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Tag Archives: change of seasons

August begins a time of edits

03 Monday Aug 2015

Posted by home, garden, life in August, Back Yard Birds, blessings, Bluebirds, P Allen Smith Garden Home, sustainable lifestyle

≈ 22 Comments

Tags

Albemarle County, August garden, Central Virginia, change of seasons, Charlottesville, Charlottesville City Market, feeding wild birds, garden, garden chores, home, life, P Allen Smith

The month of August is bittersweet.

This year summer evolves especially fast. Spring was long and cool, delaying daffodil bloom long enough to sell cut stems at the April farmers market.

these beauties knock me out

these beauties knock me out every April.  I have a habit of rescuing or inheriting daffodils from abandoned properties or those departed, so I never know the names of each flower, yet every spring, I look forward to their many faces and scents, as my collection now numbers over 2,500.

By mid-May temperatures were in the 90’s, heavy rains fell, then the high humidity set in. Despite this challenging conditions, the peony harvest was especially abundant in May; over 600 stems were sold at market, necessitating the purchase of an additional refrigerator for the basement. 2015 Peony city market May

I did enjoy four days of respite at P Allen Smith’s Moss Mountain Farm outside Little Rock, Arkansas. During the growing season, I tiptoe out of my gardens to catch a flight to this gardener’s dream land as a guest, only to return a few days later to a needy garden…”weed me, harvest me, plant me, mow me, feed me, dig me…”

Allen and I in the one-are garden; a special friend in a special place (pallensmith.com)

Allen and I in his one-acre veggie garden at Moss Mountain Farm in May; a special friend in a special place (pallensmith.com)

these Iris graced my gardens this year. Another rescued beauty who now enjoyes life here

back in Virginia, these Iris graced my gardens during May of this year. Another rescued beauty who now enjoys life here

and this rescued Iris blooms right along side. Both flowers have a heavenly scent

and this rescued Iris blooms right along side the deep purple variety. Both flowers have a heavenly scent and bloomed continuously for three weeks during May!

one proud stand of glory

one proud stand of glory

tiger lily

this is an old heirloom, scentless variety of tiger lily (tigrinum), native to China but long ago naturalized in America…these originals came from my mother’s gardens. Bulbs may be cooked and eaten, tasting something like an artichoke, although I have never found the need to imbibe. Prolific black bulbils produced in the axils of the leaves may be shared with friends, though they take years to mature. Blooms appear in July, are 3′-5′ tall and rarely need staking. Butterflies adore the flowers during a rainy month.

oakleaf hydrangea

prolific Oakleaf hydrangea (paniculata) thrives here at Swallowtail Cottage, and produces abundant offspring from seed, which now fill an entire lower shrub border. There are approximately forty-five species and varieties grown in America.

And now it is August. Both heirloom tiger lilies and Davidii phlox bloom cycles are finished and spent stems are removed. The lush Oakleaf hydrangea bloom is merely a memory. Why? It seems, we gardeners wait with such anticipation for bloom time, only to have it pass seemingly overnight…every season.

Naked ladies suddenly appear in my August garden and seduce the eye with every gaze...

Another native of South Africa, Lycoris squamigera or Naked Ladies suddenly appear in my August garden and seduce the eye with every gaze…they make a pretty cut flower, with elegant long stems and a pleasant scent…

Formosa lily

Another late summer bloomer is the Formosa Lily (formosanum). White, funnel-shaped and fragrant with 1-10 flowers produced per stalk that grows to 6′. Easily self sows here in zone 6. Native to Formosa. My first seed pod came from Tufton, a former property of Thomas Jefferson.

Generous rains produced stunning, abundant blooms this season on the spiraea, hellebore, and Lemon lilies.

Lemon lilies in the lower garden

Lemon lilies in the lower garden

Delayed are the two main 2015 outdoor projects: the oil stain project of the new 90′ privacy fence (both sides) and the necessary reconditioning of the terrace masonry wall.

P1040006

looming, yet very necessary, the 90′ long privacy fence needs a coat of oil based natural stain (both sides) in order to preserve the blond appearance. Frequent rain and high dew points continue to prevent moi from swinging the brush…

block wall on terrace demands attention this year. Dry Lock Extreme and new coat of paint will restore...I'm hoping...

the 30′ block/parged terrace wall demands attention this year. Dry Lok Extreme and new coats of paint will restore…I’m hoping…

Are any of you considering home ownership? This post will be a reality check for you. Since buying this place back in 2001, the projects both large and small, inside and out, are endless. Some days/years I think I am making progress, others, I think I am in a rapid backslide…

Wild birds bring much relief and beauty on a daily basis to my gardens. This year I am hosting hummingbirds, and they come in droves for their plain sugar-water fix and enjoy sips from the Crocosmia.

hummer enjoys a sip from the crocosmia in the kitchen herb garden

hummer enjoys a sip from the Crocosmia from the kitchen herb garden in 2014. Did you know that Crocosmia is an herb from South Africa belonging to the Iris family? I rescued these corms and enjoy seeing them thrive.

