Empty snail shells dot the garden........I think Poppi may have had something to do with the location of this one.
' In a Unicorn's Garden' has inspired me. I am planning a flowery mead. Viola's will play a large part. 
Lady's Modesty, Humility or Sweet Violets......
The violet has long been a symbol of modesty.
According to legend, the violet drooped its head in sadness when the shadow of the cross fell upon it.
I have waited two years for the white forsythia to bloom. The perfume is wonderful, suddenly two years does not seem like a long time.
Euphorbia amygdaloides Robbiae is a new addition to the garden. I am making many changes to the planting. I do so with hesitation......I am changing all that I am familiar with. Yet I feel excited because I have a clear picture in my mind.....but will the end result be as I would like? I remember someone saying to me many years ago....A garden should never stand still.
Daffs are in bloom all around the garden. Lifting ones spirit.....
Daffs are in bloom all around the garden. Lifting ones spirit.....Bumbles arrived today.......five queen bees visited the Mahonia. I know I have said it many times but I would not be without these shrubs in the garden. I have five in total, all placed in different situations. One is always in bloom......from November till April. Perfect for those waking bees.......
Thank you Liz for this wonderful book....'Dream Plants for the Natural Garden' by Henk Gerritsen and Piet Oudolf. I am dreaming of things to come. I am inspired........I am so looking forward to a long hot summer. I have much to do. How about you?? Happy Sunday safari....
27 comments:
Lovely flowers. So nice to see everything blooming in your garden, and the little bee visiting.
We are going to plant some forsythia this year. I was planning on yellow, but now you have me thinking about white......
Hi Cheryl,
Wonderful photos as always, lovely to see the Bumbles, we had some visit today too. I cannot describe how it makes me feel to hear their buzzing again.
I love the violets, I had some pop up last year and hope they have survived to spread...
The white forsythia is amazing, I have never heard of them being white! Wow, mmmm I wonder if I can wedge one in somewhere :)
It's been wonderful today and I have thoroughly enjoyed myself sat out in the sun almost all day.
Wow you have so many flowers in your garden Cheryl. The white forsythia was definitely worth the wait. I can't wait to see what kind of meadow you come up with. Happy Sunday safari.
Hi Fiona....I am passionate about white blooms. The difference between the yellow and white is the fragrance. For me white is better, but that, of course, is down to personal choice.
Hi Liz....me to, I cannot describe the inner thrill to hear bumbles. Perhaps it is beyond words?
I have many violets dotted around the garden, I added some more yesterday. They are such delicate pretty flowers....at some stage I will group them and add some other tiny flowers to make the 'flowery mead'.
It has amazed me how the book you sent and the one from Sherry are going to work beautifully together.
It was meant to be.
The white forsythia was a gift. It came as a tiny stick....I was not hopeful. This year it is so beautiful and the fragrance is amazing. I love it.
Glad you had a lovely day.....
Hi Lisa....suddenly the garden is coming to life. It has slept a long winter......
Dear Cheryl,
Oh my goodness so many lovely Spring flowers! The best news is the Bumbles are awake. So many Queens too. You will have the sweet humm of bees all Summer. I so love being near the bees.
Gardens seem to change as the gardener changes. Mine gardens are also changing.
I love violets. I have two different naturalized ones in my lawn. I gather them to add to my Spring salads. I press them too.
I am so happy you are inspired. The birds, bees and butterflies will be so pleased with your new plantings! Your meadow will be joyful!
I too am looking forward to this growing season. I have garden plans and dreams and wishes.
Happy Birthday to your son!
Happy Safari! It is always fun when we hunt together.
Sherry
You've convinced me Dear Cheryl to add more late flowering shrubs for the bumbles that emerge on warm days~They need food! I let the dandelions be for them and plant clover... I have never seen a white forsythia and with fragrance...Oh if only Hedge were white and fragrant I could forgive him his overgrown nature! A meadow sounds wonderful~I can't wait to see your vision. Someday, I hope to have a sweet visitor to my garden like your Poppy!...That's just me dreaming! gail
Lovely to see that your daffodils are out, ours are a good two weeks off opening but we do have some miniature daffs opening.
Isn't spring grand, Cheryl? It has finally arrived in Virginia across the Pond. I enjoyed your photos. Art
Hi Cheryl. I had't heard of white forsythia, how pretty yours is. Those snail shells do add a touch of whimsy planted on those stones.
Marnie
Hi Cheryl, I didn't realize there were white forsythias or that they were fragrant. Cool! I'm very used to waiting for things to bloom for the first time as I start from seed or buy very small woodies! :) It is doubly exciting when it happens.
