Come, come, come to the garden!

Hello again,

It's a beautiful June day, the perfect day for a walk in the garden and having you along makes it even more perfect, for you know what I always say - sharing doubles the joy!  I was busy this morning planting lamb's ears and dusty miller to keep my spirea and viburnums company.

 These plants are situated in front of our barn.  They are joined by evergreen trees, very old honeysuckle bushes and a red maple.  I thought the greenery needed something, and adding white plants seemed to be just the thing in order to create a little interest, but  still keep the  peace.  What do you think?

It's  hard to capture the whole area in a snapshot while at the same time being close enough  to focus on the small white plants, but perhaps you get the idea.

I just love lamb's ears, don't you?

Lamb's ears are also known as Wooly Betony.  I remember this plant in my father's garden.

My father was a fantastic gardener.  Maybe that's because he grew up on a farm.  His family's  farm was in Pennsylvania.  I would be in heaven if my father were here with me these days, working  side by side with me in my garden.  I know my father would  love all my land for he would never run out of projects just as I don't, and he'd love my barn - for it would remind him of his childhood days on his family's farm.   I would love  my father's expertise and help, for some days I don't know what to tackle first and I have so much to learn.  But my dad doesn't need to be with me in my garden to feel like he's in heaven,  because he's  already in heaven, the real heaven, so now he can only join me in spirit, but I'll take that.  It's better than nothing.

You see, in Dad's last years, when he was in the nursing home suffering from Altzheimer's disease, he stopped speaking except to say the phrase "that's a big one".  Those words made no sense at the time, but now whenever  I'm working in my garden and I chop into a big root or see a big mushroom I'll say "That's a Big One!" and I have the distinct feeling my Dad is with me. This makes me very happy.  It's good to be a spiritual person.  It really is!

Well, let's move along.  I'd like to show you my herb garden.  It's just a few steps away,  but here's a view of it from one of the upstairs windows.

[caption id="attachment_1737" align="aligncenter" width="300"] The herb garden[/caption]In this next picture you can see where it is in relation to the plantings I just showed you in front of the barn.

You may have noticed there's a design going on in the herb garden - mini and larger boxwood mixed with roses and spruce.  In the center is a dwarf Japanese Willow that is in much need of pruning.  We'll get to that one of these days.

[caption id="attachment_1757" align="aligncenter" width="300"] A close up of the Willow's very white leaves[/caption]

The leaves of the Willow will turn green as the Summer wears on, but aren't its white leaves enchanting?  I fell in love with this type of  tree when I first discovered it in a friend's garden.

At the base of the tree are large rectangular stones set like the spokes of a wheel.  In between those spokes I planted thyme..

[caption id="attachment_1747" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Thyme[/caption]

  In each indentation of boxwood a different herb is planted.

[caption id="attachment_1755" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Here you see Lavender amidst  a bit of the boxwood, spruce and roses[/caption]

It's early in the season so all the herbs are still rather small, but in this sunny spot they will flourish. Here's what my herb garden contains:  Basil, Lavender, Rosemary, Tarragon, Marjoram, Mint, Summer Savory, Sage, Fennel, Thyme and Chives.

This is a view of the herb garden as if you were walking up to it.

The Willow tree doesn't seem very large in this picture, but after a few years growth it is now about 20 feet tall -   Yet compared to the old trees of the Secret garden set behind it, the Willow seems very small indeed.

[caption id="attachment_1796" align="aligncenter" width="225"] See what I mean?[/caption]

When we moved to this property a few years ago the circle contained a very old and sick apple tree.  Around it were a jumble (and I mean a JUMBLE of perennials and weeds).  This circle was a project and a half!  We added bulbs for Springtime and lights for night time.  Now just to keep it weeded.

I grow other herbs in my patio garden.  I'll show you that area another day, but now  take a look at my climbing rose at our entrance door.  It's a delight!  It greets me and my guests every day.

It's going to town this week with flowers galore.  This rose is about three years old.  It took this long to look robust.

I love this flower.  Roses  are so pretty.   The rose has been associated with love, and with marriage, for centuries.  They're  my favorite flower and having many rose bushes in the garden assures me of a rose on my nightstand every night - at least at this time of year.

"My garden all is overblown with roses,

My spirit all is overblown with rhyme,

As like a drunken honeybee I waver

From house to garden and again to house

And, undetermined which delight to favour

On verse and rose alternately carouse."

Vita Sackville West

The roses mingle with the scent of lavender, for lavender is growing in the urn beside the trellis.  Old fashioned fragrance for an old fashioned house for an old fashioned girl.  The plaque on the wall states the name of the house's first owner and the date it was built.

