tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75845969588367260652024-03-21T12:47:35.401-07:00artgardenArt and garden, family and west coast living on beautiful Vancouver Island.anjacoutohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17116113372022588234noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7584596958836726065.post-75863727768263692712011-08-02T01:16:00.000-07:002011-08-02T01:16:58.488-07:00EOMV - July (with apologies for the disappearance of June)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcFk6bscVAlvZJ5kNpf10EWna4f5XVEr6ryB8qeS2LDYOQwPS8EvXd3R5gT1s9vFScKi5rJSaEPrmF3Li25nYS2ZoA6coQyHzEIpMSxNS5y5oO9_MJ_A7I_05NnPgM75TBKBVO27v0whM/s1600/024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcFk6bscVAlvZJ5kNpf10EWna4f5XVEr6ryB8qeS2LDYOQwPS8EvXd3R5gT1s9vFScKi5rJSaEPrmF3Li25nYS2ZoA6coQyHzEIpMSxNS5y5oO9_MJ_A7I_05NnPgM75TBKBVO27v0whM/s640/024.JPG" width="640" /></a>Determined to return to Artgarden following an abrupt and unplanned leave of absence last month, I needed to retreat and engage in some genuine soul searching. The nagging question "why bother" had reared its ugly head, combined with a multitude of stressful events, and the wretched though inevitable realisation that Alzheimers and schizophrenia are slowly stealing away my much loved family. A nasty bout of depression appeared to have replaced my usual resilient and patient self, resulting in a very tired, discouraged, and frustrated wife/daughter/mother/caregiver. Although the term "burnout" is usually associated with this condition, I discovered a rather more appropriate description while browsing through twitter the other day; so much better to relate the whole miserable experience to something in the garden after all - and I can honestly say at this point that I feel pretty much <strong><em>composted</em></strong> (which may not be so bad really...!) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYcjdTooN_HwyCzFfOwKv_ILZ-k76HzfU5QueX3FTV30uXczUwHYMvIXV8EXJbM2-JTjn1hYh2Z4yn5parszmXNh5Um6ygpZYNa2BYCAv0wzPXog9ChPCNYkFFZgDnkLnYoPYB40F2-6w/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYcjdTooN_HwyCzFfOwKv_ILZ-k76HzfU5QueX3FTV30uXczUwHYMvIXV8EXJbM2-JTjn1hYh2Z4yn5parszmXNh5Um6ygpZYNa2BYCAv0wzPXog9ChPCNYkFFZgDnkLnYoPYB40F2-6w/s640/005.JPG" width="640" /></a>The Bonica roses in the front border never got pruned back earlier in the year. As a result, they are now blooming all over the place and have pretty much taken over - something of a metaphor for other uncontrollable events taking place right now. I can't bring myself to cut them right back, as the flowers are so lovely; instead, I'm gradually getting the job done while preserving as many of the beautiful blooms as possible.</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJwRo0ktCbhFne3xIBiL3P6WtS5kWT2T6HNNBSrFd0lhhxyFd-FzPQbpibInflSq_v6QIWJIjkLdobev4sisPja6OqvvEiVBJNQUXXLrOxTArQqrMsoGusyPVNgp4BKKYhJJsbziYi7lc/s1600/040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJwRo0ktCbhFne3xIBiL3P6WtS5kWT2T6HNNBSrFd0lhhxyFd-FzPQbpibInflSq_v6QIWJIjkLdobev4sisPja6OqvvEiVBJNQUXXLrOxTArQqrMsoGusyPVNgp4BKKYhJJsbziYi7lc/s640/040.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>The roses aren't the only things growing rampantly. The sweet peas (mammoth blend) are over 8 feet tall and completely cover their metal frames. We have picked armloads for indoors where their gorgeous and evocative scent provides a welcome reminder of summer. My grandmother used to grow sweet peas too, so they are something of a family tradition.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGbBRPlB0Hr0L7d734__uSZVWnyHNvzEDYgmFtdjQmzhk4o5_DDgM0zkdStAqaAVDwRKi_S1jsyOEkLWrWuyiNoeiWQTtP1pwT5Hn-0nE5xiNiX7SobMc0sHYzNfREDuYV3Rqfg_Mi7vg/s1600/038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGbBRPlB0Hr0L7d734__uSZVWnyHNvzEDYgmFtdjQmzhk4o5_DDgM0zkdStAqaAVDwRKi_S1jsyOEkLWrWuyiNoeiWQTtP1pwT5Hn-0nE5xiNiX7SobMc0sHYzNfREDuYV3Rqfg_Mi7vg/s640/038.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>The front border is at its summer finest right now, with sensation cosmos, nigella, and a pink rambling rose (unknown cultivar) providing the cottage garden look I had hoped for.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoZiaRNGLI3R1Z5vaVh5qZ-IfpV-UAU5YJDfGn8H-XbWvuxv1AIaLieAfWvKf8mm346jeMbXjx52xBLbQDf4yv7M8-cAbCHbsVEkRnJyEeCuMPXRutZ3gRxvXlYKDJDKPRCDO6X19ikfs/s1600/037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoZiaRNGLI3R1Z5vaVh5qZ-IfpV-UAU5YJDfGn8H-XbWvuxv1AIaLieAfWvKf8mm346jeMbXjx52xBLbQDf4yv7M8-cAbCHbsVEkRnJyEeCuMPXRutZ3gRxvXlYKDJDKPRCDO6X19ikfs/s640/037.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>This is the first year I've grown nigella, and I will certainly repeat it. Lovely blue flowers nestled in lacy foliage provide a light airy splash of colour.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDOuFEG1J_m2yN2jSaZ-MvdB8qNC6S9WaDdc3oJ9vMscuACpN-tPbTgrmeYlL3VkkSRiIx7sBC8ImAx-Pk5h_renzbqrqgzl1-8_kuf_3PPd4fLRucVc0gb1bUxnapLSXS5pe-ep5u-Xg/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDOuFEG1J_m2yN2jSaZ-MvdB8qNC6S9WaDdc3oJ9vMscuACpN-tPbTgrmeYlL3VkkSRiIx7sBC8ImAx-Pk5h_renzbqrqgzl1-8_kuf_3PPd4fLRucVc0gb1bUxnapLSXS5pe-ep5u-Xg/s640/006.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Detail of the sensation cosmos. This year, I have tried to grow all our flowers and veggies from seed. Strangely enough, I could not find any seed for the sonata variety of cosmos (which I usually grow) which is why there are none to be found in the garden! Lots of sonata plants in the local garden centres, but no seed... Not to worry, I have sonata and sensation cosmos seed for next year thanks to the dilligence of a fellow gardening buddy - and will definitely be growing these wonderful summer flowers again.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUFs8mn7GLBiYMIqfx79YpIYPtKJTtuUXbrgkSGWjh6j_-Nt5g_nMlf8m4WnjMMu9Wxa8c311kwHZqJyHZXtlEX3fJyX953_6M6FrZFi-2h0o9Vcjx9mul_mJKsnxLDMUnb1RxSDN7d_s/s1600/025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUFs8mn7GLBiYMIqfx79YpIYPtKJTtuUXbrgkSGWjh6j_-Nt5g_nMlf8m4WnjMMu9Wxa8c311kwHZqJyHZXtlEX3fJyX953_6M6FrZFi-2h0o9Vcjx9mul_mJKsnxLDMUnb1RxSDN7d_s/s640/025.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>As you may have guessed, my favourite colour in the garden is blue which includes all the purple, lilac, and true blue hues. This close up of our sweet peas hilights the gorgeous delicate blooms in a lovely soft shade of lilac. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidUeRvq_q_70lFrPfwVR1t3tEIv96Cl0w325w5AK8pVtlIWXXSo0dPuLNaofhdiaw6DyKHsvf0NYERuhCuYo0QhIg6oZVl-JrE9Uy_Dq1j9Qvh6rz_vMVV1XsvfG2RyUOp5ZJ5099jCUw/s1600/030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidUeRvq_q_70lFrPfwVR1t3tEIv96Cl0w325w5AK8pVtlIWXXSo0dPuLNaofhdiaw6DyKHsvf0NYERuhCuYo0QhIg6oZVl-JrE9Uy_Dq1j9Qvh6rz_vMVV1XsvfG2RyUOp5ZJ5099jCUw/s640/030.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Although I have mostly featured flowers on EOMV, my husband and I are enthusiastic allotment gardeners too. This year, we have about 12 different varieties of tomatoes (all grown from seed). The poor weather earlier in the year has affected the quantity of fruit and harvest dates - but we are now enjoying the small and cherry tomatoes. Favourites so far: tumbler and gardener's delight.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI41HEldwEKCciBrAZ2cEPgYDJKd1JlHz3AvMG52ghj3b3YdK5NyZuoY1qAzy63ePiVJaKCTPvDEKzap3XG3NlpiXfaX2tSA31Ak7Ov73OvRE_07mK8Cjb3Bz2WBvDUh8Ao7YFR2NWAhE/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI41HEldwEKCciBrAZ2cEPgYDJKd1JlHz3AvMG52ghj3b3YdK5NyZuoY1qAzy63ePiVJaKCTPvDEKzap3XG3NlpiXfaX2tSA31Ak7Ov73OvRE_07mK8Cjb3Bz2WBvDUh8Ao7YFR2NWAhE/s640/010.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
This clematis surprised us all by growing vigorously through the trellis, around a bristlecone pine, over the fence, and into the neighbour's garden! Lovely big purple flowers. Good to know that something enjoys the water-logged boggy corner of our garden...<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA4o1atakyrUgTb9lu2hwMoXtOX3eNaQAXa3KmYBluA7wtYb1Ota9J44RECHp-Dnvuu5GKuTjutB2XBDs_sRfB4VXpU99cqVNPZtTs8X4sJVwloRkTPQQI0FFOAYb2NOEu9OViZ8R2PsQ/s1600/044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA4o1atakyrUgTb9lu2hwMoXtOX3eNaQAXa3KmYBluA7wtYb1Ota9J44RECHp-Dnvuu5GKuTjutB2XBDs_sRfB4VXpU99cqVNPZtTs8X4sJVwloRkTPQQI0FFOAYb2NOEu9OViZ8R2PsQ/s640/044.JPG" width="426" /></a>These lovely snapdragons are another summer favourite. These lemon yellow ones are found in planters located around the house. They are biennials of course, and well worth the wait.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVQmiiT35zDFPxN31t1U0GIhYd52G_Vqb7SGNQPyqNthZTzE-qf92PVV6mfR_yyUWO1G9oi30IUjnP_U3JoOmQWUTlFhk2K2RIi-KEXBQhnOcq1TVp96NJVAJjqQUnvG3iKGsA_-KXwv4/s1600/048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVQmiiT35zDFPxN31t1U0GIhYd52G_Vqb7SGNQPyqNthZTzE-qf92PVV6mfR_yyUWO1G9oi30IUjnP_U3JoOmQWUTlFhk2K2RIi-KEXBQhnOcq1TVp96NJVAJjqQUnvG3iKGsA_-KXwv4/s640/048.JPG" width="640" /></a>This is our "planter bench". The seat itself needs some repair, but is a perfect location for my two "rescued" hanging baskets, purchased for next to nothing as they were both bone dry and the plants virtually dead. A little tlc, lots of water, and some slow release fertilizer have worked wonders, and I'm delighted with the combination of red geraniums and white bacopa (yeah, I know I broke the "seeds only" rule but the price of the baskets was just too good to pass up). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm gardening again, and trying to stay mindful of my own stress levels. Self-care for me has to involve time spent working in the garden - that's clear. I'm also learning to adapt and delegate. We take advantage of several community programs to assist in the caregiving puzzle, and a brief hospital stay has also stabilized things. Our family is evolving, and part of the challenge involves staying ahead of the changes. Artgarden is all around us - offering peace, reflection, and serenity. How could I not "bother" with it. Artgarden provides nature, unspoilled woodland, safety, memories, beautiful flowers, a koi pond, home-grown veggies, and a place to be together. One day at a time...</div>anjacoutohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17116113372022588234noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7584596958836726065.post-6480485593211823122011-06-02T21:35:00.000-07:002011-06-02T21:35:24.396-07:00EOMV - May (just a little late)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheAv7ARurzVBPJclypoVfjtOT8W4-CgLmZUDNvHXY3K0glTcH_Vwi-HNmNUn69bpfxy2xxAcVfLzVZ9ZQ6dVQlBL5ZAvnaLMyqx85Wp3J2inbR-nBJy8iHgLIXcbLeuZwR7LNSzdL4Ywo/s1600/257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheAv7ARurzVBPJclypoVfjtOT8W4-CgLmZUDNvHXY3K0glTcH_Vwi-HNmNUn69bpfxy2xxAcVfLzVZ9ZQ6dVQlBL5ZAvnaLMyqx85Wp3J2inbR-nBJy8iHgLIXcbLeuZwR7LNSzdL4Ywo/s640/257.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>May has not been kind to Artgarden. Cool temperatures, constant rainfall, and the absence of the chief gardener and her boss (rumoured to be having a glorious time in the sunny Mediterranean) have all taken their toll. While the men of the house did a fabulous job looking after everything - it would appear that the garden itself has become quite overgrown. Vegetation is everywhere, all over the place, taking over, and in danger of overwhelming anything in its path. Indeed, the woodland garden feels very crowded and disorderly - spoiling the usually peaceful relaxing atmosphere. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5w0G8LVHIHykNdwRwiT6KoSkhu2hFGaVhiLspiKshupf7yQqKyRtWoO7bJtDp9awVxA8xaUbprfAZHhzAe6FaVsRtuFvr-xiUojq84ZzQwJwkdyHkUH4DFKJZb_-N7zUtp0WfTRgahXI/s1600/256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5w0G8LVHIHykNdwRwiT6KoSkhu2hFGaVhiLspiKshupf7yQqKyRtWoO7bJtDp9awVxA8xaUbprfAZHhzAe6FaVsRtuFvr-xiUojq84ZzQwJwkdyHkUH4DFKJZb_-N7zUtp0WfTRgahXI/s640/256.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Things do not get any better indoors. Rows of veggies are lined up on window sills like soldiers - growing leggy as we wait impatiently for warmer temperatures so they can be planted outdoors.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGDUryDWkE-LhK8IltGyI51GwG8dDGo3dJBwaJBPiu-Mll3_j7aDPvDu_MLEbB4wBu-btmeqgd9O1E9WCBe9vp8Tdb1yJ0zG0kyvQ7HTfhLDEqMr9LAdDP0-xTqZubVHhboCzEeqzJqDI/s1600/251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGDUryDWkE-LhK8IltGyI51GwG8dDGo3dJBwaJBPiu-Mll3_j7aDPvDu_MLEbB4wBu-btmeqgd9O1E9WCBe9vp8Tdb1yJ0zG0kyvQ7HTfhLDEqMr9LAdDP0-xTqZubVHhboCzEeqzJqDI/s640/251.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Things have become even more desperate in the kitchen where entire windows have been obscured by ripening tomatoes and butternut squash!