12 Thursday Jan 2017
Posted in dormant season, dreaming, garden, sustainable lifestyle
Tags
Winter is my dormant season when I have time to hibernate with good books, good movies, and good searches on the Internet…
here is a good garden find:
And if you are in the mood to root around your closets, here is another good project for the dormant season:
IF I lived in my perfect world, this is what my home would look like…
yes it would…
Finally, if you love your photos and are in a techy mood, try these ideas:
How are you spending your dormant season?
18 Thursday Aug 2016
Tags
Albemarle County, Central Virginia, garden, home, life, lifestyle, plants, summer, Virginia
There is one word that describes the month of August in central Virginia… steamy. Not unlike steam room cloying temperatures and humidity with dew points in the 70’s.
August skies over Swallowtail Cottage
This year does not disappoint. Any Virginia gardener knows this month requires resolve and fortitude and multiple trips to the shower. If Mother Nature holds back quenching storms, this gardener must rise before dawn to drag hoses around for blooming plants, inviting nectaring insects and butterflies to have sweet tastes. Newly added plant material must be monitored for even moisture, if they are to survive and put down healthy root systems.
Despite these character-building conditions, I want to share with you the beauties that dot my landscape this month…
The Chinese Lycoris squamigera, more commonly known as Naked Ladies, are plentiful around here (zone 7a) as summer beauties yet are extremely persnickety. They send up tall, flat leaves in the spring that die off, then tall spikes appear this month. With multiple flowers on plain or naked stalks reaching 36″ tall, they are quite the show stopper. They never need staking, yet when I transplant them to other garden areas, many never bloom. Go figure…
Formosa lilies are native to Formosa and grow easily in my gardens where they readily self sow… the original seed came from Tufton, a property once owned by Thomas Jefferson.
The Formosa seed pods during winter, with actual seeds removed. Stunning, yes?
This Honeybells fragrant hosta and nine sisters were gifted to me last year. Now blooming and 48″ high, the steamy August garden is blessed with visual cool and fragrance. PS: generous applications of spent coffee grounds around the base of early leaves completely stopped the onslaught of slugs…a Whole Foods Barista was happy to give me their dregs any time that I asked.
A close up of this dreamy hosta Honeybells. Too bad the biting ants like the flowers too or I would cut stems for the house and market.
The only phlox I grow here at Swallowtail Cottage, Davidii stands tall and does not succumb to any mildew. Incredible.
Another gift from Kate. The Celadon poppy blooms early spring and again this month. I am told this poppy is invasive, yet tucked back in the rear garden, I invite a bit of delicate color and naughty.
THIS is a thug. Rudbeckia triloba…I do not remember ever planting it, yet this year a huge area of the butterfly garden is filled with these 6′ tall bloomers! I took many bunches to market and will stuff the rest in the burn barrel, as they have needles along the stems and are as rough as a cob. OUT!!!
Autumn Joy sedum attracts flutterbyes by the dozen and is an easy-care perennial. A classic in any garden. This was on the property when I bought it in 2001, and I have shared many clumps with neighbors.
Ahhh, my summer delight. The Natchez crape myrtle. One double trunk grows in the front lawn, and a five-trunked specimen thrives on the west side of the house. These beauties provide dreamy shade during summer months, have refreshing blooms where honey bees bury themselves, and in fall, leaves change to a brilliant hue. Did I mention the peeling bark during August? This shed reminds me all is well with much visual interest.
The shedding bark layer curls and twists, revealing the baby smooth leather-like under bark. I often find myself stroking the trunks as the sensation is like no other.
I laugh every year when this silly PJM rhododendron blooms in August…All of its companions bloom in the spring, when they should, but here, no. I really do not like pink of any kind in the garden, yet planted PJM’s years ago for their winter bronze leaf color.
Let me introduce you to a new variety… Black Diamond crape myrtle, added to my front garden this summer. Notice the wonderful deep leaf hue and pleasant color of the flowers…this plant blooms multiple times per year and the plant tag promises a mature height at 12′. I look forward to many years with this new variety…
And Babe, the topic of my last post, survives despite its weird appendage in front of its right leg. After emailing photos to the Wildlife Center, they too are stumped and suggest that as long as Babe is eating well, to leave it in the wild. Although Babe continues to molt and look rather pathetic with its shabby coat, I eagerly wait to see what sex it is…can anyone guess?
This plaque, found in a shop at Tryon Palace, reminds me that the garden teaches forever.