 Jeremiah Brown

1853

Now let's walk down the driveway.  We'll first pass some knockout roses and the flagpole.

Aren't knockout  roses wonderful?  They never stop blooming.

[caption id="attachment_1768" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Knock out roses[/caption]

 And look who's watching us from the porch window!

[caption id="attachment_1770" align="aligncenter" width="225"] It's Alexander[/caption]

He's doing much better these days, eating again,  now that he's getting people food.  Ha!   Tomorrow he goes to the beauty shop for a grooming.

Here we are at the base of the driveway.  It's lined with Lily of the Valley.  These plants were put in by a former owner.  They're  thick as thieves  now - another charming old fashioned flower.

[caption id="attachment_1776" align="aligncenter" width="225"] How do such tiny flowers produce such  sweet scent?[/caption]

"What was Paradise? but a garden, full of pleasure, and nothing there but delights.

William Lawson, 1617

At the front of the yard there are very large trees and bushes which line the sidewalk.  They must be 150 years old like the house.

 Maybe Jeremiah Brown, John Brown's half-brother, planted these trees himself -

and the many evergreens too.

I am trying to establish roses and various ground covers in little pockets of space between the trees and shrubs,  both along the outer area of the beds at the sidewalk, and the inner areas along the grass toward the house.

The roses here are a lighter pink in color.

[caption id="attachment_1802" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Pink knockout roses[/caption]

And in the picture below you see Myrtle that's quite established.

The   Spotted Deadnettle, sometimes called "White Nancy", on the other hand, has a way to go in order to fill in the space provided, but  it's coming along.

There's Common Ivy that has a long way to go

and these little bluish plants must spread.  Are they called Stonecrop or "Lidakense?

My plan is to get these various ground covers established so there won't be as  great a need for mulch from year to year. Some large areas will get mulch, but  these smaller areas will have a variety of ground covers  to please the passersby.  Oh, I also purchased some Sweet Woodruff or Galium Odoratum", but I haven't planted it yet.

Well, let's head back to the house.

When we get to the back yard we can sit and relax for a while.  Maybe you will tell me about your garden.  You can do that by clicking "comment" at the end of this post.  I'd love to hear from you.  Really I would!

[caption id="attachment_1787" align="aligncenter" width="300"] And here we are. Can I offer you an ice tea?[/caption]

Let me tell you about this lawn furniture, how it was almost stolen way back when we lived in Boston.  This furniture was set out on our patio at our very first garden apartment.  We lived on the main floor  of the building..  Out patio looked out to a brook where ducks swan by on a regular basis.  It was a very pretty complex because the brother of the owner owned and operated a garden nursery so he tended the grounds.  The lawn was perfect with a sprinkler system,  and flowers were everywhere. It was usually a very safe place too, but some neighborhood boys  decided they wanted to get into the furniture business.  By that I mean they decided to steal garden furniture and resell it making a sweet profit for themselves.

Sadly, we thought we best get a chain to secure our new furniture, so one sunny Saturday we went off to the hardware store.  We bought a chain and lock,  but as we entered our apartment I could see through the sliding glass door a young man carrying off  some of our very own furniture.  WHAT?  How dare he!  It was broad daylight and neighbors were out and about.  The nerve!

Without thinking twice, I tore after that  fellow, yelling all the way,  and he dropped the furniture.  SUCCESS! ... so I have it today.  Hurray for me!

I bet you have a few good stories too.  Do share.  Sharing doubles the joy!  It's been fun showing you around part of my garden.  I'm glad you stopped by.  Another time we'll explore my Secret garden.  (That's what I'll be working on later  today) . Tomorrow I'll be having another  tea.  This next tea will be  on the patio.  I know you can't come in person, but perhaps you'll come in spirit.  I'll show you around the patio garden at that time.

But before you go,  let me leave you with these parting words.

"The art of gardening.  In this the artist who lays out the work, and devises a garment for a piece of ground, has the delight of seeing his work live and grow hour by hour; and, while it is growing, he is able to polish, to cut and carve, to fill up here and there, to hope, and to love."

Prince Albert (1819-1861)

"Gardening, reading about gardening, and writing about gardening are all one; no one can garden alone."

Elizabeth Lawrence

The Little Bulbs (1957)

So thanks for joining me!

So Glad You Could Join Me For Tea and a Chat

[caption id="attachment_1675" align="aligncenter" width="225"] Sugar, Mint or lemon?[/caption]

Did you notice I'm wearing the apron my former English teacher gave me at one of my last afternoon teas?  Thanks Miss Kaftan.

Now do come in,  sit down on the sofa out here on the porch

or maybe you'd prefer to sit in a rocker.