in 2014 the hummers enjoyed sips from the pineapple sage...

in 2013 the hummers enjoyed sips from the pineapple sage…

Hummers enjoy the convenience of a perch design on this sugar syrup feeder in 2015

hummingbirds enjoy the convenience of a perch on this sugar syrup feeder in 2015. Photo was taken through solar film and glass, so a wee bit soft…

I feed numerous other wild birds here at Swallowtail Cottage, yet the Bluebirds chose not to nest here again this year. They come in to feed, and I hear their song whilst gardening, yet only a pair of black cap chickadees occupied the BB boxes this season while either a titmouse or carolina wren raised young in the wren box.

nestling bluebirds day nine ~ Swallowtail Cottage. Would you feed them GMO food?

nestling bluebirds day nine ~ Swallowtail Cottage 2013. Would you feed them GMO food?

So begins August here in central Virginia. I expect the arborist later this month for our annual chore of topping/shearing the Leyland cypress hedges; I will be glad to see the bagworms vanish into the chipper.

sheering tops of Leylands and icky pyracanta in foreground

annual shearing of tops and sides of Leyland cypress, as 135 surround my property’s perimeter

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One glorious yellow swallowtail graces my garden and poses cooperatively on the verbena. These flutterbyes inspired the name of my property…Swallowtail Cottage. Still awaiting the Monarchs…

Queen Ann’s Lace, hyssop, cleome, hostas, and roses continue to color the landscape as summer winds down for another season. Butterflies nectar on the verbena and Joe Pye Weed. Fat cucumbers dangle from the arched cattle panels, while sweet basil, tomatoes, hot peppers, kale and herbs fill the raised beds. Soon I will harvest my first crop of Lilliput melons, as they meander across the lower butterfly garden. 2015 has been an abundant growing season. Full of edibles, friends, happy memories, and hard work.

end of summer bouquet

end of summer bouquet

And soon, yes soon I will breathe a bit easier; I will sleep a wee bit longer as garden/market chores lighten. As biting insects depart, when there is a chill in the crisp air, I will once again enjoy my lower patio and reflect on another year as a homeowner/gardener.

Did you know that we will lose one hour of daylight in August? While I am still the busy bee today, the planet continues its orbit. Our gardens respond, and indeed so do we. Best now to consider the color of this year’s flannel sheets, while continuing to mow, weed those persistent invasives, and get a handle on those unfinished outdoor projects…

If you have a moment, would love to hear from you either by the click of the “like” button or speak in the comments section. Does my blog make a difference? Cheers!

Copyright © 2015 by Diane LaSauce All Rights Reserved

the kiss system

18 Thursday Jun 2015

Posted by home, garden, life in Dreamsicle recipe, easy recipe, quick desserts

≈ 10 Comments

Tags

Albemarle County, Central Virginia, change of seasons, comfort food, cooking, easy desserts, easy recipes, summer dessert recipe, the kiss system

a photo of me during my design days...

During the years I worked as a residential interior designer, most of the fabric houses had what they coined the kiss system…attached to the main sample were smaller flags of complimentary fabrics, often making the selection process simple. The acronym translated, “keep it simple, stupid.” These days, I would prefer to drop the last s, as stupid is not accurate, nor kind. Yet, I digress…

Since 2000, I wandered into the world of food, where keeping things simple continues to be paramount. Needless to say, I never offered wedding cakes as part of my repertoire. As owner of a one-woman operation, my mission is: “respect the earth, create memorable food.” Additionally my steadfast slogan is: “there is a fine line between order and chaos,” and the kiss system is still as effective today as it was during the last decade.

springtime has simple written all over it...

springtime has simple written all over it…

As temperatures rise, my appetite declines and I seem to crave cool, easy, no-brainer (stupid?) recipes. If you follow my posts regularly, the last was about chocolate gelato…today, my recipe is even more simple…

Remember the Dreamsicle? Recently, I began craving this flavor and created the following in a matter of minutes:

begin by adding one can of full fat organic coconut milk and one can of organic frozen orange juice, to a blender...

begin by adding one can of full fat organic coconut milk and one can of organic frozen orange juice to a blender…

add both cans to the blender with 1/4 up of sugar and whirl...

add the contents of both cans to the blender with 1/4 up of sugar and whirl…

pour this into a loaf pan or glass cold-proof container and freeze...

pour this into a loaf pan or glass cold-proof container and freeze (shown here with cream floated on top after orange is frozen)…this can be then scooped OR

OR slice the frozen orange gelato and serve with a pretty garnish...

slice the frozen orange gelato and serve with a pretty garnish…no sticks necessary!

When orange is first frozen, add a half-inch layer of heavy whipping cream to the top and freeze again. This is super right out of the freezer, as the coconut milk keeps the texture smooth and not too hard to scoop. Slices make for a nice presentation.

June in Louisa County

June in central Virginia

OK, is this wee recipe something you might try during these steamy, soon to be summer days?

Happy summer and be safe!

If you have a minute, leave a comment. I’d love to hear from you!

Copyright © 2015 by Diane LaSauce All Rights Reserved

stroll with me in a friend’s April garden

23 Thursday Apr 2015

Posted by home, garden, life in garden, garden textures, spring garden

≈ 12 Comments

Tags

Albemarle County, April flowers in Virginia, Central Virginia, change of seasons, Charlottesville, garden tour, Spring in Virginia

My garden stroll began off the patio

Earlier today, I visited a very special garden. The sun shone brightly and my garden stroll began off the patio

a tree peony in full glory

a tree peony in full glory just outside the four-season room

looking back toward the house

looking back toward the house

colorful vistas drew  me into the garden

colorful vistas drew me into the garden

endless profusion of textures delight the eye

endless profusion of textures delight the eye

an explosion of color lead me deeper into this     garden

an explosion of color leads me deeper into this garden

POW!

POW!

Again!

Again!

delicate perfection

delicate perfection

a rhododendron blushes at peak

a rhododendron blushes at peak

then calm pervades

then calm pervades

this hue is so special in the garden while exquisite blooms seduce

this hue is so special in the garden while exquisite blooms seduce

sunlight creates a painterly quality ~ stunningly unique this day in time

sunlight creates a painterly quality ~ stunningly unique this day in time

a quiet path leads to the adjoining property

a quiet path leads to the adjoining property

a hidden gem that will house delicate specimen plants during the warm summer months

a hidden gem that will house delicate specimen plants during the warm summer months

another azalea whose name I must learn

another azalea whose name I must learn

P1040251

this structure is a textural statement

P1040252

yellow this early in the season is sublime

the journey continues

the journey continues

the pool at rest while the greenhouse is full of overwintering plants

the pool at rest while the greenhouse is ripe with overwintering plants

this is a delightful specimen that I would like in my garden

this is a delightful specimen that I would like in my garden

blue is a rare find in any garden, and this plant is especially desirable

blue is a rare find in any garden, and this plant is especially desirable. It is Ajuga. 

careful placement of this colorful maple demands attention this day

careful placement of this colorful maple demands attention this day

trumpet shaped flowers ablaze

trumpet shaped flowers ablaze

and again

and again

this maple is breathtaking along another path

this maple is breathtaking along another path

more texture

more texture

serene view from the patio

serene view from the patio

full circle

full circle

 a dazzling container just outside the garden fence

a dazzling container just outside the garden fence

endless profusion of blooms

endless profusion of blooms

plenty of boxwoods set the stage for triumphant bursts of color

plenty of boxwoods set the stage for triumphant bursts of color

rich textures, patterns and colors abound

rich textures, patterns, and colors abound

on my way out of the property I had the pleasure of meeting Sally, a twenty-year veteran gardener of this garden ~ I am humbled by her talent and cheerful persona

on my way out of the property I had the pleasure of meeting Sally, a twenty-year veteran of this garden ~ I am humbled by her talent and cheerful persona

And to think I nearly missed time in this garden. At the last moment schedules aligned which allowed access and time to explore. As the nearby town bustles, this serene property rests and provides sanctuary for its owners/stewards. Merely forty years old, this garden is a testament to the vision, dedication, passion, and grace of those who created it and to those who currently reside and cherish this garden paradise. It was sheer pleasure to stroll, admire, and photograph.

Copyright © 2015 by Diane LaSauce All Rights Reserved

all too soon

18 Thursday Oct 2012

Posted by home, garden, life in Lifestyle, nature, photography, Poetry, season

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

change of seasons, nature, photography, poetry, virginia countryside

too soon october flys

november lurking in dreary skies

~ Diane LaSauce

Copyright © 2012 by Diane LaSauce All Rights Reserved

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on the horizon

10 Friday Aug 2012

Posted by home, garden, life in Back Yard Birds, birds, Lifestyle, photography

≈ 4 Comments

Tags

back yard birds, change of seasons, photography, poetry, vultures

Just now, this Friday morning, I noticed a few newcomers to the yard. Mary Mockingbird was having a fit, attempting to drive them off, as her third nest is not far off in the magnolia. Is this an omen?

These guys appear rather ominous, yes?

This was my observation yesterday morning:

The sun is shining,

the zinnias are brilliant,

five doves poke around,

one bunny snoops,

not a snake in sight.

Mary Mocking bird feeds her new chicks,

catnip is in the drying shed.

I smell fall.

Copyright © 2012 by Diane LaSauce All Rights Reserved

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Essay Titles

  • 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
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  • what I learned about Keto
  • small steps
  • do no harm…
  • will this convince you?
  • Plastics…a soapbox tale
  • Let’s clean up our act
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  • Thanksgiving…remembering love
  • At last
  • Keto “potatoes”
  • When critters call
  • Keto bread revisited
  • My report on Keto
  • for the love of rock, II
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  • 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
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  • timing is everything
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  • words cross centuries
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  • Kudos, followers
  • this week’s reading challenge…
  • February dreaming…
  • kitty love
  • the dormant season

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