• about home, garden, life

home, garden, life

~ home, garden, life ~ sharing a sustainable lifestyle

home, garden, life

Category Archives: season

garden friends…the truest celebration

04 Friday Jul 2014

Posted by home, garden, life in Back Yard Birds, birds, environment, garden, home, life, season, sustainable lifestyle, Virginia, wild birds

≈ 13 Comments

Tags

Albemarle County, celebration, Central Virginia, Fourth of July, garden friends, nature, summer, virginia countryside, wild birds

July 4th is a day of celebration in the United States.
Fireworks no longer appeal to me…too loud, too buggy to watch.
I prefer the quiet sanctuary of my gardens and the miracles that flourish here.
The colors of nature out-dazzle any fireworks display in my book.
Want to see what I found in the garden this morning?
During absolute quiet, this silent winged beauty shared the morning.

Lucky shot this morning. This little hummer decided my zinnia/tomato bed is the perfect place to sun and snack.

lucky shot this morning. This little hummer decided my zinnia/tomato bed is the perfect place to sun and snack. It was here yesterday, and this morning, I had my camera

This little hummer sat for quite some time sunning and napping on my tomato cage.

this little hummer sat for quite some time sunning and napping on a tomato cage

confident to rest in my garden, I think this is the highest compliment a gardener can receive

confident to rest in my garden; I think this is the highest compliment a gardener can receive from wild creatures

Zinnias are one of my favorite annuals, as they dazzle the eye and provide nectar to pollinators

zinnias are my favorite annual, as they dazzle the eye and provide nectar for pollinators. I have them amongst my tomatoes ~ what a pleasant combination and reminiscent of fireworks, yes?

This is my new favorite morning spot, shaded by the large crape myrtle against the bright morning sun

my new favorite morning spot, shaded by the large crape myrtle against the bright morning sun. Cool, dry July mornings are rare in central Virginia. Thanks to the coastal hurricane Arthur, cooler air arrived last night sans humidity. I took full advantage, before the sun rose too high this morning

enjoy your day

enjoy your day and remember to bask in the truest celebration…

Copyright © 2014 by Diane LaSauce All Rights Reserved

 

homage to Herbes de Provence

28 Friday Feb 2014

Posted by home, garden, life in healthy food, quick meals, quick recipes, season, sustainable lifestyle

≈ 4 Comments

Tags

chicken, chicken thighs, healthy food, herbes de Provence, quick meals, veggie broth, winter warmer

Today is Friday. A. Cold. Friday. Old man winter refuses to head north, so I decided to create a quick, hot, healthy dish while tipping my chapeau to seven generations of French ancestors and to an underused herb — Herbes de Provence.

an underused herb in American cooking ~

an underused herb in American cooking ~

begin with organic ingredients ~ skinless, boneless chicken thighs ( 1.25 lbs.), 32 oz  Imagine veggie broth, 1/2 pound each ~ baby carrots and red garnet sweet potato, peeled and cubed.

begin with organic ingredients ~ skinless, boneless chicken thighs (1.25 lbs.), 32 oz. Imagine veggie broth, 1/2 pound each ~ baby carrots and red garnet sweet potato, peeled and cubed.

1/2 lb. of pearl onions add a nice touch

1/2 lb. of pearl onions add a nice touch

Empty the quart of veggie broth into a medium stock pot.
Add one heaping tablespoon of Herbes de Provence. Bring to a boil.
One piece at a time, add chicken thighs, directly from package.
Reduce heat to medium and gently poach chicken for six minutes.
Off heat, let the chicken continue to poach for another six minutes, covered.

poaching chicken thighs

poaching chicken thighs on stove for six minutes, then off heat, continue to poach another six minutes

Remove chicken from broth, and place on a nearby plate.

poached chicken thighs

poached chicken thighs ~ oh, so tender

Strain broth through a China cap or other straining device and return broth to pot. This step will remove most the herbes, yet some remain on chicken.
Return broth to a boil and add onions, sweet potatoes, carrots, and a chunk of fennel (I happened to have one in the fridge). Reduce to a simmer, partially covered, for six minutes.

