Easter Bunnies and … Puppies!

Since me and the hubby are in the midst of moving it seemed only logical (okay, if only just to me) that my mom host Easter Dinner … which happens to be my most favorite holiday!  And as it was at Thanksgiving I only had one task – to make some yummy Easter potato salad – but this turned out much better!

I needed potatoes and …

eggs, and what else? … I better check my recipe card!

So, I cooked the potatoes …

And soon Voila! Yummy Easter Potato Salad!

(During the Summer I will often bring this to friends’ BBQ’s – its always a hit!)

So on Easter Day I spent time with my family – and the food was delish!  All my favorite foods – deviled eggs, kielbasa, potato salad, broccoli & cheese – just to name a few!

And the best part was my Easter Present … a new puppy!

Meet Bert!

Isn’t he just the cutest!  I’ll tell you more about him tomorrow!

Happy Easter!

Love,

Freesia Always Freshens Things Up!

I am just in love with these Freesia lactea blossoms!

Freesias have some of the most lovely, sweet scents! I am so sad they don’t grow up here in Maine year-round.  They are native of South Africa, and are grown in hardiness zones 10-11 where the summers are dry and winters are sunny, cool and moist. Freesia are dormant in the heat of the summer, but return in the fall.

Many Freesia cultivars were developed for fresh cut flowers or as potted plants. Freesias are grown from corms, and can be grown in the soil or under glass.  A cool greenhouse will work well for these non-hardy perennials, and  its better to select specially prepared corms if growing outdoors for summer blooms in cooler zones. Many times Freesia must be staked, but when grown in mixed borders the surrounding plants will do a good job of holding up the flower heads!

For all of you lucky ducks who live in warmer climates, plant your Freesia corms 3″ deep and 2-3″ apart in full sun with well-drained, fairly fertile soil in spring and you’ll have some wonderful summer flowers!  And if you are doubly-lucky and live in a frost-free zone, plant your corms in the fall and you’ll have spring blooms!

These purple Freesia alba ‘Blue Haven’ are just as lovely as the white F. lactea, and Bonus they posed pretty nicely for me too!

Living way below hardiness zone 10, I have to be content growing mine indoors …

To grow some pretty freesias under glass, add a little grit to your regular soil-based potting mix, keep moist and grow in shade until it establishes itself.  Then move the pot to a full sun location with good ventilation and water freely.  The ideal temperature for these babies is 55 degree F. Once flower buds appear you can apply a balances liquid fertilizer weekly until after the plant flowers, when you can gradually reduce watering until dry.  Now you can store your Freesia corms for next late summer/fall!

Have a Sweet Day!

Love Always,

Running, Running, Running!

I think I took too much time smelling the roses, or Bougainvillea as the case may be …

Since returning from my Key West Vacation, I have been running around trying to get everything ready for my first wholesale show! (The New England Products Trade Show) 

I have been preparing for a while, but there always seems like there is something more to do. 

I'm still putting the finishing touches on my booth and adding more prints and products for display. The people at Lowes have been seeing so much of me lately …

And even though my stretcher bars arrived weeks ago, they have been taunting me from their opened box. We both know I had to start putting them together before I stretch and wrap my canvas, but there was always so much other work to be done!

Here's the first few I put together – it was much easier than I thought it would be. I am so excited to wrap my canvases now! I will be introducing canvas gallery wraps in the shop on Saturday! There will be some other completely new goodies there too! I can't wait to share them with you, and the only reason I have actually waited is that I was too busy over the last two weeks to spill!

As I've been working, printing and preparing for the show, my dog and cat have been underfoot. I think they think they are management … that it is their job to keep me on task.

And here my kitty is reminding me that there are also some household tasks that require my attention, the laundry has been waiting for my attention for a some time! I personally think they should just be happy I've been remembering to feed them!

Also, in addition to all this craziness of my upcoming show, I have been working on giving my website and shop a facelift. I've already changed its overall appearance, but I'm adding some fun new features (hopefully they will be done by the end of the week), including a rotating photograph slider on the homepage and a completely new page: Ask the Horticulturist! I'm very excited about these new changes, and hopefully they'll be done soon, but since I do all my own website work it may take a bit longer.

Oh! And did I mention the hubby and I are looking to move! We've been looking around a lot lately, but we're looking at something new this Tuesday and I think this could be it!  Check back and I'll share some photos of the house we are looking at! 

Happy Monday!

Got A Little Stuck Today …

Well, I don't know what to say, but I think this picture says it all …

Yes, that is in fact my car at the end of my driveway, approximately 800 feet from my front door.

You may be asking why is the car still at the end of the driveway …

While I am standing in the middle of our driveway …

Well, I got stuck.

I stayed the night with my mom & sister for our little "Oscar Party"

That is our Superbowl (sorry to say I just can't get into football).

So this morning while driving home, the weather wasn't at its best – a combination of snow, sleet and rain …

And another 4-5 inches of snow in my driveway.

I drove the whole way home – not a problem.

But my driveway … was a problem.

I shoveled in front & behind my tires and another 8 feet in front of the car in hopes I could get it further up the driveway … but no.