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMTHTYjZLxIyF7KLlOI481stAD2rUMyDp7HpsLCl7ctCAmJ3H4HRET8xTM74wcxYd8ExyCeVN9MlvSohoZDkId-gZsR310kqC9er4npT7d00M6YurknwaxXbu2NsL1HHpiJZTqriol9TQ/s1600/252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMTHTYjZLxIyF7KLlOI481stAD2rUMyDp7HpsLCl7ctCAmJ3H4HRET8xTM74wcxYd8ExyCeVN9MlvSohoZDkId-gZsR310kqC9er4npT7d00M6YurknwaxXbu2NsL1HHpiJZTqriol9TQ/s640/252.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>In an attempt to "manage" my kitchen jungle with less than hospitable outdoor temperatures - we have had to resort to some unusual measures - including the ghastly (though effective) kosy coats pictured below. The red colour is supposed to aid in the growth and ripening of tomatoes and other heat-loving plants. We also invested in "tomato craters" which are bright red, and operate on a similar principle. While, plastic gimmicks such as these do little for the aesthetics of the garden - we are running out of time (and space!) indoors - and I'm willing to try almost anything until we can afford a proper greenhouse.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD0Sqong7kHQU_FQfcng_lgqiDKxf40nJ6gIMvj4cSb8qJy5kCnMnmXG0qEyrHzeqKyTaH6l9AI5wJEfp5XgF4mx1COuJnAGvlPPN5JEK4Nz-xCVjOHlh7vy7YvtXU85QyukkgjTEHMHI/s1600/253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD0Sqong7kHQU_FQfcng_lgqiDKxf40nJ6gIMvj4cSb8qJy5kCnMnmXG0qEyrHzeqKyTaH6l9AI5wJEfp5XgF4mx1COuJnAGvlPPN5JEK4Nz-xCVjOHlh7vy7YvtXU85QyukkgjTEHMHI/s400/253.JPG" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">UGH!</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGLluYXjMYTcVlU4QjeUpCmPuvZ_fPdPvYErnvn4G8KfbeTRg9imcVHjgCOXTiz1cZQUUb2vpALTiMJYuDqNI6mkpqvkR51HqieQomX3O2xy3Y0OhgfBiUCFP_sYb8GO6DfidwNanCXqY/s1600/269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGLluYXjMYTcVlU4QjeUpCmPuvZ_fPdPvYErnvn4G8KfbeTRg9imcVHjgCOXTiz1cZQUUb2vpALTiMJYuDqNI6mkpqvkR51HqieQomX3O2xy3Y0OhgfBiUCFP_sYb8GO6DfidwNanCXqY/s640/269.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Our raised bed however, is a huge succcess - filled with five varieties of radish, carrots, spring onions, etc. The marigolds are supposed to be good companion plantings. The raised bed is my answer to easy cultivation for anyone with bad knees and hips - which includes me and my Mum.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj2urfrdMGbnEuF2HEXq4vUmh2mjPxltzSZ2Xi_bIlGte1c3u_aqZv4G0nrfdfsqXvBp2jC_chzvMqvCsmEnB8OFQ5WxKaIeKsmD4DWuKBRvBp2uTYFZoHli6D-NLxZiBB2LAXpXmlySs/s1600/273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj2urfrdMGbnEuF2HEXq4vUmh2mjPxltzSZ2Xi_bIlGte1c3u_aqZv4G0nrfdfsqXvBp2jC_chzvMqvCsmEnB8OFQ5WxKaIeKsmD4DWuKBRvBp2uTYFZoHli6D-NLxZiBB2LAXpXmlySs/s640/273.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>To say that we have had our share of rain, is something of an understatement. Unfortunately, this soggy situation has contributed to the death (and subsequent removal) of a mature yew, as well as the dreadful demise of this fully-grown pieris (pictured below). All the plants in this border are suffering - and sadly, there is not too much we can do about it (circumstances beyond our control due to new development in the building lot next to ours which has substantially altered the grade of the land). I am having to completely re-think our options in this shady bog land that is now taking over this part of the garden. Ah, the never-ending challenges of gardening in Canada!<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrXHFZLAWDijdOnofz_QVEZQdjGT_Kfw46hspjxHRkhDPp9vtpAjBas5rOuTLd9YkJEDQGM17xkWIPzc_fFblUZuC1RnuQwAI8PQ0jOEC0rQDKq4MCERJ0F9FVtMgE7j167dYd5KRKMII/s1600/272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrXHFZLAWDijdOnofz_QVEZQdjGT_Kfw46hspjxHRkhDPp9vtpAjBas5rOuTLd9YkJEDQGM17xkWIPzc_fFblUZuC1RnuQwAI8PQ0jOEC0rQDKq4MCERJ0F9FVtMgE7j167dYd5KRKMII/s400/272.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One minute this pieris was in bloom - now this.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwhzadGvzjJ5mNU77WzySuOUzV5MPoui5_kz6ShDNW4ZRLv6DjCy5p1VUi4JY1yuxT0xW994215b9P8Rkvgluk9X-c2Pk33u7tMT8PvbcY59eO4Pe8-_UXmzESn4nFxjKkRl9mw5EP4tE/s1600/259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwhzadGvzjJ5mNU77WzySuOUzV5MPoui5_kz6ShDNW4ZRLv6DjCy5p1VUi4JY1yuxT0xW994215b9P8Rkvgluk9X-c2Pk33u7tMT8PvbcY59eO4Pe8-_UXmzESn4nFxjKkRl9mw5EP4tE/s640/259.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>There are some bright spots too - including this beautiful rhododendron in bloom...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ufOz3vfy8-n2a31KEWdoDDR0T8u15-Bykm3ahq5kCPHKiBpLod8eKpk8fJS34shGv_iYqiIzZoj2lSXCQLwe89Zp1jEvrjku_BeEz4DGeCWBUxnUqN8ZqcLn8DOzsL-Hi2wZgA-Wk_E/s1600/305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ufOz3vfy8-n2a31KEWdoDDR0T8u15-Bykm3ahq5kCPHKiBpLod8eKpk8fJS34shGv_iYqiIzZoj2lSXCQLwe89Zp1jEvrjku_BeEz4DGeCWBUxnUqN8ZqcLn8DOzsL-Hi2wZgA-Wk_E/s640/305.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6SSoGBazPquAgy6Mu-4Qnc0dxEoqORVDwqeKPNlW9XhVdLk422I2zglRRnRVaT9-Tk321nyjk_uP0jBv-v2kypXW9Xhjcr-W3037LuHhXA0Fc0bjbiin11E3Dxe2dc543qpeqAFFLXx0/s1600/279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6SSoGBazPquAgy6Mu-4Qnc0dxEoqORVDwqeKPNlW9XhVdLk422I2zglRRnRVaT9-Tk321nyjk_uP0jBv-v2kypXW9Xhjcr-W3037LuHhXA0Fc0bjbiin11E3Dxe2dc543qpeqAFFLXx0/s640/279.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> pretty little blue flowers add their delicate presence - myosotis are everywhere.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjyWhavFOtQfayfJpXTb6Vt10VoKSEdMlzWMFNDGVxPXSfIZrpySlqzO1KmteNhyyWRFmmqyl0l6lTwzjJyPbbXFNv17V-ypX79OCG1Y_SWz6_7p59z-30Bet88KOLgbQaeRhrEil_vmw/s1600/308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjyWhavFOtQfayfJpXTb6Vt10VoKSEdMlzWMFNDGVxPXSfIZrpySlqzO1KmteNhyyWRFmmqyl0l6lTwzjJyPbbXFNv17V-ypX79OCG1Y_SWz6_7p59z-30Bet88KOLgbQaeRhrEil_vmw/s640/308.JPG" width="425" /></a></div>This ocean of hypericum is not what I had in mind for the woodland garden! Lots of digging to do here, as we replace it with something that fits in a little better...still trying to decide what that will be.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbueQK5nkbByTXx2odGC4zn_3QuaweZU8Zoapzg2d2hNS8aZ1swjpr3wOaA5Q4UdvQdi5sCaN-iIK24xwattAtG7Rk3hSx22ebliie5zUgfy1BnuCYiHlIvHzidwX2Qfnfsnz_0r-VU40/s1600/311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbueQK5nkbByTXx2odGC4zn_3QuaweZU8Zoapzg2d2hNS8aZ1swjpr3wOaA5Q4UdvQdi5sCaN-iIK24xwattAtG7Rk3hSx22ebliie5zUgfy1BnuCYiHlIvHzidwX2Qfnfsnz_0r-VU40/s640/311.JPG" width="640" /></a>This view of the woodland border surrounding the pond is showing promise, as the plantings slowly recover from the construction that took place last year. Thanks to Jesse James for his EOMV debut!</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div>anjacoutohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17116113372022588234noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7584596958836726065.post-64998651842607223942011-05-26T15:13:00.000-07:002011-05-26T15:13:12.334-07:00Gardens & Countryside - Hampshire in May<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioJtJI2n8dC1VIMFs5cdEWllwMTHuf6ovKmlezvBJuTyY09jcjZClNqwAhq6qFUHj9raNxrlkaJwkAUsH4Rzb5Ok2RVcRnotR2GyOSFSesX2TCllpn2yNMqHzvG4g8YkAEmuKZX0hYF3o/s1600/087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioJtJI2n8dC1VIMFs5cdEWllwMTHuf6ovKmlezvBJuTyY09jcjZClNqwAhq6qFUHj9raNxrlkaJwkAUsH4Rzb5Ok2RVcRnotR2GyOSFSesX2TCllpn2yNMqHzvG4g8YkAEmuKZX0hYF3o/s640/087.JPG" width="640" /></a>Our holiday began simply enough for me and my Mum - a few days in Hampshire to fully recover from the nine hour plus flight to the U.K. and resulting eight hour time difference, and the chance to visit with dear friends and family. Of course, I was not going to pass up the opportunity to observe and photograph the many gorgeous gardens and countryside that can be found throughout this lovely part of the world. I adore cottage gardens - set amidst thatched cottages and idyllic villages - there were plenty to choose from...</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsTNdhHn41C-hbGBRwqS475sd_3zu7fQsDtJUnI-iX1CWiG9uSmgyWZ3xCOO7g6r-jOa7zka1gDBhyphenhyphenx5ZAKBI4fXVOvV7D9c-Th8xwKY7QhesPMWNKp6i-kGUV2tG5xGTu8SS9KQhWX6Y/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsTNdhHn41C-hbGBRwqS475sd_3zu7fQsDtJUnI-iX1CWiG9uSmgyWZ3xCOO7g6r-jOa7zka1gDBhyphenhyphenx5ZAKBI4fXVOvV7D9c-Th8xwKY7QhesPMWNKp6i-kGUV2tG5xGTu8SS9KQhWX6Y/s640/011.JPG" width="640" /></a> ...but first we had to get there. I won't go into details regarding our first rental car, but needless to say - we had quite an extraordinary and exciting time, especially when the side mirror and an extremely large piece of metal scafolding chose to fight it out in the tunnel leading to terminal one at LHR. The car rental company staff appeared a little sceptical when I explained that their sat nav had sent us down the bike lane ('tis true!) but fortunately they were able to provide rental car number two, and thanks to my premonitions of doom (and tons of extra insurance) no harm was incurred - either financially or bodily... Things did not get any better with the sat nav after this - as it appeared that someone had programmed it to avoid all traffic whenever possible! We toured many lovely villages that afternoon in the surrounding counties - but I began to despair of ever arriving at our destination.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8V6BH5rrW1Y1og1czNrP_RDhR8PIggT1lE7d_st-NNEVyMCtZIFvAU3Pb6bn25j9LX9GZaQAuOBJr6mslrjNTPAki5UFCzUFTC4fENpHd9Q4JPRia4W8k805Uin6UKyVyu-UfH_IQaQE/s1600/026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8V6BH5rrW1Y1og1czNrP_RDhR8PIggT1lE7d_st-NNEVyMCtZIFvAU3Pb6bn25j9LX9GZaQAuOBJr6mslrjNTPAki5UFCzUFTC4fENpHd9Q4JPRia4W8k805Uin6UKyVyu-UfH_IQaQE/s640/026.JPG" width="640" /></a>Finally in a fit of frustration, I turned off the unhelpful Tom Tom - and armed with "your guide to a smooth journey" and some excellent directions from passers-by, we arrived at our B & B. These photos are all taken in and around the villages of Selborne and Upper Neatham near Holybourne. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgC1qzZCHzpjGvhxc2LqtveBoJWPj0lWBS5jc2Hhzg102tNiyRW96AzpMHleDkuyf1FyUZye43OSDzlacZEN6XE6lZmZWd3BVFcD37nrNixvq4DQZUqvJrQkZsPgQLqdQGMDGY1jgd3hI/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgC1qzZCHzpjGvhxc2LqtveBoJWPj0lWBS5jc2Hhzg102tNiyRW96AzpMHleDkuyf1FyUZye43OSDzlacZEN6XE6lZmZWd3BVFcD37nrNixvq4DQZUqvJrQkZsPgQLqdQGMDGY1jgd3hI/s640/005.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>Simply amazing countryside, and gorgeous gardens greeted us at every turn. I especially loved the weathered fences, wrought- iron gates, and stone walls which provide the perfect backdrop to the tidy yet prolific folliage and flowers which appear squeezed into every corner. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh99l2ucxQYAT7bnk9uqvZaw8Lzd9NkGFuerK_UJk9roQW7sq7m2HJS_9aM6XU7HS7eN0ISEhrOhbJvjwFHJM1fKYCYJlvk3v0UzTh56WWbY6epgEuW9MiMSCRXXuUvNiI8oezFpWwlwe4/s1600/030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh99l2ucxQYAT7bnk9uqvZaw8Lzd9NkGFuerK_UJk9roQW7sq7m2HJS_9aM6XU7HS7eN0ISEhrOhbJvjwFHJM1fKYCYJlvk3v0UzTh56WWbY6epgEuW9MiMSCRXXuUvNiI8oezFpWwlwe4/s640/030.JPG" width="640" /></a>Thanks to the extremely warm, dry spring experienced in the U.K. this year - early summer flowers were out en-masse. We were also fortunate to have excellent weather during our stay (just one short but fierce thunder shower) which meant that Mum and I could relax outdoors and truly appreciate the beauty around us.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU7_srk9aiV0hIMOndo7XqiYbrad_Rkujc6etCxx7LV8CRGRAPq4a50XPzLprqEMBrWgg6zvFHZPK6wPc5KZeEtLA8_JBMpl2w2dqjRUJJe0bbibqDkGqRsHjfEgzQ7um7l0ut9PyIsmk/s1600/044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU7_srk9aiV0hIMOndo7XqiYbrad_Rkujc6etCxx7LV8CRGRAPq4a50XPzLprqEMBrWgg6zvFHZPK6wPc5KZeEtLA8_JBMpl2w2dqjRUJJe0bbibqDkGqRsHjfEgzQ7um7l0ut9PyIsmk/s640/044.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif3OWiObYBFrlcZb0c5PJLXRB648tU7WuofCdfVsyK5xaZfURG_BYydSWi_nX8XCbLiUDMQ8jIhULBv_h5bIA-4xgqkD3R8iQhT30spNgfGO38OaRIXtMACyFs86tMt-j8myEUIim5V3U/s1600/079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif3OWiObYBFrlcZb0c5PJLXRB648tU7WuofCdfVsyK5xaZfURG_BYydSWi_nX8XCbLiUDMQ8jIhULBv_h5bIA-4xgqkD3R8iQhT30spNgfGO38OaRIXtMACyFs86tMt-j8myEUIim5V3U/s640/079.JPG" width="426" /></a>Splashes of red and yellow mixed with the soft tones of lilac, blue and violet were some of my favourites. Cool whites contasted with shades of green.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXl0Q3pQHqVhyJvCYnyKTSiQPx6MzxhwfbwP_Yeb2pkAoZDBN8Fl5rvgopjPVS-NYmvxW1_WU8oc6xd8op4rVE9FAmF-biMh_0XKYtwALKTZig8qET3hvdxzPHSp0CkuQ0l2an48MxtyI/s1600/080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXl0Q3pQHqVhyJvCYnyKTSiQPx6MzxhwfbwP_Yeb2pkAoZDBN8Fl5rvgopjPVS-NYmvxW1_WU8oc6xd8op4rVE9FAmF-biMh_0XKYtwALKTZig8qET3hvdxzPHSp0CkuQ0l2an48MxtyI/s640/080.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1gU9V86_MQoicyMuqBjrWNeuEkjbIkvLDDCo8ATkwLJeF1Q58AfloqESCC7flIMJjp_cbs_9iX5LnhJn-fX0ytxFoj_Kc2rrYTFFyxpPP58MPfeXqgZl0qDXxP1mOsWcVizYQ2nWcWfQ/s1600/064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1gU9V86_MQoicyMuqBjrWNeuEkjbIkvLDDCo8ATkwLJeF1Q58AfloqESCC7flIMJjp_cbs_9iX5LnhJn-fX0ytxFoj_Kc2rrYTFFyxpPP58MPfeXqgZl0qDXxP1mOsWcVizYQ2nWcWfQ/s640/064.