The breathtaking beauty of these ribbons of tulips grown in the Netherlands is courtesy of a drone image. How I would love to see this in person! Recently I was sitting next to a neighbour (at one of our weekly Wine Wednesday get-togethers) who is from Holland. He started our conversation by asking if I was… Continue reading Tulip Mania…
Category: Beauty
Forcing Beauty…
If you're counting the days until Spring, a trip to the Muttart Conservatory, nestled in Edmonton's river valley, may tide you over. The greenery and scent, along with an explosion of colour, all housed in the four glassed pyramids, is guaranteed to satisfy all those seeking beauty and inspiration for their own gardens. Each… Continue reading Forcing Beauty…
Perfection in the nature…
I love winter and, in particular, snow...I'm sure I'm in the minority on this! Yes, it's been bitterly cold and driving on icy roads is a nightmare, but the beauty that surrounds us is impossible to ignore A winter garden is more beautiful (my opinion!), than when in full bloom at the height of summer.… Continue reading Perfection in the nature…
Chanel No. 5
Before the year comes to an end, I wanted to acknowledge the 100th anniversary of Chanel No. 5 perfume, which debuted on May 5, 1921. Chanel was introduced to Ernest Beaux, by her lover, Grand Duke Dmitri Pavlovich. Although Beaux, was a Russian perfumer to the tsars, he had relocated to Grasse, the world's perfume capital.… Continue reading Chanel No. 5
October Kaleidoscope…
Every month of the calendar year offers something unique, whether it's national or religious holidays, birthdays or anniversaries. Our gardens also offer something special every month; however, is there a month as varied or colourful as October? In a snap of a finger, October magically changes the landscape. Yesterday some leaves were still green, and… Continue reading October Kaleidoscope…
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…
Spring forward…
The sun is shining, snow is melting, and water is running, but as I look out my front window, it's apparent that winter is still very much here. I'm so anxious for Spring that I have been trying to cheat a couple of extra weeks into the coming season...albeit indoors. I've been going to… Continue reading Spring forward…
Aging Gracefully?…
I love this quotation. Age is just a matter of perception...right? And I love those sayings like 60 is the new 40, 50 is the new 30 etc. In reality, though, aging gracefully is not for the faint of heart...especially when others have opinions about how you should approach the passing of years.… Continue reading Aging Gracefully?…