First Naturtium Blossom

The few nasturtiums that survived my overwintering project were planted outside a few weeks ago and I already have one blossom. I learned that they still need a lot of watering while overwintering indoors. I lost quite a few in the basement because I didn't go down there often enough to nurture them. Click here to see them in pots inside my cottage.

Here is a photo of the seed packet.

This photo of mine was posted in August 2008 when my blog was brand new and it still gets a lot of attention from my side bar when viewed on a computer. I remember thinking at the time it was awfully early to see any fall color.

I am planning to enjoy a day with no rain today. Fingers crossed. xo

Life Cycle of a Maple Tree

I photographed this maple leaf yesterday between showers and there just happened to be a seedpod nearby. My upstairs balcony floor is absolutely covered with these little helicopters and I am surprised that I don't have a maple forest because of them. Today promises to be the first nice day in ages and I am thankful because I have to meet home inspectors at ten o'clock this morning for a pre-listing inspection. Wish me luck! Fingers crossed. See you later. xo

Beautiful Astilbe Leaves in my Garden

My astilbe plant is loving the constant rain we've been having. I love the leaves even more than the white flowers that will come later. I found a link at White Flower Farm you can look up to show you what they will look like -- Astilbe x arendsii 'Bridal Veil'

Three Black Face Sheep

I love these sheep with their black faces, ears and legs. I would love to have a hand-knit camel colored sweater made from their natural fleece. Aren't they darling? via

Happy Mother's Day

Anna and Tabitha

My mother was always afraid Tabitha would run away and always walked her on a leash. Anna died in 2012 at age 92 and Tabitha pass about three years later. I still feel that my mom is right by my side and she lives in my heart. Happy Mother's Day to all of you. 

Lovely Raised Bed Flower Garden

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I have always loved plantings so close together that weeds don't have a chance. I no longer look at photos like this and want them for myself. I know my limitations and am quite happy with what I've got. I like perennials, geraniums, nasturtiums, limelight hydrangeas and milkweed, lambs ears, and peonies. I overwinter my hardier plants. Right now my lilies of the valley are blooming and I have large buds on my peonies. My Lady's Mantle has been enjoying capturing all the raindrops we've had lately too. I don't do store-bought mulch like most people because I prefer wood chips in my beds. How does your garden grow? Enjoy all of my individual links leading to various photos around my cottage gardening. xo

Be Patient with Yourself

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Don't you just love this quote? I can't imagine living without Spring because I really come alive then after a long winter of being inside. I have to work extra hard to get things done before the hot weather sets in and I absolutely wilt. We are having an extra-late Spring and I'm loving it. xo

Warming Up in Badger's Kitchen by Chris Dunn

Click on photo to enlarge. via

I love the way Badger has decorated his country kitchen. He looks like the perfect host too.

Gorgeous Planter with Spring Bulbs

I never think of planting spring bulbs in a container until it's too late. This old cememt planter is gorgeous and I love the weathered patina. These bulbs look right at home and I love the contrast between old and new. via

Click here for an important message from the children's book author, Roald Dahl, on the death of his daughter, Olivia, when she had measles at the age of seven. 

Lamb on Bredon Hill, Worcestershire

So cute. Photo of this shy lamb was found here.

Wonderful Bathroom with Two Sinks

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There are so many things I love about this bathroom. Number one is the painted floor. Number two is the opening to a balcony. Number three is the two vintage pedestal sinks. Number four is the built-in cupboards. Number five is the black french doors with rollup bamboo shades. Now if I could only see the rest of the room.

UPDATE: I have the best followers. Lynette found the tub view for us. Thank you!!!

Merry May by Walter Crane

I am a few days welcoming May. So far, she's has been chilly and rainy. I heard on the news this morning that in the past 20 days, 16 of them had rain. I have had to mow earlier and more frequently this spring than in any other. An illustration from: The procession of the months: the verses by Beatrice Crane; the designs by Walter Crane, [1889]. via Houghton Library at Harvard.

Rabbit with Peonies

"My soul can find no staircase to Heaven unless it be through Earth's loveliness." Michelangelo

The Wonderful Artist: Koo Schandler's Homepage

The peonies here at my cottage are standing tall but have no buds yet. They are aching for some sun but there is none on the horizon for the upcoming week. They can't complain about lack of rain though because we have had plenty. Have a great weekend no matter what the weather.

💦💧💦💧💦💧💦UPDATE: I was wrong. All of my peonies have small buds. Yay!

A Carolina Wren Nesting on my Balcony

I snapped these photos yesterday when this nesting wren came out for a breath of fresh air. See more information about this tiny bird here. I am looking forward to more activity when this pair has to deal with feeding their young.

Scottish Blackface Sheep: Ewe + Lamb

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Mother and child portrait. Click on the link above to learn more about this easy-care breed.

Potting Shed in a Walled Garden

via my Instagram.

I took this photo yesterday at a Broker Open House tour. I have worked really hard for the past month on my three large 30-year-old English Boxwood trimming away the winter kill and yellow leaves and they look wonderful. I dug them up and brought them with me from my previous home. Every year, the deep snow breaks a few branches but I manage to rearrange the inner branches to conceal the gaps. I have noticed lots of new growth in the center and that makes me happy. Happy May Day!

Smooth Sailing

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Safe and secure on Mother Swan's back. So sweet.

Climbing Roses + Embroidery Stitches

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There are so many charming elements wrapped up in a single photo, right?

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This handmade cloth needlework book illustrating embroidery stitches is truly a treasure and a work of love. I think this woman is the creator of this embroidery book.

Watering the Pots to Start the Seeds

I should be doing this but I have yet to deal with my seeds. I love this old wooden crate filled with peat pots and lots of good earth. via

Pretty in Pink

Pink perfection. It's nice to see a well-maintained home, even if it's painted pink. via

Bunny Ears

He's betting back to normal after a very busy Easter, hiding all those eggs. via

Throw Open the Windows

Isn't it joyous to be able to open the windows again? I have been sleeping with one in my bedroom open for about a week and I adore waking up to birdsong. I like what I can see in this country kitchen. The marble backsplash and marble windowsill are nice with the wooden countertop. I have always wanted windows that open like this but everything has a trade off. I would have to move all the stuff I have on my kitchen sill before I could open them. via

Wild Violets + My Living Room

I need to do a third mowing but I don't have the heart to decapitate my wild violets. They are considered to be a broad leaf weed by some, but not me!!!!

I love both varieties. These are solid purple.

These are white with purple pansy-like faces.

Grape hyacinths, crowded out by long grass, but still gorgeous.

A view of my living room as seen from my kitchen. French doors on either side of the sofa lead to my balcony that was power washed on Saturday. I cannot believe how controlling I am when I hire outside help. The workers did a fabulous job at the house I am getting ready to list but they didn't bring those skills to my cottage. WHY? But in the end, my balcony floor looks much better and my red barn garage looks brand new. So all is well I suppose. I am actually so much happier doing things myself. I am a hard taskmaster when I hire things out and I can usually work circles around almost any worker. 

Now if I only had a chain saw and a power washer of my very own. 😂

My Favorite Gardening Tools

I probably own every gardening tool that was ever invented but I use these two the most. All of my tools are second hand purchases from garage sales or in the case of these two, side of the road finds.

graphics fairy

HAPPY EASTER

See all of my Easter posts over the years here. The weather at my cottage today is perfect. Wishing all of you a blessed Easter. xo