Simmering veggies

simmering veggies

While the veggies simmer, pull any fat off chicken thighs (there won’t be much) and cut/tear meat into smaller bits. Why thighs, you might wonder? Thigh meat has considerable flavor and it is oh, so tender!

tender bits of thigh

tender bits of thigh

When veggies are tender, using a spider, remove them to a plate.

strained veggies

strained veggies

Return broth to the original pot and bring back to the boil.
Add 2 heaping tablespoons of Arrowroot using a whisk to quickly incorporate into hot broth. Arrowroot is another underused thickener in America, yet its silky texture cannot be matched, and it does not need to be “cooked in” as flour or corn starch do.
When broth is nicely thick, in about one minute, add 1 teaspoon of fine salt and return chicken and all veggies to the pot to just warm.
Serve up into warm bowls.

finished dish ~ silken goodness your entire family will enjoy.

finished dish ~ silken goodness your entire family will enjoy.

This mild recipe will feed four nicely and I suggest serving it with a crusty baguette or lightly toasted Tuscan Pane. I considered making dumplings for this dish, and if I had not been so hungry, I think dumplings would be delightful. Joy of Cooking has many nice, simple dumpling recipes if you feel froggy. Further more, if someone in your home needs TLC, this is the go-to soup, as it is delicately seasoned and subtly sweet.

Let me know how you like this quick-to-prepare, tasty, warming bowl of goodness.

Cooks Note to Readers: purchase herbes and spices in small quantities from your local health-minded grocery. Store all herbes and spices in the freezer, prolonging shelf life. The brands and varieties of veggies mentioned are personal recommendations based on years of tasting experience. Arrowroot may be purchased in the bulk department of any fine health-minded grocery and it has a long shelf life.

Bon Appetit!

Copyright © 2014 by Diane LaSauce All Rights Reserved
“Respect the Earth; Create Memorable Food”

Like this:

Like Loading...

~ this holiday it is all about the critters

29 Friday Nov 2013

Posted by home, garden, life in Back Yard Birds, birds, blessings, cat, Christmas, environment, Lifestyle, Monarch butterflies, P Allen Smith, season, sustainable lifestyle, Virginia

≈ 5 Comments

Tags

Berry Family Nurseries, cats, charity, dogs, Holiday decor, P Allen Smith, seasonal greenery

Ask anyone who knows me or who follows this blog and they will tell you that
I am all about the critters.
Since Miss Kitty’s passing in May of 2011, I turned my critter affection out-of-doors.

Miss Kitty ~ my muse for eleven years

Miss Kitty ~ my muse for eleven years

Over 1100 Monarch butterflies were raised in my Waystation since 2009.

female monarch ready for release

female monarch ready for release

I became an official Bluebird Monitor and host adults as they rear their young.

nestling bluebirds day nine ~ Swallowtail Cottage

nestling bluebirds day nine ~ Swallowtail Cottage

During winter months, I feed, admire, and attempt to photograph
wild birds up close and personal.

handsome woodpecker

handsome red bellied woodpecker

At the local shelter, I volunteer photo time so adoptees
have a better chance at a permanent home…

this pup is showing her holiday stuff at the CASPCA

this pup is showing her holiday stuff at the SPCA

happy holidays and take me home!

happy holidays and take me home!

This season is extra special, as P Allen Smith and Berry Family Nurseries
are offering to send assorted holiday greenery to the winning blogger’s charity.
This is Allen’s Holiday Cheer Challenge, and I need your vote to win!

Here’s the deal. Allen’s people will post this post (and many others) to his Pinterest Holiday page and the most number of likes or Pins will win the prize for the blogger’s charity. I am choosing Caring For Creatures, as this fabulous no-kill sanctuary could use the festive greenery for all visitors and staff to enjoy.
So if you have a Pinterest account, please click here to vote http://www.pinterest.com/pallen_smith/holiday-ideas/
Voting ends December 9.

chocolate spice wreath from P Allen Smith's Holiday Collection

chocolate spice wreath from P Allen Smith’s Holiday Collection

Styled with additional seed bells for the wild birds

styled by moi with additional seed bells for the wild birds

During December, I will be wrapping gifts at Barnes & Noble Bookstore, Barracks Road Shopping Center. Many volunteers will be there raising funds for both the CASPCA and Caring for Creatures. Stop by!

