October 13 is closing day. After feeling like the whole purchasing of this new home was a dream, we are now down to two and a half weeks to access and moving. It does seem unreal. And I’m feeling a bit of seller’s remorse!
Since it’s still dismal here ( Ophelia lingers) I am sharing random photos of Fall. Some are here, others from previous homes.
Jenna’s birthday earlier this monthBoys watching football Sitting prettyLast year in the dining roomCombatting Ophelia with Hungarian goulash this past weekend Apples from our trees went into these crostatasA fall fire in the Waccabuc houseGoing to miss autumn in the Cove houseGarden City mantelKitchenLast fall
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.
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.
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.
This morning we should have been on the road. But we are still awaiting a permit approval on the generator. Turns out it’s a mixed blessing as we discovered a nail in our car tire causing a slow leak. Hopefully, we get on the road either Tuesday or Wednesday. I really want to be home for Memorial Day weekend.
Last night I was daydreaming about things I am looking forward to doing. One of the small pleasures is walking down to the cove with the dogs. I have to be careful as the roadway and path are strewn with poison ivy. But it’s so pretty it’s worth the risk.
Heading out down our driveway.On the path.
It’s a lovely walk, especially on a breezy morning.
Arriving at the beach and dock.And that’s our favorite, except the climbing of the driveway back to the house when we are hot and thirsty.
It is a joy to have access to a Long Island Sound beach and the beautiful water. This special destination definitely inspired my blog name. I am certain to have more images to share of the beautiful spot we are so fortunate to live in.