Lady Farmer's Garden

Dreaming.....

2012-01-13T10:07:00.000-08:00

...of gardening days gone by

and

days yet to be.

As I pass by my forlorn little greenhouse,

empty of any growing thing

and home to only the dormant

twigs of grape starts, lemon verbena

and a tub of red wiggler composting worms...

and outside in the garden proper,

the ever growing heap in the compost bin,

cause me to dream of the days ahead, full of promise

for a bountiful harvest of

fresh fruits, berries and vegetables.

The colorful seed catalogs that are arriving

almost daily in the mailbox,

dazzle with their

coffee table worthy photos of

produce displaying every shape, size and

color imaginable.

I dream of the seed trays bursting with

new growth in the sheltering greenhouse...

Spring rains ushering in the cheerful blooms of

daffodils running wild along the edge of the

woodland and charging up the hill of the old

apple orchard...

...the exuberance of the pink dogwood.

I dream of the Swallowtail as she dances

from blossom to blossom,

satisfying her thirst for

the sweet summer nectar,

and of picking and 'putting up' the

delicious jeweled goodness of

my favorite berry...

...crafting with flowers and herbs...

...gathering and filling vases with

blooms in colors of wondrous variety.

I dream of the inspiring towers of beans

that bestow their multitude harvest

to join in the ever growing variety in the bulging pantry.

I dream of the surprise at each newly discovered

pumpkin in the fall garden...

...and the gathering of the last of the unripened

tomatoes...

...only to come full circle, once again, with the

gathering of seeds to save for the next

gardening season.

Though the winter seems long and dreary,

garden time is swiftly approaching.

Time to make decisions,

place orders

and prepare the beds and

pots and trays

so that my gardening dreams may come true.

Joining Kathy for Home and Garden Thursday.

And

Etsy Cottage Style's

Cottage Garden Party

And Homestead Revival's
Barn Hop #45

Lady Farmer's Seed Swap and Share!

2011-11-03T14:41:00.000-07:00

Dear Gardening Friends!

You are cordially invited to attend

Lady Farmer's first official

Seed Swap and Share!

Tomorrow Friday the 4th of November

at 12 noon Pacific time

I will publish my first seed share

post over at

Lady Farmer's Seed Swap.

If you grow flowers, veggies or herbs,

package up those extra seeds

and come visit and

Vintage...

2011-10-20T14:27:00.000-07:00

...irrigators filled with ...

Pansies and Violas...

hang on posts along the driveway...

greeting family and guests

with shots of color...

on grey, rainy days of October.

~*~

Joining Tracie at Fishtail Cottage for

Outdoor Fall Decor #4

and

Deborah Jean for

Farmgirl Friday

Squashed!

2011-10-11T12:07:00.000-07:00

With the continual rains we have been having

and no cool crisp nights in the forecast,

I harvested the remaining squash

and pumpkins from the garden.

I didn't want to risk losing them

to rot or those pesky deer

who have managed to, once again,

find a way into the garden.

I grew and gave away many

plants this year, saving three of

each type of squash for our

own garden.

Three Rouge Vif D'etampes (Cinderella) Pumpkins,

three Carnival (Acorn) Squash

and three Sweet Meat (Hubbard) Squash

produced more than enough for the

two of us to enjoy throughout the

winter.

I will tuck them into beds of hay

in the barn to store them.

Throughout the season, we can uncover

a tasty treasure to serve with our

cozy winter meals.

~*~

If you have never cooked a Sweet Meat Squash

(or other large winter squash)

join me in The Pantry to see

how I prepared one

for our dinner and

for the freezer!

~*~

Joining Jami at An Oregon Cottage for

And
Amy at Homestead Revival for
Barn Hop #31

An Autumn Porch

2011-10-06T12:14:00.000-07:00

My porch is very small, and I don't have a lot to work with

as far as 'decor' goes, so I use what I have and

what I find in the garden, barn and woodland.

Below is the garden 'Welcome' sign that I made

this Spring. I placed it on the bench and

added a branch of wild rose hips.

A homemade grapevine wreath is also adorned with

wild rose hips.

A vintage milk can from my Grandpa's farm is topped

with a yellow garden mum and Cinderella Pumpkins

(Rouge Vif D'Etampes), Carnival and Sweet Meat

Squash harvested from the garden find a place

to greet guests, too!

An old, brilliantly colored wool blanket is draped

across the bench ~ the cats love to scout for farmyard

activity from here while staying out of the weather.

