April garden

Hope you all had a lovely weekend? I planned to spend a few hours in the garden, but unfortunately the Weather God's did not smile on Easter. I was really happy I already did some work on Friday, which was bright and sunny. I always cherish these early spring days, when there are not that many people around on the allotment complex and I can enjoy the peace and quiet.

The garden is full of flowers. Grape hyacinths, forget-me-nots and primula's cover large part of the front area. Some daffodils have already wilted and are replaced by other varieties that are in bloom now. The plum tree in the front garden and the one near the stream in the back, are full of blossoms. As is my Japanese cherry tree and Magnolia. We planted the Magnolia last year and I was really happy to see it survived the cold.

New shoots appear everywhere; the red spikes of the peonies, pointed shoots of the Hosta's and the first tender branches of the Delphiniums. I spotted the first snails too! In my raised beds the garlic is growing fast. So are the summer bulbs. Tiny seedlings of the Sweet Pea's appear.

Inside the garden house work is in (slow) progress. I gave the ceiling of the garden house a layer of white paint. Once it is finished, I will cover one of the walls in floral wallpaper and change the colour of the china cabinet. More about that in the course of spring or summer.

A happy day to you all!

Madelief x

I am joining Vero on Fleur en kleur op woensdag



Vintage girl

After almost three years of blogging, it must be obvious that I love everything vintage :-). From needlepoint bags, table linen and floral dresses, to multi coloured china. I roam charity stores, flea markets and auction sites, hoping to find the right things for a nice price. However, lately the prices are rising and it's getting more and more difficult. There is not a period or a style I am looking for in particular. It just has to appeal to me.

I use most of my finds in my garden house, but enjoy giving cups and plates to friends and family as a present.

In today's post an embroidered Easter tablecloth I found at a charity shop a few months ago, some floral teacups and a jug I recently bought and am totally in love with.

Are you a vintage girl?

This is my last post before Easter. I wish you all a good time!

Happy Easter & Love,

Madelief x 


I a joining Vero on 'Fleur en kleur op woensdag'

 

 

Easter decorations

Some of you may have seen this post already. Last Wednesday I published it by accident. Sorry I withdrew it, but I did not add any words to the post yet and I wanted too :-)

If only to thank you all for leaving comments. I enjoy reading them very much! I try to leave comments with you as often as possible too, but I simply don't manage any more. My family, work and the garden take up a lot of my time. I hope you will forgive me when I don't pop over to your blog as often as I used to.

I am normally not that much into decorating for Easter, but I couldn't resist the brightly coloured birds I spotted in a garden centre. They look really sweet in the white branches and brighten up our home!

The blue grapes hyacinths and daffodils come from my garden. I don't mind picking them, as there are so many.

Wish you all a happy weekend!

Love,

Madelief x

Written in March

 

 

The cock is crowing,

The stream is flowing,

The small birds twitter,

The lake doth glitter

The green field sleeps in the sun;

The oldest and youngest

Are at work with the strongest;

The cattle are grazing,

Their heads never raising;

There are forty feeding like one!

Like an army defeated

The snow hath retreated,

And now doth fare ill

On the top of the bare hill;

The plowboy is whooping- anon-anon:

There's joy in the mountains;

There's life in the fountains;

Small clouds are sailing,

Blue sky prevailing;

The rain is over and gone! 

 

William Wordsworth

Spring cleaning

We are having some glorious weather in Holland, with temperatures rising up to 20 degrees Celsius. Isn't it amazing for the time of year?!

I started the spring cleaning of my garden house earlier than I normally do. Although the house is locked off for winter, insects and dust seem to take over. They inhabit every nook and corner. Even my china in the cupboard is not spared. I find spiders in my teacups and woodlice in my bowls. The windowsills are covered with dead flies. Luckily no mouse droppings this year!

Normally I don't enjoy the washing up very much, but when in the garden......it's a joy! To work in an outdoor kitchen, with the sun on your head and birdsong to accompany you, is simply perfect. I love to let the cups and plates go through my hands and enjoy the beauty of it all.

Wish you all a happy weekend & enjoy the outdoors!

LOVE,

Madelief x