Twice per week this time of year I run errands and make deliveries very early, then confess to enjoying short afternoon naps in the air conditioning. Heat is hypnotic. Reclined on the loveseat, dozing between paragraphs of a Baldacci novel, I later rise and do indoor chores. Then around 7PM I dress for insects and head out weekly to mow and perspire. Soon. Soon. Very soon, there will be lower dew points and garden clean up, as the blooming show will be mostly over until next spring. And this gardener will sigh a large exhale.
Thanks for reading along. Your comments are always enjoyed.
Copyright © 2016 by Diane LaSauce All Rights Reserved
30 Thursday Jun 2016
Tags
Central Virginia, Charlottesville, food, home, lifestyle, quick recipes, recipies, summer, Virginia
With July fourth around the corner and summer heat and humidity present, I decided to pull out the stops and shop for festive seafood. Landlocked here in central Virginia, most of the ingredients for this recipe came from either Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s. Since I do not live in Maine, lobster is out of the question, although langostino is a fine substitute for lobster OR shrimp. Please enjoy this quick recipe inspired by the famous Lobster Roll…ah LaSauce.
This past winter I ate my weight in TJ’s Argentinian wild caught shrimp. Discovered in the frozen food section, I hoarded pounds at a time and feasted regularly. Meaty and tender and ready in four minutes, what could be better? Following a few month’s break from the binge, these beauties called out to me again today.
Are you ready for a simple, simple recipe?
At Trader Joe’s pick up a package of butter croissants, a pound of Argentinian Wild Caught shrimp, some organic bread & butter pickles, a bag of organic celery hearts, and a bag of organic blue corn chips…see photos below.
At Whole Foods, collect a jar of 365 organic mayo, a lemon, and Old Bay seasoning.
OK here is the simple:
Bring water to a rapid boil and add one pound frozen shrimp. Bring back to the boil ( this takes about four minutes) stirring occasionally then drain once water returns to a boil…do not overcook and do not rinse!
wash and finely slice organic celery…about two cups
Trader Joe’s biggest secret…tender butter croissants…I do warm these babies for a few minutes in a toaster oven…slice first ~ never a microwave please!
The label says it all…tender, plump, and they cook in four minutes
What could be a better snack food? Organic, multi-grain, gluten free.
Mix in a few simple ingredients: shrimp, mayo, lemon, celery, Old Bay to taste, and everyone is happy. The Milk Stout happens to be my fav adult beverage and I find it at WF.
The presentation…in minutes this tasty treat will impress; just remember your favorite beverage. The pickles did not make this shot, as I snacked them.
Happy Independence Day to all Americans, and may peace prevail. Be safe.
PS: I do not receive any compensation for mentioning these products…just wanted to share my findings with my readers. Bon Appetit!
Copyright © 2016 by Diane LaSauce All Rights Reserved
30 Monday May 2016
Posted in Albemarle county, blueberries, environment, garden, home, landscape design, life, sustainable lifestyle, Virginia
Tags
Albemarle County, Central Virginia, garden, home, landscape design, letting go, life, lifestyle, nature, Virginia, virginia countryside
and hanging on and letting go…
As I flailed around during May, reeling from Mother Nature’s multiple challenges while wringing my hands as beloved plants took hit after hit, I reminded myself: #1 I have no control over Mother Nature, #2 all things are temporary, #3 a gardener must be resilient.
My love of the earth and passion for most things beautiful and fragrant, began decades ago. Before the age of seven I remember lying under the tall patch of blooming Persian lilacs at our Long Island home, content never to move again.
in 2014 the hummers enjoyed sips from the pineapple sage…
At age eighteen, I left home for college, and was away from lush gardens. I quickly learned that a sunny park across from my dorm could fill my need for green. As a BFA graduate, my first job took me to Portland, Oregon where I was mesmerized by the artful Japanese Gardens and the historic Portland Rose Gardens. I could have stayed there forever.
the narrow gravel path is embraced by tightly shorn boxwood hedges.
Alas, years later, with roaming days behind me, I found myself working on Capitol Hill. Whenever possible during lunch hour, I strolled the magnificent grounds of Congress designed by Frederick Olmstead, and frequently lunched on the edge of the marble fountains outside the Supreme Court. Those were the days.
Heirloom Tiger Lily provides nectar for this Swallowtail
In 2000 I departed the urbane, and put down roots at my first country house. The abode turns out to be a needy box, yet the half-acre provided me with a tabula rasa. No more containers on the postage stamp balcony.
Fruits of my labor…homegrown blueberries…as the pan’s contents bubbled, the color deepened
Once the mistakes of former owners were obliterated, my gardening intuition prevailed, as it does today, sixteen years later. Following numerous consults with garden experts, I quickly surmised that my intuition was the light to follow. Recently, as I glanced at my archived plant tags, I removed 50% of my original purchases. Either the plant tags lied and specimens quickly outgrew their place, or plants failed to thrive without frequent spraying. As a master gardener who is intolerant of needy plants, garden edits are becoming an annual ritual.