Another pumpkin temporarily holds the place where a burlap

pillow in the making will sit.

An apple basket filled with more squash (and a wayward tomato ~

how'd that get in there?) and a vintage cream can are

next to the bench and an old twig broom with a few sparse

leaves, grasses and pods hangs above.

It's a shock of color but company has no trouble finding the front door!

That's my porch for today ~ it will change as my mood

changes, just like our weather!

Joining Fishtail Cottage for

and

Deborah Jean for

Farmgirl Friday!

Early on a September morning...

2011-09-08T11:35:00.000-07:00

The shadowed trees waking from their requisite slumber

The sun's glorious rays stretch forth in radiant jubilation!

Another day has dawned!

White Echinacea glows in the dawns early light.

Persistent lingering Foxglove, too, rises from her repose.

Enjoying the refreshing coolness of the morning.

Coveting a kiss from the sun!

Sweet Peas extolling praise and adoration with their beauty and sweet perfumed offerings.

Impatiens hanging near a vintage scale, weighing the remaining days of summer.

Common Tansy and Russian Sage...

bow and curtsy before the Summer King on the carpet of sun parched grass.

Fameuse (Snow Apple) reflecting the early morning Majesty!

Fruit of the vine beginning to ripen...

with promised hope.

Rouge Vif D'Etampes (Cinderella) Pumpkin and...

Acorn Squash ~ their time is not yet come ~ but soon!

Sunflowers planted by the birds...

Blooming where they are planted
and always
keeping their faces focused on the Sun!

Joining Tracie at Fishtail Cottage for Cottage Flora!
Susan at A Southern Daydreamer for Outdoor Wednesday
and
Jamie at An Oregon Cottage for Garden Party!
and
Deborah Jean's Farmgirl Friday!

Beans! and the 'Berry Tree'?

2011-08-22T18:37:00.000-07:00

I am so excited! This is the best my beans have done in a very long time! Usually the deer break into the garden and only leave a few leaves and buds at the top of the teepee's, but they haven't gotten into either garden this year! Yay!

bean teepee's early Sunday morning

Six four-legged teepee's reaching high into the sky

My mouth is watering just thinking of the yummy green beans cooked with bacon, onion and garlic ~ just the way my Grandma used to make them! :~P

Or made into a delicious creamy, garden fresh vegetable chowder she used to call 'Mulligan'!

The bean plants are just loaded with blossoms, too, forecasting an abundant harvest in days to come ~ IF the weather cooperates and the deer don't get into the garden! :~O

~*~

On another note ~

I was up behind the barn talking to the Gentleman Farmer while he was stacking the many cords of firewood he has been cutting for our winter heat.

I spotting a strange sight out of the corner of my eye~

there... up in the fir tree...

Do you see it?

A little closer...now do you see it?

Look half way up the tree branches on the left...

There they are ~ Himalayan Blackberries growing up in the Fir Tree about 20 feet in the air!

Too high for me to pick but I see that they are beginning to ripen and I will have to go out picking some for jelly and syrup! More delicious goodness from the farm!
~*~

Joining Amy for Barn Hop #25

and

Jami at An Oregon Cottage for

Tuesday Garden Party

Thank you, ladies, for hosting!

The Apple Tree

2011-08-17T17:26:00.000-07:00

It is mid-August and apple harvest time has begun ~

at least for the Transparent Apple tree which is the first

to fruit here at Cove Cottage Farm.

Step under the canopy of the tree, peer up and behold

the multitude of golden globed apples!

This has been one of the better producing years

for this old tree. And I somehow have managed to

beat the deer to the majority of them!

These sunshiny orbed beauties are not only 'pleasant

to the eyes' they are 'good for food', applesauce

to be precise!

But before they can fulfill their destiny,

they must be picked!

And to see what they are to become...

please follow me to The Pantry!

Joining Tracie at Fishtail Cottage for

Cottage Flora Thursday!

Sweet Peas

2011-08-09T13:38:00.000-07:00

This must be what heaven smells like!
~*~

Joining An Oregon Cottage for

And Tracie for

Wild thing ~ You make my heart sing!

2011-07-26T19:46:00.000-07:00

Gentleman Farmer was cutting some firewood at the top of our property and had asked if I would bring him some cold water to drink. After I brought him a jug of water and a cup, I was looking around to see if there were any little wild black berries ripe for picking. I didn't find any, but I did discover several of these dainty little plants growing out of the rock of an old road bed. I borrowed GF's shovel and a bucket and dug up several in hopes that they might like growing in the dry flower bed in front of the barn. I planted them immediately to give them every opportunity to survive their change of venue.