So I trudged back to the house and took a shower – I was a bit icky after all the snow, rain and sweat from shoveling (which is much more physical than it looks when the hubby is shoveling … I have to give him more credit now)!

Once he got home, my man went out and got my car (and his also since it was stuck behind mine) shoveled out and up the driveway into the garage. He is so good to me!

I had planned on talking about what I have been working on over the past week (which is why I haven't been blogging as much last week), but this little driveway situation has taken all of my attention today.

So I will be sharing my big project with you tomorrow!

Hope you are enjoying better weather and driving smoothly!

I Think I Have a Case of ‘Tulip Mania’

My sweet husband bought me some tulips (Tulipa spp.) this Valentines Day, and I am so excited to share them (and some growing tips) with you!

Most people (including me once) thought tulips originated in Holland, but they were first discovered in Turkey. Not to bore you with all the details, but suffice it so say, they moved to the Netherlands … and in a short time the 'Tulipomania' rage soon took over.

It may seem kind of strange today, but in the 1630's the Tulip made quite a spectical of itself. Both historians and economists are bemused by the outrageous prices of tulips during the Dutch Golden Age. It is well documented that the 'Admiral van Enkhuijsen' tulip bulb once sold for the equivalent of 15 years salary of a common Amsterdam bricklayer!  

The history of Tulipa spp. is very interesting (if you are are passionate about botanical history, check out the book, The Tulip by Anna Pavord which I reviewed here), but I think they make a phenomenal plant because anyone can grow them – even if you think you have a black thumb!

Tulips are perennials in zones 4-6, and once they are planted (pointy-side up, hairy-side down is best, but if you are planting hundreds, they will find which way is up) require little maintenance once they bloom. Many cultivars are acceptable for forcing, especially if they are early bloomers.

I like to plant my tulip bulbs in mid-October (I'm a zone 5-er).  You want them in the ground only a few weeks before the first frost. If the bulbs are planted too early they will start growing, which may cause them to die over the winter or not flower at all in the spring. When planting, they do not need any fertilizer or compost in the hole, and in fact if you do either it may burn the bulb and kill the plant. You can add a balanced fertilizer after planting.

Tulips make a great display in beds and borders. Plant your tulips side-by-side in groups of 3 or 5 in a sunny location (at least 6 hours) for a good show. They like fertile, well-drained soil best. And a neutral to slightly-acidic pH if you are a meticulous gardener.

While growing, water moderately and use a balanced liquid fertilizer weekly until 3-4 weeks after the bloom period is finished.

Once tulips bloom, cut the flower at the base and bring it inside or give it to a friend or loved one – tulips have a vase life of a week or more if you change the water regularly and keep them in a nice cool place! 

Don't worry about the leaves, let them yellow or die back to the ground before you cut them off, so wait about 6 weeks after flowering to cut back the leaves. This allows the bulb grow and prepare to flower the following year!

Also, don't worry about watering your bulbs in the heat of the summer, they like hot, dry summers and cool, wet springs. And if you do water the bulbs, this could cause them to rot. Tulips are very susceptible root and bulb rots in wet, poorly-drained soils.

To extend the bloom display of your tulips, stagger several varieties so they bloom in succession over a longer period.  

Here's a peek at some more tulips … in one of my cabinets!

 … I think I came down with a case of 'Tulipomania' years ago!

Some Sun from Key West

Since the hubby and I live up in the northeast we like to take our vacations in the winter (which we seem to have this pattern of taking them in February), that way we don't have to miss the Maine summer. So this year we went to Key West, Florida.

When we usually go on vacation we get the single room which is very nice, but this time since we were going with my parents and sister (who in the end had to stay home due to work), we stayed together in a 3-bedroom suite.  Awe-some! 

So, the only thing missing was my sister … it just wasn't the same without her.

We visited Ernest Hemingway's house.

All I remember of Hemingway, was the torture of Old Man and the Sea during the summer before 7th grade … It took me all summer to find out (Watch Out SPOILER!) … the fisherman catches the big fish, buy sharks devour it before he gets back. And then he plans to go fishing again.

I'm thinking that now that I am older and I don't have to read it, maybe I'll like it better.

As always, when on vacation I try to visit as many gardens as possible …

So being the good man he is, my husband took me to the Key West Botanical Garden …

… AND to the Butterfly Garden …

which had birds too …

… and to Nancy Forrester's Secret Garden too.

He is a very good man.

The more tropical climates have such different flowers and plants than the northeast, I really enjoyed all the foliage and flowers.

And succulents too!

One thing that I did NOT enjoy was the lizards! I usually am pretty good about reptiles, but check this guy out!

I did not realize he was above us in the tree, until he started to move around and came down. You may not be able to tell since I used a wide-angle lens, but this iguana was between 5 and 6 feet long!

This guy was smaller.

So when we weren't walking around town, eating, checking out galleries, we stopped at the art museum. Which coincidentally had this cool art exhibit …

 Yes, that is me in the art. They have these life-size dioramas and backgrounds for 5 or 6 famous paintings by Gustave Cailleotte and Edouard Manet. All I can say is: Very. Cool.

