I never had any other desire so strong, and so like to covetouseness, as that one which I have had always, that I might be master at last of a small house and a large garden.
- Abraham Cowley, "The Garden" (1666)

Monday, 27 August 2012

We camped on Saltspring Island this summer. It is one of the Gulf Islands. What a magical place.
This is a garden center/campground that we visited. Really beautiful and rustic.

 How would you like a shower in here, under a giant Douglas Fir?

Wednesday, 4 July 2012

Summer is finally arriving here, after much rain and coolness.
This climbing rose is just three years old and so happy here. Don't
know the name of it though...
 
Henry mid-yawn...

A few shots of what is going on around here, such as
great big blousy delphiniums...

and nice purple petunias with potato vine...

and an angel keepin tabs on everything.

Saturday, 30 June 2012

Sir Henry in the greens

Path of thyme

There is a path that leads to nowhere...there is a path that leads everywhere..I follow the path and the path follows me.

Sooke Secret Garden Tour






This is just a sample of the gardens we saw when we went on a recent garden tour. It was fun to see what other people are doing in their gardens - got some ideas for ours, and also appreciated our own garden when we came home.

Thursday, 23 February 2012

After several months of somewhat heavy non-fiction reading this winter, I decided to lighten up and get lost in some novels. Just finished a couple of Rebecca Tope, English murder mysteries: A Cotswald Killing and`````uiiiiiiyhuggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggg Oh oops, that was Henry walking across the keyboard! Anyhoo, yes the other one was Fear in the Cotswalds. Both good and harmless reads, with images of beautiful England and coziness and gardens etc. So right now I am reading Enchanted April that I picked up at a thrift store. Really enjoying it alot! Saw the movie long ago, and when I'm done reading the book, will rent the movie.
My friend let me know it was the beginning of Lent and what would I be willing to give up for forty days? I considered and said ,"Liver."  no, but seriously, how about watching the news? I have recently given that up most days, unless it is being watched by husband and I'm in the same room. It is so darn depressing, so I put on some nice music and read, or watch a garden show, (Recreating Eden) most mornings. I think it actually does make a difference. If you are trying to stay peaceful and creative yourself, the news is a toxic dumping of fear and negativity that squelches any hopeful or bright or creative feelings. So later on, will make some tea, and set away a few minutes to escape to Enchanted April, set in warm Italy, while here it is cold and rainy February. cheers!

Enchanted April in February