Close up

Isn't she a pretty little thing?

Scattered along the base of a rose bush

In the bed in front of the barn

Do you have any idea what this little wild flower might be?

I live in Western Washington.
Today I'm joining

An Oregon Cottage for

and

Susan for

Making a 'pot of chocolate'!

2011-07-20T14:06:00.001-07:00

Each Spring, I search for different

'chocolate' scented flowers to create a

'Chocolate Pot'!

I got all of my plants, pots, milk cans , etc.

together and this is the little vignette I came up with.

The chocolate plants that I used are...

Chocolate Mint.
It smells sooo good
and makes a fun addition to a
mug of hot cocoa or tea.

Chocolate Peppermint scented Geranium.
These can be used in many different ways ~
butters, jams, sauces,
flavor cakes or in potpourri.

Chocolate Scented Cosmos.
While these are not edible
they do smell just like
cocoa powder when the petals are rubbed!
And they are a lovely dark chocolate color, too!

I also added the twig 'Welcome' sign
that I made earlier this Spring.

My Chocolate Pot Garden is
right next to our parking area~
a bit of 'Welcome' for guests!
~*~
I am always on the lookout for more 'Chocolate' plants.
Do you have any suggestions?

~*~

Joining Susan for Outdoor Wednesday!
And
Kim for Wow Us Wednesday!
And
An Oregon Cottage
for
Tuesday Garden Party.

WEEDS!

2011-07-06T12:14:00.001-07:00

Joining Susan for

Outdoor Wednesday!

In a neglected spot in the garden

these 'weeds' grow happily in

each other's company!

I did not plant them,

but the color combination

could not be any more

pleasing to the eye!

Taking note of the simple beauty wrought

by The Master's Hand!

A Fairy Tale

2011-06-24T08:24:00.001-07:00

T'was an enchanting morning in June when I was tending my garden.

I was in deep, dreamlike thought, when a flickering little motion

caught my eye. There on the edge of the birdbath, sat a most

queer bird. Upon seeing my notice, he began hopping about,

twittering a strange song. It was such an odd sound, but I

thought it must be because of the feather he was carrying

in his bill. Suddenly he gathered up his wings and flew,

the object fluttering to the ground below.

I bent down to inspect the prize, only to discover that

it was not a mere feather, but instead, a wee invitation.

I though he must have chosen this scrap of paper to

line his nest, but as I was pondering the sweet message

it contained, the bird began his calling once again, beckoning

me to follow him.

I left my garden reverie to follow him.

He lead me through a hollow tree...

and over a lonesome bridge

to a foreboding woodland.

I continued on, however, because a most ethereal

rainbow shown down its heavenly light to

illuminate the forest path ahead.

I raced through the tangle of vines and roots...

but came to a sudden halt as the croaking voice of a

woodland sentinel cried out, "Behold, the waters, behold, the waters!"

I obeyed his command at once,

and as I peered over the waters edge, I glimpsed the

form of a water nymph being ferried along by a gossamer

winged butterfly, disappearing around a clump of

reeds, not to be seen again.

Only the tinkling sound of tiny chimes in the breeze

seemed to continue her song of,"Sweetest of days, sweetest

of days. I am floating into the sweetest of days."

And now I am beholding a most curious sight!

There on the stem of a water lily, rests a

damselfly but,methinks, I have met this creature

before as he has the familiar presence of the bird

that I had first followed!

I am mesmerized at the changes occurring

before me! In a wink of an eye, the creature

is changed (or I see it for what it really is!).

He grasps a floret from a nearby wildflower blossom

only to have it, too, change it's appearance!

He is now playing out a commencement tune,

heralding all to come!

He is lifted up, carried by his most delicate, gossamer

wings!

Again, I am running through the glade,

following my miniature guide,

when I am brought to a quieting halt!

I am standing in the midst of

a fairy ring, surrounded by a

host of enchanted beings!

They, too, are reading the polite request

from the darlings of the fairy realm.

They are all as enraptured by the request,

as was I.

All the dwellers of farm and woodland,

big or small, where included in the celebration.

The festivities were being prepared;

blossoms gathered...

pollen for feasting....

nectar for drink...

(now when you see a busy little bee hurriedly gathering

you can be assured there is a fairy wedding about to occur!)

