Le Jardin
When you go looking for a house, the garden is never really a factor. It's one of those "nice to have's" that are never going to make or break the deal.
But oh, how nice when the house you buy has an extraordinary garden. There were some pictures of it when we looked at the place and all the neighbours told us that it was lovely but we moved in during the winter so have been waiting to see the full show.
And now the warm weather is here and the garden is booming. There are about a hundred different plants and they're all colourful and interesting and some, I've never even seen before.
It's like living at a botanical park!
The best part is, it's all perennials and all low-maintenance, although I did get scolded by an old lady neighbour today for not weeding enough!
If you're not into plants and gardens, it's all just plants but if you are, it's a rare gift and a continuous source of pleasure.
Say click:
Keep in mind that our last garden looked like this, so anything was going to be better:
Of course, the first thing that everyone notices is the big showoff, Mr. Rhododendron (which may actually grow so large that it creeps into our bedroom one night and smothers us): 
This is one of my current favourites. Came out of nowhere and exploded with lovely scented flowers. Mom, can you tell what this is? (p.s. shortly after this picture was taken, we heard a cry and Mela was face-down in the dirt. That's what you get for being a monkey.) 
Millions and millions of lovely flowers: 
Lovely shaded areas: 
Of course, the mailbox is a little house that can be converted to a planter in the summer time: 
... and a there's a little house for gardening tools, too! (which, of course, has a winding vine around it) 
The vine and arbor over the lower deck are starting to do their thing: 
Nice little corner with some lovely flowers and a vine that's totally taken over the fence (and is actually crushing it): 
This cool little tree is on the far side of the house but has some issue with its lower needles. Any suggestions? 
I've never seen this kind of plant before. And then one day, pop, it's full of awesome orange flowers. 
I always thought that when I owned a home, I'd plant my favourite plants: peonies, lilacs, bleeding hearts, some roses and lily of the valley. Guess what is planted at this house? All of those and more! 
There's a mulberry bush, for god's sake! 
Great colour and it's kind of curly! This guy wins for coolest evergreen shrub. 
Our garden has a LOT of bumblebees. Like, millions. If they really are dying out, just come to my yard to replenish the population. I figure it's because there are so many freaking flowers, you need that many bees to keep it all going! 
And finally, this is my current favourite plant. Up until today, it had pods that I thought individual flowers would slowly expand from. But all of a sudden, they burst open their condom-like casings and a whole bunch of flowers burst out like fireworks. Love it! 
Of course, there are some things more important than gardens. Like World Cup! Draw the drapes and let the action begin. Dinner's being served in the living room from now on ... 
But oh, how nice when the house you buy has an extraordinary garden. There were some pictures of it when we looked at the place and all the neighbours told us that it was lovely but we moved in during the winter so have been waiting to see the full show.
And now the warm weather is here and the garden is booming. There are about a hundred different plants and they're all colourful and interesting and some, I've never even seen before.
It's like living at a botanical park!
The best part is, it's all perennials and all low-maintenance, although I did get scolded by an old lady neighbour today for not weeding enough!
If you're not into plants and gardens, it's all just plants but if you are, it's a rare gift and a continuous source of pleasure.
Say click:
Keep in mind that our last garden looked like this, so anything was going to be better:
Of course, the first thing that everyone notices is the big showoff, Mr. Rhododendron (which may actually grow so large that it creeps into our bedroom one night and smothers us): 
This is one of my current favourites. Came out of nowhere and exploded with lovely scented flowers. Mom, can you tell what this is? (p.s. shortly after this picture was taken, we heard a cry and Mela was face-down in the dirt. That's what you get for being a monkey.) 
Millions and millions of lovely flowers: 
Lovely shaded areas: 
Of course, the mailbox is a little house that can be converted to a planter in the summer time: 
... and a there's a little house for gardening tools, too! (which, of course, has a winding vine around it) 
The vine and arbor over the lower deck are starting to do their thing: 
Nice little corner with some lovely flowers and a vine that's totally taken over the fence (and is actually crushing it): 
This cool little tree is on the far side of the house but has some issue with its lower needles. Any suggestions? 
I've never seen this kind of plant before. And then one day, pop, it's full of awesome orange flowers. 
I always thought that when I owned a home, I'd plant my favourite plants: peonies, lilacs, bleeding hearts, some roses and lily of the valley. Guess what is planted at this house? All of those and more! 
There's a mulberry bush, for god's sake! 
Great colour and it's kind of curly! This guy wins for coolest evergreen shrub. 
Our garden has a LOT of bumblebees. Like, millions. If they really are dying out, just come to my yard to replenish the population. I figure it's because there are so many freaking flowers, you need that many bees to keep it all going! 
And finally, this is my current favourite plant. Up until today, it had pods that I thought individual flowers would slowly expand from. But all of a sudden, they burst open their condom-like casings and a whole bunch of flowers burst out like fireworks. Love it! 
Of course, there are some things more important than gardens. Like World Cup! Draw the drapes and let the action begin. Dinner's being served in the living room from now on ... 
Comments
THe HBs
What can I say, two kids = no time for bathing!
Wish I could see pics of your new-ish place ...