Saturday, April 30, 2022

LAST DAY OF APRIL IN THE GARDEN

 After several days of rain the garden
is looking happy today.  Time is moving
on and now we have the appearance of
upcoming irises, more lilacs and
the promise of coming peonies.


The tulips are sadly almost all gone
but there are still some of the later
arrivals.  I am just happy to see
green everywhere.


I have to look up the name of
this little wildflower I planted
many years ago as I always
forget it's name.  I am so
happy to see some Iris's
beginning to bud.










We have some wonderful sounds in the 
back yard with birds coming and going.
  The hummingbird feeder is ready for
 when they arrive.  We have enjoyed some
bluebirds this year around our yard.


This is looking down
from our deck:







After all my photo taking I
made a bouquet out of
some of the flowers
I cut:

Sunday, April 24, 2022

HISTORIC HOME IN CENTRALIA, MISSOURI

 Today we took a leisurely drive
to northern Missouri for a day trip
and stopped to admire the gardens
at a 1904 Queen Anne style home built in
 Centralia, Missouri. The home was
originally built by a local pharmacist 
but later owned by Albert Chance
whose factory built anchors at first
and then expanded to many other
iron industrial things. Just a note here
that by 1904 the Victorian Era was over
and now it was what is known as the Edwardian Era.  
Of course, many homes were still built reflective
 of former times.



There is also a beautiful rose garden which
of course is yet to bloom this year.



In 1974 this beautiful home was donated
to the Centralia Historical Society who now maintain it and the lovely garden behind
 it where there are numerous koi and
gold fish ponds with walkways weaving 
all around the garden.

  There are a unique species of drooping type of evergreens  surrounding the entire garden giving it a special personality.









Here are several more collages of
what is known as The Chance Garden:



I couldn't capture very good photos
of the fish but this one was huge!


Friday, April 22, 2022

FIRST TEA IN THE GARDEN FOR 2022


Oh what a lovely day we had today
and quite shocking as it was 80 degrees.


Even though it was windy, I was
 determined to set up a little tea time.




You can find the recipe for the Lemon
Muffins right here.  I found these
in my freezer from before when I
baked a large quantity.  That's
what I love about freezing things.


We are elated that spring has
finally arrived and the bulbs
are so enjoyable.


Actually I didn't plant many bulbs
last year so I was happy to see these
return from the past.



The birds that go south in the winter
have returned here behind our house.
That means the naughty Grackles are here.
There they are waiting for me to move
out of the garden.


Certainly not my
favorite bird!







I hope to share many more tea times 
with you this spring and summer!

Sunday, April 17, 2022

Saturday, April 16, 2022

IT'S COLD IN THE GARDEN

 I actually feel sorry for the bulbs
blooming right now as it is cold
out in the garden.  I do believe things
are behind this year from when we
had warmer weather in past years.






You can see even the rose bush below
is starting to leaf out.



Are you tired of being cold?  We
are and we complain about it constantly.
Haha.  I know that everything is relative
and I better be quiet because some of you
still have snow on the ground.





Tuesday, April 12, 2022

WE ARE ANXIOUS FOR WARM DAYS THAT STAY

 We have had some warmer days
here and there but they don't seem
to stay around.


The daffodils are blooming first and
a few tulips but others will wait 
till later.



Anyway, I will be thankful
that have some blooms!


And out front:




 I hope you have a lovely week!

Monday, April 11, 2022

SOME EASTER AND SPRINGTIME DECORATIONS

 I always enjoy
getting out the
Easter decorations:


I enjoyed making some Easter
cards this year. They are rather
homemade and simple.
 


All my decorations are from prior times:








We have had these
bunnies for decades 
and this year they
are downstairs in
the tea room:


And of course the old wreath
for the front door: