Royal Tea

The Royal Tea that the Honeymoon Bay Society has planned is coming along swimmingly. Many folks thought that selling 200 tea party tickets was optimistic to say the least, however, all the posters advertising the event now have a "SOLD OUT" banner across them. 'Good on ya'!

I've started baking for the tea, and will freeze everything, then decorate it all when I get home from my travels.

I've also been busy in the garden this past week. I know Spring will come eventually, (probably when I'm away) and I want to be prepared! I figure plants will grow when I'm not looking, so I'm giving them every opportunity.

I knew I'd found Mr. Right when I was gifted with a load of manure for the garden as a Valentines gift one year early on in our relationship. True Love.
And here's this years' "I love You" gift, aren't I lucky? Well, I'm off to visit daughters and Grand daughters for Easter, and will return to Blogland early in May, with a tea party up-date and news of our Market.
Ta ta for now.

Garden Porn??

Relaxing on a Sunday evening, ahhh, lovely.
I've been 'blog-hopping' and came across a reference to Meryl Streeps' potager garden in 'It's Complicated". I remember it well from the movie, not to mention the great kitchen, ... well OK, the whole house! Chic flick for sure, just so much to see!http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/home_blog/2009/12/the-dirt-on-the-its-complicated-vegetable-garden.html

Of course the garden is manufactured, just one big, (and beautiful) prop. But I'll take it!
After driving home from Victoria yesterday and encountering a freak hailstorm that closed the Malahat, I need a little Spring garden fantasy.

Blog Break

Hi Kids;

 I'm in the midst of being Nana, and find my attention to the grand daughters' is all encompassing. Blog to resume early in April.

This is a pic (from last year!) of a Pink Fawn Lily in the flower preserve at Honeymoon Bay. If you're close enough, it's well worth the trip to take a walk about in the reserve, maybe mid-April?? Pack a picnic lunch, or drop in at the Coffee Mill for lunch!

Grow a bowl of Strawberries

I love good food. I like planning a menu, shopping for it (mainly around the perimeter of the store, or farm gates, or a local market) and preparing it. I especially like checking my garden to see what's available, and planning my food choices around that.
An article in the local paper caught my eye today, http://www2.canada.com/cowichanvalleycitizen/news/opinion/story.html?id=2a6e87e9-613a-4134-92f9-b81cf771de04. Plant yourself a bowl of strawberries!

Now is the time we need to get out and dig in the earth, and feel really alive.
This is what happens to something that looks like a possible 'raised bed' around our house. You plant squash and nasturtiums and beautiful food happens! This was part of last years' crop, and this week the earth gets rejuvenated and ready for a new garden.
Happy planting.

Spring Lambs

What a pleasure it was to go out to Lindahl Farm for a visit, and to see the new lambs.

Anybody have a snack??

Although it's still chilly, and rainy, and mucky, you just have to smile at these lovely ladies. I had a great day looking around the farm, and then a 'cuppa' inside by the fire, visiting with Marilyn. A perfect day.

You can buy glassware, meat, honey or eggs from the farm, here's their website http://www.thebeestore.com/Home_Page.html and email address lindahls@shaw.ca

Happy Spring!

Friday Flowers

 My husband and I finally were able to get outside long enough to take down Christmas lights today, and look what we found. Aconite and snowdrops. The snow has just left the yard, so I'm sure they were blooming under the snow. Fresh snow on the hills, so it's still quite cold to work in the garden, although I did start cleaning up some debris. Now it must be teatime!

A Day in the Country

This past weekend was Seedy Saturday in Cobble Hill. My neighbour and I went out on a bit of an adventure. First stop was the Hall at Cobble Hill, and even before we went inside to find seeds, there were plants and birdhouses galore in the parking lot.

I really like sedum, and whenever I find one I don't have, I buy it. Lots to choose from, but only one I don't have, ...or probably don't have;)

The crowds were out in force, and from what I saw the vendors were kept busy.

Next stop, chocolate! It's amazing that a drive in the country can be so satisfying. Here's a link to their website. http://www.organicfair.com/

Chocolate bars in hand, we were off to The Loom where creativity knows no bounds!http://www.explorevancouverisland.com/Whippletree_Junction_Vancouver_Island_BC.htm

This link takes you to Whippletree Junction, where The Loom, and Leolas' Studio are located. It's the kind of place where you just feel welcome. With inspiration at every turn, wasn't I lucky to be there when these beautiful felted purses were brought in by their designer and creator? I asked about taking the picture, but didn't get the designers' name. Aren't they lovely? The black piece on the front purse is a knitted and felted Ginkgo leaf design.

Well, we were ready for lunch, and a stop at a nursery before heading home. On our way, much to my delight ... sheep!

We pulled over to the side of the road, and snapped a few photos through the fence. They just make my heart happy! And to think, their lovely wool could be the next designer bag.
Have a lovely week.