Spring Break

I'm on spring break this week.   The weather has been a bit fickled, as it often is here in the south.  We began with cool temperatures and rain.  A few days the sun brought warm, some might say hot, afternoons.  The kind of afternoons perfect for lounging outside with a glass of iced tea and a good book, or walking around checking on garden residents.

Here is a little of what I found.

Thanks to the late snow and cold temps, the hellebores

and Camillas are still showing off.

Despite a few (meyer) lemons left on the tree,

blooms have appeared awaiting the dance of the bumblebees assuring

next winters fruit.

The forsythia bloomed overnight, but looks as if her visit is to be brief.
She is not one to tarry once the sun turns on the heat.

A few hardy hyacinths soldier on, in spite of blooming during

the ice and snow.

The lilacs are ready to burst open, 

  

and the huechera  has new growth, handing me a bit of hope
the garden will survive in spite of last summer's neglect, and a winter with three dogs
running in and around doing what dogs do when let outside.

Today the rain and cool temperatures have returned, handing me a perfect afternoon
to settle in with a good book.

(I have books to talk about....)

How are you spending this first week of spring?

What's Blooming Today?

Gardening is a full-time job...hobby....pastime...whatever label you choose, it is a commitment.   Spring brings the most work, and the most enjoyment.   It is when we most enjoy last year's toils and prepare for the future.  Spring wakes exploding with color before summer transports us into the quiet lull of textural greens.

As spring approached this year I knew I would not be available to spend the time in the gardens.  They were going to need to survive, mostly on their own.  I promised, no, I vowed, I would not spend the weekends roaming the nurseries.   And, I came to terms with leaving the containers empty,  not adding new perennials to empty spots; I wouldn't be around to pamper, to enjoy.  Passing a nursery and not stopping was white knuckled, steering wheel gripping torture.

Okay, I agreed to possibly leaving the majority of the containers empty (It is all about where you place the accents).  Leaving the front unmaintained, would be screaming "no one is home".  Though we had an unseasonably cool spring, the pansies were desperate to be replaced,  and, the pots by the front entrance were begging for summer blooms.  Perhaps one quick trip to the nursery would be necessary.  I could stop in, grab a couple of geraniums, a couple of flats of impatiens,  and maybe something that would spill over the edges, just around the geraniums.  I  wouldn't even need a wagon.   Once among the growing things my will faltered, and, "gee, maybe I should throw another flat or two of impatiens onto that cart over there.  What do you think?"   

I know what you are thinking...

just another of my addictions... hopeless.

It dawned on me, while running among rows and rows and rows of annuals, and I mentioned this to someone trailing behind me as I flitted from one stand to another, how unhappy I would be when I returned home to find empty containers outside the back door.  I will not admit to when this thought wormed its way into my brain, but I might have heard it while slipping that extra flat (or two) of blooms on my cart.

I am usually discriminating when selecting my color combinations.  I like a lot of color in the front for curb appeal.  In the back gardens I use white annuals; it is refreshing against summer's green, and brightens shaded corners.  However, when you are wanting to slip a few extra plants in, it is best to go with one theme.  The extras go pretty much unnoticed.  

This year I went tropical.

  

Thanks to my dear friend and gardening mentor, who was kind enough to water while I was away,  and the unusual amount of rain this summer,

I returned to find everything happy and thriving.

I've not been home much, (having fun with my new baby boy and his mom and dad) but the gardens are surviving with only minimal attention.  I could tell you all the things going wrong (weeds, weeds, weeds); another story for another day.  

Here are a few things making me smile today. 

Sometimes I can't resist bringing a few friends inside.

It is a beautiful day, I have a book to read
 and I'm headed back out to the garden. 

Will you join me?  

I made tea...

(I apologize I pulled this and republished.

I'm learning to let go of somethings; there

was an error I couldn't leave.)

Spring Artistry

Spring has arrived. 

The sun is shining. 

There is just a slight chill in the air.