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>Woodland paths tempted us to follow their lead - we were careful to watch out for the stinging nettles!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfZ-S1x8F1SIwEVGp3feY7qx_ThoWo1zMy5tmXN7BgyCEJ3YD15stxWnwj-vibwPE-Fzq5uhvHZQJMUsF1Ymy5nU_9YR_lJDyuRqh5RPkGc6T4CXZ8yBL96nb8m41Aoxs1Lw7XQOwVI3A/s1600/051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfZ-S1x8F1SIwEVGp3feY7qx_ThoWo1zMy5tmXN7BgyCEJ3YD15stxWnwj-vibwPE-Fzq5uhvHZQJMUsF1Ymy5nU_9YR_lJDyuRqh5RPkGc6T4CXZ8yBL96nb8m41Aoxs1Lw7XQOwVI3A/s640/051.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Blue flowers, lush green lawns and weathered fences are in plain sight, as well as stone walls with locked doors leading to secret gardens beyond... So much to see and discover in such a short passage of time.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5eZgKvqWGsbmBgRvp9qSqorQ_IsUwoWToCbw0loV3qnLPWlpDY2QYWXUZAUTAS4W4OaZvaJ6Ydx-bRe1WcajDWVHZlTuGEP_7ccaptOLKwgMBx6NVYvTuYu5LEmCXf2-TdWuyrxktF68/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5eZgKvqWGsbmBgRvp9qSqorQ_IsUwoWToCbw0loV3qnLPWlpDY2QYWXUZAUTAS4W4OaZvaJ6Ydx-bRe1WcajDWVHZlTuGEP_7ccaptOLKwgMBx6NVYvTuYu5LEmCXf2-TdWuyrxktF68/s640/007.JPG" width="640" /></a>This wall hides Gilbert White's house and garden.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWnNT7KalqYTwsKusPDsOk7gWuOHIHTONTCCM7oHh_eElLM9Sud9_kZUe-ZVd9l_pXiRiVYZZWeBIJD-pom58-iwZSYOVBMaijxbEXDku-M9hEFIdDWuckWUG8f7AVIvWhRzlsd6LI5nM/s1600/045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWnNT7KalqYTwsKusPDsOk7gWuOHIHTONTCCM7oHh_eElLM9Sud9_kZUe-ZVd9l_pXiRiVYZZWeBIJD-pom58-iwZSYOVBMaijxbEXDku-M9hEFIdDWuckWUG8f7AVIvWhRzlsd6LI5nM/s640/045.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Possibly my favourite cottage flower if I had to choose...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvWvQuCXsV-3nKT_ambU60QMFOmzph2WQ3_CB00Yi0ogKg8A-0Awjv42SX4joXwjtKX0XvtkbjcgGd9fWNKiSdwXd376b_DP3obcM1044ZArRTCeLmbVjXwpGYtf7dgE5-6G1ZPlKLIz4/s1600/095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvWvQuCXsV-3nKT_ambU60QMFOmzph2WQ3_CB00Yi0ogKg8A-0Awjv42SX4joXwjtKX0XvtkbjcgGd9fWNKiSdwXd376b_DP3obcM1044ZArRTCeLmbVjXwpGYtf7dgE5-6G1ZPlKLIz4/s640/095.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Another gorgeous thatched cottage with pleached limes.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2s0BFFENbB-PhWTEH0TI9te9dL8LMtvitoMMjeUTP6PF49Utb9hd_7vEk4k5KZMNCxAAiFkEgTovWN-qI_hf8rMMovEO-26Q6lxC6p88TdvDlBliyDNSmrPa4W6HFS8lMN8IGkpeQTuk/s1600/047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2s0BFFENbB-PhWTEH0TI9te9dL8LMtvitoMMjeUTP6PF49Utb9hd_7vEk4k5KZMNCxAAiFkEgTovWN-qI_hf8rMMovEO-26Q6lxC6p88TdvDlBliyDNSmrPa4W6HFS8lMN8IGkpeQTuk/s640/047.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>The river Wey in Upper Neatham offers a tranquil setting for both humans and wildlife.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgytDJqBhLfGC-S8B39zOoqnG8fi42niCJA3Wyj6p8vDT3smTmPUUMOS7i83K3pZsNoKdG7qjKFG7NUumt9tPrHTC838xptVlIKYXKJ5LC1sdTSKauKGpq9xge_WzAviRXnSV-aTxUM7W4/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgytDJqBhLfGC-S8B39zOoqnG8fi42niCJA3Wyj6p8vDT3smTmPUUMOS7i83K3pZsNoKdG7qjKFG7NUumt9tPrHTC838xptVlIKYXKJ5LC1sdTSKauKGpq9xge_WzAviRXnSV-aTxUM7W4/s640/006.JPG" width="426" /></a>This view of the Hanger in Selborne is so gentle and peaceful - the perfect antidote to our rather stressful arrival. Following a perfect few days of rest, recuperation, including excellent company combined with local pub food and drink - Mum and I set off on the next leg of our journey - armed with a copy of the fully revised and updated "Trucker's Atlas of Britain!"</div>anjacoutohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17116113372022588234noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7584596958836726065.post-15098124202059594522011-05-02T01:35:00.000-07:002011-05-02T01:35:52.316-07:00End of month view - April<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihwzJJv2_dzdiJmV_WoZj9qjy23hR5rHO5aTqNrtxHbX5auaXLA7-h_jt-UxW1o_SvyfTD2WHhJUVFDWvqOanZOkWHsPxoXPJtFYL7L7wvrmZJYoCzRQhQEBXcN22H3Y6R2Z39gTA9EWk/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihwzJJv2_dzdiJmV_WoZj9qjy23hR5rHO5aTqNrtxHbX5auaXLA7-h_jt-UxW1o_SvyfTD2WHhJUVFDWvqOanZOkWHsPxoXPJtFYL7L7wvrmZJYoCzRQhQEBXcN22H3Y6R2Z39gTA9EWk/s640/005.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>This month's post should be called "the garden awakens". Finally, after months of unseasonably cold, wet, windy and downright miserable weather, we have been treated to some warm days of spring sunshine. The garden has responded - and it is as though everything is bursting into bud, blossom, and flower. The last of the early spring bulbs are putting on a show, and the late spring shrubs and flowers are ready to burst!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIqq9XDPF9FQ_73h3HsNgNW2fbrdfZarb8XZhxDWf0STguUZcNSde3beQZ0xeS8krFk5Yw3_7Yl5jrrCVk20uHyH9clmlheL_f2YINDeGA2o9Zsy_4Tl2ISxNuz3jA4mTJ-Ggcr3ziMQc/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIqq9XDPF9FQ_73h3HsNgNW2fbrdfZarb8XZhxDWf0STguUZcNSde3beQZ0xeS8krFk5Yw3_7Yl5jrrCVk20uHyH9clmlheL_f2YINDeGA2o9Zsy_4Tl2ISxNuz3jA4mTJ-Ggcr3ziMQc/s640/007.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Although the early flowering plums and cherry trees have gone over - there are still more showing off their lovely blossom. Our 4 in 1 grafted cherry tree (ranier, bing, lapin, and one other that I can't remember) is loaded with delicate white blossom.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5gtn_tTDQHVYHFhZPkHhjq4vn37S7PPQ43QTQbQvdCSCNQorg-PZHNE__Jr5klr3OVFTEnNc_Je6dsfYs90DRXDdIQWZ_IikP6cAD3YfV0uw2CP7OYlRraEBG3ysXcl0DWFUIUvNtH6s/s1600/019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5gtn_tTDQHVYHFhZPkHhjq4vn37S7PPQ43QTQbQvdCSCNQorg-PZHNE__Jr5klr3OVFTEnNc_Je6dsfYs90DRXDdIQWZ_IikP6cAD3YfV0uw2CP7OYlRraEBG3ysXcl0DWFUIUvNtH6s/s640/019.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Tiny saxifrage flowers line the gravel pathway<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeda6nFXwxtQaFsQRlUZdBWUAg9HhAxq7T_s9QPbqyuQ96IocZ8kNfWigHztnIDJGPxiRzDVw80xM170L4wrV8ZXlNrjH17w9GVbdia8ReGShnsVNvPtEEp7YbfCLvgG3Qof0-vth4YNE/s1600/027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeda6nFXwxtQaFsQRlUZdBWUAg9HhAxq7T_s9QPbqyuQ96IocZ8kNfWigHztnIDJGPxiRzDVw80xM170L4wrV8ZXlNrjH17w9GVbdia8ReGShnsVNvPtEEp7YbfCLvgG3Qof0-vth4YNE/s640/027.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> ...and the rhododendron is ready to bloom any day now.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4quM-QjBc1zZVfZzXn0KevqzuaKC8rnbd3vESPa05_FdkkMN1_sGDteqzDcSPlCWtHd-Xx0VZNoSTLb5W2UYttpStGn6oMnBvltg6mDkS1j7olOO6aIZB89lO4EIt_wyjyT7mlZpk85g/s1600/030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4quM-QjBc1zZVfZzXn0KevqzuaKC8rnbd3vESPa05_FdkkMN1_sGDteqzDcSPlCWtHd-Xx0VZNoSTLb5W2UYttpStGn6oMnBvltg6mDkS1j7olOO6aIZB89lO4EIt_wyjyT7mlZpk85g/s640/030.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Huge buds on the grapevine signal the beginning of its annual growth spurt.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVrI6HdYJQBMPfB3iFVkssR1UnGXa9ZS1GztfcNblTNSZbErj2SrBSNC2LXbE91Swj0hYuHcbUTV1eq9MouYWEu-9IOAnXranZSHA8MYVDqktBJrLdNaBBWmMWNtSK1QmjaaXQMVmpu0s/s1600/035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVrI6HdYJQBMPfB3iFVkssR1UnGXa9ZS1GztfcNblTNSZbErj2SrBSNC2LXbE91Swj0hYuHcbUTV1eq9MouYWEu-9IOAnXranZSHA8MYVDqktBJrLdNaBBWmMWNtSK1QmjaaXQMVmpu0s/s640/035.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Forget-me-nots (myosotis) basking under the brick in the sunny front border, have produced their sweet blue flowers. These escaped my transplanting aspirations, and appear to have grown extra tall to compensate!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEExkErMVt5KVA0l1ggBRcJFR1_CGZWV-HdS70-iHDTjp72-MmyTOgv7UJMLOiHegraIKBritbVEf_xbCf2iOJ6prE2GDDhKdrr_Jyto4XhvlVb2am-jIGei57du4ldjqeJVVzEDtb2NQ/s1600/026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEExkErMVt5KVA0l1ggBRcJFR1_CGZWV-HdS70-iHDTjp72-MmyTOgv7UJMLOiHegraIKBritbVEf_xbCf2iOJ6prE2GDDhKdrr_Jyto4XhvlVb2am-jIGei57du4ldjqeJVVzEDtb2NQ/s640/026.JPG" width="640" /></a>These fancy double narcissus are some of the bulbs remaining in bloom throughout the garden.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoAEYKX_YQ6wbsxnueNdI9k1NrFP2WehAyLuYhGytpSGUHUFdUkXITMSF7JxFBbQm_bv337XM5GLtu5qObSDSgMyj5SoRhGgg3gKhga-zUEOjYgP-lwMxLi0cgyorf2iak4YVnnaeAm1Y/s1600/020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoAEYKX_YQ6wbsxnueNdI9k1NrFP2WehAyLuYhGytpSGUHUFdUkXITMSF7JxFBbQm_bv337XM5GLtu5qObSDSgMyj5SoRhGgg3gKhga-zUEOjYgP-lwMxLi0cgyorf2iak4YVnnaeAm1Y/s640/020.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Flowers in many shades of blue and lilac blue (my favourite!) can be found in the garden at this time of year.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiBX_VsjrS-HSLIeKb3AQ5i5LsFILjwvPpMM0QV5ruNtuApLWZZM_IwIxVNx2nBogyUoB3Ez_Pnw_kGm_-BnJ8vUEDZy6Han37oIQfkgLQmlBN1Th2caJlr-Ks-PBGod3LCKq2N2ZZY4k/s1600/048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiBX_VsjrS-HSLIeKb3AQ5i5LsFILjwvPpMM0QV5ruNtuApLWZZM_IwIxVNx2nBogyUoB3Ez_Pnw_kGm_-BnJ8vUEDZy6Han37oIQfkgLQmlBN1Th2caJlr-Ks-PBGod3LCKq2N2ZZY4k/s1600/048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiBX_VsjrS-HSLIeKb3AQ5i5LsFILjwvPpMM0QV5ruNtuApLWZZM_IwIxVNx2nBogyUoB3Ez_Pnw_kGm_-BnJ8vUEDZy6Han37oIQfkgLQmlBN1Th2caJlr-Ks-PBGod3LCKq2N2ZZY4k/s640/048.JPG" width="640" /></a>The new growth on the native ferns unfurls in fascinating curly fronds.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMMJnzColLmCDoQ5S_fhPTY_fshINEtN_ax-afSEeyApiNpDhdxxowQGXTMywf6MM5v0poqqcbZ8mxkkz2ANFHDWkOA6up1ndvyAtdfFJHD_h5WSXE7hBFuMT7GJ3qKTHScmKXHCQEHYM/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMMJnzColLmCDoQ5S_fhPTY_fshINEtN_ax-afSEeyApiNpDhdxxowQGXTMywf6MM5v0poqqcbZ8mxkkz2ANFHDWkOA6up1ndvyAtdfFJHD_h5WSXE7hBFuMT7GJ3qKTHScmKXHCQEHYM/s640/007.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I found a checkered lily (fritillaria) growing happily in the border with the roses.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEk4DWAI6nJktWzHajdSFOqA_ce8PwCMeVBAKyYGNOYFEnme_s-e59WHeeCeASCgzE8Gc7Q9x0hES2ordH4NGfE4mcr-gdHjnLDi5kEar1kcNry_LF-4SDAI2t1jgI8o9cahILZH2U8hE/s1600/029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEk4DWAI6nJktWzHajdSFOqA_ce8PwCMeVBAKyYGNOYFEnme_s-e59WHeeCeASCgzE8Gc7Q9x0hES2ordH4NGfE4mcr-gdHjnLDi5kEar1kcNry_LF-4SDAI2t1jgI8o9cahILZH2U8hE/s640/029.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>The pond goldfish and koi are swimming up to the surface, hungry and ready to be fed.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp37i3vgUEjsE3crf_Je07dDLhiMGeXLqlNugJ742fXn5UUKdADw5s1I7Mdo1POosuc7TkozyzO1BwSzV-hZv8hkguO-kIg94HAlgGQDj1tysVcjym9oNR9Nr3cB2Xpgp7QAQFKvD3FNs/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp37i3vgUEjsE3crf_Je07dDLhiMGeXLqlNugJ742fXn5UUKdADw5s1I7Mdo1POosuc7TkozyzO1BwSzV-hZv8hkguO-kIg94HAlgGQDj1tysVcjym9oNR9Nr3cB2Xpgp7QAQFKvD3FNs/s640/001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Not too many views of the front border this time around. Little has changed other than the daffodils beginning to die back, and lots of new growth on the roses. The rather chilly (and a bit mildewed) cosmos can be seen in the back, and the newy transplanted nigella in the front. I had no choice but to plant them out very early on thanks to the need to make more space indoors for even more tender seedlings than these. The green loopy plant supports are to prevent the cats from taking a short-cut through the fragile young plants - and will be removed shortly!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZm1C7PRATtBfTN4oYjhBGDOAeApY0JF_aiw4U6deP79nTya1KCOVOrIgk2JU8gSUX5ALA2KrkXezF5gqnzQ2WfTIAR3q__XbZK3hmoi1LJCmbaK1fI6aNg0PrRfKUbVm2jSGPnmxTI_U/s1600/054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZm1C7PRATtBfTN4oYjhBGDOAeApY0JF_aiw4U6deP79nTya1KCOVOrIgk2JU8gSUX5ALA2KrkXezF5gqnzQ2WfTIAR3q__XbZK3hmoi1LJCmbaK1fI6aNg0PrRfKUbVm2jSGPnmxTI_U/s640/054.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>More lovely blue - this time one of many scilla scattered in the woodland.<br />
