Quote of the Day: Bunny Williams

“All gardens need time, and part of the great pleasure of gardening, it seems to me, is watching them mature. I’ve waited five years for my Hydrangea petiolaris to decide whether or not to climb. This year it has, with reckless abandon. And because I had to wait for it, the reward has been especially sweet.”

Bunny Williams in Bunny Williams On Garden Style

I’ve been thinking about this quote as I start tiny cherry trees from seed, take starts of plants in other garden, and start perennials from seed. Sure, I could have an instant garden if I purchase large trees, shrubs, and perennials at a greenhouse (and I do purchase a few here and there), but there’s so much satisfaction in the process of gardening. Nurturing tiny trees, knowing your climbing hydrangea is the offspring of a plant that is growing in a friend’s garden. Sometimes I have to remind myself that gardening is a process. When I dream about what my garden will be, I have to remember that it’s the journey of getting there that is gardening, not the end product. Anyone can make a garden, not everyone is a gardener.

What’s your favorite part of being a gardener?

Filed under Books, Quote | Comment (1)

Friday Favorite: Sitting

This time of year I’m keenly aware that the gardening season is just right around the corner. That means I spend as much as possible sitting, in the evening, in the morning, in the afternoon.

Most often in my favorite chair, reading a book, sewing, crocheting, or just enjoying a bit of rest. Enjoying what winter means for the gardener, a chance to sit down, for more than a moment.

Are you savoring rest this season?

Filed under Friday Favorites | Comments (2)

Color Therapy

In addition to sewing and crocheting, I’m a big fan of coloring as a creative outlet. I don’t have good light anywhere in the house, so I only color on bright winter day when I have a nice amount of natural light. Lately, I’ve been working on Enchanted Forest. I’ve been trying to work through my perfectionist tendencies, choosing colors quickly, coloring a little less perfectly, and in general just trying to enjoy myself. That’s why I call it color therapy, working on some of those tendencies that can get in the way of completing tasks or not enjoying yourself.

I even colored this picture out of order *gasp* ever since I was a little girl I have felt the need to color books straight through in order.


I’ve also been working on blending markers together for a more interesting effect. This is usually something I shy away from because I get too worried about things not blending seamlessly.

What types of creative outlets do you do when you’re not gardening?

Filed under Books, Miscellaneous | Comments (11)

Party!

January was a busy month, lots of birthdays and lots of parties hosted here on the hill. After the BIG 40 for Mr Chiots, we had a birthday brunch for a friend. It’s always nice to make lovely food, pull out grandma’s silverplate, make banners, and enjoy a wonderful meal with friends to celebrate life.



I love planning parties and making little lovelies to make it unique. Ginnie loves chickens, sheep, and all things agrarian, so chickens were the theme. The birthday banner I made for Mr Chiots’ party was reused, I just printed out a new name. I’ve had requests for it to be saved for future parties, in fact, I’ve already printed out a few more names for future celebrations.

Brunch is such a fun meal to plan, you can go savory or sweet, or both if you prefer. I made strawberry cheesecake French toast casserole and these lovely little chocolate petit fours. A friend made two types of scones and fruit salad.


There’s really no better way to celebrate someone than to sit around the table and enjoy good food and great conversation.

Have you thrown or attended any parties recently?

Filed under Miscellaneous | Comments (3)

Showing Her Age

The old red truck is showing her age. She’s our plow truck, in fact she’s been plowing this driveway for many, many years. With our last snow storm, the 49 year old engine mounts gave out.

She’s not down for the count, parts are on order and a plan is in place. It’s amazing to have a vehicle that’s 10 years older than me still working hard around the farm.

With tender loving care and a little luck, she’ll be able to keep on trucking for years to come! Even though our other vehicles are also getting old, she makes them all look like spring chickens.

How old is your oldest vehicle?

Filed under Around the Garden | Comments (4)