The finest of gowns were donned for the occasion.

As I gazed around at the multitude of activity

surrounding me, I beheld a winsome sight.

There at the base of the stand of foxgloves,

lay resting the twin babes of a fairy lady,

capped in the blossoms of the foxglove, each.

Gifts for the happy couple were garnered.

And then the honored couple arrived in happy jubilation!

After the rite of the ceremony was performed,

by an Elf of great size, and a miriad of woodland

creatures in attendance...

there was dancing in the fairy dome

until the twilight hour.

Love, joy, beauty and splendor did abound!

Their happy bliss was felt by all!

Soon, the festivities were over, and it must be decided

what to do with me! I had tread on enchanted ground,

and now how was I to return?

A council was called by the woodland creatures,

but I could not hear their tiny voices.

Something about keeping secrets, and changing form and...

I was led through an intoxicating field of poppies

and I soon fell into a dreamlike sleep.

I awoke not feeling quite myself,

but delighted to have a new spring in my step

and desire for bounding through the woodland.

Yes, it was an enchanting day in June....

~*~

This fairy tale is my post for Jorgelina's Fairy Days Party

and was written for my granddaughters,

Raegan and Morgan,

the sweetest fairies of them all!

Gathering Moss...

2011-06-17T10:50:00.000-07:00

I was in need of some.

A walk deep into the woodland

yielded the shady tree dweller

that I was seeking.

This bit of mossyness was

out of my reach.

Aaahhh! Here is a perfect endower!

I gather my necessary portion...

...with the help of my companion.
Now, with my coffers filled,
we return to assemble my conception.

I had a tiered wire basket (and a footed rectangular one)
that cried out for some flowers.
I obliged!

I lined the baskets with the moss...

added some rich loamy soil mix...

some sweet shade loving Impatiens...

tucking the moss lined tiers full to overflowing
of the cheery blooms.

(An amazing Agate egg found alongside the tree

while collecting the moss. We live in an area named

Agate! I just had to gather this egg!)

Ready to greet all who visit us at

Cove Cottage!

~*~

Joining

Cindy at My Romantic Home

for

Show and Tell Friday

Ciela at The House in the Roses

for

Show off your cottage Monday

and

Amy at Homestead Revival

for

Barn Hop #17

Pruning!

2011-06-10T14:26:00.000-07:00

Sometimes we go along in life,

content with the same daily routine,

never realizing the lack of growth.

Then The Gardener comes along and,

for our own good, prunes away

all that is dead and unproductive.

What is left is fresh and rejuvenated!

We have a new start at bringing

praise to The Gardener...

...glory to His Name...

...and new life to the garden.

White in my garden

2011-06-01T11:30:00.000-07:00

Joining Kathleen

for White Wednesday

and Susan for

Outdoor Wednesday.

(Pansy)

(Scilla ~ Bluebells ~ White form)

(Bishops Weed)

(Columbine)

(Rhododendron)

(Sweet Woodruff)

(Bridal Wreath Spirea)

(Lilac)

Can't you just smell them?

(I added the names for you, Camille! ;~D)

Planting a Tea Garden

2011-05-23T20:35:00.000-07:00

I constructed a little raised bricked bed next

to the newly painted Hen Haus

which borders the small

vegetable garden.

I planted it with herbs for tea!

Lemon Grass in an old enamel bucket

The Tea Garden Bed

Flower boxes under the windows

of the Hen Haus

waiting to be filled with

enticing herbs!

Anise Hyssop along the front of the bed

Stevia, for sweetening the tea,

in a vintage enamel water softener container.

Lemon Verbena

Dwarf Blue Hyssop

Sweet Thai Basil

Pineapple Sage

Dittany of Crete Oregano

Parsley

All tea herbs to be used in creating

interesting blends of homemade tea!

Elsewhere on the farm

are more perennial herbs that

may be used for teas such as

Lavender, Hops,Horehound,

Rosemary,Sage, Bee Balm,

Sweet Cicely and Sweet Woodruff.

One aromatic blend might be:

Rosemary, Lavender and Lemon Verbena

or perhaps ~

Hummingbird tea consisting of

2 tsp fresh rose hips, lightly mashed

2 tsp fresh pineapple sage

and

1 tsp fresh Anise Hyssop flowers and foliage

Or maybe just a simple

Lemon Balm or lavender tea!

And wouldn't it be lovely if you

could join me for a cup?

