Mockingbird Hill Cottage

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You are here: Home / Archives for flowers

Wind and Blooms

April 30, 2022 at 9:13 am by Claudia

Yesterday, eager to get outside and get some work done, I ventured out – tools in hand – after running an errand. But the wind CAME BACK (for the 3rd day in a row.) So there wasn’t much I could do but snip a few stalks left over from last year and prune a lot of the brambles, which resulted in several encounters with thorns.

After cleaning up (and giving up,) I came in the house and cleaned all my tiny wounds, took a shower, put a topical antibiotic on two of the nastier wounds, and stayed in the rest of the day. The wind is hard on my allergies so I end up feeling very, very tired and stuffed up – even though I was wearing sunglasses and a mask.

We have one more night of lows in the thirties and then I think we’ll have turned a corner.

I took these photos with very strong winds whipping the branches back and forth. I wanted to show you my favorite crabapple blossoms. They’re on a tree down by the road.

I love the deep rose and pale pinks.

Of course, I had to hack my way through brambles to get these pictures.

We visited our local nursery and purchased some plants and potting soil, but I had to stash them in the living room because of the winds. They’ll stay inside until tomorrow and then I’ll start potting. Today, I’m going to clear out more of the beds. So far, it looks relatively wind-free out there. I’m on a very strict budget this year so I’m cutting back on the amount of flowers I buy. I’ll try to make it look lush around here with less.

I think my big Annabelle hydrangea has died. At least, the bulk of it. Last year, we had a big freeze/snow event that really did a number on it. It did bloom, but not nearly as much as it usually does. I’m waiting to see if it’s just late in developing leaves, but a couple of offshoots of the main plant are already leafing out, as is the limelight hydrangea. So I may have to get in there and dig it up. Makes me very sad.

Okay. I finished the Michael Connelly yesterday and started the new Susan Hill – but it’s taking me a while to adjust to her very different style, most likely because my attention is scattered.

Stay safe.

Happy Saturday.

Filed Under: flowers 10 Comments

Mowing, Flowering Quince, and Mom

April 24, 2022 at 9:10 am by Claudia

The first mow of the season.

We had to do it. Since we live on a hill and this section is at the bottom of the hill, it gets more water runoff from the rain and the grass in front of the porch and beyond is always longer than the rest of the lawn. Since we’ve had so much rain lately, we knew that we had to tackle the lawn before it became impossible to mow.

But, boy, the first few mows are tiring, mostly because we have a push mower (which we like) and we have to navigate some hilly areas and mowing the thick grass of early spring requires some additional muscle. The rest of the property doesn’t need mowing yet.

Another beautiful sunny day today.

I have one tulip, planted years ago by a previous owner, and I look forward to seeing it bloom. Well, not this year. Some critter chomped on it and there’s nothing left. I suspect it was a deer, but it could have been a groundhog or rabbit.

I saw a flash of orange beyond the lilac bush.

The flowering quince has started to bloom.

Today is the 8th anniversary of Mom’s death. I miss her every day, but especially lately.

I love you, Mom.

Stay safe.

Happy Sunday.

Filed Under: flowers, mom 16 Comments

Dare I Call It A Potting Shed?

April 21, 2022 at 8:37 am by Claudia

A few weeks back, Don came home with something in the back of his car. He found it on the side of the road and thought that it might be something I could use for potting my plants. Since it is fairly lightweight, I quickly realized it was a no-go for the porch. We get a lot of wind.

But, we were about to wash the walls and the floor in the shed and once we rearranged things, I was pretty sure I knew where it would go. And yesterday, it all started to take shape.

His discovery alongside the road? The utility tub.

You know, Don amazes me sometimes. That he would see this and immediately think of me, gardening, and potting plants just boggles my mind! I was surprised when I first saw it, but I must admit, my mind immediately started thinking about what I could do with it.

For now, this is the way this potting area looks. What I would love to find eventually is an old workbench of some kind to place on the right of the tub. But this will definitely do in the meantime. The garden tools, snow shovels, rakes, etc., are on the opposite side of the shed.

We’re doing a little ‘decoration’ as well. Some antique locks and hinges are on display on the back wall. I’ll take a picture of that area soon. It’s still a shed, but dang if isn’t a lot more spacious than I thought it was.

I’ve had the shelf for a long time. It used to be on the wall in my studio when it was under the skylight. It’s not the strongest piece, but it could definitely hold packs of seeds and a few tools. I’d also love to find some really cheap framed prints of flowers and botanicals. Nothing too precious, of course, because it is, after all, a shed.

Before we rented the dumpster this shed was so full of stuff that we could barely get in there. I would have to crawl over things to find my pots.

You have no idea.

That’s why I keep marveling at how spacious it is in there!

By the way, we have no water access in the shed, but Don urged me to put the faucet on the sink ‘for the look of the thing.’

Isn’t it neat? I have my own little potting shed!

I’m going move the trash can that holds my potting soil to the shed. It’s currently on the porch. But first, I have to buy some fresh potting soil and some plants – I haven’t done any of that yet because it’s been too cold. But, as of today, freezing nighttime temperatures are a thing of the past, so I can finally get going.

Today, I’m going to start clearing out the garden beds – my first pass.

We worked outside for about 2 – 3 hours yesterday and we were tired. So we’re being very careful to pace ourselves. But, boy, is it wonderful to be outside again.

Stay safe.

Happy Thursday.

 

 

Filed Under: flowers, garden, gardening 28 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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