Fake Spring

 

We have several more weeks before it's "safe" to plant annuals in my zone.   The weather has been crazy, one day it's 80 and the next in the 40's.  There are some hardy perennials that can go in the ground now and I found several plants to add to my borders.

I have a red columbine that has done well through our heat and winter so I was happy to find some purple columbines to add to my border.

Limegreen oregano

I also found a more hardy oregano that I have planted several years ago and it has done well as a colorful ground cover and has spread nicely. 

Avanti Daffodils

Daffodils are blooming throughout my garden and I love having different varieties to enjoy. King Alfred has large bright yellow cups.  

Sweet primrose

Things are starting to wake up and it's fun to go out in the garden to see the progress.

 

Hyacinth

I love this time of year! 

Hurry Spring!

 It warmed up to 70 degrees yesterday and even though it's back down to 30 this morning, we got a nice touch of spring weather to come!  I was outside running errands and found the prettiest yellow tulips at Trader Joe's.  

Lenten Roses and daffodils are blooming and our fescue grass is just starting to warm up.   I can see tulips starting to emerge and love the color they bring to the garden.  

Lenten Rose

Our average  last frost date is about April 5th so I still have over a month before I can plant any flowers but I am starting seeds this week.

Lenten Rose

I had a great success starting 'Lady in Red' salvia as well as 'Pink Sunday' salvia and 'Mealy Blue' salvia seeds last year and will definitely plant again. 

Lady in Red Salvia

I'm so excited with a new growing season to plan and plant some new plants as well as tried and true varieties. 

Merry Christmas

 Christmas is almost here and even though I started decorating the day after Thanksgiving, I finally finished this past weekend.

I don't change my decorations too much from year to year but I do edit and I don't put out everything.  I alternate some decorations so I don't get too bored with the same old things.  

Our home is filled with traditional decorations and lots of red and green.  I decorate with sentimental ornaments and keepsakes from our family, friends and trips we've taken.  

When I set our table it's a mix of family pieces handed down and things I have collected over the past years. 

Merry Christmas from our house to yours!

Happy Places

It's been months since I have posted as life seems to get in the way.  Yesterday we had the most glorious weather with temperatures in the 70's which is near record for December.  Our fall color seemed to finally arrive and the oak trees are at peak.

Last month I moved my gerniums and herbs into the greenhouse which is my happy place in the coldest winter months.   I love going out to water my plants in the dead of winter when nothing is blooming outside.  

Everthing is growing well and we supplement with a small heater when the temps dip below freezing.

I have a Little Gem magnolia tree and cut some leaves to cover the soil around my pansies.  They dress up the window boxes and I'll be using some in Christmas arrangements.      

Birthday Tea

I was so excited to host a birthday tea for my best friend's daughter.  They love tea parties too so it's always fun to have them over and to enjoy their company and try new flavored teas!  Cinnamon apple spice and Constant Comet spice chai were our favorites of the day. 

Even though it's not spring yet I used a lot of my favorite spring dishes and accessories.  Bunnies, daffodils and pink hyacinths in a favorite pitcher were my centerpieces.  

Fun little egg cups and individual cream pitchers were at each setting. 

I found these sweet reversible placemats with coordinating napkins in a linen store in Fredericksburg, Texas on clearance years ago.

"Mrs. Potts" teapot is one of my favorites to use as she holds about ten cups of tea and she looks great with any tablesetting.

This sweet bunny teapot was found at Hobby Lobby years ago for 50% percent off.   The ceramic teapot warmers with votive candles do an excellent job keeping our teas warm at the table.

The Briar Rose English Stratforshire dishes were Goodwill finds and I found a few more place settings in an antique mall.

I served a simple menu of chicken salad sandwiches, fruit and cheese kabobs with small tart bites.  For desert we had chocolate cupcakes and  enjoyed a fun afternoon. 

Can't wait to have another tea for Easter!