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:

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!

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!

TEA COZIES ON ETSY

 

and with Bible verses:

I hope you can check them out on Etsy

HAPPY EASTER

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.

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!

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: