Lavender and Roses

Long time, no write! I would like to say it is because I have been busy traveling the globe or doing exciting things, but unfortunately, that is not the reason. I haven't even really been doing anything cool close to home- I had been busy with work, and then once work was out for the summer, I have been lazily reading. You can read my book reviews if you want on my other blog. :)

I have lately found myself in love with roses and lavender. Two flowers/plants I never would have imagined myself to like, much less love. Too girly, too victorian, too fussy and old. I have always been drawn to the bold happy flowers like sunflowers, daisies, black-eyed susans, and even dandelions. But not roses or lavender. But somehow they have been the basis of my landscaping in the front of our home. And I love it. I have spent the past few days reading about roses, researching new and different roses to buy and plant in our yard, front and back. I am about to order this one, I think it will look fabulous in between two lavender plants. I have this vision of sitting out on my front porch in the evening with Billy and a glass of wine, on my newly painted red 1950s Scallop Chairs, enveloped in the scent of roses and lavender, the evening's cool breeze keeping us not too warm, enjoying the moonlight and stars. In reality, it will probably be muggy and humid and buggy. But we can all dream, right?

I have been reading The Bucolic Plague, which is a fabulous book!! After reading it, I have resolved to try to incorporate more heirloom vegetables in my garden next year. Chrissy has heirloom tomatoes, a Black Krim variety, this summer, and I am looking forward to seeing them, and hopefully trying one. Hint, hint. I am impatiently waiting for our harvests to come in - I can't wait to eat fresh tomatoes, peppers, and all the other goodies we have planted. I have all my canning supplies on hand too, so that I can save and "put up" jams, veggies, salsa, and tomatoes for winter. I am also looking forward to the traditional, yearly blueberry picking I do with my friend Jennifer and her son. That is always fun and the blueberries are so fresh and amazing. It looks like it is going to be a great summer so far!

Marching in

"March comes in like a lion and out like a lamb."

I think aside from October and November, March is one of my favorite months. It is a month of hope and new beginnings; it is a month that stands on the border of winter and spring.

It is a very green month in my mind as well - I start thinking about my garden, since now is about the time my Uncle will be starting seeds, and will be heading out to his greenhouse to start our plants. I am excited to see every year what he will grow. I told him I want to photograph the whole process this year, from seed to finish, and I should be starting this pretty soon. I bought some seed as well, to have him start for me; I chose Detroit Dark Red Beets and Spinach. I hope I can fit everything in my garden! Last year we expanded the garden site, and Billy built a fence, which did not keep Penny out by the way, and I don't think Billy would like it if I asked to expand the garden even further this year. I am hoping for the usual suspects in a backyard garden, tomatoes, yellow squash, zucchini, red peppers, green peppers, banana peppers, cucumbers - my mouth is watering just thinking of all these fresh vegetables straight from my own garden. I always want to plant pumpkins, but they are such space hogs! I might try to sneak some in behind the garage though..

However, the best things I receive in my little uncle-grown garden kit are the sunflowers. Not practical, unless you are a bird or squirrel, but I love these giant yellow flowers of happiness. Last year mine were trampled as seedlings by a certain English Setter, so I have to figure out where to plant them this year to keep them safe. I also ordered a Blue Girl hybrid tea rose bush that I am going to plant in the front yard - I love the coloring in this picture! Every year I add to our perennials, but I like to do that by wandering around my favorite nursery and farm market, Kurtzhals' Farms, and picking out whatever calls to me that day. I currently have peonies and roses, many types of lavender (which I am addicted to planting for some reason), and Billy picked out lamb's ear a few years ago, which every year comes back bigger. The birds love it too, stealing soft and silky leaves for their nests, and in the fall after it has gone to seed, they eat it.

I have to totally redo the herb garden this year - I always plant it next to the house, and I love when Penny rolls in the herbs, because she comes back in smelling like thyme, rosemary, oregano. I probably shouldn't like it, since this is why I have to replant and fix the bed, but who can resist a sun warmed dog smelling like herbs? I am going to be smart this year, and plant extra in pots.

What about you? Do any of you garden? What do you like to plant? I am always looking for new additions!