See, it is all about the critters this holiday season
here at Swallowtail Cottage! Thanks for your vote
and Happy Holidays!

Copyright © 2013 by Diane LaSauce All Rights Reserved

Like this:

Like Loading...

life is full

15 Friday Nov 2013

Posted by home, garden, life in beverages, environment, harvest, healthy food, Lifestyle, pie, season, Virginia

≈ 11 Comments

Tags

Albemarle CiderWorks, Albemarle County, apple festival, apples, Vintage Virginia Apples, Virginia

The end of October, I expected life to slow down a bit.
Three hard frosts sent the garden to sleep.
A bit of raking and a few applications of additional mulch finished most chores there. But then…

tons of apples at Albemarle cyder works

tons of apples at Albemarle CiderWorks

Brunswick stew in the making

Brunswick stew in the making

serving the cauldron up

serving up the cauldron

tons more apples

tons more apples

fresh cyder anyone?

fresh cyder anyone?

apple pie contest

apple pie contest

a rural view close to home

a rural view close to home

sunset one Sunday

sunset one Sunday

earth resonates bounty.
chilled air–blessings abound.

Note: Vintage Virginia Apples, home of Albemarle CiderWorks, grows Black Twig, Winesap, Albemarle Pippin, GoldRush, Pink Lady, and Staymen heirloom apples. Kudos to those who preserve our heritage in agriculture. This fine orchard resides south of Charlottesville, Virginia.

Copyright (c) 2013 by Diane LaSauce All Rights Reserved
 

Like this:

Like Loading...

strolling with Thomas Jefferson ~ his Grounds at the University

14 Monday Oct 2013

Posted by home, garden, life in garden, garden meditation, landscape design, Lifestyle, photography, season, sustainable lifestyle, Virginia

≈ 20 Comments

Tags

Albemarle County, Charlottesville, fall, fall garden, Fralin Museum, Grounds at the University, landscape design, photography, the University, Thomas Jefferson, University of Virginia, Virginia

Although I have resided near Monticello and UVA on-and-off for more than thirty years, I never took the time to stroll with Mr. Jefferson on his Grounds at the University of Virginia—until yesterday. Even though a slight drizzle was about, the light was simply divine for photography, and my time had come.

Fortunate to find parking near Grounds this holiday weekend, I first visited the Ansel Adams exhibition at the Fralin Museum, then took off towards the majestic landscape and buildings known as “an Academical Village.”

Fall color arrives near Grounds

Fall color arrives near Grounds

The University of Virginia was originally founded in 1819. Construction began in 1822.

the University ~ on the UNESCO list

paths to knowledge

paths to knowledge

The Rotunda is the focal point of the Academical Village and is modeled after the Pantheon in Rome. The Village is comprised of ten faculty pavilions; the Pavilion Gardens; student rooms along both sides of the East and West Ranges; and six Hotels which served as dining halls. These buildings continue to be used as Jefferson intended.

The Rotunda is the focal point of the Academical Village and is modeled after the Pantheon in Rome. The Village is comprised of ten faculty pavilions; the Pavilion Gardens; student rooms along both sides of the East and West Ranges; and six Hotels which served as dining halls. These buildings continue to be used as Jefferson intended.

The designer himself ~ Thomas Jefferson ~ "father of the University"

The designer himself ~ Thomas Jefferson ~ “father of the University”

classic detail prevail

classic details prevail

flanking the lawn

flanking the lawn

inside the Rotunda, the former library housing a collection of books initially selected by Jefferson himself.

inside the Rotunda, the former library housed a collection of books initially selected by Jefferson himself.

P1010906

a unique detail ~ a fireplace built mid-way up the staircase

Jefferson's favorite view of the South Lawn through the portico's double inside glass doors.

Jefferson’s favorite view of the South Lawn through the portico’s double inside glass doors. He visited here one last time only days before this death.

magnificent restored stair rail system

magnificent restored stair rail system

Cleverly placed bookcases in the Dome Room disappear behind the room's columns when viewed from the center of the room

Cleverly placed bookcases in the Dome Room disappear behind the room’s columns when viewed from the center of the room

The oculus is the Dome Room's crown.

The oculus is the Dome Room’s crown.

seating in the center of the Dome Room.

seating in the center of the Dome Room.