Just make yourself comfortable.

Modern life can keep us so on the go and it's good to be on the go, it really is,  but not every minute!  We  are so wise to recognize our need for regular pauses in our day.  Some people never take time for themselves, poor things.  We're enriched when we pause to take time for intellectual reflection.  Our days feel  brighter when we include others - sharing, exercising courtesy and cultivating friendships.  We grow in  peace and hope when we take time to reflect on our spiritual roots, and we're  refreshed  when we pause from our busy work  to do a little daydreaming or to focus on the beauty that's all around us.

Beauty like a  birdie at the window feeder...

Beauty like a lovely flower...

Beauty like the nature outside our window.

It's so nice you could join me today.  We're both taking a break from the hustle and bustle of life.  What have you been doing today?  Maybe you'll leave a comment at the end of this post and tell me about your day.  I'd like that.  Can I offer you a chicken croissant?

Don't worry about the calories.  You have to eat, don't you?

I was in the mood to do a little baking today.  I'm  always searching for good scone recipes and today I found two.  Both recipes came from a book by Tricia Foley called Having Tea  and here it is.

I made Buttermilk scones and Cream scones. Both turned out quite nicely.  I cut back on the salt a bit, but other than that Tricia's recipes were the best I've found so far.  Here are the ingredients for both recipes:

Buttermilk Scones

1 and 3/4 cups of all purpose flour, 1 tsp. sugar, 3/4 tsp. salt, 2 tsp. baking powder, 1/2 tsp. baking soda, 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, approximately 3/4 cup buttermilk

Cream Scones

2 cups all purpose flour, 2 tsp. sugar, 3/4 tsp. salt, 1 tablespoon baking powder, 1 cup heavy cream

The buttermilk scones bake at 450 degrees F for 8 to 10 minutes

The cream scones bake at 425 degrees F for 8 to 10 minutes

For both recipes you mix the dry ingredients, cut in the butter or liquid till a soft dough forms, then roll out on a floured board to the thickness of 3/4 to 1 inch.  Cut dough with a sharp 2 inch round cookie cutter,  bake.

AND YOU HAVE SCONES!

Please, have one.  Have two!  I made plenty.  Add a little Raspberry jam

and Devon cream.

When you serve scones at tea, adding  jam and Devon cream or whipping cream, it's rightly called a CREAM TEA.  If you bake a batch of scones, leftovers can be frozen, and at a moment's notice you can enjoy a cream tea yourself or delight any friend who pops in unexpectedly.    Of course, when was the last time you experienced drop-in company?  Sadly, the days of visiting seem to be a thing of the past. People today are too busy for such civilized pleasures.  Not me!  I am the champion of old world pleasures lost to modern times - Hosting afternoon teas, Creating handwritten letters, Calling ahead to pay a visit to a friend or relative.  Such things as these add a gracious element to life, an element that  doesn't cost much money (if any at all), but rewards us with  a certain joy which no amount of money can buy.

Think how you would delight a friend if you popped over to their home bearing a pot of flowers or a basket of strawberries.  That's exactly what my friend Joni brought me on her last visit.

 This is Joni.  She is one of my intelligent friends who not only takes time for herself,  focusing on her many blessings, but she also makes time for others, doing nice things for them.  That's a winning combination. I'm so lucky to have Joni as a friend.  I hope you have friends like Joni too,  and  I hope you are a good friend to others, making time for them.

Maybe tomorrow you'll mix up a few pitchers of ice tea,

call a friend or two, and invite them over

or

buy a pot of flowers

or

a cake

and go visiting.  Call ahead and visit a friend or relative showering them with your time and appreciation.  Sharing doubles the joy, and taking this time out in your day is well worth the effort.  But in between visits with others remember to take time for yourself - time to dream, time to putter, time to exercise your creativity, time to relax.  It's so good for your health and it's so good for your spirit.

And speaking of spirit, you can always enjoy tea time with God.  There's even a book to help you with that. and here it is.

This book is a Quiet Moments with God  devotional, published by Honor books.  If you need a little company and no one is available why not share your teatime break  with God.  This book will help.

I remember seeing an old film called The Ghost and Mrs. Muir way back when.  I loved this film and wished  I too had a friendly ghost who shared my old 1853 house, a ghost I could talk to and gain inspiration from  -  and then it hit me!  I do have my very own friendly ghost and so do you.  It's a ghost , who though invisible, is with us all the time.  It is a very special ghost too.  It is the HOLY GHOST!

