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Tag Archives: virginia countryside

gardening is all about change

30 Monday May 2016

Posted by home, garden, life in Albemarle county, blueberries, environment, garden, home, landscape design, life, sustainable lifestyle, Virginia

≈ 20 Comments

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.

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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.

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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.

Miss Kitty sighting?

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.

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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.

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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.

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Toad Prince

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.

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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.

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a telling proverb

Copyright © 2016 by Diane LaSauce All Rights Reserved

 

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~ strolling through history

06 Sunday Dec 2015

Posted by home, garden, life in Christmas, Historic Properties, Virginia

≈ 17 Comments

Tags

Central Virginia, garden, historic homes in Virginia, Montpelier, Orange county, Virginia, virginia countryside

Surrounded by central Virginia’s unceasing beauty and history, yesterday’s outing is worth sharing.

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from Montpelier’s front porch, one feels as though she could take flight. This same view has inspired visitors since the early 18th century.

During unsettling times, strolling amongst history strengthens, grounds, and renews one’s spirit. The month of December, many historic homes in central Virginia open their doors to the public in celebration of the season.

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simple ornamentation prevails during the Christmas season at Montpelier

Yesterday I returned to Montpelier, the former home of James and Dolley Madison (James was our third US president, a leader in our first congress, who introduced the Bill of Rights, helping shape the new government.)

The home is sited perfectly with uplifting views from every window.  Merely thirty miles from my home, Montpelier transports every visitor to times when our forefathers worked the land, created our nation, and and left a profound legacy.

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the front of the historic home whose land was originally acquired by James’ grandfather in 1723

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the back lawn of Montpelier

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the south end of the main house; it’s elegant simplicity speaks volumes

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an exterior detail with copper gutters and handsome brick wall

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off in the distance, a glimpse of Mr. Madison’s temple…formerly used as an icehouse

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following recent, arduous archaeological digs in the South Yard, slaves quarters and other dependencies are being recreated near the main house.

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I could not resist capturing how the sun played with this timber frame structure; a “duplex” that shares a central chimney.

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the nearby walled garden invites the visitor to ponder and stroll, as perhaps President Madison once did

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the narrow gravel path is embraced by tightly shorn boxwood hedges

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Dawn cedar, Metasequoia sheds for the upcoming dormant season.

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one of a pair of magnificent marble lions added to the terraced gardens during William and Annie duPont’s ownership of Montpelier c. 1901

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inside the walled gardens, the season brings on a graceful dormancy where quiet prevails

Montpelier was also the home to generations of enslaved families who toiled to ensure that the house ran smoothly and the hundreds of acres remained profitable. As many as 110 slaves worked at Montpelier at any given time. We must not forget the profound sacrifices these families made during the shaping of the United States of America.

To learn much more please visit Montpelier’s web site at www.montpelier.org

As I prepare for my dormant season, I reflect on a productive year, and wish for a safe and warm holiday season to all my readers. As always, I look forward to your comments.

Copyright © 2015 by Diane LaSauce All Rights Reserved

 

 

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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

 

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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…

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Bluebird nestlings all snug in their box–five in all

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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

joint venture ~ bluebirds and moi

11 Thursday Apr 2013

Posted by home, garden, life in Back Yard Birds, birds, blessings, Blowfly, Bluebirds, environment, life, photography, spring flowers, sustainable lifestyle, Virginia

≈ 13 Comments

Tags

animals, Bluebirds, nature, nesting bluebirds, Noel guard, platform feeder, predator guard, Virginia, virginia countryside

Crack that bottle of champagne! Today the first egg arrived in the bluebird box. Although I monitor bluebirds every year, this day is always special!

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Woo Hoo! First Swallowtail Cottage bluebird egg of 2013!

I will admit I was a bit nervous this morning, when I observed only the female. Typically, the male is never far away, yet today he was absent. The female hopped out of the box and waited and watched on the Noel guard for some time—no male in sight. Then voila this afternoon I discovered this in the nest! Yay! Perhaps the male was out smoking cigars with the boyz…

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This is the side view of the completed nest with side door raised. Notice the wire riser in the bottom ~ I added this to help deter blowfly. Notice the coir material on the bottom, yet the female finished the liner with soft grass. Nice mama!

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This is the overall view of the bluebird box with hole extender and Noel guard (green) attached to box face ~ another predator guard.

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Front view of bluebird box. Much ado.