The life-sized statue of Jefferson  overlooks the entrance to Grounds

The life-sized statue of Jefferson overlooks the entrance to Grounds

another view of the complex staircase leading to the Dome Room. The restoration took four months to complete.

another view of the complex staircase leading to the Dome Room. The restoration took four months to complete.

The East Oval Room, originally a lecture hall, is now the meeting chamber of the governing body, the Board of Visitors.

The East Oval Room, originally a lecture hall, is now the meeting chamber of the governing body, the Board of Visitors.

Map engravings from the 1800's hand in the North Oval Room.

map engravings from the 1800’s hang in the North Oval Room.

Mantel décor in the North Oval Room.

Mantel décor in the North Oval Room.

close up view of mantel clock

close up of mantel clock

oval rooms were fitted with oval tables

oval rooms were fitted with oval tables

pine doors are given their inlaid mahogany appearance by a painting process called "graining." This was a very popular technique used during the 19th century. Inexpensive, local woods could be used, sidestepping the costs of imported versions.

pine doors are given their inlaid mahogany appearance by a painting process called “graining.” This was a very popular technique used during the 19th century. Inexpensive, local woods could be used, sidestepping the costs of imported versions.

another detail of pine wood "graining."

another detail of pine wood “graining.”

just outside, one of many couples just married on Grounds.

just outside the Rotunda’s doors stands one of many couples recently married on Grounds.

two small ovens were discovered during the 1970's restoration of the Rotunda. This confirms that the Lower East Oval Room was the site of early chemistry classes.

two small ovens were discovered during the 1970’s restoration of the Rotunda. This confirms that the Lower East Oval Room was the site of early chemistry classes.

another classroom at recess

another classroom at recess

Ground floor detail of Rotunda

Ground floor detail of Rotunda

heated debate topic published on the cover of the Cavalier Daily ~ the paper of the University

heated debate topic published on the cover of the Cavalier Daily ~ the paper of the University

one of the Hotels along the Lawn

one of the Hotels along the Lawn

building details

building details

classic architectural detail abound

classic architectural details abound

student rooms along the Lawn

student rooms along the Lawn. Edgar Allen Poe resided in one.

serenity abounds and details please the eye

serenity abounds and details please the eye

notice the detail between floors

notice the structural landing between floors

bliss on Ground

easily transported back in time, these Grounds convey the past

classic fretwork under overhang

classic fretwork under overhang

another brick pathway joins the Grounds

another brick pathway joins the Grounds

serpentine walls undulate often around Grounds

serpentine walls undulate often around Grounds

and again

and again

and again

and again

quiet outdoor spaces abound for student enrichment

quiet outdoor spaces abound for student enrichment

a well defined garden found within another walled space

a well-defined garden found within another walled space

the privies on Grounds. Daresay, I did not open a door.

the privies on Grounds. Daresay, I did not open a door.

simple adoration for these walls

simple adoration for these walls

hyacinth bean climbs historic walls at the University

hyacinth bean climbs historic walls at the University

gates are another delightful garden feature on Grounds

gates are another delightful garden feature on Grounds

my eye never tires of gates

my eyes never tire of gates

rear view of privies

rear view of privies

the real ball and chain ~ simple yet oh so functional

the real ball and chain ~ simple yet oh so functional

symmetry in action supports perspective

symmetry in action supports perspective

intersecting paths lead thousands to higher knowledge

intersecting paths lead thousands to higher knowledge

We must not forget that without the hundreds of laborers, both free and enslaved, neither Monticello nor the University would exist.
To all those unnamed, you are not forgotten.

Copyright © 2013 by Diane LaSauce All Rights Reserved

Like this:

Like Loading...

~ another reason to share the garden

01 Tuesday Oct 2013

Posted by home, garden, life in blessings, color, environment, garden, garden meditation, home, life, Lifestyle, Monarch butterflies, photography, renewal, season, sustainable lifestyle, Virginia

≈ 25 Comments

Tags

Charlottesville, fall blooming plants, garden highlights, harvest season, Virginia

The following images came from willing yet fleeting creatures who visited my garden yesterday. Kindly view on a large screen for full effect…

slightly tattered Monarch during migration. So glad it found my garden for rest and nectar while on its journey. Monarchs are in dramatic decline.

slightly tattered Monarch during migration. So glad it found my garden for rest and nectar while on its journey. Monarchs are in dramatic decline.

