Mockingbird Hill Cottage

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You are here: Home / Archives for flowers

How Do I Love Thee, New Dawn Rose?

June 2, 2012 at 9:18 am by Claudia

Oh New Dawn climbing rose, I love thee.

Was there ever a flower with such a delicate touch of pink?

It rained very hard here last night and I’m afraid to go out and see the current condition of those beautiful flowers. I can see from the window that the peonies are drooping down to the ground. Hey, rain: I like you and I know we need you, but for the love of all that’s pretty, don’t rain so hard that you ruin my flowers. A gentle rain will do nicely, thank you.

I mowed the back forty and the front lawn yesterday with our push mower. I’m wiped out and my allergies are screaming. (I’m allergic to grass.) But the lawn looks good. Because we live in the country, we don’t have a pristine lawn. It’s a mix of grass, some weeds and some moss. It doesn’t bother me because I’m not one to do all the sorts of stuff you have to do to have a picture-perfect lawn. I also don’t use chemicals on my garden or my lawn. I’d rather it be natural. However, because it is such a mix of green things, it can look ragged pretty fast. Don always looks at me like I’m crazy when I announce it’s time to mow again. But don’t you love that freshly mown look? I do.

It’s my work out. And, since I hate exercising, this seems to be my ‘natural’ form of keeping fit.

Let’s have another look at New Dawn:

Exquisite.

New Dawn, you’re giving my peonies a run for their money. Someday I hope to have you climbing all over the porch rail and up a trellis. I can sit on the glider and drink in your scent. We will take pictures of each other sitting on the glider, reading a good book, surrounded by New Dawn roses. Sigh.

Happy Saturday.

Filed Under: flowers, garden, rain, roses 21 Comments

Gifts, Shop Update & a Rose

May 31, 2012 at 8:03 am by Claudia

The heat and humidity have broken and it’s a glorious, sunny morning here at MHC. The grass has had the temerity to grow and I see a few days of mowing in the near future. (Sssh – don’t tell anyone, but I sort of like mowing.)

I have to share something with you that I received from my friend, Judy Clark. Judy has a wonderful Etsy shop that is wildly popular, 20 North Ora. Her pillows, banners and other creations are simply beautiful. Judy and were talking a while back and she mentioned that she’d like an Obsession Scarf. I knew that she had made a Nisse doll for Brenda, so I boldly asked if we could do a swap. (I wrote all about my obsession for these sweet dolls here.)

She agreed. I sent her the scarf and here’s what arrived on my doorstep the other day:

I think I got the better end of the deal. Oh. my. goodness. Isn’t she sweet? I am thrilled. I love the fabrics Judy chose, don’t you? Judy also sent along those cute pinwheels and a banner/bunting/garland (I’m never sure what to call these) that I found the perfect place for:

The dollhouse looks rather festive now, don’t you think? Just in time for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

Thank you, Judy. Your work is exquisite and I will treasure your creations. Make sure you stop by Judy’s shop and see what she’s been creating.

I suppose it will be my Diamond Jubilee later this year, too. Yikes. Perhaps someone will design a bunting/garland in honor of that occasion? (I’m going to try to ignore it.)

Speaking of Etsy, I have a little update for you. I’ve listed my Crochet Flower Garland.

Initially, I’m listing the garland in the same colors I used in my own garland. I’m making them as they are ordered, so allow a few days before shipping. Each garland will have 12 flowers – 6 in aqua and 6 in the pale aqua. I’ll also include a length of ribbon.

I use Peaches & Creme yarn for these because it has a slightly stiffer quality that works well for the flowers. I ordered it in other colors, as well, so if you’re interested in the garland in another color combination, email me or convo me on Etsy and we’ll talk.

And it wouldn’t be my blog in the spring without a flower photo:

This is the New Dawn Rose that I planted last year. I’m training it to climb up the porch railing. I think this is my favorite rose (don’t tell the others) because that soft, blush pink is so beautiful.

I have to store up all the gloriousness (is that a word?) of the garden in my heart and mind. Its time is so fleeting. I’m so glad I’m home this spring to enjoy every moment of it.

Happy Thursday.

Filed Under: etsy, flowers, garden, gifts, roses 20 Comments

Peonies, Roses & Green Grass

May 30, 2012 at 7:30 am by Claudia

Flowers, flowers everywhere here at Mockingbird Hill Cottage. The roses in the garden have started to bloom. The poppies have finished their bloom – my goodness, their bloom time is very short! Maybe that makes their vivid orange color all the more rare and wonderful.

And the peonies:

The scent is heavenly. The other day I was standing in the den wondering where this amazing scent was coming from and I remembered I had some in a vase on the coffee table. And I smiled.

Due to someone’s forgetfulness at an airport counter, I have a lovely bouquet of pink roses that Don brought home for me.

There are lots of worries in my life at the moment. I don’t know what I’d do without my garden. I can lose myself for hours there. There’s always something to do and I love doing it all. Even weeding. It is a healing, magical place – at least for me.

Speaking of healing, remember the state of our lawn after it was dug up for the septic work and the tree removal? I’ll remind you:

Depressing. Full of rocks. Lots of ruts.

Well, some of the ruts are still there – we’re working on that. Many of the rocks are gone. But many are still there. Nevertheless….here is how it looks today:

Much better, don’t you think? There are still bare patches, but we’ll seed again in the fall.

Happy Wednesday.

Filed Under: flowers, garden. grass 22 Comments

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Welcome!

Welcome!

I live in a little cottage in the country with my husband. It's a sweet place, sheltered by old trees and surrounded by gardens. The inside is full of the things we love. I love to write, I love my camera, I love creating, I love gardening. My decorating style is eclectic; full of vintage and a bit of whimsy.

I've worked in the theater for more years than I can count. I'm currently a voice, speech, dialect and text coach freelancing on Broadway, off Broadway, and in regional theater.

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