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Don’t laugh, but this is the second box in my yard away from the active nest box ~ the one this pair used last year. Since they chose the other box, I rigged up this private feeding station for the bluebirds. Parakeet feeder inside Noel guard and covered with (yikes!) butter boxes to prevent other birds from seeing the food.

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This TACKY arrangement, ahem, works! The butter boxes are flexible and coated, so they stand up to weather, keeping the treats dry.

Bluebirds are bashful birds and will not come to feed at my public platform feeder where titmice, cardinals, chickadees, finches, doves, and woodpeckers feed.

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Celebration is in order tonight!

And the best news is that just after I poked around taking these photographs, I noticed both the male and female checking out the box. Hurray!

All is well at Swallowtail Cottage!

These little things in life make my days sweet.

Copyright © 2013 by Diane LaSauce All Rights Reserved

all or nothin’

25 Monday Mar 2013

Posted by home, garden, life in Back Yard Birds, cat, environment, Lifestyle, March, nature, photography, season, spring flowers, Virginia spring flowers

≈ 5 Comments

Tags

backyard birds, cairn, late snowfall, nature, snowfall, tete a tete, virginia countryside

a wisp of promise

a wisp of promise

embellished tuteur

embellished tuteur

raised beds at rest

raised beds at rest

Tete a Tete daffodils uncovered

Tete a Tete daffodils uncovered

cairn for Miss Kitty

cairn for Miss Kitty

Mother Nature was kind to this garden last night.
Mild overnight temperatures allow for a quick melt this morning,
yet not before I captured these images to share.
The backyard birds eagerly await their nesting season and
the snow (ha!!) peas would like to raise their heads!
For now, this garden looks like nothin’!

Where ever you are, I wish you a safe and memorable day.

Copyright © 2013 by Diane LaSauce All Rights Reserved

the cinnamon jar

14 Thursday Feb 2013

Posted by home, garden, life in blessings, dreaming, home, Lifestyle, old haunts, Past Loves

≈ 5 Comments

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

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

images from a glasshouse

21 Thursday Jun 2012

Posted by home, garden, life in color, Lifestyle, photography, summer

≈ 10 Comments

Tags

eye candy, glasshouse, Glasshouse Winery, photography, travel, vacation, virginia countryside, Virginia vineyards

Fortunate am I to have a very special winery just down the road. These images came from the glasshouse which connects to the tasting room. The husband/wife owners relocated here from Roatan, Honduras. Exotics are eye candy for this land locked photographer. And the wines are phenomenal too! I always have the Viognier!

Please sit back and enjoy!

banana flower

bananas and friend…do you dare site under this?

palm frond

Helliconia

Plumbago

Need I write anything more?

Copyright © 2012 by Diane LaSauce All Rights Reserved

is there a prettier calf?

04 Monday Jun 2012

Posted by home, garden, life in Lifestyle, photography, trail riding

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

future broncs, handsome herd, outdoors, quarter horse, traril riding, Virginia cattle, virginia countryside

Following heart palpitations with the black racer, I headed out on a glorious day to have another outing on Easy, a fine quarter horse. This day’s trail ride took TT and me to an eight-hundred acre parcel, just down a country lane. Surrounded by endless open sky, gentle breezes, mild temperatures, and bright sunshine my companion and I had fun chatting while enjoying our mounts—seduced by the afternoon.

When we crested a hill we were greeted by a most handsome herd of calves, many worth juggling the camera out of my pouch. The stunners follow below.

Can you tell my favorite?

These calves may be future broncs, as they are on the same farm from my blog

where am I anyway?

Remember to glide your mouse over these images for captions.

Copyright © 2012 by Diane LaSauce All Rights Reserved

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Essay Titles

  • 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
  • timing is everything
  • pies and peonies
  • words cross centuries
  • zen and now
  • April brings flowers and…chores!
  • Kudos, followers
  • this week’s reading challenge…
  • February dreaming…
  • kitty love
  • the dormant season
  • Soothing, quick comfort food for winter days
  • ahh, November
  • August garden
  • tough love
  • In the mood for shrimp this July 4th?
  • gardening is all about change
  • the May that floats
  • this is why I grow daffs and tulips…
  • the first day of spring 2016
  • garden edits and spring delights
  • beware rubus pentalobus
  • Jonas ~ beauty or the beast
  • ~ strolling through history
  • ~ share the love
  • the morning said “stop!”
  • August begins a time of edits
  • ~ for the love of blueberries
  • the kiss system
  • be cool ~ try some homemade gelato
  • bountiful blueberries
  • Arkansas, an escape like no other

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