Joining Amy at Homestead Revival

for the Barn Hop!

Blossoming Brides of April

2011-04-30T13:19:00.000-07:00

Joining Susan for

~*~

Looking eversomuch as blushing brides...

dressed in gowns of pure white

Rosy cheeked before her groom

lifting beaming faces to the heavens

curtsying with skirts rustling in the breeze

choirs praising

congregations joining

the springtime throng

something blue

something old

carefree

winsome

reliant

virtuous

pure

In Just Three Weeks....

2011-04-25T16:35:00.000-07:00

I've gone from these...

to what you see below!

( hollyhocks and strawflowers)

(Cinderella Pumpkins, Acorn and Sweet Meat Squash)

(Lupine and Pink Poppies)

(Heirloom Tomatoes, Hot Peppers and Broccoli)

(Sweet William)
Sweet William seed I gathered last year is even popping through

the soil! I am so happy ~ I didn't think they would grow.

I just threw them in an old cardboard box with some

soil and 'ta da'! Little specs of green!

This is the most exciting of all~

Saturday was a beautiful warm sunny day.

I planted my peas and today~

3 days later they are popping up!!!

(Someone else discovered them! Taz, my little

Aracauna Rooster! Bad boy!

Now his wing is clipped so he will have to stay in the

chicken yard with Fly, my Cuckoo Maran

Rooster. They fight! But it's him or my garden!

He will just have to learn to fight or run faster!)

~*~*~*~*~

Joining all the others for the Homestead Barn Hop

with Amy at Homestead Revival .

Why don't you head on over and see what's happening

at everyone's homestead?

:~D

Preping the Garden!

2011-04-18T17:21:00.000-07:00

With Gentleman Farmer home for the week

and a bit of nice weather (finally!),

the garden got its spring tilling!

I just love the smell of the fresh turned earth

and how chocolaty rich and fluffy it is!

My 'garden crew' loves it too!

This is one of the last times this gardening season

they will get to be in to gobble up those

tasty fat earthworms!

Gentleman Farmer brought home some

very nice wooden pallets from work last week,

and fixed me a grand compost bin.

It is situated next to the door of the chicken house.

When I am cleaning out the coop I can simply

fork it out into the bin!

(I will have to take down the deer fencing, but

it shouldn't be too often.)

Almost ready to get those seeds and plants into the garden!

Then we will see about getting that Hen Haus painted!

Joining Amy for Homestead Barn Hop!

Making a Garden WELCOME Sign!

2011-04-06T12:33:00.000-07:00

Joining Susan for Outdoor Wednesday!

~*~

Here is a fun way to

*Welcome*

friends to your garden!

~*~

I searched the barn for an old scrap piece of lumber,

grabbed my pruners and headed for the brush pile

that I had created a couple of weeks ago

of prunings from some Rhododendrons

and a couple of Buddleia.

Finding several pieces of trimmings about the same

size, (I used the Buddleia branches)

I snipped pieces to form the letters

and laid them out to get the spacing

and height that pleased me.

After nailing the smaller pieces to the board

to form the word,

I took some larger and longer branches to

frame the board.

Finally, after nailing it all together

(and replacing many pieces that split

as they were nailed to the board),

I have a nice rustic sign to

*Welcome* friends and family

to my garden!

If you would like to make one for your garden, here is what you will need: 1 weathered board ~ Several twigs and branches (I liked ones with interesting bark and shapes) ~ pruners for trimming branches to size ~ Hammer and small nails ~*~

Working in the Greenhouse

2011-04-04T09:44:00.000-07:00

A little break in the weather had me itching to get

outside and do something!

I just received my garden seed order

so decided to play out in my greenhouse.

When ever I head outside,

my trusty sidekick, Harley (cat)

tags along for the adventure. There is always

some fun to be had for him.

Today was no different ~ as I pulled dried

weeds and old broken pots from inside

the greenhouse and outside,

one of our roosters found him

to be quite interesting!

As Harley reclined in the wagon

supervising my efforts,

Taz hopped into the wagon with

Harley to try to convince him

that the lovely weeds

would make a much finer nest than

the bare wooden bottom of the wagon!

Harley, "You've got to be kidding me, right?"

A few more weeds and a few minutes later, Fly and his girl added to the merriment! Harley began to get a bit miffed at the intrusions upon his leisure time. He said I could continue entertaining these jokers without his support and headed to the barn were his presence would be more fully appreciated ~ helping the Gentleman Farmer build me a couple of seed benches for the greenhouse. These benches will be topped off with some sturdy hardware cloth (wire) to hold these newly planted up trays. Anise Hyssop for teas, potpourri, and gifts to the neighbors bees! Four kinds of heirloom tomatoes, hot peppers, and broccoli.