It truly has been the perfect first day of Spring.  I spent a bit of time this afternoon walking around looking for surprises.   While Winter took many favorites with her, Spring is busy sweeping up the scraps, collecting snippets, opening her paint pots and creating magic.

If you find yourself under snow this first day of Spring, I leave you with a 

preview of her amazing artistry headed your way...

I promise!

Today my Spring Break begins.  I plan of spending time in the garden,

with friends and family and possibly a book or two.

Unbelievable!

Unbelievable!

A week ago I was strolling through the garden show breathing in and gathering inspiration 

 for my own spring garden.    

I always look forward to having all of our best landscape and floral designers 

in one building.  There is so much talent here.  We are home to master designers

 P. Allen Smith and Chris Olsen...just saying.   

It is often over the top; always a treat.

Some exhibits are beyond my capabilities, while others are possibilities.

I returned home ready to begin the digging.   However, being the last week in February, I knew it was too early to do little more than walk around checking to see what might be waking up. 

And, I only needed to step outside the door to find my own bit of sunshine.   These little blooms are always the first to rise from winter's slumber.  They just make my heart happy.

Now, lets stop chatting about the past and look at where we find ourselves today...

Mother Nature's little March surprise.

Who knew?

Sunday, when I left for Church the temperature was 54 degrees and just beginning to sprinkle.

An hour and a half later the temp had dropped to 33, and a bone chilling rain was falling.  Though I was convinced the "bad stuff" was going to travel just above us,  it was going to be a day for sitting by a warm fire,  finishing a knitting project (oh, I can't wait to show you why I've been away)  and, of course,  some reading.

Just as the stars and starlets began walking the red carpet in Hollywood, to celebrate their accomplishments, I could hear sleet beginning to fall outside my window.  

Speaking of the Oscars...

didn't you think it was one of the best productions?

To be honest, I don't watch a lot of television, but I love all the fashion,

 the music and the acceptance speeches.   Did you have favorites?

There were so many beautiful dresses this year;

my absolute favorite was Sandra Bullock's 

beautiful blue gown.  It was simple, elegant,

and, I do love blue! 

My favorite acceptance speech was Matthew McConaughey's.   It seemed 

spontaneous, sincere and gracious. 

I loved all the tributes to Moms.

Favorite moment?  

Bette Midler singing 

"Wind Beneath My Wings".

Gotta love Bette!

There were so many fun and entertaining moments thanks to host Ellen DeGeneres.  

I do hope the "powers that be" know they have a winner, 

and select her to host permanently.

Okay...back to the ice.

It didn't take long for the walkways and street to be blanketed by the raining ice.

Monday morning I woke to find what looked like snow, but was, in fact,

 an inch and a half of frozen sleet.

I love winter, but I think everyone is a bit weary of the roller coaster we have been on this year.

I hope you are staying warm and safe.  Spring will arrive in her own good time.  Summer will follow too quickly and stay too long. (am I beginning to sound like a broken record?)   You will have to indulge me, and listen to my whining about the heat, though it does seem far in the distance.  

I am out of school again today.   It seems the perfect time

to head to the.... 

I'll meet you there!

As it Fat Tuesday, libations will be prepared

and awaiting you arrival....

laissez les bon temps rouler!

It's Time

Yes, it's time...

The gardens are flourishing

The last container planted

 The table is open

and friends are waiting



Yes, it's time for a cool beverage

and a good book.

Bring on summer!

I'll meet you on the terrace in five....

May you find time to enjoy the fruits of your labor this week.

A Brand New Crayon Box

June has planted her feet solidly on the ground
here at Living Life.

Things are beginning to show up for this year's garden party.

I'm still feeling a bit behind, but I have a good idea of where it is headed.

We have been blessed with plenty of rain



followed by the warmth of the warm southern sun



bursting open summer's crayon box.



Opening a brand new box of crayons is always the best!

I hope June is coloring you with a smile.