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<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsR6_cIfU88bq1KblRIEasbiGe5m1S4w_CBrznq2AQ8_DWnRlu-zfo6vx8BJZeF7F7E-j-uOo3k_rdaAw8VI7mw4dPuAyPuGn3hiuUtYlhG-1Ng1EGyi3Endn8jlpSLqQzPfAXiavYsao/s1600/041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsR6_cIfU88bq1KblRIEasbiGe5m1S4w_CBrznq2AQ8_DWnRlu-zfo6vx8BJZeF7F7E-j-uOo3k_rdaAw8VI7mw4dPuAyPuGn3hiuUtYlhG-1Ng1EGyi3Endn8jlpSLqQzPfAXiavYsao/s640/041.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Finally, a view of the erythronium self-seeded in the woodland garden - demonstrating once again that nature is the finest garden designer in these parts. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5pbuUNZyWJS3zH9TZXVXZvaGCwcJqSwrpK_oNHp5zFAKFEaZP_Lh9So8Sm55MiAzO1pznWVeaYlGDQCY_LZuAjX767Uc11TGdHOTS409qjylPceGMCM75OggqTWPDb_sd8kmeGApqyAw/s1600/034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5pbuUNZyWJS3zH9TZXVXZvaGCwcJqSwrpK_oNHp5zFAKFEaZP_Lh9So8Sm55MiAzO1pznWVeaYlGDQCY_LZuAjX767Uc11TGdHOTS409qjylPceGMCM75OggqTWPDb_sd8kmeGApqyAw/s640/034.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">This is the view of the garden that I will carry with me for the next few weeks as I venture out with my mother for a little vacation - the chance to re-connect with family & friends, see new sights (hopefully some gardens too!), and experience a world away from ours. I leave Artgarden in the trusty hands of our other family members, and I will be interested and excited to see how much everything has grown when we return.</div>anjacoutohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17116113372022588234noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7584596958836726065.post-32398674852128383182011-04-30T21:41:00.000-07:002011-04-30T21:41:19.376-07:00Swimming tortoise & the guilty one.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2hB_n6cNpq7z1rAKpubwsiDiuIKqPtsSCj7dRpMoMXdJiVW9LpS-I1cH4tfr-3KilRQ3N8t8-q1O9jlbBHUljRUHFNAbjbOHWAf3NdwWZxomySTyLRqkNvJYrgfC0fF0sPbrl-Up5E6Y/s1600/034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2hB_n6cNpq7z1rAKpubwsiDiuIKqPtsSCj7dRpMoMXdJiVW9LpS-I1cH4tfr-3KilRQ3N8t8-q1O9jlbBHUljRUHFNAbjbOHWAf3NdwWZxomySTyLRqkNvJYrgfC0fF0sPbrl-Up5E6Y/s640/034.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I must confess that I'm not a big fan of garden gnomery and other assorted decorations. I certainly enjoy art and sculpture in the garden (hence the name of my blog) but sentiment aside, I most definitely prefer my garden decorations to be the green & living kind. However, artgarden is a collaboration - the original vision was inherited from my parents a few years ago. As their garden has become ours - tended with care and sensitivity by the family, we have added our own ideas while trying not to remove the spirit of the garden that they had dreamed of . Although my mother is too elderly to actively participate in the physical task of gardening any more - she is always ready to offer guidance, and suggestions - and to point out that the tortoise is swimming in the koi pond!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg_9ucQO-jBfV-_8BHIMH7fjmyQDjpJD4Oi37msMc2RfKZ6S0Q8lw95nIgK5nITzQfijJNRJhnQPSxfQpGyXk-yvG9LlCXv4_fakXQ3EJGfA3z9rrTCQmdQKEdxukZUtldTBUVYuouhCY/s1600/033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg_9ucQO-jBfV-_8BHIMH7fjmyQDjpJD4Oi37msMc2RfKZ6S0Q8lw95nIgK5nITzQfijJNRJhnQPSxfQpGyXk-yvG9LlCXv4_fakXQ3EJGfA3z9rrTCQmdQKEdxukZUtldTBUVYuouhCY/s640/033.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Mr. tortoise had occupied a spot on the above rock for many years (along with Bobby the ceramic mouse who met an unfortunate end when our rottweiler Luna accidently bit his head off). However, that same rock now forms part of the koi pond, and offers an especially enticing spot to sit in the warm sun and watch the fish - especially if you are a cat. Hannah is now comfortably established upon her favourite rock (no guilty conscience whatsoever!) and I personally think that Mr. tortoise looks far more appealing as he swims serenely in the pond with the fish...anjacoutohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17116113372022588234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7584596958836726065.post-40202597383508612402011-04-20T21:26:00.000-07:002011-04-20T21:26:09.950-07:00Woodland gardening in the rainforest<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuAGPdXvMPYz0HLsK_Ps8SDI7MClgk1PBD7CDWCSQ9azBtqqOK_2HZ9gcZuGMthpVuooVsQ3d4tWqPFMRi2CV3kIl6f5VJkHktwNi7_gZhfQLRM8-kweR8Q2Y5CUw3qGFxAadBpmMvQqg/s1600/083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuAGPdXvMPYz0HLsK_Ps8SDI7MClgk1PBD7CDWCSQ9azBtqqOK_2HZ9gcZuGMthpVuooVsQ3d4tWqPFMRi2CV3kIl6f5VJkHktwNi7_gZhfQLRM8-kweR8Q2Y5CUw3qGFxAadBpmMvQqg/s640/083.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>Although I love all the different parts of our west coast garden (including flower borders, veggie plot, fruit trees, koi pond, etc.) - nothing can compare to the natural rainforest. Sadly, much of the original old-growth forest has been replaced in many suburban areas by high density development, resulting in postage-stamp size garden plots. We are very fortunate that most of our lot retains the indigenous forest, and that my parents had the vision to cherish the lovely old trees, and to disturb the natural woodland as little as possible. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigRxlp4S98ISxA3KI7tgzfd8a-Nd3E7fg7NPrswYQPgJOv1A0XCIst0WbYXf-r7aKebmOoWkaHbl0jqgz4SpZxs2ZKHb8GCBa9Taa9C2XlUmfHb_B313oDUCr09AOpV2uByJMXEAHJSaI/s1600/085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigRxlp4S98ISxA3KI7tgzfd8a-Nd3E7fg7NPrswYQPgJOv1A0XCIst0WbYXf-r7aKebmOoWkaHbl0jqgz4SpZxs2ZKHb8GCBa9Taa9C2XlUmfHb_B313oDUCr09AOpV2uByJMXEAHJSaI/s640/085.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Looking up into the canopy of leaves and branches - mostly Douglas Fir and Western Red Cedar predominate. These trees provide a valuable service to birds and wildlife, and offer a safe perch for eagles and herons to sit and view the bay. Although, my parents planted some smaller deciduous ornamental trees for additional interest and contrast through the years - nothing can take away from the impact of the original forest.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1XW4b1U84-gjrDeLVFJJcbWanwn-knjifRCg5ilNPvdH63kzKeGbhOobXYstngS4H_Q-d34vNM46fkHVVNieGL-mgwTvp_MACFaS-fPGPv8P_PEED8tBpv6iacK_gypDkWAxA5jcyTMM/s1600/072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1XW4b1U84-gjrDeLVFJJcbWanwn-knjifRCg5ilNPvdH63kzKeGbhOobXYstngS4H_Q-d34vNM46fkHVVNieGL-mgwTvp_MACFaS-fPGPv8P_PEED8tBpv6iacK_gypDkWAxA5jcyTMM/s640/072.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Sometimes nature has other ideas about the upkeep of trees in the forest. Old age, fierce winter gales, and damage from insects and animals can all take their toll. On several occasions, trees have actually blown down (fortunately none have landed on the house...yet). We now have the trees inspected yearly - both for insurance purposes and our own peace of mind. Very occasionally, we have had to have a tree cut down in order to avoid the inevitable risk of it coming down on neighbouring property and possibly hurting someone. In a completely wild forest, this process would take place naturally, as new tree seedlings replace the older trees at the end of their life-cycle. Our trees re-seed themselves frequently in the woodland garden, and we are careful to preserve these "gifts" in order to maintain the integrity of the forest.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjudlv43tGD7Lztp2S11q9uvF_zlfyce7lAvmEVgvtlpyinOEHr6BHgMQmRTgezbBbXUo2FBSyoTfeOqAtATCbixGdcxUZC6YTVBwN1U8e8mW_vzOSXETGHvCZgtA3Lxy5OHdhW3JYNLOw/s1600/073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjudlv43tGD7Lztp2S11q9uvF_zlfyce7lAvmEVgvtlpyinOEHr6BHgMQmRTgezbBbXUo2FBSyoTfeOqAtATCbixGdcxUZC6YTVBwN1U8e8mW_vzOSXETGHvCZgtA3Lxy5OHdhW3JYNLOw/s640/073.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>A rotting, decaying, tree can be a thing of beauty. In fact, these trees are still providing a valuable service by offering the ideal environment and vital nourishment for new growth in the forest.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRq9gL-DxZgllNkoweOrCs2_arQTff3GHPdnO-N9aJK946vbL4BdSXhT2cYeV48sL_tMxtVpL6u27cpAnzmYeEiCLS_RirsaHaPt8sZR9pb8mMgqBAu60BObjD3uRYFkXpgee9_Eg6AgI/s1600/078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRq9gL-DxZgllNkoweOrCs2_arQTff3GHPdnO-N9aJK946vbL4BdSXhT2cYeV48sL_tMxtVpL6u27cpAnzmYeEiCLS_RirsaHaPt8sZR9pb8mMgqBAu60BObjD3uRYFkXpgee9_Eg6AgI/s640/078.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>A hollow log is all that remains of this tree - which will soon form its own natural planter. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNIYHyDjDvCZN-Hdgows62SloFKrSjJaXP85H1iwALBzBpkTyXyEh10acWFrtUyg5Q36aZk8lC0wK2PQ5khU4ocPiCIh-upYF7wgQ6aKWtnhhRNswA0xW_L0ggLAsOJYr3AWj_OWZPtr0/s1600/079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNIYHyDjDvCZN-Hdgows62SloFKrSjJaXP85H1iwALBzBpkTyXyEh10acWFrtUyg5Q36aZk8lC0wK2PQ5khU4ocPiCIh-upYF7wgQ6aKWtnhhRNswA0xW_L0ggLAsOJYr3AWj_OWZPtr0/s640/079.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>This sapling is growing out of the shell of a tree similar to the one above, known as a "nurse log". The forest is a magical place to observe the continuity of life - and to ponder on a small scale, the wasteful and environmentally damaging practice of clear-cut logging. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjii0xunV38ePbs8Y2IX1tpML1aMA2G7ocP8c2N3SbjWoQVrSnpqLSJrC9pxaDjq4N9O47UQbvseEf-zSucVGh0wNhEkrRtReTQPLbK3FyJWQOwnYZdKFLt-b3uMDld6MBWVxhTZaz_bJk/s1600/077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjii0xunV38ePbs8Y2IX1tpML1aMA2G7ocP8c2N3SbjWoQVrSnpqLSJrC9pxaDjq4N9O47UQbvseEf-zSucVGh0wNhEkrRtReTQPLbK3FyJWQOwnYZdKFLt-b3uMDld6MBWVxhTZaz_bJk/s640/077.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>Long, slender tree trunks that stretch up into the sky and beyond can be quite challenging to blend with the rest of the garden, so that nothing looks ridiculous or out of place. By preserving the woodland garden intact and focusing on native plants - we have attempted to preserve the beauty of the forest and its fragile ecosystem. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgroXGVxRQ9WBBUmrSr8z9A8SR48T-B6Lybzfoq4EEwZ2IEtVmJDOPCgeiA6ihDPH9lc85GN4QZbx8zg3uzXQKqIggTMsVqYCmQ8qfKSUmYccnt8GkABbDH9NxqJCEuf-m3p_lVemc9yTo/s1600/041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgroXGVxRQ9WBBUmrSr8z9A8SR48T-B6Lybzfoq4EEwZ2IEtVmJDOPCgeiA6ihDPH9lc85GN4QZbx8zg3uzXQKqIggTMsVqYCmQ8qfKSUmYccnt8GkABbDH9NxqJCEuf-m3p_lVemc9yTo/s640/041.JPG" width="640" /></a>A old wooden cedar birdhouse (a gift from many years ago) has slowly weathered to a silvery grey colour. It is placed in a clearing in the forest overlooking the koi pond.</div><br />
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih8Y_SSInUJaAuYogxA33nk_ELrm2kMa1OQWxJevQKNoeSl4ClcEtrk5giRRMjwpMnn712oGz0kS26iF2icqPG1BcqIj2Gr1y2yWEh21x3psOFJzYQvUA_gSph0sZSXcNW9oVwQrhjhXQ/s1600/082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih8Y_SSInUJaAuYogxA33nk_ELrm2kMa1OQWxJevQKNoeSl4ClcEtrk5giRRMjwpMnn712oGz0kS26iF2icqPG1BcqIj2Gr1y2yWEh21x3psOFJzYQvUA_gSph0sZSXcNW9oVwQrhjhXQ/s640/082.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">An inside view of part of the woodland garden. A gravel path winds through the forest and around the old-growth trees. Natural groundcover is combined with carefully chosen plants which complement the woodland environment. Hellebores, primulas, spring bulbs, astilbe, and rhododendron (to name a few) share the space with snowberry, erythroniumm, and mahonia. Towards the back of the lot, the dense natural forest grows unchallenged - providing a glimpse of how this land has existed for thousands of years. </div>anjacoutohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17116113372022588234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7584596958836726065.post-6120725642365390302011-04-10T09:24:00.000-07:002011-04-10T09:24:37.475-07:00Springtime at last<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTLCLoodKXz7bVf953BIwnirkb3fY0ZbhL2WhHPeyDPrqg6oL34ag-jLKaTmFXs1VnxhrTi6iANZhDFBG4FzqKqhMhFsqzLpuPSyP0tT7k3r5iu3t5p2IPk-L7DOHWFzGF_Lcpo9tERk8/s1600/019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTLCLoodKXz7bVf953BIwnirkb3fY0ZbhL2WhHPeyDPrqg6oL34ag-jLKaTmFXs1VnxhrTi6iANZhDFBG4FzqKqhMhFsqzLpuPSyP0tT7k3r5iu3t5p2IPk-L7DOHWFzGF_Lcpo9tERk8/s640/019.JPG" width="640" /></a>A rare sunny day provided the opportunity for some photography in the woodland garden during this unseasonably damp and chilly Spring. The soil is still very cold and wet. Any warmth and sunshine produces lots of plant growth as the days become longer, and offer a hint of hopeful possibilities in the months to come. There is so much moisture everywhere!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwbhWs7cYEFlGgctvCv0XagocvPN9vLi0_FAd8ovnj2ZA-tU191gBIca77AibEFB3LGJm_MH5F1e2LSzukZkr_-S4yADJVeDqlCPFwDOO6MDUrzU7y8-cX1ROlnd2g-N8xeTdoXZ15y0A/s1600/024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwbhWs7cYEFlGgctvCv0XagocvPN9vLi0_FAd8ovnj2ZA-tU191gBIca77AibEFB3LGJm_MH5F1e2LSzukZkr_-S4yADJVeDqlCPFwDOO6MDUrzU7y8-cX1ROlnd2g-N8xeTdoXZ15y0A/s640/024.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Flowering shrubs are showing off...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyU7-RcJOnVLMxKsHINCwuarkA0FtRvfpA_SgpJ43hwn6CQGO-7MUHAr_bigSiT4c2Lps-xtraz2OfFH7E4pz1Xd9aSwFPoIcVRAVNcTkGywr9gLL7U0Jr-DEaADc_IeZY6wP5oXdO0-s/s1600/029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyU7-RcJOnVLMxKsHINCwuarkA0FtRvfpA_SgpJ43hwn6CQGO-7MUHAr_bigSiT4c2Lps-xtraz2OfFH7E4pz1Xd9aSwFPoIcVRAVNcTkGywr9gLL7U0Jr-DEaADc_IeZY6wP5oXdO0-s/s640/029.