Sweet Meat Hubbard squash, Carnival Acorn Squash

and Rouges Vif D'Etampes (Cinderella) Pumpkins!

Queen of Sheba

and

Large Leaf Italian Basil

And trying Grandma's way of raising seeds in

eggshells ~ roots won't be disturbed. Just lightly crush the

shells and transplant into pot or garden!

Joining Amy at Homestead Revival for the

Homestead Barn Hop!

Hop on over and see what others are working on

at their little homesteads!

Seeds of Change

2011-03-26T07:35:00.000-07:00

I have finally ordered all of my garden and flower seeds

for this year. It seems to take me ages to peruse the catalogs,

choose seeds, pare down the endless list of wants to

only the seeds I 'must have', make the order and pay!

But I finally got it done and my order confirmations have come back.

The seeds are on their way!

BUT...

The day after they were confirmed and paid for,

(I always seem to be a day late and a dollar short! *smile*)

I recieved an email from a friend, containing a list

of seed companies that either buy seed from Monsanto or

are owned by them!

Amy has a terrific post on this subject here!

All of the seeds I ordered are from those companies

(according to this list!) DRAT!

It is too late for this year, but I will be all the more diligent

in making sure I do not support these companies in the future!

It will be more expensive and I probably won't

be able to get the specific varieties that I am fond of,

but I refuse to continue to support these people.

I will be writing to them and asking to be

removed from their mailing list and telling them why!

If you are interested in the list,

you can find it here.

(Do you know anything about this site? I do not.)

They also have a list of Monsanto-free companies. I will be purchasing future

seeds from them from now on ~ and telling them why!

And I would like to try saving my own seeds.

Sometimes change is good!

~*~

Joining Amy for her Preparedness Challenge!

2011 Northwest Flower and Garden Show

2011-02-28T19:25:00.000-08:00

Inspiration....

creates....

anticipation!

(Photos of just one of the many gardens displayed

at this year's Northwest Flower and Garden Show)

Longing for days in the garden from

sun-up to sunset!

How about you?

Joining Amy at Homestead Revival

Hand Crafted Grapevine Wreath

2010-10-05T20:54:00.000-07:00

The deer got into the garden and ate EVERYTHING

which included raspberry plants, blueberry plants,

Marion berry plants, pole beans, 40 tomato plants,

and my Grapes which were nearly ready to harvest!

But, every cloud has a silver lining (and reasons such

as this is why I have 'silver threads among the gold' if

you know what I mean!)

So I took advantage of the leafless vines to do a bit

of pruning.

With the trimmings, I tried my hand at wreath making.

This is what I did.

~*~

Trimmed away the leaf stems and extra branches

leaving single, long whip-like vines with all of

the little curly tendrils attached!

You will need about ten to twelve

5-8 foot vines.

Found something round to wrap the first and longest

vine around. In this case, the bucket will determine

the size of the inner circumference of the wreath. Use

whatever you have handy that is about the size

of your desired finished wreath.

~*~

After wrapping this vine around the bucket and overlapping

it on itself, I wove the small end into a gap in the vines.

Holding on to the starting point, I carefully removed the

base of the wreath from the bucket.

~*~

With another piece of vine, I poked the large end into a gap and

snaked the vine around the entire wreath base, tucking the

small end again, into a gap in the vines to hold it secure. I repeated this step

several more times until the wreath was the thickness

I desired, always starting with the thick end of the

vine in a space around the wreath like at the numbers

on a clock face.

~*~

As these were freshly cut vines, they were supple

enough to be bent without breaking. If your vines are

more brittle, you might want to try soaking them in

warm water for several hours before you begin.

(See how the vines serpentine around each other)

I think it turned out pretty well for my very first

Grapevine Wreath!

I just love those little tendrils!
~*~

Joining Susan for

Why not hop on over and see more

fun Outdoor Wednesday posts!

From the garden

2010-05-19T10:22:00.001-07:00

Lilacs

Snowball Viburnum
~*~
Joining Kathleen at Faded Charm for White Wednesday
and
Susan at A Southern Daydreamer for Outdoor Wednesday

The Garden in May

2010-05-14T07:38:00.000-07:00

The Pink Dogwood

Hitchhiking Viola
Came in a potted Peony I purchased.

