Every gardener knows that under the cloak of winter lies a miracle.....a seed waiting to sprout, a bulb opening to the light, a bud straining to unfurl. And the aniticipation nurtures our dream. -Barbara Winkler
Antique French Wooden Garden Trug
This is one of my all-time most popular posts...worth re-blogging! I've added new photos, and I hope you enjoy it. If you remember it from a few years back, I hope it still sparks a love of all things spring, garden, and life!
I never claim to be a great gardener...or any sort of gardener at all, really. My husband is the gardener, as was his father before him. Even though I come from a long line of gardeners, and all my best friends are amazing gardeners, I'm more of a waterer.
My grandfather was a wonderful gardener. Even though he hired one of those old fashioned gardeners who "stop by" every day to clip, trim or water something, he still went to his garden first thing in the morning, and just before entering the house at the workday's end himself to adjust something, or maybe talk to his plants.
Me? I love to dream of the garden. Make plans. Buy plants. Water. And sit in the sunshine and soak up the beauty. Listen to the birds sing. And decorate my garden rooms with French antiques.
A garden can teach us so many things about life, can't it? Everything is just starting to bloom here at FrenchGardenHouse, our garden truly is our own little heaven on earth.
Gardener's work apron. {A great Mother's Day gift!}
From the time I was a little girl, I learned about patience, timing and planning ahead in my grandfather's European garden. Following behind him, he would tell me stories about all the flowers, and the birds and bugs.
They are some of the most special memories I have from my childhood. It's why I am so grateful to have a garden of my own, where I can spend time with all the family, friends and neighbors I love!HERE ARE SOME OF THE THINGS I'VE LEARNED FROM MY GRANDFATHER AND THE GARDEN-
Begin early.
But it's never too late to start. If it doesn't work, just go ahead and try something else.
Antique White Country Enamel Pitcher & Bowl
Dream BIG.
But try not to let your over-ambition turn the joy of gardening, the joy of the garden, into becoming a slave to perfection. Sometimes the tiniest flower smell the sweetest.
Antique Blue Enamelware Body Pitcher
Life is a daily thing.
It needs watering. It needs weeding. And it needs pruning on occasion. Pruning hurts, but pruning helps you grow. Life is enduring. Trust it.
Growth takes time.
Be patient. Grow what you love. Your love will keep it growing.
You reap what you sow.
Sometimes, though, there is a real surprise!
Of all the places to be, I love being in the garden most. We are in Southern California, so we are lucky that 2/3'ds of the year we can be outside most days. The photo above shows Mr. FrenchGardenHouse's pride and joy, one of his orchids in bloom.
The picture next to that is our Labrador Bentley's new snacking station. Before he came, I thought it was my own herb basket, and strawberry plants to use in my culinary adventures. Now? Since Bentley has made his home with us, he's discovered the pleasures of the garden. Not only does he love romping through the grass and chasing the ball there, he's discovered the joys of a little ripe strawberry with a chaser of marjoram!
We are unpacking some intriguing garden antiques this week - you can see them here:
Happy gardening to you. xo
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If you want to romance your Home and Garden with antique and vintage treasures to make you smile each time you come home, visit our shop FrenchGardenHouse.
33 comments
Marta, yes, our roses all have that problem at one time or another! For rust I know my head gardener {Mr. FrenchGardenHouse} buys a special oil that he uses. I’m sorry I’m not much help, I’m not really the gardener! But a good nursery in Camarillo should be able to help you find the right oil for that…we use non-chemical ones. Good luck!
Hi Lidy . . .how funny to see the previous post from Waco …a place we have all grown to love! What? It doesn’t have perfect soil?? I’m also in so California (Camarillo) and struggling with rust, black spot and yellow leaves on my roses. I’m just wondering where you are and if you ever experience this frustration?? I did see that your foxgloves do not regenerate, as mine don’t either!I won’t give up, but just wonder if it’s our unique weather this year . . .thanks for any advice you can give.
I love your photos! It is so hard here in Waco with the crappy soil I have. I love the foxgloves and wish I could grow them!
Thank you Sue! Pruning IS an on going job here too, it seems that in our coastal California garden everything just keeps on growing and growing too. I bet your garden is gorgeous!
Thank you Ginger! I think that’s part of being a good gardener, knowing what will thrive in your garden, and not planting the rest. {It’s tough being a plant!}
Thank you so much, Bonnie. I love foxgloves so much too, so far I’ve had no luck getting them to naturalize, but hope springs eternal!
Yay for digging in the soil! :) Susan, I hope you have a wonderful time planting, clipping and making your garden grow!
Christine, I can only imagine how excited you are to garden, and bring all that beauty outdoors back alive!
Alice, what a sweet and beautiful memory of your grandmother and your childhood gardening love! So special, and I can imagine how much you enjoy your garden now. Happy gardening!
Lovely to have you visit, Rita! Hoping one day it will be “in real life!”