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>...and the gorgeous camelia is in bloom at last!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyDmGSh-p0CxAYqD8m8mM14R8MxyzQ1ngprYLq1TD8psUDT_Fd5WrGJNY0X4d2pMnTtywnqZVSSYgK1koNfJ2Mocr719CY9bi5lmcfRKNbVO646L1zbu6D38Y-SFaQdYfN1VX10kEV4oM/s1600/032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyDmGSh-p0CxAYqD8m8mM14R8MxyzQ1ngprYLq1TD8psUDT_Fd5WrGJNY0X4d2pMnTtywnqZVSSYgK1koNfJ2Mocr719CY9bi5lmcfRKNbVO646L1zbu6D38Y-SFaQdYfN1VX10kEV4oM/s640/032.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Verdant growth rises from the forest floor as the various plants compete for limited light caused by the canopy of Douglas fir and western red cedar that occupy the same garden space.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmt5T6lNgjPzyWVISe30spu0wIKZknBpLatMNxhyWS70OSOllWzeSTKuMgzMMggfZnhyphenhyphenFYCgqr_IVSuFCcrYDl0Bm5bvjw59_ru957Rg-ou6CcmbgmG-J4yMT0qtIqygHnVJIhE3I3zWc/s1600/051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmt5T6lNgjPzyWVISe30spu0wIKZknBpLatMNxhyWS70OSOllWzeSTKuMgzMMggfZnhyphenhyphenFYCgqr_IVSuFCcrYDl0Bm5bvjw59_ru957Rg-ou6CcmbgmG-J4yMT0qtIqygHnVJIhE3I3zWc/s640/051.JPG" width="640" /></a>Plum blossom holds promise of delicious fruit to come.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh48to3voFRQzXOOo3NL8nH65vSvG-BWYXOhvaXHuasJXB4AuyKChAcHdIRYPs8Q-6vnuhxbNJ2DnQPOBUQIK-Zoa4xFljeJRFQ520ICI6JvvQf2981zc-C0RrAA89uXO5KOBSql_iUSpA/s1600/080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh48to3voFRQzXOOo3NL8nH65vSvG-BWYXOhvaXHuasJXB4AuyKChAcHdIRYPs8Q-6vnuhxbNJ2DnQPOBUQIK-Zoa4xFljeJRFQ520ICI6JvvQf2981zc-C0RrAA89uXO5KOBSql_iUSpA/s640/080.JPG" width="640" /></a>Mahonia is putting on a show to rival the forsythia.</div>anjacoutohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17116113372022588234noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7584596958836726065.post-2915774100638238052011-04-07T15:05:00.000-07:002011-04-07T15:05:18.474-07:00Daffs., Narcs., Hyacinths & More!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmHaIHp9DFAs-Z8JmpIuwPqulSVKijJgYueZkJ6XCa5kqEq7BvYxMDrFH6b43dPq8_gQ08R8tRRqAy6pUOir8hVCV7ds-IBiC7Z4faUCdSFgMfyQhA8gAmX4pSywtREyVsJ_6k6d_t8Kw/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmHaIHp9DFAs-Z8JmpIuwPqulSVKijJgYueZkJ6XCa5kqEq7BvYxMDrFH6b43dPq8_gQ08R8tRRqAy6pUOir8hVCV7ds-IBiC7Z4faUCdSFgMfyQhA8gAmX4pSywtREyVsJ_6k6d_t8Kw/s640/002.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Forced blue hyacinth on the windowsill overlooking the kitchen sink. Its heavenly scent provides a wonderful assist to anyone working there (especially those who would rather be in the garden!)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheuA0VwSUwqLcgJnNJFUeoLUDKiEKszr-0P2LXSyekp5xo4g1i8PCypS52O5aR9HPENBVkfJLYpSgE3gV0ZpIwkt83RigoFZpfROjzDIKRBjNpB_js9exWMEx9GJ3lXKbaG-kZ8EeMayc/s1600/028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheuA0VwSUwqLcgJnNJFUeoLUDKiEKszr-0P2LXSyekp5xo4g1i8PCypS52O5aR9HPENBVkfJLYpSgE3gV0ZpIwkt83RigoFZpfROjzDIKRBjNpB_js9exWMEx9GJ3lXKbaG-kZ8EeMayc/s640/028.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8o0AZOfax0JrgE7B5QksF-In-3Is2xvwNG12QglENAhjB2XzBZuJrP-n-VmQoTIitFWAdWGm-48HLxZHd7uJMk1IrpJYQB5l9Cwni8AOhC5Sx2EG4Zt-SU65xaTDizgCHW9JpxqwWnRg/s1600/026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8o0AZOfax0JrgE7B5QksF-In-3Is2xvwNG12QglENAhjB2XzBZuJrP-n-VmQoTIitFWAdWGm-48HLxZHd7uJMk1IrpJYQB5l9Cwni8AOhC5Sx2EG4Zt-SU65xaTDizgCHW9JpxqwWnRg/s1600/026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8o0AZOfax0JrgE7B5QksF-In-3Is2xvwNG12QglENAhjB2XzBZuJrP-n-VmQoTIitFWAdWGm-48HLxZHd7uJMk1IrpJYQB5l9Cwni8AOhC5Sx2EG4Zt-SU65xaTDizgCHW9JpxqwWnRg/s640/026.JPG" width="640" /></a>Close up and woodland views of erythronium. Love their mottled leaves as much as the nodding blooms. They grow naturally, and are plentiful in the dappled forest light.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5wSrR1iiFWQxGhYZjPwROe0FI384GLYKhMimjujT6LA8V7eKFqEE-O0zYRRzu-yslvKAeC4yIEkk3dzOCcPez44_WX-2b4LsaWZRnii6mhY11Oe8eT2cXDiUhzWTH03OToXNGMAqX-NU/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5wSrR1iiFWQxGhYZjPwROe0FI384GLYKhMimjujT6LA8V7eKFqEE-O0zYRRzu-yslvKAeC4yIEkk3dzOCcPez44_WX-2b4LsaWZRnii6mhY11Oe8eT2cXDiUhzWTH03OToXNGMAqX-NU/s640/005.JPG" width="640" /></a>Muscari (grape hyacinth) offer a welcome patch of blue.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6HrRrkjdcnDQKwckyj17iH1bvA3TSEHcDzB2FS2LfurGz57VZ-MG4SyELsKlXB758N-NY2SuFvGfsl6w0q1tZvujs8Lz7RW0j49sEnrrcy6A0iPye6neSYjU4-ZVnKy5dwUtx1sELEmc/s1600/050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6HrRrkjdcnDQKwckyj17iH1bvA3TSEHcDzB2FS2LfurGz57VZ-MG4SyELsKlXB758N-NY2SuFvGfsl6w0q1tZvujs8Lz7RW0j49sEnrrcy6A0iPye6neSYjU4-ZVnKy5dwUtx1sELEmc/s640/050.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz__byqPOnR-__2uaGyUKy2YBZlIXTQBPaeVmGAvTJTz8-vJMyEZYPGbKK-HrBn8Kq7VRSlj9AkMDRkeXcd9Ab7hZeoXtJLgbdjh12zQT2d8S4Rw6jY-Rad0r9W5ZhnhaGkif7TJ4NlPw/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz__byqPOnR-__2uaGyUKy2YBZlIXTQBPaeVmGAvTJTz8-vJMyEZYPGbKK-HrBn8Kq7VRSlj9AkMDRkeXcd9Ab7hZeoXtJLgbdjh12zQT2d8S4Rw6jY-Rad0r9W5ZhnhaGkif7TJ4NlPw/s640/008.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh37jimR0aVN-KzUihXif4URM-elWqeMKo5ufy-ByaqPty7KRQjyQq5ik8C3I6ZXbRScMm6DAUI1bFUcTL0R3_qHgpGhc7dY7-pf49FnxFYtUExnaAYoa031rXiQI8M8TVr5N99SBt6DU8/s1600/063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh37jimR0aVN-KzUihXif4URM-elWqeMKo5ufy-ByaqPty7KRQjyQq5ik8C3I6ZXbRScMm6DAUI1bFUcTL0R3_qHgpGhc7dY7-pf49FnxFYtUExnaAYoa031rXiQI8M8TVr5N99SBt6DU8/s640/063.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIOtgk-Pphc2Hg88mKZpfLewGJiZwPsumTnxaq8wNn-95CkkU7-AHKjRtTINx_Ih8XSff42IzGAgAUcTtp5u1tXGqWZjlmKJmV2uX_yhEQh2LVEIkCyp5f7uaHm_dxSiQozUH1H3km3pk/s1600/052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIOtgk-Pphc2Hg88mKZpfLewGJiZwPsumTnxaq8wNn-95CkkU7-AHKjRtTINx_Ih8XSff42IzGAgAUcTtp5u1tXGqWZjlmKJmV2uX_yhEQh2LVEIkCyp5f7uaHm_dxSiQozUH1H3km3pk/s640/052.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> So many different variations...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdMSOouKyNxDAkzBRxgv9OpR6v7b1VRQOu5pVkGyMPwsDzh80md29E66kk51h1LwDTli4_nH7JZh_eA_-oMMkE4Rch8zsyhu6QYZ0oZmZCxav76hvXgbac0FNmjgvbvDZtYCIMuoOrxMk/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdMSOouKyNxDAkzBRxgv9OpR6v7b1VRQOu5pVkGyMPwsDzh80md29E66kk51h1LwDTli4_nH7JZh_eA_-oMMkE4Rch8zsyhu6QYZ0oZmZCxav76hvXgbac0FNmjgvbvDZtYCIMuoOrxMk/s640/007.JPG" width="640" /></a>Daffodils and narcissus are planted everywhere. Some have yellow centers, others show dainty, frilly trumpets, and still others are creamy white all over. All are wonderful & welcome signs of Spring!</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div>anjacoutohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17116113372022588234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7584596958836726065.post-1904377997643515962011-03-31T21:33:00.000-07:002011-03-31T21:33:46.906-07:00End of month view - March<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkBg4LXWAyYOwndkc_gmgNVaTuy8heNGB0cjiZePWYB3rIhWAAVPQl66TVnSaagLuJQbY8lgKzG_BojtDoeRytUNBiwGB26uynWLEidkdwmepguw8yD9vUf_Gn1nynbo93ejE9frTCDpQ/s1600/040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkBg4LXWAyYOwndkc_gmgNVaTuy8heNGB0cjiZePWYB3rIhWAAVPQl66TVnSaagLuJQbY8lgKzG_BojtDoeRytUNBiwGB26uynWLEidkdwmepguw8yD9vUf_Gn1nynbo93ejE9frTCDpQ/s640/040.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>The cherry blossom is full-out and blue skies have arrived, as March draws to a close here on the west coast.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiiYamVkFwCxOwkpx6RgIE4LGm-co0eTnH7NpS_YtIDT3DJq8h-fFX72oOQ12y03IXI8fYwqMr4z4LW8JmxMVSiAR4awBbvBzxflKhXk6gkEEpJXTqk1joUn_R5-FQd4hnWP8I4PD_MRc/s1600/050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiiYamVkFwCxOwkpx6RgIE4LGm-co0eTnH7NpS_YtIDT3DJq8h-fFX72oOQ12y03IXI8fYwqMr4z4LW8JmxMVSiAR4awBbvBzxflKhXk6gkEEpJXTqk1joUn_R5-FQd4hnWP8I4PD_MRc/s640/050.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>The front border is filling out nicely with leaves on the bonica roses, daffodils, anemones...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7nwbg38ujsKsfe3JFIli9Td_zki7LZ-ShmFTOMkB1IDGGxC2XiC0nfERf8ye85ce_7-1dNkDx3029uN-V2gnzEs9muGdFXR0zH0NDXZ2DJbp4TQyPkXfY3XymYJ6ZClgCDnYjbaJmM8E/s1600/046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7nwbg38ujsKsfe3JFIli9Td_zki7LZ-ShmFTOMkB1IDGGxC2XiC0nfERf8ye85ce_7-1dNkDx3029uN-V2gnzEs9muGdFXR0zH0NDXZ2DJbp4TQyPkXfY3XymYJ6ZClgCDnYjbaJmM8E/s640/046.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>...heather, and myosotis (yes it appears that I forgot to move the forget-me-nots!) There is still far too much sedum acre, and sea thrift (digging those up is also a work in progress), but I have been quite pleased with how the border is shaping up this early in the year. N.C. and I have been busy ammending the soil (we have heavy clay which has become quite compacted over time), and 2 varieties of oriental lily have been planted - Casablanca and Stargazer (the latter a freebie at one of our local garden centres).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKTYIIEqXccSOQ_wbi9sjX0YvNde_m8LHdZmOG_DIfJLEoLb6uoYW05qhyphenhyphen2_N_yuyuFFjjqZvz1leSXQJJp1QXHUbsnnghBjdIIM3mN6BMf0DymG1VdLKcNqe4AQuTjjA8DC1o03Db9eU/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKTYIIEqXccSOQ_wbi9sjX0YvNde_m8LHdZmOG_DIfJLEoLb6uoYW05qhyphenhyphen2_N_yuyuFFjjqZvz1leSXQJJp1QXHUbsnnghBjdIIM3mN6BMf0DymG1VdLKcNqe4AQuTjjA8DC1o03Db9eU/s640/018.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>The climbing rose Tropicana has been planted against the arch. I plan to add Golden Showers to the other side, hopefully creating a mass of rose blooms over the arch, leading to the breezeway and pergola. Two grape cultivers are slowly being encouraged to spread over the pergola frame to provide some shade (and grapes!) This leads to the woodland garden and koi pond.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQEC4IKAj_iROEAG2UWtkuxrI1MN88w_5c8pvfdr6M6zvv1sSX6WzphiqhygOIa_zajwO0ui1Cbg4flBB9H0o-fP0jsmcQQvH53lVqhOxBVrTc2MkAkwH6zqLfR7A8tKKmaNxPCfJ2Df4/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQEC4IKAj_iROEAG2UWtkuxrI1MN88w_5c8pvfdr6M6zvv1sSX6WzphiqhygOIa_zajwO0ui1Cbg4flBB9H0o-fP0jsmcQQvH53lVqhOxBVrTc2MkAkwH6zqLfR7A8tKKmaNxPCfJ2Df4/s640/007.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Back to the front border - various colour combinations of daffodils and narcissus (planted over the years by my mother) are now in full bloom. Unfortunately, we discovered that one of our three cats appears to enjoy them as much as we do - and has been curling up for a nap in the middle of the clump which now resembles a giant bird's nest.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE6wYWqOtbMBJaDawBPq_yzbR5yqjQUMxYcdHA6YjvrcvWf8HCjsuOs4XBhZibYUIfoLfLDNXxl8Srh2l9sWTK9f5bvnwzD-AVXOLsQIsic7ikbxzDWzr3HHSvXIZOe6LSqK8DN6hY_No/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE6wYWqOtbMBJaDawBPq_yzbR5yqjQUMxYcdHA6YjvrcvWf8HCjsuOs4XBhZibYUIfoLfLDNXxl8Srh2l9sWTK9f5bvnwzD-AVXOLsQIsic7ikbxzDWzr3HHSvXIZOe6LSqK8DN6hY_No/s640/013.JPG" width="640" /></a>This final view shows the koi pond looking south towards the woodland garden. Today, for the first time this season, we were able to feed the fish. They have been sheltering under the rocks and pavers all winter - safe from the cold water at the surface as well as any hungry raccoons, herons, or cats. In fact, for a while - we weren't sure they were there - so effectively were they hidden! As the days grow longer and the weather warmer, the koi and pond goldfish are waking up from their winter hibernation. The koi pond was our garden project last year, and I'm amazed how quickly the area surrounding the pond is returning to its natural woodland beauty. We have planted a few grasses and spring bulbs, but it is nature that is responsible for this part of the garden.</div>anjacoutohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17116113372022588234noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7584596958836726065.post-50579918200378289422011-03-28T20:14:00.000-07:002011-03-28T20:42:31.324-07:00Blooms and bark<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Ep2XplZpvguTvm1I4QDbI4Kg6FuH5F-aTkzRNuhPx-TCRK3yvgGj75kOQZ6ly73bCjTB8FYtwSQ8v6EoteTns_etqwFPZdWQhSLfre85Lal513Ooyp1gXv6taN8RxDA_7SRrvgPrlOw/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Ep2XplZpvguTvm1I4QDbI4Kg6FuH5F-aTkzRNuhPx-TCRK3yvgGj75kOQZ6ly73bCjTB8FYtwSQ8v6EoteTns_etqwFPZdWQhSLfre85Lal513Ooyp1gXv6taN8RxDA_7SRrvgPrlOw/s640/005.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>The windy, damp, cold weather of a few weeks ago has finally given way to some warm days filled with sunshine. The garden is slowly responding, and as the days grow longer we are able to observe buds, bulbs, blooms, and blossom trees. I am amazed by the variety of colour and excited at the possibilities as this is still very early spring.