Chinese Red Poppy

Bridal Veil

Double White Lilac

(I've named it Breath of Heaven ~it's scent is so divine!)

Double purple lilac

Blue Columbine

(I'm saving seeds of this one. They will be available

at Lady Farmers Seed Swap soon!)

Rescued Rhododendron

Ajuga (with bee) in the 'wild' (read=neglected, unweeded, forgotten) part of the garden.

Solomon's Seal in the shade of the Banana Apple Tree.

Ages old Red Rhododendron nicknamed "Grandma's Lipstick"

(My Grandmother's favorite shade!)

Pink Bleeding Hearts

Green Hellebore Seedpods.

Dainty Sweet Woodruff.

Winesap Apple Blossom.

Diminutive Weed!

(This little plant is sooo tiny ~ the stem stands about 3 inches tall!

The wee little flowers are so precious! I don't have the heart to tear it out!)

~*~*~*~*~*~

Joining Cindy for Show and Tell Friday!

Head on over to see what other's have to share!

The Spring Garden in January

2010-01-25T21:44:00.001-08:00

The sun was shining warmly, between showers, and I couldn't

resist the call to go out and play in the dirt!

The afternoon was spent tidying up the Spring garden

along with....

my gardening crew!

~*~

Upon discovering this...

one thinks, "Can spring be far behind?"

Being green

2009-09-26T10:43:00.001-07:00

Garden Rhapsodies Garden Tour 2009

2009-08-19T22:19:00.000-07:00

Come along with me on the Garden Rhapsodies Tour!

(Presented by the Master Gardeners of Thurston County)

~*~

Theme for this year's tour is gardens using drought tolerant plants

and/or

Eco-friendly watering/planting methods.

~*~

Garden 1

Drought tolerant planting

~*~

Play area for children...

...and birds!
~*~

Many birds were feeding and 'hummers' buzzing all over the garden

~*~

Garden 2.
~*~

Beautiful harp music in the garden.

~*~

Learning about Vermiculture!

~*~

Beautiful woodland garden.

~*~

Mixing veggies and flowers!

~*~

Daylilies

~*~

Stately lillies!

~*~

White Echinaecia

~*~

Campanula

(which blogger likes sideways!)

~*~

Heuchera (coral bells) and Hostas in the shade
~*~

Perennials line the walk to the front door

~*~

Garden 3.

~*~

Goldfish in the water collection pond

~*~

Dragonfly or perhaps a Damselfly, perched on waterlily frond

~*~

Unknown plant growing along the path through a small woodland

~*~

Garden 4.

Unusual color delphinium

~*~

Bed of daylilies

~*~

Music with a country flair

~*~

I loved this vignette with the "Shagpoke"

(our name for Heron)

~*~

Hydrangea

~*~

More daylilies

~*~

Sweet volunteer Poppies 'escaping' the compost bin

~*~

Garden 5.

A variety of lacecap hydrangea

~*~

Hosta and Brunnera in the shade

~*~

Beautiful stacked stone wall with plantings

~*~

Bear's Breeches

(love the name!)

~*~

The planting on the top side of the stacked stone wall

~*~

Garden 6

New garden with arbor planted with evergreen clematis

~*~

The new Potager

~*~

Brunnera and a bench to rest on after a beautiful but long hot day!

~*~

I hope you enjoyed the Garden Rhapsodies tour with me!

We will have to go again next year!

Friendship's Garden

2009-05-27T14:41:00.000-07:00

When I first started flower gardening, I wanted to make my beds entirely of

"pass~along" plants; plants that had been given to me by friends.

My garden wasn't growing in variety, so I have bought many,

but there are several that are from friends.

Come join me, won't you, as we take a turn around my

Friendship Garden.

Near the front door is this purple Rhododendron that is usually

in full bloom by Mother's Day.

As you can see, she is just now showing us her

lovely purple-hued blooms.

Red and Orange are not my favorite colors

but here is a first bloom of a Chinese Red Oriental Poppy

that persists on growing, quite healthilyI might add, despite

repeated attempts at eradication!

(pass-along plant)

Sweet purple Granny's Bonnets being modeled on

willowy stems above common geranium, Lillie's, rosemary, delphinium

and Oops! weeds!

(pass-along plant ~ the Granny's Bonnets not the weeds!)

Stately purple Iris set before a tower of Golden Hops.