Another Monarch during migration. So nice to share my afternoon with numerous survivors.

another Monarch during migration. So nice to share my afternoon with numerous survivors.

Quite a show today the last day of September

Quite a show today–the last day of September. Pineapple Sage, an annual, has earned a place in all my future gardens…

My first attempt at photographing hummingbirds. They were perfectly poised.

My first attempt at photographing hummingbirds. They were perfectly poised.

Not sure of the botanic name, yet we call this stunner Naked Lady here in Virginia.

Belladonna amaryllis, yet we call this stunner Naked Lady here in Virginia.

Late summer show stopper ~ hyacinth bean.

Late summer show stopper ~ hyacinth bean.

Oh so fragrant tuber rose. a newbie to my garden this year. Why did it take so long to discover?

Oh so fragrant tuberose. A newbie to my garden this year. Why did it take so long to discover?

Queen Ann's Lace. A must for my garden. Have I recited its poem?

Queen Ann’s Lace. A must for my garden. Have I recited its poem?

Have this in your garden? Seeds given to me twelve years ago. Common name Poinsettia Plant.

Have this in your garden? Seeds given to me twelve years ago. Common name Poinsettia Plant.

Loaded with fall berries ~ pyracantha, a real sticker as the genus belongs to the Rose Family, yet showy and berries are bird food.

Loaded with fall berries ~ pyracantha, a real sticker as the genus belongs to the Rose Family, yet showy and berries are bird food.

Sedum family ~ a low succulent plant that I consider bullet proof. A joy in the garden.

Sedum family ~ a low succulent plant that I consider bullet proof. A joy in the garden.

My sexy grape tomatoes continue to produce from its little burlap pot tethered to the raised bed arbor.

My sexy grape tomatoes continue to produce from its little burlap pot tethered to the raised bed arbor.

The smaller the pepper, the hotter. This bird's eye will make you weep!

The smaller the pepper, the hotter. This bird’s eye will make you weep!

A bowl of concord grape sorbet floating in a pool of heavy cream. Grapes from my garden and oh so yummy! The tile is from a local estate sale.

A bowl of concord grape sorbet floating in a pool of heavy cream. Grapes from my garden and oh so yummy! The tile is from a local estate sale.

When I spotted this in a local consignment shop, I had to have it. Turns out it came out of a Charleston garden and is 25 years old. Not sure where it will finally end up in my garden.

When I spotted this in a local consignment shop, I had to have it. Turns out it came out of a Charleston garden and is 25 years old. Not sure where it will finally end up in my garden.

Another detail of my new garden ornament.

Another detail of my new garden ornament.

The only pink that I tolerate in my gardens. Muhly grass, a real show stopper during late afternoon, covered in dew or frost. An easy keeper too.

The only pink that I tolerate in my gardens. Muhly grass, a real show stopper during late afternoon, or early morning covered in dew or frost. An easy keeper too.

Nearby vista of central Virginia farmland. Notice the speck of gliding hawk in the distance.

Nearby vista of central Virginia farmland. Notice the specks of gliding hawks in the distance.

a telling proverb

a telling proverb

As summer glides into fall, my heart fills with gratitude for another year in my gardens. Blessed with much rain and bounty, the gardens thrived and most tasks mildly challenging. I added a few specimens, and continue to edit the landscape.
Fall is the time of year when this gardener has time to sit a spell, reflect, and adore the dazzling colors in weeks to come.
I wish you a splendid harvest and hope that you take time to enjoy this precious event.

Copyright © 2013 by Diane LaSauce All Rights Reserved

Like this:

Like Loading...

on a roll ~ with a grape harvest

18 Sunday Aug 2013

Posted by home, garden, life in harvest, Lifestyle, preserving, season, sustainable lifestyle

≈ 11 Comments

Tags

Albemarle County, concord grape, Concord Grape Jam, copper pot, god of wine, grape, grape harvest, grape plant, heavenly scent, Virginia

Three years ago when I planted one Concord Grape plant, I never knew what I was in for.
The first two years I struggled with this indeterminate vine and its strange harvest until I consulted with our local “God of Wine”.
He was kind enough to advise this silly gardener about her single vine.
Third time’s a charm they say, and voila! Diane has a grape harvest worthy of jam!

can you smell the heavenly scent?

can you smell the heavenly scent?

a wee bit labor intensive, squeezing the innards out of the skins

a wee bit labor intensive, squeezing the innards out of the skins

knock out flavor and color here

knock out flavor and color here

innards of four pounds of grapes

innards of four pounds of grapes

quick time in the copper pot

quick time in the French copper preserving pan

can you taste this royal essence?

can you taste this royal essence?