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Nha_mpqY1uFmdfsH4dGdg_5wpdSDAaxWW4Rd-X_STiA2M2usQPDIeGDhw9uR7shSGLTj6_sD1qJDS14cmyOymJH61dV3BuWbTg9K9FABOy7spg5hlCp-kcUbuldA_HLx2U-bdui9_uQ/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Nha_mpqY1uFmdfsH4dGdg_5wpdSDAaxWW4Rd-X_STiA2M2usQPDIeGDhw9uR7shSGLTj6_sD1qJDS14cmyOymJH61dV3BuWbTg9K9FABOy7spg5hlCp-kcUbuldA_HLx2U-bdui9_uQ/s640/009.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>This beautiful early blooming rhododendron provides a burst of colour at the entrance to the woodland garden. Sadly, I do not know the variety - although it is written down somewhere! Several other rhododendrons have huge buds 'tho know flowers yet.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNK5FS4WN2qKSYuwR-cWR7E0E0B6DO_tx7ymmbghgxx1xQwfmwGYz1MTU1Er7pQ1e9VhzsUOZacEqAyIJ4DukPM4RTkIEA9k2YpUfD_LtzSbfSY6F8FBApLTdbPOfKCI-AcDx187pPsJ0/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNK5FS4WN2qKSYuwR-cWR7E0E0B6DO_tx7ymmbghgxx1xQwfmwGYz1MTU1Er7pQ1e9VhzsUOZacEqAyIJ4DukPM4RTkIEA9k2YpUfD_LtzSbfSY6F8FBApLTdbPOfKCI-AcDx187pPsJ0/s640/012.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Cheerful forsythia is synonymous with springtime.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJLOLWWSwtNk6vbfw4F5LqJgL7dDrgRpezofdG_-FpTJiHNbCJQ9dO3YW0yqfswMLKxRLynXhq9JUcMWQeyR6mh40Gb1Hn6XoRa5j4bxTYgzBSpTH-iAXVRQZcjBIHIfyRb9S6zHe7I2g/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJLOLWWSwtNk6vbfw4F5LqJgL7dDrgRpezofdG_-FpTJiHNbCJQ9dO3YW0yqfswMLKxRLynXhq9JUcMWQeyR6mh40Gb1Hn6XoRa5j4bxTYgzBSpTH-iAXVRQZcjBIHIfyRb9S6zHe7I2g/s640/017.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> Woodland flowers abound...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkTEWKFC-d-7hC0K83pUnCjwrIADkvi_skal81hFhzjMb29keMqpEzPTn1SVCv7Ck4IViLsjA4jHN8LlxJY2xuqkwKndVqLqgRrNZWRZOnmOwh1adDp9sATVmtLt0TV7KM6f_bBawdBCo/s1600/024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkTEWKFC-d-7hC0K83pUnCjwrIADkvi_skal81hFhzjMb29keMqpEzPTn1SVCv7Ck4IViLsjA4jHN8LlxJY2xuqkwKndVqLqgRrNZWRZOnmOwh1adDp9sATVmtLt0TV7KM6f_bBawdBCo/s640/024.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>...and grape hyacinth can be found scattered throughout the garden.<br />
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<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkpwilFZplFWnThPgTjCNC_GS4qOhAB53CxYBMrsFcsOClcj63h_ddxmSLFu7MEo0hKf6Y0bUoRyax-NaNaRlR4lsUn1WJ8PJ5F_fCnkUa50qRal_LAQzdu90tSJTzC56E5_3QwcoNkhE/s1600/029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkpwilFZplFWnThPgTjCNC_GS4qOhAB53CxYBMrsFcsOClcj63h_ddxmSLFu7MEo0hKf6Y0bUoRyax-NaNaRlR4lsUn1WJ8PJ5F_fCnkUa50qRal_LAQzdu90tSJTzC56E5_3QwcoNkhE/s640/029.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><br />
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<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A pretty English daisy bellis.</div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi831jHurwUqRz5NOEZ3L1NF1CrVhvE25wcb0ns7i_vnlQy4ZsVsaPQkgCVeo0pxVYNFZArv0SJ58fSAoFuLFHplgoswzA0_nOJrwhKowKeb54QkpZn8Pe0HOfRLNmqBgJdJSnFHg4bGWc/s1600/041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi831jHurwUqRz5NOEZ3L1NF1CrVhvE25wcb0ns7i_vnlQy4ZsVsaPQkgCVeo0pxVYNFZArv0SJ58fSAoFuLFHplgoswzA0_nOJrwhKowKeb54QkpZn8Pe0HOfRLNmqBgJdJSnFHg4bGWc/s640/041.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Gorgeous pink cherry tree blossom is now full-out.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCFbRMpb1CscwxbFn-E5yYdYtMOQSPRP99vo602lA2y3KADzvk47yNDO-tssclm0p4HVjkJoAyn0bRKjCp3iKimBWwZk5jsmjm_DDxRtckRrN9CAaxeC2fOe0KIcpYoonRxu45bTXHZbE/s1600/030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCFbRMpb1CscwxbFn-E5yYdYtMOQSPRP99vo602lA2y3KADzvk47yNDO-tssclm0p4HVjkJoAyn0bRKjCp3iKimBWwZk5jsmjm_DDxRtckRrN9CAaxeC2fOe0KIcpYoonRxu45bTXHZbE/s640/030.JPG" width="640" /></a>Mossy shades of green nestle against the heavily textured bark of a river birch.</div>anjacoutohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17116113372022588234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7584596958836726065.post-81696801060651630292011-03-27T19:55:00.000-07:002011-03-27T19:55:40.498-07:00Dogs and cats in the woodland garden<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7KnWL_cZU_I3J86LELvItkAkJzOEmCMxXetWL1fMWdD1JCuJmTVIlP6IlglZvTpt8By8ZghUHYBE0SWtrTon5h3Q3FEDEyKquVYIDHd-hFjr3GCQVYtZxhyXCFK_fm1h39Qt20N1Ctbk/s1600/028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7KnWL_cZU_I3J86LELvItkAkJzOEmCMxXetWL1fMWdD1JCuJmTVIlP6IlglZvTpt8By8ZghUHYBE0SWtrTon5h3Q3FEDEyKquVYIDHd-hFjr3GCQVYtZxhyXCFK_fm1h39Qt20N1Ctbk/s640/028.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> Ozzie exploring the mossy walk discovers an interesting tree trunk.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnqwNxGsmttRYDo2o7rlaqkcpuOeQYF0dQFyqpvH-KF9Qfo1AYI4424nJt_Pf1nCOTbirs5EdfIjXHb2MLU7XQJlSc9Nf_dM7nYP3nJTBOr58yCW7qhxbSAtlohVSFqH08FRbs3eh_MT8/s1600/029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnqwNxGsmttRYDo2o7rlaqkcpuOeQYF0dQFyqpvH-KF9Qfo1AYI4424nJt_Pf1nCOTbirs5EdfIjXHb2MLU7XQJlSc9Nf_dM7nYP3nJTBOr58yCW7qhxbSAtlohVSFqH08FRbs3eh_MT8/s640/029.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> Luna and daffodils<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit4kMkELF6ODDdFuwQWaJrmENibI2rTbm5xz4vgxmaHu_doWJKpQWOgHvXLkzS4aSbluA61IOwmNYWont5jqDXsSdkMsxtAPN6AlQDT49377uMEG2uIOIkXZaDnpVZjjUcbaae5amv_2E/s1600/036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit4kMkELF6ODDdFuwQWaJrmENibI2rTbm5xz4vgxmaHu_doWJKpQWOgHvXLkzS4aSbluA61IOwmNYWont5jqDXsSdkMsxtAPN6AlQDT49377uMEG2uIOIkXZaDnpVZjjUcbaae5amv_2E/s640/036.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Shy Hannah deep in the woodland</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWnldhMHGJWHiocdLIFU7vp0NeYY1LPX97mCwi-kJJ6l4aSux9GXJ7hbjva9e7U3eEjTF36Y-s6eO5AHG1J8lh-8pJqWugCCtl0L1Ty4Q3BqDTaLKfUv7xurhlU1pBWVsW8NXhyJm5-zE/s1600/035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWnldhMHGJWHiocdLIFU7vp0NeYY1LPX97mCwi-kJJ6l4aSux9GXJ7hbjva9e7U3eEjTF36Y-s6eO5AHG1J8lh-8pJqWugCCtl0L1Ty4Q3BqDTaLKfUv7xurhlU1pBWVsW8NXhyJm5-zE/s640/035.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Jesse James on a favourite log, keeping watch...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div>anjacoutohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17116113372022588234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7584596958836726065.post-57292305887808692562011-03-15T20:18:00.000-07:002011-03-15T20:18:21.846-07:00March sunbathers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiALmuJtOqGRLzLsuqaW9jx-eLqWju5NlTWJ5DLoKUnHyjeDbmH7OulYdr0V54ydpTApW48gm0UXG1hEhLT6fpO1XoTGlWAzkzurSUuPEh9cWDUqG_MV6P1XANYq8U7UcoRYZsStvgcQqE/s1600/005+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiALmuJtOqGRLzLsuqaW9jx-eLqWju5NlTWJ5DLoKUnHyjeDbmH7OulYdr0V54ydpTApW48gm0UXG1hEhLT6fpO1XoTGlWAzkzurSUuPEh9cWDUqG_MV6P1XANYq8U7UcoRYZsStvgcQqE/s640/005+%25282%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>2 of our 3 red eared terrapins relaxing under their heat lampanjacoutohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17116113372022588234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7584596958836726065.post-86664669088745421922011-03-13T23:17:00.000-07:002011-03-14T08:35:19.153-07:00A stormy winter walk-off<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnOFRabQIGNa273m8-iZOsjG_JgKwJ5Kg1CJuH4rgyNrnB7puadc8xVTPqR0T3-WCA8-6ITZs26sw72FWMWrre2is_pvDNLeanmHp9UyzlKT861pFSD6kAjkXjT5bpPrQXHyW-dLwXIHg/s1600/171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnOFRabQIGNa273m8-iZOsjG_JgKwJ5Kg1CJuH4rgyNrnB7puadc8xVTPqR0T3-WCA8-6ITZs26sw72FWMWrre2is_pvDNLeanmHp9UyzlKT861pFSD6kAjkXjT5bpPrQXHyW-dLwXIHg/s640/171.JPG" width="640" /></a>Encouraged by the beautiful virtual tours found on my fellow bloggers' sites, and filled with enthusiasm for the suggestion by Les <a href="http://atidewatergardener.blogspot.com/">http://atidewatergardener.blogspot.com/</a> I found myself armed with camera, walking the seafront on a breezy, blustery, decidedly chilly March afternoon.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMQGX-u4iCwN0t1gXOF0E6jlFmkNfbSPy-V2VpbM09ayqU4M96fCj9BW_C7AQeIWdoeDSdhmEnRsCq8AnXc6iPgHupr2SDeCTPtNOgR0bfs9fopQx2iMNlH92q2Hm5m0pBogizXw3IAZc/s1600/170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMQGX-u4iCwN0t1gXOF0E6jlFmkNfbSPy-V2VpbM09ayqU4M96fCj9BW_C7AQeIWdoeDSdhmEnRsCq8AnXc6iPgHupr2SDeCTPtNOgR0bfs9fopQx2iMNlH92q2Hm5m0pBogizXw3IAZc/s640/170.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">The purpose of the winter walk-off is to provide a visual record while taking a walk from your home. You are not supposed to include any pictures of your own house and garden. Sounds simple enough - however, I soon discovered that creative photography in the middle of a stiff south-easterly gale could be challenging to say the least.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWAUfIG19Ag2-pjHzyximXS9COU1-D61xxURi9qIFyLKq67ayD0c0Guk6RxXkH032eqPs-26WUCvZreI8rxglOOFskXoJsk58Zag7xYJqsVyOoWsiiUmjbWUTsdKdt2K8p1STi3B9IVMA/s1600/167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWAUfIG19Ag2-pjHzyximXS9COU1-D61xxURi9qIFyLKq67ayD0c0Guk6RxXkH032eqPs-26WUCvZreI8rxglOOFskXoJsk58Zag7xYJqsVyOoWsiiUmjbWUTsdKdt2K8p1STi3B9IVMA/s640/167.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">The seafront walk is located across the road from our house (and at the end of a very long driveway). The municipality has just completed various"improvements" including a new path, lighting, and landscaping (all too new at the moment). On a fine day one can see snow capped Mt. Baker in the distance. Today was not one of those days!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl69Qt9czBjc-VI6gGAIOdyP9yyBaSK2Njt6NAcO8CvxQsLymrx66ebC2ldMADg7BvRiAYjYYaK-9ezpop_ptKumuhcKhlg3B04JkWsUH9sCd6XZZo8euWApk5zlU3FFM1hCZDsDo4lCw/s1600/183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl69Qt9czBjc-VI6gGAIOdyP9yyBaSK2Njt6NAcO8CvxQsLymrx66ebC2ldMADg7BvRiAYjYYaK-9ezpop_ptKumuhcKhlg3B04JkWsUH9sCd6XZZo8euWApk5zlU3FFM1hCZDsDo4lCw/s640/183.JPG" width="640" /></a>The seafront path is a favourite place to run, bike, stroll, or just relax while taking in some spectacular views at the water's edge. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZRnRXeNbI9rc0JNNNGP-6Q2qd-8VZJSqeg7PZNbrYpm_QRRqz_VsNMvvuQ4cR894ExVnKS67kAoc4EnEfAzQU-KShT4NtNFdDa0V8fhhysenc5PLIcBx1eqpbKIQFNnefYLFvDWCjwdM/s1600/172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZRnRXeNbI9rc0JNNNGP-6Q2qd-8VZJSqeg7PZNbrYpm_QRRqz_VsNMvvuQ4cR894ExVnKS67kAoc4EnEfAzQU-KShT4NtNFdDa0V8fhhysenc5PLIcBx1eqpbKIQFNnefYLFvDWCjwdM/s640/172.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">This is Sidney on the west coast of Vancouver Island (not to be confused with the ones in Nova Scotia or Australia). Winters are wet and mild (usually) and summers are dry and almost Mediterranean in climate. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVHluo7SrwFdScaSjSaPeUdlY2Xjl_a7Kr1BpOhG02Ai5CEtXbqx5C1XYLlaKzh35eN9O3r8WiUNcSNhseHNbPh1X8vxk0w9Q11F7FcT-eAQwrbVgSYtWqadcCBfp-U9Mkxrs4hIaunrc/s1600/176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVHluo7SrwFdScaSjSaPeUdlY2Xjl_a7Kr1BpOhG02Ai5CEtXbqx5C1XYLlaKzh35eN9O3r8WiUNcSNhseHNbPh1X8vxk0w9Q11F7FcT-eAQwrbVgSYtWqadcCBfp-U9Mkxrs4hIaunrc/s640/176.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAozOP8ooxIzITTwS3pM2I-_O3NUDE1ZK7ydOpoqI3bdP52UJWfvTk1rpUdOAoekesenCOFPLlFcRyJBi06pWqxbLD-p2SCBsloTMpz4ahqFRLpOk69tekRmqqcA6v7yevxmjRWODqq3Q/s1600/194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAozOP8ooxIzITTwS3pM2I-_O3NUDE1ZK7ydOpoqI3bdP52UJWfvTk1rpUdOAoekesenCOFPLlFcRyJBi06pWqxbLD-p2SCBsloTMpz4ahqFRLpOk69tekRmqqcA6v7yevxmjRWODqq3Q/s640/194.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>The fishing pier was almost deserted today, although this rugged fellow can always be found sitting at the entrance holding an impromptu bouquet of wildflowers!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">The sea walk continues past the pier towards the town of Sidney.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdQ5784XBg_3xX2hFMkhTzNMmsSux2xYS3jzupRqo7jQHJcXv0W5oh_X1TfCTBVgmeoSe4msz-8bhPd0DlpUSUuHqtDJOciTIjKrNn2G4cr9hG9TrPIV9RX8j9RJ5jr5ZBoL-zNt0-rLY/s1600/179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdQ5784XBg_3xX2hFMkhTzNMmsSux2xYS3jzupRqo7jQHJcXv0W5oh_X1TfCTBVgmeoSe4msz-8bhPd0DlpUSUuHqtDJOciTIjKrNn2G4cr9hG9TrPIV9RX8j9RJ5jr5ZBoL-zNt0-rLY/s640/179.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Still too early for leaves on most deciduous trees, especially those in exposed locations such as this.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfiNazu-FsfsO8YX0EmrmWoNozaOJuEwfELcYc4pCt6VxHiQZrYXVhPvaBhawsMlKxDcFKeRn8cnVT4-6HAUOOnQW371iAF868xeiEy43rtRD6zobXZChilEzVSPsJfR29yHg9Wi7Uk4o/s1600/180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfiNazu-FsfsO8YX0EmrmWoNozaOJuEwfELcYc4pCt6VxHiQZrYXVhPvaBhawsMlKxDcFKeRn8cnVT4-6HAUOOnQW371iAF868xeiEy43rtRD6zobXZChilEzVSPsJfR29yHg9Wi7Uk4o/s640/180.