Dear Sherry....it is good to see the bees back. Sadly I noticed one had some mites on her. Poor thing. No doubt in time it will affect the colony.
I am looking forward to planting the mini meadow. I shall use some of the plants suggested in the book you so kindly sent.
I to have violets dotted in the borders and grassed areas....I love the way nature scatters her seeds and shares with us all...
It is fun to be back again and feeling fit and well......
Hi Gail....a white forsythia hedge....now that would be something. The sweet perfume would drift all around your garden......
I have found winter flowering shrubs to be so useful. Not only do they add colour and form, their perfume is beautiful (it has to be during winter, to attract pollinators)
I am sure one day a small child will wander your gardens and think that Grandma is the most magical lady in the whole world.......
Hi Marnie....the white forsythia was a new to me plant. A friend gave me a small twig two years ago. I never thought it would bloom but patience paid off.....
I love to see Poppi in the garden. Often she wanders off and adds her own personal touches. She never fails to bring a smile......
Garden dreams inspire us. that's for sure, dear Cheryl...and I look forward to your new mead :)
I love all the flowers you have out at the moment...I have snowdrops and aconites and crocuses...so Spring has arrived here at last...
Five weeks of heavy snow slithered down off our barn roof like an avalanche, and brought down several shrubs and climbers which were 12 foot in height...so, I will plant a Summer meadow in front of the barn this year...
I adore your violets..and your Bumblies...wonderful photos, as always...
I left a comment on the previous post as I was catching up :)
Dear Wildlife gardener....I am looking forward to the changes. The garden is challenging at times, a little like life.
Sorry to hear you lost so many precious plants due to the snow. A meadow will be wonderful and benefit the bees and bugs.....
A garden is a journey, is it not??
Lovely flowers indeed. We're having Autumn and it's my fave time of the year...the homeopath that I've visited sounds knowledgeable. I'm sure he will be able to help me, we visit again this Friday. Take care
Cheryl, love the snail shell and I imagine Poppi likes to collect them. The violets are beautiful. They are considered invasive here, but I always let them come up wherever and bloom in the spring. Then I pull them when they get too thick. I didn't know about the legend.
I am excited for your new plantings and can't wait to see the changes. I am sure the bees will love the meadow. If you can see it in your mind-you will make it happen. Of that I am sure! :)
The white forsythia is gorgeous. We are all envious. Will have to keep an eye out for it here.
Glad to see you posting again. I hope that means you are feeling much better.
White forsythia? I didn't know there was anything but yellow. Will have to see if it grows here.
And your bees are back! Now it's really spring! I'm so glad.
Oh, I agree - a garden is a journey and changes when we do. It will be exciting to watch it transform this year for you, especially after reading your new book. Will have to look that one up - I like unicorns!
Your header is so pretty and I love the shot of your violets. They do look like shy maidens, don't they?
Happy gardening.
I meant to say "your shot of the daffodil - I like the angle". And then to add that I liked the shots of your violets.
And I forgot to say happy birthday to your son and hubby. I read your comment on Sherry's post. My hubby and both of my sons are aries too!
Your pink violets are beautiful, Cheryl. As Beckie said, violets are considered invasive here, but we don't have these delicate pink ones here, and I usually can't bring myself to pull out the purple ones unless they're taking over an area of the garden.
A garden, like life, would be empty without dreams--looking forward to seeing all the changes you plan to make in yours. But I know whatever changes you make, the bees will still love it!
The white forsythia is gorgeous, I have never seen one before, I think I may have to investigate further!!
Hi Beckie....the garden is quite challenging....there is so much to dig up that is damaged or dying. It is quite exhausting cutting it down and putting it through the shredder. I shall get it done though...
The white forsythia is beautiful and the fragrance stunning....I believe it is quite difficult to find.....
I am going to have several areas of meadow flowers....spring and summer.
I am feeling much better although not quite as I should be......
Hi Wendy....I love unicorns....they always fascinated me when I was a child. In fact they still do....
The violets do look like shy maidens, so sweet.....
Hope you get some good news on the book soon......
Hi Rose....I do hope you had a wonderful time with your lovely daughter.
I am looking forward to the changes in the garden....I need to make the space rabbit proof. No tasty rabbit treats anymore. It is a challenge but I am determined to make it work.......
Beautiful photos! Also like to take pictures of little flowers, but unfortunately my camera does not have good resources ... I loved your pictures, a big hug!
Post a Comment