Poppies in Bloom at My Cottage

An overnight miracle.

Four poppies bloomed.

This one befriended the giant mullein.

I am happy beyond words.

Garden Update at My Cottage

The Giant Mullein is living up to its name.

Here it is shortly after I first transplanted it where it had self-seeded next to the foundation of my cottage.

The tangle of poppies haven't bloomed yet but they should be opening soon. The clouds are pretty today.

I haven't missed a day deadheading the gazanias (African daisies) and it has paid off. I am glad they are planted in containers so I don't have to get down on my knees to do the clipping/pinching.

The past several days have been so cool, breezy and pleasant for working outside. xo

Old Teddy Bear Posing for Me

This is one of the first photos I took while trying to master portrait mode on my latest iPhone. I posted this on Instagram this week too and it was well received. I didn't notice that his left ear was turned back but maybe it adds to the charm. At least it's not chewed off like a companion bear's that sits beside this one in an antique child's chair. Webster was responsible for that mishap. Anyway, I hardly ever use my big 35mm camera because it doesn't fit in my pocket. Smile☺

I was asked on Instagram if this jointed teddy bear was mine as a child. Sadly, it wasn't. I picked it up at a garage sale or estate sale long ago in a pile of modern toys for a song. It is a lovely cool Saturday here at the cottage and I have already been weeding for an hour or so. Enjoy the weekend.

My Poppies in Bud Stage

I planted the seeds for these red poppies on a mild day in March when lockdown first began. I had just transplanted my mother's daffodils in a spot that was visible from my kitchen window. It dawned on me that I would have to look at their withering yellow foliage after the daffs stopped blooming. I decided to plant these poppies to take over where the daffodils left off and it worked beyond my wildest hopes. The seed packet was over a year old and I had no idea whether or not the seeds would germinate. Poppy seeds need cold before they can grow and fall is the best time to sow the seeds. We had plenty of cold weather in April and May so my late sowing was successful. Will post more pics when I get blooms.

Enjoy the upcoming weekend. xo

Stunning Flower Photography

There are no words for the beauty of this yellow poppy. via

The Most Beautiful Secret Garden

Oh my goodness, such beauty should not be hidden. If you lived here, wouldn't you want to look out the windows of this charming cottage to see these gardens? Or would you prefer to have it as a hidden garden, behind the hedge? via

Cats and Books

I found this new cat poster on Instagram yesterday and thought the cat looked familiar.

Look closely. It's the same cat. I posted this one on my blog back in May 2017 snd it has been reposted on Pinterest again and again. This expressive artwork by an unknown artist is perfect for so many quotes, isn't it? xo

William Morris Floral Wallpaper

William Morris and Co. via

Red Gazania Unfurling Sunday Morning

In case you are tired of Peonies, I will share another African Daisy that was showing off in my front garden this morning. I love watching the petals as they unfurl. They are such fun flowers! Have a great Sunday. xo

Peony Love at My Cottage

This white single peony is always the first to bloom. Photographed yesterday with an insect as a bonus. When these whites bloom, they are always faintly pink in the opening stage.

The pink mop head peonies will be opening soon.

The red ones are singles too and are about ready to pop.

I don't know if you remember this mystery plant from last year that planted itself in my garden. I have no idea how it got there and I am on the fence about liking it but don't have the heart to dig it up. It has already spread quite a bit. It's called Spider Wort and the leaves are an electric yellow and bright green. The purple flowers grow in clustered pods and bloom once before another pod opens up with a new flower. 

I found this photo on Instagram @eyesasbigasplates and couldn't resist making a screenshot to show you the largest giant red rhubarb I have ever seen. What is it about Norway that makes it grow so large? One stalk would be enough for a pie. I hope these girls were able to share this crop with friends.

It has been raining for the past several days and I have been catching up with paperwork in my attic office. See you later. xo