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRtB8R8eXlCvrAgxXXqYjGNaANZi-new-MsqSVO1uhFMPdG0dXumTQf-Ds8tSzEajj0cv6fl3suzDDcnP1lYkOHje0_PZGe_OiyT9TN6UWv8ZOgKqNHSgkJJ7zdgI4Ib5SuZWu9MIm3vc/s1600/186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRtB8R8eXlCvrAgxXXqYjGNaANZi-new-MsqSVO1uhFMPdG0dXumTQf-Ds8tSzEajj0cv6fl3suzDDcnP1lYkOHje0_PZGe_OiyT9TN6UWv8ZOgKqNHSgkJJ7zdgI4Ib5SuZWu9MIm3vc/s640/186.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>Crocus are in full flower sharing the spotlight with this scuba enthusiast!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_TzkF8h8EvNmMlMZjOFixJ4SM4unGkRW1M37c7q_VFyqYd2BGXPCTDy5sU2sWC1DYTGEjwIKlnv5Zjtstyr0dCTJXvVDUqUlA_9lKSgXCI6qYe4lCbMsNAoyDIkGLR_0AKNVR_3Kt55A/s1600/191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_TzkF8h8EvNmMlMZjOFixJ4SM4unGkRW1M37c7q_VFyqYd2BGXPCTDy5sU2sWC1DYTGEjwIKlnv5Zjtstyr0dCTJXvVDUqUlA_9lKSgXCI6qYe4lCbMsNAoyDIkGLR_0AKNVR_3Kt55A/s640/191.JPG" width="640" /></a>Waves crashing on the rocks under the pier.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitcA4VqCK8gxCbZJbsRyrxbfwl5nkOz4TMWxzo2J2jQxBSNn2Qi0i123y5YSWY0_PdDYMkMgzACcydmKkWenUrLATQvhT9X_AR0DVa3Cwme0HPoqpH4_BStoT-9x2gSfytgBe1W__j_vI/s1600/187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitcA4VqCK8gxCbZJbsRyrxbfwl5nkOz4TMWxzo2J2jQxBSNn2Qi0i123y5YSWY0_PdDYMkMgzACcydmKkWenUrLATQvhT9X_AR0DVa3Cwme0HPoqpH4_BStoT-9x2gSfytgBe1W__j_vI/s640/187.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">White water churned up by the wind and waves empties into the small bay between the fishing pier and the Sidney fish market.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiQtKdt4cxJfYixDAaAjOyhk3WxGtPQ2w0K42i8RaYa2i545-iHanmA0c3XXvVyn8mfQZbTFYOmeGlNAr5ZNphyphenhyphenQWUPwbaXBsmSc6ruR3T-iDjX82kIBJxd082MI2Wmc_dEFjIdNYKJV8/s1600/193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiQtKdt4cxJfYixDAaAjOyhk3WxGtPQ2w0K42i8RaYa2i545-iHanmA0c3XXvVyn8mfQZbTFYOmeGlNAr5ZNphyphenhyphenQWUPwbaXBsmSc6ruR3T-iDjX82kIBJxd082MI2Wmc_dEFjIdNYKJV8/s640/193.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Best place in town to buy really fresh fish. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbN76sUmYQI3J9568hJJ6GU5-7ZVGz5TRL4C675JfPTo8JY3aJjnsxxq3Q1L0JOMjV-TufsR3rNDyZCTYzAqvrpQ2JhBiMpdTxiyfWtLk9_pBparpJU3m1gf76M5sj__pJy6zuZAGyyv0/s1600/195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbN76sUmYQI3J9568hJJ6GU5-7ZVGz5TRL4C675JfPTo8JY3aJjnsxxq3Q1L0JOMjV-TufsR3rNDyZCTYzAqvrpQ2JhBiMpdTxiyfWtLk9_pBparpJU3m1gf76M5sj__pJy6zuZAGyyv0/s640/195.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Some of the many crocus flowering by the sea walk.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPgHwiruEqmxAma7HnHglSKeP3I1xawHI3aiXlYi-eY7YFk2z61HdDOnHJ0YIuB1TukyMz3DRTt4PNQwVCAGwtoIWtV3M-oXCMPZhv12Mz-DsJ4KjvQD4kLG4ddxOlzmXJHL3i68jhGmM/s1600/196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPgHwiruEqmxAma7HnHglSKeP3I1xawHI3aiXlYi-eY7YFk2z61HdDOnHJ0YIuB1TukyMz3DRTt4PNQwVCAGwtoIWtV3M-oXCMPZhv12Mz-DsJ4KjvQD4kLG4ddxOlzmXJHL3i68jhGmM/s640/196.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">A splash of green...</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4CUXcermugKJFzQsncIq2k-bub89TDa66PkF03nVxnzRjRVQY2aH6YKZZnBXG58nqLQQdi70AJkVBNPK8st7jc0tWAQ3XiKTk0NrHSxaKgkXZJut0xBsQPYvlnxhgdmtb4bmSPI4-cKs/s1600/204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4CUXcermugKJFzQsncIq2k-bub89TDa66PkF03nVxnzRjRVQY2aH6YKZZnBXG58nqLQQdi70AJkVBNPK8st7jc0tWAQ3XiKTk0NrHSxaKgkXZJut0xBsQPYvlnxhgdmtb4bmSPI4-cKs/s640/204.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgylc7DdbgxDC_QGJFIokwoaxqkkR5Iue6ppt5oBYcNuJbA0TVCADf5So_1gNYTu3rDqLQgHuN_BMQOl15SOZIwxCbKyW3AmJQ1y1iFuh77ao0J2UITzk2q6k9ZLqVEutc4JFML3OEUN8c/s1600/205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgylc7DdbgxDC_QGJFIokwoaxqkkR5Iue6ppt5oBYcNuJbA0TVCADf5So_1gNYTu3rDqLQgHuN_BMQOl15SOZIwxCbKyW3AmJQ1y1iFuh77ao0J2UITzk2q6k9ZLqVEutc4JFML3OEUN8c/s640/205.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>...and the earliest blossom trees line the road into the town itself.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Residential housing close to the high street</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDz0kTYSqrfWp0Q-MSt-HvDY9RD_cFuyh8_3eG3IWD9xpFgabzNBWrEMeC0uZgXYZDxIKOdWfpv89Cgoo7TsNxnPC-HNodXt7PiJ_ddQfzoUixa1jgTBTNH23c3EurMnxSLMjWAG9xqmg/s1600/206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDz0kTYSqrfWp0Q-MSt-HvDY9RD_cFuyh8_3eG3IWD9xpFgabzNBWrEMeC0uZgXYZDxIKOdWfpv89Cgoo7TsNxnPC-HNodXt7PiJ_ddQfzoUixa1jgTBTNH23c3EurMnxSLMjWAG9xqmg/s640/206.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Colourful utility boxes add some creative colour on a grey day.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVNgNftM-_qk6f85QsF-PbmKeBrtYgT1LhKaQpn5G-th5mFs59tlK6JcXWlleABAaJ7hIJEoNkqJG1zEbXaeaYi5ioSk_xotJUWJhS5LQYJwaSifObTNEab-rwuMrF-9yTfkGs0BNl0lw/s1600/208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVNgNftM-_qk6f85QsF-PbmKeBrtYgT1LhKaQpn5G-th5mFs59tlK6JcXWlleABAaJ7hIJEoNkqJG1zEbXaeaYi5ioSk_xotJUWJhS5LQYJwaSifObTNEab-rwuMrF-9yTfkGs0BNl0lw/s640/208.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">I spotted these fishy upside down umbrellas in a local garden shop just as it started to rain.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNtg5Ai9o2eRm2ypgX_Pz8Y4a4VYOkpNT2Hiho2hUZwwwgetVJz8Gz60n8T2zDL4MHEtJfRg4G6Q-TPTCeAlNIvYJbCePwKKcIJcIOOJbbddrGKMx2moBpRkcadrU6PPP0gszRNfIi1JE/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNtg5Ai9o2eRm2ypgX_Pz8Y4a4VYOkpNT2Hiho2hUZwwwgetVJz8Gz60n8T2zDL4MHEtJfRg4G6Q-TPTCeAlNIvYJbCePwKKcIJcIOOJbbddrGKMx2moBpRkcadrU6PPP0gszRNfIi1JE/s640/016.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Love the display of flowers for sale outside the drugstore and supermarket - always a cheerful sight while we wait for our own garden flowers to bloom. </div>anjacoutohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17116113372022588234noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7584596958836726065.post-22170057835520098032011-03-07T19:19:00.000-08:002011-03-07T20:27:20.447-08:00More March flowers!<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixfRz0Ng8xszIBerwVUNFrLQHGYRd_VX2ux7BRr4rM13RZmFKZ-thsWZyzKufilejKdX0NybdTZsohLW06YSfKYbaGnWzYqjQ_vPup28HmBPGNwLB7GwryMmRIPlmJRiNDnmFjyIqVG2g/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixfRz0Ng8xszIBerwVUNFrLQHGYRd_VX2ux7BRr4rM13RZmFKZ-thsWZyzKufilejKdX0NybdTZsohLW06YSfKYbaGnWzYqjQ_vPup28HmBPGNwLB7GwryMmRIPlmJRiNDnmFjyIqVG2g/s640/001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Why the picture of daffodills? I made a mistake on the blog - and I'm trying to fix it! This picture reminds me of Spring - and it does a nice job of covering my earlier mess up.anjacoutohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17116113372022588234noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7584596958836726065.post-30399468684581813212011-03-07T15:18:00.000-08:002011-03-07T15:18:39.115-08:00Sunrise<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh92xYuMKo7Tf_mPiTcsDl5BHnQC5MuFGAHsQ3Lz-fF4qEX3BGkcNXwGkSDXk-MLZjyR7UGcpSe-GhOuzZUOkRPS2Fzdsgbj3O1GCDLZ9CCJDFifThuCEzEefSvnE2FGSFLVlWGVIfqzVk/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh92xYuMKo7Tf_mPiTcsDl5BHnQC5MuFGAHsQ3Lz-fF4qEX3BGkcNXwGkSDXk-MLZjyR7UGcpSe-GhOuzZUOkRPS2Fzdsgbj3O1GCDLZ9CCJDFifThuCEzEefSvnE2FGSFLVlWGVIfqzVk/s640/004.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Early morning sunrise - yes, that is frost you see on the two houses' roofs.anjacoutohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17116113372022588234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7584596958836726065.post-77263455917058628022011-03-06T08:23:00.000-08:002011-03-06T08:23:41.548-08:00Spring's promise<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx5fIWdFDHY5NIRcr00qGyzreslbwnCyiFRvINiynPHnhrTdSmXiMT24mD5Mwo1D1WwRrloV8mXZPi47q1NEDM-kHX3roKEPMfv46uCLPAWfmwc7yJb6FM5hkgCgqNYbBtyrvnujTyQqk/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx5fIWdFDHY5NIRcr00qGyzreslbwnCyiFRvINiynPHnhrTdSmXiMT24mD5Mwo1D1WwRrloV8mXZPi47q1NEDM-kHX3roKEPMfv46uCLPAWfmwc7yJb6FM5hkgCgqNYbBtyrvnujTyQqk/s640/007.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Tulips growing on the kitchen windowsill - hopeful sign of things to come in the garden.anjacoutohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17116113372022588234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7584596958836726065.post-18997315958514870572011-03-04T21:06:00.000-08:002011-03-04T21:06:07.154-08:00For cat lovers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmFiSVHLLoFOSR6CR-z6tPfewmSAI51QfaSPJylQuHtT-Pwq8R9wZeKpunVFJV9fI8n_gK_BzPxGaLbMkh30TbEutk5NYLQw4utgk8Pz3RsxqOKLflUnTcarwawxgYFp3QFAPwro8LkWo/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmFiSVHLLoFOSR6CR-z6tPfewmSAI51QfaSPJylQuHtT-Pwq8R9wZeKpunVFJV9fI8n_gK_BzPxGaLbMkh30TbEutk5NYLQw4utgk8Pz3RsxqOKLflUnTcarwawxgYFp3QFAPwro8LkWo/s640/002.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Jesse James giving Shoe shoe a wash...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzQXd4DRLMzKIgHiA6avno_WXkNmuyyTyfHmYE_f5n2T7p6O0TFfoC58QQ8SoWzlIbccltNi4VKSbi_fcmcK4D45rCBu4cNEe9eE_OhPElcAUGGkvEsA7Tlt81S8FhDtuAzVMwAI3xHjM/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzQXd4DRLMzKIgHiA6avno_WXkNmuyyTyfHmYE_f5n2T7p6O0TFfoC58QQ8SoWzlIbccltNi4VKSbi_fcmcK4D45rCBu4cNEe9eE_OhPElcAUGGkvEsA7Tlt81S8FhDtuAzVMwAI3xHjM/s640/004.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>...and Shoe shoe returning the favour.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPT8_YA-jSiC50e3xbC6mvdFsG1xKWkKkPQWHbQ22HzX4y_P3KYHyG3gxzQ-UNbCiZLM_fx9aODaXcWN0qGcWl49IDt4DakMiOnOvGQ_QaHsTFyg-biM71DVsySsGHqrd0J7K_cij2dXI/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPT8_YA-jSiC50e3xbC6mvdFsG1xKWkKkPQWHbQ22HzX4y_P3KYHyG3gxzQ-UNbCiZLM_fx9aODaXcWN0qGcWl49IDt4DakMiOnOvGQ_QaHsTFyg-biM71DVsySsGHqrd0J7K_cij2dXI/s640/005.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>Affection!<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRLjQXJYReYfCWHIWrwHEt4qWiI8Q3IQKbb-qfbhQRRfqiYp_2kcD-H3HUs5OTWGQ6OjkzlPtFw7OAugyk-ggI7oCO18TBH3mzXcpa67_JUq3UzOG2EBXqSEOjKOjM0D1JtJsDDldIuHM/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRLjQXJYReYfCWHIWrwHEt4qWiI8Q3IQKbb-qfbhQRRfqiYp_2kcD-H3HUs5OTWGQ6OjkzlPtFw7OAugyk-ggI7oCO18TBH3mzXcpa67_JUq3UzOG2EBXqSEOjKOjM0D1JtJsDDldIuHM/s640/004.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>While her long coat can be quite overwhelming at times...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq22w-bWPPCWMFBtd9oYfyCD1efODwpteU3hsstQ3NXRvoh5yXDRDLHgzEUtioanDY1WRSkO2OIjJhNZ3peEgKNgereNLsdjYshbfB2f76GdAlo1WKUNFucjZJ6QBMIbWNRhCkJ_J5XvQ/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq22w-bWPPCWMFBtd9oYfyCD1efODwpteU3hsstQ3NXRvoh5yXDRDLHgzEUtioanDY1WRSkO2OIjJhNZ3peEgKNgereNLsdjYshbfB2f76GdAlo1WKUNFucjZJ6QBMIbWNRhCkJ_J5XvQ/s640/010.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> Best buddies - Shoe shoe and Jesse James share a peaceful moment together.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX2iHWzxq3DxDp_8rfpOf9d0tdJFYhhMK5mQqMV1agH2BlpItYgmcRXTOKSdrEwCQybfHLOgGDja1qaPHq74I5l6h8wt7R7BH9_e_Lcu4oT5DQrxcvxPclX9y4bmXs7OnSyuuJ1SGzfI8/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX2iHWzxq3DxDp_8rfpOf9d0tdJFYhhMK5mQqMV1agH2BlpItYgmcRXTOKSdrEwCQybfHLOgGDja1qaPHq74I5l6h8wt7R7BH9_e_Lcu4oT5DQrxcvxPclX9y4bmXs7OnSyuuJ1SGzfI8/s640/001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>"stop taking pictures or I'll stick out my tongue"...!anjacoutohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17116113372022588234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7584596958836726065.post-73146047744426269552011-03-04T10:30:00.000-08:002011-03-04T10:33:23.727-08:00After the storm<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsj_juoi0mxwX2dMXbL48LTJmDOcdcw-YtYmsGnyoZ4m8nJBG1Y0uxLtdf_t-_v1zafpZW1ZoES_0sw9TyMmg_EpXKOBfw3GBHdQJ1nSKAr27k4EgdrINsjt3SK3uq_-tUU-A1MXzOKCM/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsj_juoi0mxwX2dMXbL48LTJmDOcdcw-YtYmsGnyoZ4m8nJBG1Y0uxLtdf_t-_v1zafpZW1ZoES_0sw9TyMmg_EpXKOBfw3GBHdQJ1nSKAr27k4EgdrINsjt3SK3uq_-tUU-A1MXzOKCM/s640/014.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Rainbow over James Island following a week of stormy west coast weather. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb_d2wfoU4BZ6Uo7eTcXk4j2YCh-8rJ_Kpui_bxiayfOxSuivMAn2WW5_HeA5ZWU4Sn4pZ2XNPQwJ_z2pV1qoqxWqQs6R708-HSkacAIjOUgct0o4jZ64VV5RCyB0eaIHPle2cgBrvBMM/s1600/020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb_d2wfoU4BZ6Uo7eTcXk4j2YCh-8rJ_Kpui_bxiayfOxSuivMAn2WW5_HeA5ZWU4Sn4pZ2XNPQwJ_z2pV1qoqxWqQs6R708-HSkacAIjOUgct0o4jZ64VV5RCyB0eaIHPle2cgBrvBMM/s640/020.JPG" width="425" /></a></div>Our bird bath can still be viewed through the bare tree branches at this time of year. I doubt whether the birds had much need of a bath though, following all the rain we've had!