Yes, I'm a spiritual person, aren't you?   So why shouldn't we  invite the Holy Ghost to tea now and then just as we would invite other friends?  There's an idea!  (BIG SMILE)  And these great ideas  do not come to us unless we  take time from our busy routines to pause and relax and ponder.

So, I'm very glad you stopped by for tea and this chat.  I was having fun with my birdies and  baking , but sharing with you made my fun even better because... you know...

Sharing doubles the joy!

So drop by again, and until then, be sure to take time out of your days to dream, to share, and to BE!

Like my Boston University tee shirt  says

B U

(That's short for Be You!)

Notes from the Country Inn Day Gardener

[caption id="attachment_1628" align="aligncenter" width="225"] This lady greets you at the porch entrance[/caption]

"It is a natural consequence that those who cannot taste the actual fruition of a garden should take the greater delight in reading about one.  But the enjoyment next below actual possession seems to be derived from writing on the topic."

QUARTERLY REVIEW ( 1851)

And so, when I'm not weeding, pruning, mulching or planting, I, the inn gardener,  delight in photographing and writing about the goings on around the grounds of our country inn of imagination.

I was thinking about what Sir George Sitwell wrote in his ESSAY ON THE MAKING OF GARDENS  back in 1909.  He wrote "To make a great garden, one must have a great idea or a great opportunity."  Well, I do have a great opportunity here  for the grounds are blessed with very mature trees and shrubs. Such materials formed over time are precious and create a foundation that is worth its weight in gold for any gardener.  There are tall trees and evergreens shielding the front yard from the street.

There are lovely old trees edging the driveway

The entire  perimeter of the grounds are edged by tall trees of one sort or another.

[caption id="attachment_1640" align="aligncenter" width="300"] These trees when leafed out provide a screen which keeps the barn hidden from the rest of the property.[/caption]

 Other trees edge the circular drive, the drive which surrounds the herb garden found in its middle.  The trees also help keep the secret garden behind them a real secret.

The early  owners of this 1853 property (the first being Jeremiah Brown, brother of John Brown , the abolitionist)  obviously loved trees and people for they planted all sorts of trees in all sorts of places.

"He that plants trees loves others besides himself."

Thomas Fuller

GNOMOLOGIA (1732)

 In the picture below you see black walnut trees at the edge of the driveway and you don't want to sit below these trees nor park your car under them when their nuts begin to fall.  They fall with conviction.  Closer to the house there are two river birch.  They do well there because it's a low area and  rather wet.

I like our trees.  No, I love our trees, for they are no work for me at all, well, maybe a bit of work when the leaves begin to fall in Autumn, but as Willa Cather said, "They seem  more resigned to the way they have to live than other things do."

And when Spring arrives and the leaves of all the trees begin to form,  it's like magic! -   hundreds of tiny specks materializing before our eyes.  If you were to try to paint a picture with such detail you would realize just how wonderful and artful trees really are.  Then Summer comes and trees are in their full glory.

"Of all the wonders of nature, a tree in summer is perhaps the most remarkable; with the possible exception of a moose singing "Embraceable You" in spats."

Woody Allen (1935-  )

When I first set my eyes on this property I thought it looked a lot like an arboretum.  So many different kinds of trees  Some are very big and others are quite small like the fringe tree.

[caption id="attachment_1652" align="aligncenter" width="300"] The fringe tree[/caption]

And it only seems right that we add more trees of our own to this property, so after seeing a dwarf Japanese willow at a friend's garden with its very white leaves which only gradually turn to green, it was decided to make this tree the centerpiece of the inn herb garden.

[caption id="attachment_1656" align="aligncenter" width="300"] closeup of the white leaves of the Japanese dwarf willow[/caption]

Maturity has value in people and in gardens.  It's worth a lot.  I was pricing small boxwood plants recently and was amazed at their prices.  $40 would only buy a very small plant.  I therefore couldn't help but wonder how much one of the inn's 5 to 6 foot boxwood plants would summon  if they could be transplanted.

[caption id="attachment_1659" align="aligncenter" width="225"] Boxwood at the porch entrance[/caption]I, as inn gardener, may have my work cut out for me.  So much to weed, prune, plant, and redesign.  There are times I am quite overwhelmed.  But if I focus on the job at hand, enjoying it, and if I count the blessings of what already exists in this garden - namely the mature bushes and trees, I feel quite contented and joyful for I have something here and now that even Thomas Jefferson would have killed for...

"I never before knew the full value of trees.  My house is entirely embosomed in big plane trees, with good grass below, and under them I breakfast, dine, write, read, and receive company.  What would I not give that the trees planted nearest round the house at Monticello were full grown."

JEFFERSON TO MARTHA JEFFERSON RANDOLPH ( 1793)