(Pass-along plant from my first pastor

Rev. Wesley Gain, now with the Lord)

Here are the first delicate white flowers of the Bridal Wreath bush

given to me by a dear lady friend who

passed away a couple of years ago.

I have named this plant "Audrey" in her honor.

(Pass-along plants are a sweet reminder of dear friends

who are no longer with us.)

One of my favorite flowers, Double White Lilacs.

They are incredibly fragrant!

(Pass-along plant given to me from my Auntie. I, in turn, made a gift

of several of the babies to a sweet young friend of mine as a wedding present.

Her wedding bouquet was lilacs and she was wanting starts to line the drive of their future home.)

"Scentsation" lilac.

True to is name!

Bleeding heart

Beneath the Hydrangea grows a tiny fairy garden of Sweet Woodruff, Bluebells

and tiny woodland violets.

(The Bluebells and yellow violets were gathered in the woods near our farm.)

Solomon's Seal

in the dappled shade of the old Banana Apple Tree.

Snowball Viburnum

(A true pass-along plant, given to me when I was a young bride by

my mother-in-laws friend and neighbor Connie.)

Johnny~Jump~Up's

and they are.....everywhere!

(Pass-along plant from dear Jan who started me making

my own soap!)

A blushing Columbine given to me years ago by one of my

sweetest friends, Jamie!

(I love this barely pink against the red of the rhody. But next year, she may

be friends with the iris or the peony.)

We call this Rhododendron "Grandma's Lipstick" because

it was my sweet grandmother's favorite shade to wear!

Here it is nestled down with Bishop's Weed,

a pass-along plant that I regret receiving from a cousin.

It spreads like wild fire into my new lawn!

And lastly, our dear old pink dogwood tree.

We fondly call him "Dagwood" dogwood; the name

we used when my girls were small as the

'secret word' should someone other than me

need to pick them up from school.

I hope you enjoyed your little tour of my friendship garden

and perhaps you will be inspired to start one of your own.

Garden Planting Time

2009-05-01T14:02:00.000-07:00

Here are some suggestions for a successful harvest of your Springtime "Planting".

Plant Seven rows of Peas (P's)

1. Prayer

2. Promptness

3. Patience

4. Preparation

5. Perseverance

6. Politeness

7. Purity

Plant Seven Rows of Squash

1. Squash Gossip

2. Squash Indifference

3. Squash Criticism

4. Squash Negative Thinking

5. Squash Envy

6. Squash Jealousy

7. Squash Hatred

Plant Six Rows of Lettuce ("Let Us")

1. Let Us be unselfish and loyal

2. Let Us be faithful to duty

3. Let Us search the Scriptures

4. Let Us not be weary in well doing

5. Let Us be obedient in all things

6. Let Us be truthful

No Garden Is complete Without Turnips ("Turn up")

1. Turn up with a friendly smile

2. Turn Up for Church

3. Turn Up for Bible Study

4. Turn Up for Prayer Meeting

5. Turn Up with determination to do your best in God's service

6. Turn Up to praise God and not man

After planting,

"Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus

Christ."

II Peter 3:18a

Harbingers!

2009-04-09T21:04:00.000-07:00

Messenger......

Proclaimer....

Forerunner....

Herald....

announcing her arrival....

(Photos taken by Lady Farmer at Cove Cottage Farm)

Springtime

2009-03-20T13:25:00.000-07:00

That God once loved a garden we learn in Holy writ.

And seeing gardens in the Spring, I well can credit it.

~Winifred Mary Letts~

Lady Farmer's Garden

Dreaming.....

Lady Farmer's Seed Swap and Share!

Vintage...

Squashed!

An Autumn Porch

Early on a September morning...

Beans! and the 'Berry Tree'?

The Apple Tree

Sweet Peas

Wild thing ~ You make my heart sing!

Making a 'pot of chocolate'!

WEEDS!

A Fairy Tale

Gathering Moss...

Pruning!

White in my garden

Planting a Tea Garden

Blossoming Brides of April

In Just Three Weeks....

Preping the Garden!

Making a Garden *WELCOME* Sign!

Working in the Greenhouse

Seeds of Change

2011 Northwest Flower and Garden Show

Hand Crafted Grapevine Wreath

From the garden

The Garden in May

The Spring Garden in January

Being green

Garden Rhapsodies Garden Tour 2009

Friendship's Garden

Garden Planting Time

Harbingers!

Springtime

Making a Garden WELCOME Sign!