Hydrangeas are blooming

On June 10, 2023June 10, 2023 By halfpassLeave a comment

And being planted by me! I’m finally feeling like the exterior of the house is reflecting me. Although the previous owner planted some great hydrangeas, fruit and ornamental trees, shrub and flowers, the gardens here have felt rather impersonal. With the white picket fencing we did the first September and the bluestone stairs with their stone walls off the deck last fall, I was feeling like we had left a marker that we were claiming the house as ours.

But this planting I’m doing this last week? It makes me feel that I’m yanking the house away from very nice builder’s spec colonial into the more coastal home I long for. The Hydrangeas deserve a lot of the credit.

Todays handiwork. I planted three hydrangeas on each side of the front stoop. It’s an instant change.

I’m about to begin the same treatment off the deck. I planted one but it’s not enough. But I still love how it looks.

Great look but the poor dear is lonely. Hopefully, next weekend I will add more.

I still owe you the lavender hedge border. Tomorrow! Meantime, it was a good day. Got tons done and after a week of wildfire smog, it is truly beautiful out.

Garden continued

On June 9, 2023June 9, 2023 By halfpassLeave a comment

We got behind a bit this week with garden planting. The terrible wildfires in Canada created such hazardous air quality that outdoor work really had to be suspended. But a few things are finished. And lavender hedge is done although I haven’t photographed it yet. But here are a few moments that are ready. Can’t wait for a few weeks to pass so they fill in and out.

A new bench to welcome guests on the front stoop and a container of petunias, impatiens, and grass.

The other planter. I’m planning to spot hydrangeas between the day lilies.

I’m finding that, somehow, my garden tools got lost in the move. Had to go buy a shovel the other day. I need a rake and a leaf blower. But this is all part of creating the home.

More to share in the coming days.

Garden gifts

On June 3, 2023June 3, 2023 By halfpassLeave a comment

Been absent a bit this week. We were settling in, unwinding, doing minor repairs and the like. We had great weather up until last night. I’m already working in the garden. Tomorrow I will share my brand new lavender hedge.

Today I realized the azaleas are fading. The Siberian irises had a gorgeous flush. So happy I got to see them for the first time. I only have a few peonies. I definitely have to plant more this fall. They are nearly done. The nepeta is shining, keeping the local bees happy and the Russian sage is just a few days away from the first bloom.

I went out to the nursery for more lavender. I will devote a post to my driveway garden in the next few days. That may be the most complete of my beds. But are they ever complete? Even as I fill in blank spots, my mind is racing towards the later season plantings. I’m craving an Autumn clematis to climb up the corner of stone wall by the garages. But it’s spring, so I will try hard to stay focused.

As I brewed my afternoon tea, I clipped a few remaining spring flowers. They will all be gone in a few days, alas. So happy nepeta blooms all summer.

The last of the peonies and Siberian iris.

A few sprigs of nepeta visit the silk hydrangea and my kitchen horse.

Bought myself a new shovel today. Gardening recommences tomorrow morning. I saw a few buds on some other plants and bushes. My two apples, my pear, and my peach are absolutely laden with fruit. The squirrels always get the peaches and pears before they even ripen. But my apple trees usually gift me in September.

Most important! The hydrangeas are budding.

Going Home tomorrow

On May 23, 2023 By halfpassLeave a comment

A “before” photo when we first bought the house.

Finally we have squared away the permit nonsense on the generator. Today is pack up day. Running errands and saying my goodbyes. I will be back in a month for a few days. But now Cove House time can begin in earnest.

I’m not likely to post until we get home on Thursday as we are driving ( collies!). But I will have plenty to talk about when I get home to all the boxes and furniture that shipped north when we sold the farm. Plus there are small projects to look over that my handyman did over the winter. And my garden is calling. Hope my husband is prepared as I plan to hit the nurseries hard.

See you on the other side of my travels.

The Collies at Cove House

On May 19, 2023May 19, 2023 By halfpassLeave a comment

We have always had dogs. Mutts, Toy Fox Terrier, a Cocker Spaniel, a Maltese, a Norwegian Elkhound, a Lab-Rottweiler cross, then we had three shelties, and now two collies.

I happened to be sorting photos on my iPad the other day and started doing a new dog album. Since we are not back at Cove House yet and my feet are still dancing with impatience, I thought I would share some pictures of the collies, Spencer and Schuyler. Just a few of them around the house and grounds. Sort of a two for one. The house, as it is these last two years since purchasing, and photos of the fur balls. After all, who really owns your house? You or the dogs?