Yep, after much hand work in the kitchen this rainy Sunday, I have eight jars of Concord Grape Jam to show for my efforts—
too soon sold to customers who now feel the shift of season and prepare for the cooler months ahead.
These gems of harvest travel near and far to pantry shelves and often find themselves wrapped and gently tucked under Christmas trees
for those foodies who revere this process.

Next up is a batch of Concord Grape Sorbet!

Copyright © 2013 by Diane LaSauce All Rights Reserved

Like this:

Like Loading...

the glory of harvest

29 Monday Jul 2013

Posted by home, garden, life in Back Yard Birds, blessings, Bluebirds, environment, farmer's market, garden, Lifestyle, mission, Poetry, season, summer, sustainable lifestyle

≈ 13 Comments

Tags

blessings, Central Virginia, harvest, jam, summer

This time of year there is a subtle shift…the sun is in a different location.
Gardeners spend so much time planning for spring, that summer slips right in.
Time for harvest, time for county fairs, time for blissful naps in the hammock.

time to crack the jam cookbooks

time to crack the jam cookbooks

This morning as I guided my little wheelbarrow around the gardens
before the sun rose,
before the dew dried,
I noticed how swollen the grapes;
how fragrant the lambs ear as I trimmed off spent blossoms,
how quiet the landscape before bees awaken.
The gentle burble of the Bluebird’s call,
the racking squawk of Mary Mockingbird,
and how different from the low coo of the Robin;
I catch myself thinking of fall!
And harvest!
And bounty!
And preserves!

plump local plums ready for jam

plump local plums ready for jam

the path to righteousness

the path to righteousness

local, just picked blackberries called for immediate attention on Sunday

local, just picked blackberries called for immediate attention on Sunday

whirling divine

whirling divine

the last five cups went into this blackberry cobbler

the last five cups went into this blackberry cobbler

Swallowtail Cottage is filled with heavenly aromas
as the process begins…

freshly capped jars ready for market

freshly capped jars ready for market

plum jam ready for lables

plum jam ready for labels

a dosing dove sits just outside my kitchen door, perhaps enjoying the aromas

a dozing dove sits just outside my kitchen door, perhaps enjoying the aromas

peaches, nectarines, and plums, oh my!

peaches, nectarines, and plums, oh my!

same beekeeper, just left jar is summer honey and right jar is spring honey.

same beekeeper; the jar on the left is summer honey and the jar on the right is spring honey. Either way divine!

Sending blessings for a wonderful harvest season.

Copyright © 2013 by Diane LaSauce All Rights Reserved

Like this:

Like Loading...

just had to share…

05 Sunday May 2013

Posted by home, garden, life in Back Yard Birds, Bluebirds, environment, Lifestyle, P Allen Smith, season, sustainable lifestyle

≈ 9 Comments

Tags

bluebird nestlings, nature, nesting bluebirds, overcast skies, P Allen Smith, platform feeder, precious ones, virginia countryside

These are two quick photos of the bluebird nestlings here at Swallowtail Cottage—they are only a few days old. Still cold here with overcast skies, yet mealworms are keeping both adults and chicks healthy. Yay!
Just had to share…

P1000599

Bluebird nestlings all snug in their box–five in all

P1000601

Just bits of fuzz on their bodies. Adult female must keep them warm until nestlings are older and have feathers

Off to Arkansas in the morning while my neighbor becomes guardian of these precious ones until I return on Thursday. Some critter was in the garden overnight and attempted to turn over the platform feeder just across the lawn from this box. I suspect a cat, possum or skunk…I may lose sleep over this one.
Simply click on the images to view larger for a closer peep…

Copyright © 2013 by Diane LaSauce All Rights Reserved

Like this:

Like Loading...

