Happy May 1st everyone.
May is such a fun month. With our anniversary, Mother’s Day, several birthdays and more included. And we will be doing quite a bit of gardening, photographing and working on wrapping up some big projects as well- so it should be a month full of busy busy over here.
Traveling
I am seriously beyond itching to get back to traveling. While those big trips are dreaming about planning are on hold yet- we are doing some local and US travel this summer. We are thinking about planning a trip back to Montana- my husband grew up there, we were married there and our first baby was born just outside Glacier Park.
A random Glacier Park story: When I was pregnant with my first son – we drove up into Glacier Park so my husband could show me his favorite spot at the top of Going to the Sun Road. If you aren’t familiar- Going to the Sun Road is a long slow road- a couple of hours each way (up and then down) not counting traffic or stops which can make it a whole day round trip. About half way up-that old Murphys Law…and the car had an issue . We pulled over and turned it off and it would not start again- even after we sat there and waited for a couple of hours. A very sweet older couple on a road trip to Canada offered to drive us back into town in their R.V. (it was amazing!) and we toured the park with them and then they dropped us off in town. We planned to take my Jeep back up to try to get the other car working when my husband realized the Jeep keys were in the glovebox in the other car that was sitting on the side of the road 2 hours away. This is a great place to insert a ‘face palm’ 🤦♀️ emoji. (side note-it was probably my pregnancy brain placing them in there so we didn’t lose them) BUT it gets even better.
We had just moved and didn’t no anyone to ask for a ride back up the mountain- so we had to go rent a car to drive up and retrieve the keys. But we didn’t know that you had to be at least 25 years old to rent a car & neither one of us was. (we were babies!) Thankfully, the guy who was working at the car rental place offered to drive my husband all the way back up there to retrieve the Jeep keys. While we laugh about the whole wacky day now- it was pretty crazy and chaotic at the time. But the best part about this story- of course- the kindness of several strangers and how each of them decided to help – when they could have just kept on doing what they were doing. We haven’t forgotten that and always try to pay forward that same kindness when we are able to help someone else.
Foxgloves in the Garden
We toured a local garden today on a whim. While out for a walk, we saw a sign that said there were flower gardens that were open to folks to come wander through. It was at the top of a hill and was several acres of sun and shade gardens. Absolutely beautiful and we loved visiting with the owners who shared all about the garden and how it started and their favorite things that they had planted.
And we chatted foxgloves. They had several varieties that were growing in and he offered a few tips for what he has done that has worked over the years. Like cutting the plant all the way out even if it doesn’t die all the way back in winter. They aren’t supposed to flower every year- but sometimes you get a few wild ones and they bloom again- he said he waits and then just cuts them all the way back.
Beach bike and blooms
Do you remember that series I did a few years back? That traveling beach bike and blooms? Wellllll, I might be working on something along those lines again. I would love suggestions as to where you would love to see that traveling bike popping up? We have the beach, the vineyards, the garden and such- and I am thinking Lake Tahoe and even downtown SF possibly. Where else should I load that bike up and take it?
Sweet chicks on the deck
Because, they just look so darn cute. I think this photo shows these girls personalities so well. Bucket is a wild one- and she has a bit of a wild pouf that is uneven right now-I love how she is looking directly at me. Pearly girl aka Pearl is a soft white color – that she loves to get dirty. Every.Day. She is always looking like she needs a bath- as she looks here. And Sage is one of the hens who has a big attitude and was broody. She decided about 4 months was good and finally decided enough was enough one day. We are missing Lou Lou here – she is finishing up molting and doesn’t feel camera confident yet. 🙂
English Cottage Garden
I know I promised a look at the new garden last week. I am waiting on one thing to be able to share it- but fingers crossed it will be on here Monday or Tuesday. I have so many fun posts planned once it goes up.
Speaking of the garden
Our veggie plants are coming in nicely and we have started to transplant the seedlings to the beds- I will do a spring veggie garden update as well- including some of the heirloom seeds I am planting.
Garden Roses
Our peonies have come in so beautifully and are blooming like crazy right now ( stay tuned for a video tour showing them up close) and I am counting the days until the David Austin Roses open up and bloom too.
Wandering
This week, I did a bit of wandering and here are some of the things I saw that inspired me:
INSPIRE: Love these beautiful Mother’s Day Picnic Ideas
MAKE: Breakfast for dinner? Yes indeed. This Spinach, Feta and Artichoke dish looks yummy.
CREATE: This planter that solved a problem is Perfection.
Happy Weeknd all.
Aliya says
Courtney!! I love your garden and can’t wait to see it all start blooming!! PS Your chick’s are adorable!! Love them! THanks for including my post today! So honored!
PHYLLIS S. says
I love the gardens &chickens! An English garden tugs at my heartstrings..love hollyhocks, delphinium, foxgloves..but I live in the desert, so I appreciate your sharing of these lovely pics. Happy weekend!
Michelle says
Hi Courtney! Your gardens are beautiful Can’t wait to see your little cottage updates! Appreciate the Foxglove tip. You inspired me to PLANT a couple from Home DEPOT. They have added so much of that cottage feel to my garden that I love. Thank you for your ideas! Just curious….i want to ad a ENDLESS Summer Hydrangea for cut flowers and am torn between the original blue/pink or the blushing bride (white). Do you have a favorite?
Courtney says
I don’t have a favorite! I have Endless Summer hydrangeas – they started out purple/pink and were more blue last year. I haven’t seen the white ones at Home Depot- but I would add them both to your garden for variety.
Michelle says
Not sure why my first comment sentence says: “awaiting moderation”. I didn’t type that. 🙃Michelle
Michelle says
Hi Courtney! Appreciate the Foxglove TIPS. Your gardens and sweet girls ARE beautiful! I would like to plant A ENDLESS Summer Hydrangea and am torn between the original blue/pink, or the blushing bride (white). Do you have a preference?
Linda Latta says
Do both! I have 3 endle summer blue as a small hedge in my front yard and 3 blushimg brides in my rear yard. I just bough 3 LIMELIGHT HYDRANGEAS For my side yard. I also have a 20×5 ft Nikko Blue heddge accoss my baCK deck. Lastly I have a french lace leaf at my front door. I am crazy for Hydrangeas and Double Knock out Roses. I used to grow David austin Roses, but those were a Full time job! ♥️
Karen B. says
Courtney,
What a cute story about your car breakdown and the resulting key issue and random help from kind people. I’m eager to see your garden when it’s ready. Such a beautiful blog with something inspiring every time.
xo,
Karen
Lynne kennerly says
Everything is always so lovely.
franki Parde says
Enchanting photos, etc. franki
Shirley Graham says
Love the pics!! The chickens are so sweet!
Minerva says
Can’t get enough of your blogs and beautiful pics… Hope you will keep them coming for a long time to come!