March garden edits included a stump grinder. The rug junipers became a garden thug in many areas, yet hand removal was impossible. Thanks to my arborist and his great tools…
Hours in the garden provide solitude amongst the songs of wild birds, handsome toads, and the occasional reptile. When the sun rises above the cypress trees, I step indoors and enjoy views out every window. The passage of time in my gardens is what sustains me. The beauty of thriving plants inspire me. Ten thousand photographs later, I attempt to share moments of bliss.
This handsome creature posed for me in the very hot sun for ten minutes! I adore moments like this when nature provides fleeting glimpses of my garden residents.
Every garden reflects the gardener, and often inspires on well after the person who tends it; or for that brief moment in time, a place comes alive in this time, and perhaps lives on in memory.
exhilarating moments
Planting and working the soil teaches us that there is hope despite adversity, that during the most difficult times, all things are temporary, and as in life, a gardener must learn to accept change, hang on to every fleeting moment when perfection finds its way, and to let go with grace.
a telling proverb
Copyright © 2016 by Diane LaSauce All Rights Reserved
20 Sunday Mar 2016
Tags
Charlottesville, first day of spring, garden, garden design, home, lifestyle, raised beds, spring flowers, Virginia
Despite the 40F temperatures and overcast sky this morning at Swallowtail Cottage, here’s a glimpse of what is blooming in my half-acre gardens…enjoy!
PJM rhododendrons show their stuff this chilly spring morning.
O’Neal blueberry flowers…provide edible, delectable fruit come May, with the help of local pollinators.
Two years ago, I collected 2000 heirloom daffodils, crocus, and lilies from around the property and added them to a 30′ ditch. A powerful early spring statement…with more blooms to follow in weeks to come.
One deep rear shrub border is home to Japanese maples, hellebores, daffs, an adopted clump of old variety spirea, Green Velvet boxwood (raised from cuttings), assorted lilies, chindo viburnum, oakleaf hydrangea, one floribunda rose ‘Tiny’, hostas, phlox Davidii, clematis, red hot pokers, miscari, and three tuteurs.
Buxus Green Mountain boxwoods never fail to impress. Easy care and sprinkled with tiny, delicate blossoms in late March. Have I confessed I adore this variety of boxwood?
This herbaceous Euphorbia or garden spurge has survived fifteen years in the same northerly spot at the front door. Cut to the ground after bloom time, this plant is bullet proof, bouncing back year after year. Highly regarded for their brilliant chartreuse bracts, textural foliage, and elegant growth habit, places them among the elite plants with significant garden significance. Note: all euphorbias ooze a milky white sap, latex, when cut or broken, so wear gloves when pruning and avoid skin contact.
The hellebores are stunning this time of year. Over twelve inches tall, they brighten the landscape. A winter/spring garden favorite…
When the sapsuckers girdle my dogwoods or maple trunks, I dangle shiny CD disks from inner branches. Highly effective.
Hard working raised bed area produced various veggies and herbs for over a decade. Now they are dedicated to heirloom daffodils and tulips.
A new addition to my 2016 gardens…a mason bee or “solitary bee house” as the UK designers describe…was sent to me as a birthday present this month. Thanks again Barry!
The resident Eastern bluebird pair chose my nestbox during late winter, and today the wee female adds finishing touches to her nest…built one pine needle at a time, in three days.
Has this post inspired your first day of spring? And please check out the related spring post links below…
Copyright © 2016 by Diane LaSauce All Rights Reserved
28 Sunday Feb 2016
Posted in DIY, environment, garden, garden projects, garden textures, garden thugs, Lifestyle, sustainable lifestyle
Tags
DIY, garden, garden thugs, home, life, lifestyle, Virginia, winter projects
This winter will be one to forget. One week following Jonas’ departure, I was stricken with an UR infection that knocked me off my feet and took two antibiotics to cure. Bedridden for most of one full week rendered me weak as a kitten for another ten days; I just now feel remnants of my former self.
During my convalescence, I had plenty of time to gaze out the windows into the barren, winter landscape. This time of year, the bones of garden reveal the structure and textures rarely appreciated during the growing season. Allowing my eye to peruse spaces, I made mental notes of necessary edits to come.
During February, one annual garden chore includes removing the past season’s leaves of many hellebore, or Lenten Roses that happily reside here. 
A hand and knee or squatting proposition, this chore was a good test of my weakened stamina. Last week’s effort found me trembling after merely one hour of task.