Swallowtail Cottage update

26 Friday Apr 2013

Posted by home, garden, life in Back Yard Birds, birds, Bluebirds, environment, Lifestyle, season, spring, sustainable lifestyle, Virginia spring flowers

≈ 10 Comments

Tags

high tech farming, hot house, mealworms, Mennonite nursery garden, morning in the country, nature, nesting bluebirds, open house nursery, plants

Last night the moon was splendidly full yet overnight temperatures dipped to 34F again. For the end of April in central Virginia, this is cold.

P1000515

Dogwood in full bloom

The nesting female bluebird survived freezing temperatures last week and was quick to find their private feeder full of mealworms this morning—ordered in specially for her, her mate, and the soon to be nestlings.
Freezing temperatures often limit the number of edible insects bluebirds require, therefore human intervention can aid the overall success of the pair and brood.

P1000525

The order of 5,000 mealworms arrived this morning. After three days in the post, they are hungry and thirsty. Notice how they converge on the kiwi fruit for moisture. Organic lettuce leaves and the bed of organic oat bran provide food as well.

Knowing that both bluebirds were in good feed, I joined a neighbor and her darling daughter on a visit to a nearby Mennonite garden nursery. The sun shone brilliantly burning off any chill from the night—good day for an open house.
These fields are serious business for a man, his eight children, and many grandchildren.

P1000518

High tech farming practices in place along the sleepy foothills of the Blue Ridge

P1000517

Tomato plants already in the ground.

P1000520

Inside the fragrant hot-house, the annual plants display row after row.

P1000522

A pre-schooler learning the wonders of plants. A white petunia she had to have.

P1000524

Little Abby back home from the nursery already in a farming mood!

While snacking on a freshly made donut, still warm from the kitchens, I managed to part with a few dollars for annuals that will go into the butterfly garden.
Abby inhaled two donuts, never blinking twice. Ah to be five again!
Another great day in the country, yet time to return to my kitchen as Saturday market will be here soon enough.
May you all have a splendid weekend.

Copyright © 2013 by Diane LaSauce All Rights Reserved

Like this:

Like Loading...
← Older posts
Newer posts →

Check out HGTV where two of my garden designs are featured…

I was featured on HGTVGardens.com!

Search this blog

Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

G2B13

G2B15

DO NOT COPY ANY PART OF THIS BLOG

Protected by Copyscape Web Plagiarism Detector

Essay Titles

  • Another blueberry spring
  • Spring garden projects
  • Chocolate Ginger Molasses wafers
  • Winter warmer when we pause
  • The twilight zone is real
  • Projects keep coming…
  • Feeling it
  • the journey continues
  • My food journey
  • Brownies, Keto Style
  • Keto almond crackers
  • If you are climbing the walls…
  • Three hours of sun
  • “this too shall pass”
  • there is no place like home…
  • the perfect Tiny House
  • Miracles everywhere
  • And so it goes…
  • Transform, transition, resilience
  • An Artist’s Way
  • Sunday’s monster project
  • Meanwhile
  • how fragile we are
  • what I learned about Keto
  • small steps
  • do no harm…
  • will this convince you?
  • Plastics…a soapbox tale
  • Let’s clean up our act
  • 2020…are we ready?
  • All I want for Christmas
  • Thanksgiving…remembering love
  • At last
  • Keto “potatoes”
  • When critters call
  • Keto bread revisited
  • My report on Keto
  • for the love of rock, II
  • give a gardener a cool summer day…
  • Oh July, July
  • Kale, the ultimate chip
  • gone Keto
  • she’s baaaack!
  • Perhaps missed
  • for the love of rock
  • the anatomy of a popover
  • the garden visitor
  • what blooms this week
  • porch envy
  • Summer in Virginia

Seasonal Topics by Month

More to explore

Protected by Copyscape

Blog at WordPress.com.

  • Follow Following
    • home, garden, life
    • Join 553 other followers
    • Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
    • home, garden, life
    • Customize
    • Follow Following
    • Sign up
    • Log in
    • Report this content
    • View site in Reader
    • Manage subscriptions
    • Collapse this bar
 

Loading Comments...
 

    %d bloggers like this: