Home and Happy

Clematis in full bloom

Will you look at that clematis in full bloom right outside the kitchen door! Wow!

It’s been two weeks since I came home from my travels in southern Alberta. From the land of rolling fields of canola, rodeo broncs and shiny buckles, cowboy culture and prairie winds to my Vancouver Island, lakeside cabin. I had some wonderful time with kids and grandkids. Life is good.

Kristen and Me

Me and my lovely daughter, Kristen enjoying music in the park.

Canada Day Cuties

My Canada Day cuties – Emma and Brit.

High River rodeo

They’re wearing that Alberta look well – daughter – Kristen, son-in-law – Matt, and granddaughters – Emma and Brit.

So – enough of holiday antics. I thought I’d share a few highlights from the last couple of weeks at home.

Fresh Salad Greens

Fresh salad greens from the garden is a big treat! The lettuce, radishes, baby kale and chives make an attractive side dish.

Garden

Lots of work for the head gardener but it sure pays off.

Lower Garden

Vegetables aren’t the only thing in the garden these days.

Oh my, bear and Buddha

Bear and Buddha – east meets west Smile

Bear and apple tree cha, cha, cha Bear and apple tree – cha, cha, cha. For this dance the bear is definitely leading.

Bleeding Heart

The last of the Bleeding Heart in the woodland garden.

Pre-Spring Garden

The amen of nature is always a flower. (Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.)

Open crocus - Guenette photo

Today’s sunshine opened this lovely crocus for my admiration and camera.

Her body calculated to a millimeter to suggest a bud, yet guaranteed a flower. (F. Scott Fitzgerald)

Closed crocus - guenette photo

Surrounded by the wild, these few beauties await the full sun.

“A friend cannot be owned
That is plain to see
Friendships must be shared,
Just like our friend, Ruby”
(Stephen Cosgrove from Rhubarb)

Rhubarb - Guenette photoThe first sighting of rhubarb is always greeted with glee.

 

Christmas Rose - Guenette photo

The Christmas rose (Hellebore) continues to show off it’s delicate roses and cream coloured glory.

Don’t judge each day by the harvest that you reap but by the seeds that you plant. (Robert Louis Stevenson)

Seedlings - Guenette photoSeedlings on the go under the grow light.

Gardens are not made by singing, “Oh, how beautiful,” and sitting in the shade. (Rudyard Kipling)

Cold frame - Guenette photoKale seedlings and overwintering celery snug in the cold frame.

A garden is a grand teacher. It teaches patience and careful watchfulness; it teaches industry and thrift; above all it teaches entire trust. (Gertrude Jekyll)

Overlook in the sun - Guenette photo

A chair in the afternoon sun from which to enjoy it all.