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
Your garden is beautiful and has inspired me to get outside and start digging. Thank you. Susan.
Your garden is beautiful! Now that I’m retired I spend a of my time nurturing and “pruning” much needed over growth. It feels great getting it done…but still ongoing. =)
I adore foxgloves and yours are so pretty.
Delightful story about gardening with your grandfather.
It is such a treat to see your antiques in your garden. Just lovely.
Thank you so much, Linda. Wishing you a beautiful weekend!
Thank you Sandra! I agree, gardens are wonderful teachers, and filled with so much beauty. Hope you have a gorgeous weekend, too!
Lidy: Lovely, lovely post. I so love all the things you learned from your grandfather and the garden. Both such wonderful teachers. A garden and beauty add so much to our daily lives, I can’t imagine life without either.
Happy gardening to you Lidy, I know you can grow magnificent beauty out there in California. My mom visited her brother who lived in Sacramento and all she could talk about were the roses. Have a beautiful day and weekend!
Your photos are breathtaking,Lidy! I’m finally learning what to plant, and what to let go of. If it can’t come back after a freeze, or can’t tolerate the heat and drought conditions in South Texas, it can’t come live here!
Thanks for your visit Carol. I’m looking forward to seeing how many orchids my Mr. FGH can get to blooming this year again. (There’s a whole collection of them lining our back picket fence). Happy weekend to you!
Love Love Love the beautiful photos. Thank you.
Your garden is heavenly and those orchids…oh my! I learned from a life of gardening is if something doesn’t thrive, don’t hesitate to rip it out and replant with something else. Life’s too short to coddle plants!