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDoO7xE5idlPBxh7X_x1h9WbBv3eTfmbceTT9SHt4ccRmAq-DtllcQjh1jep1ua6GtYsQSjMLUoQPD9R1fV9YdItfqG820Yj6BJSvhL3dbwyhKvHxni8mZOIhU630Llltmbcay_qp5Fo4/s1600/026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDoO7xE5idlPBxh7X_x1h9WbBv3eTfmbceTT9SHt4ccRmAq-DtllcQjh1jep1ua6GtYsQSjMLUoQPD9R1fV9YdItfqG820Yj6BJSvhL3dbwyhKvHxni8mZOIhU630Llltmbcay_qp5Fo4/s640/026.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Another beautiful hellebore, and one to come.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>anjacoutohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17116113372022588234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7584596958836726065.post-1878601114454157572011-02-28T15:47:00.000-08:002011-02-28T15:47:59.390-08:00End of month view - February<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJy6GKphKkZPJMXhyphenhyphenc_dep35KlMSY8LBl2Krev1sOXRzyQM8sXe4xNZMMm767Y5-ds2zzMy5EXVY-C8gqTCazDrusJgqCptYkYUkpJG9nIJJQX6-x6HafO6CmkeDxgcxGMZ5A-37MhJeQ/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJy6GKphKkZPJMXhyphenhyphenc_dep35KlMSY8LBl2Krev1sOXRzyQM8sXe4xNZMMm767Y5-ds2zzMy5EXVY-C8gqTCazDrusJgqCptYkYUkpJG9nIJJQX6-x6HafO6CmkeDxgcxGMZ5A-37MhJeQ/s640/009.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> Following this January's wet, mild weather and February's contribution of bitter cold with gale force winds and a dusting of snow - I expected our front border to be somewhat the worse for wear. Fortunately, most of the existing plants seem to have escaped harm (although my lovely hellebore was flattened), and the spring bulbs (namely miniature daffodills and crocus are now putting on a lovely show. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">This is the time of year, when I find myself yearning for warmer days, and glorious sunshine - planting out weather, However, it is much too soon (and damp) for that - so I contented myself instead with the placement of two wrought iron decorative supports, which will later contain a somewhat uncontrollable rambling rose, and a "Bishop of Canterbury" dahlia.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Meanwhile, seeding is going well indoors (under the floralight) aided by the welcome placement of a forced-air heating vent which warms things up nicely</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6IYi1ckmRiNgmeLAUfzo8-X9irlKwRoWOofNBIzje5BXJmRGS1hyluU2CuwLEbeir2kX9r5JczWKOzzRT9OSxnMml2dztmGj_9ZkmABr-aguyOU7j9X75TFMd_q47Y7e-vrYWCf_el9Y/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6IYi1ckmRiNgmeLAUfzo8-X9irlKwRoWOofNBIzje5BXJmRGS1hyluU2CuwLEbeir2kX9r5JczWKOzzRT9OSxnMml2dztmGj_9ZkmABr-aguyOU7j9X75TFMd_q47Y7e-vrYWCf_el9Y/s640/006.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">First leaves on the bonica roses - a sure sign of spring.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTiqvgTRJvHWfW-ZgFKKe6b3nwXOWYYUqgTDguNe4vzCiUiPrN-SFBD_LuMIJdrSS7LEmEq0j1hIzr3TswxaFdRUkwl7bHq5n05Hwd0QGmlzYCmBJPMSSrH-JMvdqG68YOv7vCOI-OsR0/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTiqvgTRJvHWfW-ZgFKKe6b3nwXOWYYUqgTDguNe4vzCiUiPrN-SFBD_LuMIJdrSS7LEmEq0j1hIzr3TswxaFdRUkwl7bHq5n05Hwd0QGmlzYCmBJPMSSrH-JMvdqG68YOv7vCOI-OsR0/s640/013.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The breezeway will soon be home to a fabulous climbing rose, and maybe a clematis on the other side (I'm looking into the new Vancouver cultiver at this time). The breezeway was constructed last year in memory of my father's cedar arch - which provided many years of pleasure for us all - and support for winter jasmine, California lilac, and of course, a clematis. Sadly, the cedar arch blew down in a terrible gale the same year my father passed away (2006). The present breezeway frames the entrance into the side garden including the patio and koi pond. The woodland garden stretches out beyond that.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqo02uiJgr-DFz6SbputtS1RzBomSGjSTNHRsl9kS2VjIBZ6_lppzvilnvU8srVSO_dpcafiwNBbDxMbpTtuxvokvjgYnUEvVOZbB9n0x1Rgrc7u6rMAlFGP-TzUtZv7BRx0FItrvJvIc/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqo02uiJgr-DFz6SbputtS1RzBomSGjSTNHRsl9kS2VjIBZ6_lppzvilnvU8srVSO_dpcafiwNBbDxMbpTtuxvokvjgYnUEvVOZbB9n0x1Rgrc7u6rMAlFGP-TzUtZv7BRx0FItrvJvIc/s640/008.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>This final view of the front border shows the breezeway on the left, an English lavender bush, roses, bulbs, sea thrift, heather, and some other miscellaneous plants (including forget-me-nots and sedum acre which must eventually be moved). N.C. and I are slowly improving the soil - adding a mixture of compost and top soil to areas which were disturbed when the irrigation system was dug in (everything slopes a bit now). The garden is still looking quite bare and winter-like, but showing definite promise of things to come. anjacoutohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17116113372022588234noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7584596958836726065.post-66775669070254401032011-02-24T10:14:00.000-08:002011-02-24T10:14:42.615-08:00Wild weather<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjADUS_YkwNyknR954fJGhahs-oBDODuBaxyRyfkMX1Cb8k7U7Pp8jcLDylID8t4J-1hBpF3sWO0_oF2UIvvt4R7WbPCJKyy26OEzSvZpSkHQFOrlAtpJFBcpmy3tW-g260xZO08BtQevA/s1600/020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjADUS_YkwNyknR954fJGhahs-oBDODuBaxyRyfkMX1Cb8k7U7Pp8jcLDylID8t4J-1hBpF3sWO0_oF2UIvvt4R7WbPCJKyy26OEzSvZpSkHQFOrlAtpJFBcpmy3tW-g260xZO08BtQevA/s640/020.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>This rather fuzzy shot captures the view from our house during a brisk south-easterly gale.anjacoutohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17116113372022588234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7584596958836726065.post-91425014707354580292011-02-23T09:51:00.000-08:002011-02-23T20:40:12.811-08:00Spring snowstorm<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim0P-la058LMdD_SYMlHBXLPAbT6g4eVh7T4xQxgNBeSPSYlF5DOepZQ8jnU3xzKw5Ujjtw0fNTRPoWUI49y_EjLCykDqa8L66DrY0CyM9Jc8mO0T0WwojttRbBoMPQvT1ov_8gTLEB6U/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; height: 325px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 565px;"><img border="0" height="265" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim0P-la058LMdD_SYMlHBXLPAbT6g4eVh7T4xQxgNBeSPSYlF5DOepZQ8jnU3xzKw5Ujjtw0fNTRPoWUI49y_EjLCykDqa8L66DrY0CyM9Jc8mO0T0WwojttRbBoMPQvT1ov_8gTLEB6U/s400/018.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>When we awoke this morning, we discovered a dusting of snow covering the garden. Not especially deep, but very pretty - any type of snow is unusual here on the west coast where the rainy season usually produces mist, drizzle, rain of all types & volume, gales, and torrential downpours. However, the frozen variety is an uncommon occurance - so in order to take advantage of it, I took a brief and chilly early morning strole to take some pictures and enjoy the views. Luna accompanied me - jumping around and trying to role in the stuff (she is part husky after all) while Ozzie (the quintessential California pup) hid under a big spruce tree. The cats were suitably disgusted, prefering to hover by the door and wait for a spot on a warm lap.anjacoutohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17116113372022588234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7584596958836726065.post-83501985585542812762011-02-11T22:28:00.000-08:002011-02-11T22:28:52.589-08:00The messy tableShoe shoe taking advantage of my messy table to curl up and have a rest. She has 2 nicknames now: Madam and Mrs. Big Tail. As you can see, she is an expert at finding a comfortable spot for a quick cat nap.<br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVWB-WBEZPFwCLwVcSwbnxq3TocvY_DEl4ffc_mJ9_YFWGF0NXRZ32mDXXHTWDDmGk2d62D0nfaDd17W7a_iK9erkWtBOxZG4Qvji-NLhykIgOuASaeM28d-SQ5VP0c6sqiCOMCdvbCIg/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVWB-WBEZPFwCLwVcSwbnxq3TocvY_DEl4ffc_mJ9_YFWGF0NXRZ32mDXXHTWDDmGk2d62D0nfaDd17W7a_iK9erkWtBOxZG4Qvji-NLhykIgOuASaeM28d-SQ5VP0c6sqiCOMCdvbCIg/s400/010.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>anjacoutohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17116113372022588234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7584596958836726065.post-41765071284712865632011-02-10T10:26:00.000-08:002011-02-10T10:26:39.142-08:00Driftwood on the beach.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPmvdyYNy3KEd1T93jgR-ntxhepaLlcrEbFM5pBT3UIr54kZdoGd-eKP19vUwFD8BRohqBucbBg3gqxj2A8920YS6Vckh3cdUCh11x6ARnBkL1UnxSUToLDcBM0Pjj3owD9FbdBf0vOKo/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPmvdyYNy3KEd1T93jgR-ntxhepaLlcrEbFM5pBT3UIr54kZdoGd-eKP19vUwFD8BRohqBucbBg3gqxj2A8920YS6Vckh3cdUCh11x6ARnBkL1UnxSUToLDcBM0Pjj3owD9FbdBf0vOKo/s400/008.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiptnhf8TMZHxRFpeANjmnPORBcNEZzPFyTw8vk-Q8ap2jJbjxJ0hTNX6M4Y7h_QnCznKH4U3ouSkKePeoq2vm0INyZtbud5g0OQB4TGhyphenhyphenoJ7p8v_PB3mzIcq4w7uItaguQJwJVbh11UME/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiptnhf8TMZHxRFpeANjmnPORBcNEZzPFyTw8vk-Q8ap2jJbjxJ0hTNX6M4Y7h_QnCznKH4U3ouSkKePeoq2vm0INyZtbud5g0OQB4TGhyphenhyphenoJ7p8v_PB3mzIcq4w7uItaguQJwJVbh11UME/s320/009.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Driftwood that washes up on the beach in front of our home. Love this ever changing landscape that arrives with the tide, and provides endless opportunities for artistic expression. Best of all it's free - the only cost being the energy required to gather your supply while taking in the beautiful views.anjacoutohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17116113372022588234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7584596958836726065.post-65399035179004876192011-02-09T17:02:00.000-08:002011-02-09T17:26:55.245-08:00Blooming February Flowers!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiScNPAWoU8qcBVbXU474QtK2pTiPLvcOYzS4klX6b1_RxwTlE_zVR05dE08IVDH5j4PE_uWujPzsXtZ6dyonpIhqDMP0D-AKz9kvnEnEVJpLWui-hGkthnzmRfcGAlXRHugEs3mZAo75M/s1600/IMG_0002.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571865215649368242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiScNPAWoU8qcBVbXU474QtK2pTiPLvcOYzS4klX6b1_RxwTlE_zVR05dE08IVDH5j4PE_uWujPzsXtZ6dyonpIhqDMP0D-AKz9kvnEnEVJpLWui-hGkthnzmRfcGAlXRHugEs3mZAo75M/s320/IMG_0002.JPG" /></a><br />Heather in various shades of purple, pink, cream, and white add splashes of colour to the garden. <div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyBZTSSeBQ4SPB_KlC7n7UShIJkZtScPLVqPjrjM0kgfazN2gTFKdFnl3KHi18Tgcc0rEdOo6ApCm-KY5354H48RzJztI5EHQYfximCrg0w1QdOrROFCe2pAIH343VLNDoB_wrCl9YAug/s1600/IMG_0003.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571860596962910402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyBZTSSeBQ4SPB_KlC7n7UShIJkZtScPLVqPjrjM0kgfazN2gTFKdFnl3KHi18Tgcc0rEdOo6ApCm-KY5354H48RzJztI5EHQYfximCrg0w1QdOrROFCe2pAIH343VLNDoB_wrCl9YAug/s320/IMG_0003.JPG" /></a><br /></div><div><br /> </div><div>...while these colourful beauties have been sitting out in a planter all winter!</div>anjacoutohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17116113372022588234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7584596958836726065.post-27054188325061928732011-02-09T16:33:00.000-08:002011-02-09T17:15:47.959-08:00More Blooming February Flowers!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA2o9ETUbUY043JX9Oj12JOsLn09iZVo6-UgqB3LPFMbzCQxm5slG_9FBYO1sS6KkwuFdcz5vV7y5HAZgFBf2ka0tswYif5YT2ROirgd39rT95s00MlVq76VnGW1nH7lriNMFht2dQweE/s1600/IMG_0004.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571857907777499314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA2o9ETUbUY043JX9Oj12JOsLn09iZVo6-UgqB3LPFMbzCQxm5slG_9FBYO1sS6KkwuFdcz5vV7y5HAZgFBf2ka0tswYif5YT2ROirgd39rT95s00MlVq76VnGW1nH7lriNMFht2dQweE/s320/IMG_0004.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEvwFDBLAH4opMRQIX2j3-QLglodeFOrT6GPf58FWcMUv3PVVvmhMxCVp7Ym5ikIbFwOC7EdzFOZEzZXCAd1mq7ut3dfPVPMgh75l_Tfc2amSg_u8GMpxwT3H73ulUywmN9sguHob-5v8/s1600/IMG_0011.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571854269520623170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEvwFDBLAH4opMRQIX2j3-QLglodeFOrT6GPf58FWcMUv3PVVvmhMxCVp7Ym5ikIbFwOC7EdzFOZEzZXCAd1mq7ut3dfPVPMgh75l_Tfc2amSg_u8GMpxwT3H73ulUywmN9sguHob-5v8/s320/IMG_0011.JPG" /></a> Although the nights are still cool here on the west coast, the woodland garden is already showing that it is ready to awaken in just a few weeks time. I thought I'd use this opportunity to photograph a few of the emerging flowers. Snowdrops of course are everywhere, providing hopeful signs of things to come as well as their own special patches of light and brightness. The hellebore is still looking good, although it has taken quite a battering by the rain as of late. There are more blooms to come, as well as another (greenish colour) hellebore located elsewhere which was a surprise discovery last week. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><div></div></div>anjacoutohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17116113372022588234noreply@blogger.com0