The other necessary garden chore I faced this week was bolstered by an additional week bed rest. In August of 2014, I installed five 3″ pots of Rubus pentalobus, or Creeping Bramble. At the garden center, they appeared innocent enough sporting attractive, compact, deep green, evergreen foliage, small flowers, and tiny raspberry fruits. Additionally the tag boasted the benefit of being drought tolerant. Good candidate for the remaining slopes that tend to erode while providing tasty late fall food for the wee birds…I thought.
Rubus pentalobus or Creeping Bramble
These plants settled well and then I noticed an aggressive growth pattern within the first year. Clearly this perfect groundcover was becoming a garden thug.
This is one plant twelve months after installation…from a 3″ pot! The plant tag failed to mention that Rubus suckers…big time!
Following a hearty breakfast, I headed out in sunny 40F temps to begin the task. Armed with a wheelbarrow, digging fork, knee pads, and hatchet, I silently coached myself…I can do this! 
One hour later, breathless, I had the wheelbarrow filled to overflowing. Pliers were necessary to yank out roots that were over a foot long, headed straight down. Where is my garden helper when I need him? 
Rather than exhaust myself completely, I returned my tools to the shed, left the barrow sit, and headed indoors to recuperate. The next day I would return to complete the entire removal.
As it was, the next day was warmer and the winter sun felt delightful on my winter-pale face. 1.5 hours later, I successfully removed the last bits of this plant horridus. Now I must face the remaining three patches of Rubus on the front slope. One day at a time…
In the meantime, my heirloom daffodils are showing up in good stand.
I added 150 additional heirloom varieties last fall to my old veggie raised beds, and so look forward to my new life as a peony/daffodil/iris farmer! Out with the invasives, garden thugs, and insect infested plants. I will only permit a pleasant garden experience here. Life is too short to invest precious time with energy sucking plant material ~ this revelation has only taken thirty years to formulate…sharing is education.
A newly acquired heirloom crocus…its tendency to multiply is welcomed here. A delight in this winter garden.
If you would like to see a preview of my spring gardens, please use the search bar in the left-hand column using the words spring or flowers or notice and click on the related posts at the bottom of this post.
Cheers to you and if you read this please click the “like” button, as I am taking a survey as to how many of my followers are actually reading my posts…thanks!
Copyright © 2016 by Diane LaSauce All Rights Reserved
28 Monday Sep 2015
Posted in Albemarle county, Charlottesville, city market, farmer's market, key lime pie, Lifestyle, shop local, Virginia
Tags
Albemarle County, Buy Fresh Buy Local, Charlottesville, city market, fall, farmer's market, key lime pie, lifestyle, shop local
Fall arrived right on time, yet I did not want to let summer bounty slip by without sharing numerous market images, taken this month. Enjoy!
Attending a local farmer’s market as a vendor or as a customer, is a very special event. It is a community who follows the seasons with dedication and appreciation. It is a place for sharing and educating; coaxing the senses away from the routine — nudging compassion to full fruit.
outrageous mushrooms from our local shroom man. Freshness like this is only found at your local farmer’s market!
2015 was the first time I raised Sakata’s Lilliput melons…delicious beyond words, yet the plants had mighty fungal issues. The melons did not go to market, but I had to show them off here.
showstopper sunflowers
the first Crenshaw squash appears at market in September
dazzling peppers!
scallions anyone?
vibrant eggplant appear to glow in the morning light!
calories don’t count on weekends!
this fabulous bread is baked in an outdoor wood oven!
coffee makes the world go round, and this vendor peddles his way to market
I could not resist this image ~ an enviable braid
toddlers make great subjects as they free-flow through the market
this young man may have a modeling career in his future
a tender moment between father and infant
lastly, I shamelessly plug my famous key lime pie. The banner drove sales higher this season, quoting what customers named my pie back in 2005.
October’s end marks the culmination of my fifteenth season as a vendor at the largest farmer’s market in central Virginia. If I had an inkling of what I would become when I left a professional life in DC, and returned to my small hometown, I would have fallen over laughing. Life has a way of throwing curve balls, and one must dodge and roll to stay in the game. home, garden, life is my testament.
Happy fall, dear followers. I always enjoy hearing from you in the comments section.
Copyright © 2015 By Diane LaSauce All Rights Reserved
24 Sunday Feb 2013
Posted in environment, garden, home ownership, landscape design, quick meals, renewal, stroll, Virginia
Tags
garden, garden chores, garden paths, home, humor at home, landscape design, lifestyle, popovers, Virginia
Instincts are magical. Intuition is a driving force. Little voices that inspire can be subtle or hit us over the head.
I cherish the kitty head bump instincts and have finally learned to hire muscle when I need to address the larger-than-life projects. As Gershwin wrote, “you can’t get a man with a gun”, yet a few hundred dollars and a three hours of man power can create memorable landscape transformations.
plain Jane garden path entrance and dormant turf
The little voice hit me over the head last week when I strolled the winter garden and gazed down the front path—a path that has been in place since September 11th.
This voice whispered “too narrow” and I replied “OK” and proceeded to tack string outlining the sod to be removed.
Editing lawns is one of my favorite garden chores, as I loathe any tasks associated with it, especially when forced to mow during high humidity and triple digit temperatures. Virginia is not the place to have turf and I have given in to most any weed that thrives there.
other end of narrow path
pathetic attempt by moi to remove dastardly sod
hired muscles at work
wider path
finished path, hurray!
After my hired muscles finished this simple path, I lead them around to the side yard to install/reuse the hideous black plastic edging from the front project. This is my gazillionth attempt to conquer the slope dramatically eroded by recent heavy rains—
Ouch! following heavy rains
ongoing attempt to soothe Mother Nature
OMG!
rock is the solution
two small boxwood and blue princess moved
burning bush transplant nearly broke backs
Following the muscle departure, I raked, watered, and tidied the disturbed areas. Next week I must don my mulchqueen hat and tuck these shrubs in for the their next chapter.
As a reward, this morning I treated myself to a carb/maple syrup/buttery pop-over breakfast before I dressed for my morning stroll.
quick Sunday breakfast
comfort food
What garden accomplishments are you most proud?
Copyright © 2013 by Diane LaSauce All Rights Reserved
14 Thursday Feb 2013
Posted in blessings, dreaming, home, Lifestyle, old haunts, Past Loves
Tags
blessings, childhood memories, happy valentine, lifestyle, memorable snacks, time of innocence, Valentine's Day, virginia countryside
Slightly dented, this little glass jar holds more than sugar and cinnamon.
It was part of my childhood, eagerly sought after school to add sweetness to buttery toast following the end of a long school day. This little jar waited in my mother’s kitchen cabinet for decades, quietly, still full of sweetness, until it became part of my household upon her death in 1995.
I drifted from this childhood ritual, yet recently found this little jar, still waiting quietly in the cupboard, ready to deliver me back to my mother’s cedar paneled kitchen and our seventeen-acre horse farm. Merely a glimpse transports me to a simple, fine time of innocence.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Copyright © 2013 by Diane LaSauce All Rights Reserved
07 Friday Dec 2012
Tags
Buy Fresh Buy Local, Christmas, downsizing, Garden Home Cottage, Holiday decor, holiday maddness, home, lifestyle, nature, P Allen Smith, the meaning of home
simple holiday décor on the cottage
My dear cousin inspired today’s blog. Describing how she struggled with the artificial Christmas tree assembly (sans husband), the frustration of which dead bulb affected the entire string, and how this process was no longer a joy, I wondered why bother; after all she and hubby are now empty nesters.
I relate to this tale, as last year I cut a small stray cedar at a nearby farm, hauled it home, dragged out all the accoutrements, and as I hung the decades old ornaments, realized that I no longer connected with this ritual. Three days later, I deconstructed the tree, wound all the lights into tidy bundles, bagged the ornaments that no longer held meaning, and donated the lot to the animal shelter in time for their holiday sale.
Christmas can be a time for renewal as well as a time for rebirth. Out with dated habits and in with new inspired traditions is my mantra. The suggestion to my cousin— make a list of current rituals that no longer hold meaning—the volunteering that no longer sparks passion—the chores that are dull—and make a new list—one that inspires good will and creative exploration—a direction intended to spread one’s light on the world.
Therefore this season, with fresh eyes and heart, I erected a small everlasting iron tree form in my bay window where I hung the remaining ornaments that hold meaning. Simple yet eternal—not the extravagant decorations of magazines, yet tiny snippets of my past that inspire moments of contentment.
everlasting tree with ornaments that hold meaning and a handmade felt tree skirt repurposed in the bay window
Here in the United States, I am annually horrified by the manic holiday season which is driven by the retail monster. Long before Thanksgiving, our senses are dulled by a push to spend, spend, spend. Most Americans do not have much to spend, yet are herded by traditions that perhaps are long past obsolete.
I opted out of this madness decades ago and choose instead to create a few tokens of affection and appreciation of my making. No outsourcing here.
Homemade, homegrown, home.
May your season be blessed with true meaning.
Copyright © 2012 by Diane LaSauce All Rights Reserved
