Day…
The past year has been hard for many of us...so much loss, sacrifice and suffering. For me, it meant losing both my mom and my precious little dog, Chloe. Although time eases the sadness, when special occasions or holidays come along, the heartstrings are tugged on once again... Not only is it Mother's Day… Continue reading An Uplifting Mother’s Day…
More boxwood…
The retailer in me is always hopeful that local businesses are doing well. Last summer, I'd ask employees at my favourite garden centres how business was, and at first, I was surprised at how well they were doing, in light of what the media reported daily about how devastating the impact of the pandemic had… Continue reading More boxwood…
Another reason to drink wine by the box…
The Rose House opened at my favourite greenhouse last weekend, where roses of every colour and variety are lined up on benches tempting any rose lover to buy everything in sight. So many roses, so little space! This is a photo of Bunny Guinness. I am hooked on her YouTube channel...my only regret is… Continue reading Another reason to drink wine by the box…