And check out this pelican and his little buddy!

There's more to our trip, but that's all for now, hope you enjoyed my little tour of Key West.  

Have a wonderful weekend!

Wake Up to a Little Sunshine!

When I wake up in the morning I am so happy, "the day is fresh, there's not mistakes in it" (yet) according to Lucy Maud Montgomery and Anne of Green Gables.

That was one of my favorite books growing up, and still is to this day. I even dressed up as Anne for Halloween when I was about 12 years old – I loved Anne & the books so much; I was so excited!

I still think that saying is true, that when you start the day, you have a clean slate, there are no mistakes … yet! And I love that, especially as I am known to make many, many mistakes.

So when I get ready in the morning, I open the shades and sit at my vanity (another flea market find – just needed a coat of paint!) and get myself ready for another day. I think the sunshine can definitely improve your mood and what a wonderful way to jump-start the day with a good attitude! 

And mum's don't hurt either …

So while I rev myself up for the day, I hope you can find a little sunshine and have a wonderful day!

“I’ll be your ROW-MEO”

My sister sent me the sweetest Valentine's Day card!

And I thought it was so cute I wanted to share!

I love vintage-inspired cards and this one is awesome! I love how it is somewhat 3-D (the puppies in the boat are raised) and has a little glitter! Isn't everything better with a little glitter?!

I just love getting mail and it's even better when it is something pretty from someone you love!

My sister always gives the best gifts – she always knows just what to get you. Her gifts are always thoughtful and are just my (or a friend's) style! 

I added some sea urchins I picked up from our little vacation last week!

The hubby and I just got back from a week in Key West (ahhh, the sun!) and we decided that the trip would be our Valentines Gift to each other … but of course I still got him a little something!

Later this week I'll have to share with you what I picked up for my little sister in our travels – I am so proud! Since she's this fabulous gift giver, I always want to give her something just as meaningful, and I think she's really going to love it!

We're still unpacking, so later this week I'll be blogging some sunny photos and funny stories from our trip! I feel like I must share as much of the sun and warmth as I can, since I'm always soaking up the sunshine from everyone else's blog who isn't shoveling themselves out of a few feet of snow!

Wishing you a Happy Valentines Day!

Love, 

It’s the Little Things … Little Things Friday

Do you ever have some little things that just make you happy to use, wear or look at? I think its the small things that make you happy, or maybe it's just if you have the ability to enjoy the small things, then its easy to be happy? I don't know – either way I have a few of them!

I picked up this bracelet a week ago and adore it so much that I've been wearing it with every outfit I've worn since then – even if it doesn't match! (did you notice it's green … my favorite color!)

I have this turtle from my grandmother that I use to hold my jewelry (which the total can summed up in this picture) when I take it off at night. And this special ring that used to belong to my mother-in-law, and her mother-in-law. The ring gets passed down to the oldest son to give his wife – so I know it's only on loan for another lucky girl – but boy it is beautiful!

And have I mentioned I love to read … these are some of my favorite gardening books that are by my bedside right now. I tend to thumb through the herb book – its a great reference tool, and even though I've read the Lavender Grower's Guide before I enjoy looking over it at least once a year, both before and during the spring season. The others are newer additions to my collection of gardening books and are on my reading list ….

They're a lot to move around …

And another Paperwhite, (see my post on Narcissus papyraceus to get some great info on growing your own!)I really never have enough.

And here are some mini Irises I found – they are so dainty & delicate I feel like I'm going to break them with my rough & tough handling!

Hope everyone can find some happiness in the little things today.

My Memories are All Coming Up Roses

J.M. Barrie once said, " God gave us our memories so that we might have roses in December."

While I adore all plants (okay … almost all plants – vetch is still on my naughty list) I usually am not so-taken with roses.  It may have something to do with a little personality quirk of mine – I always like to be different, even as a kid.

Here's an example: While I was in elementary school many of the girls in my class were joining brownies or girl scouts, and my mom asked me if I ever wanted to join. Now, I will tell you I said no, but you'll never guess why … I told her "No, not if I have to wear the same uniform as everyone else."  I was 8. I told you – weird personality quirk. They did lots of neat stuff that I missed out on because of my own peculiarity.

So while it isn't December anymore and while I don't normally pick up roses (I personally like the softness of peonies or bountiful hydrangea flowers), these were so pretty. The pink is so soft, and the white so creamy it just made me think of the spring.

These flowers took me back to a particular year in my garden at my first house which had the same palette. They brought back all the good memories I had there – of a day I made Watermelon & Basil Margaritas (totally fantastic – highly recommend!) from the Martha Magazine for friends & family.

Of planting out about 300 salmon and white impatiens which grew into a brilliant bed around my deck! And of growing my 'Sara Bernhardt' Peonies and dealing with some unsightly powdery mildew – which did go away with a bit of TLC.

^{(Just a to give you an idea of my impatiens … we had loads more … everywhere!)}

But that is what is so great about flowers, they can be a pick-me-up on a sad day, give you the exercise and enjoyment from gardening and transport you to a warm and wonderful spring or summer memory just by looking at them!