My enchanted garden

Not many words today. I am taking you to my little piece of paradise, where tiny flowers in the prettiest pastel shades tumble over each other. Where the trees are full of blossoms, the smell is intoxicating and there is birdsong everywhere. It feels like entering a dream when I open up my garden gate and take it all in. Nature surprises and inspires me again and again.

As I sit on my knees while getting rid of the weeds in between the tiles, I let my gaze go out over the garden now and then. I realise how lucky I am to have this enchanted place.

Wishing you a lovely week. A Happy Kings day to my Dutch friends.

Love,

Madelief x

Feeling like a princess

Before I tell you where today's photo's were taken, I would like to thank you for your kind comments on last weeks post and for participating in my giveaway. I am sorry I am neglecting you a bit lately, but I am in the garden a lot and working on a new project at home...oh and I have to go to work too :-).

The lovely book Geniessen im Garten goes to Francis, from the blog By Surprise. I believe this is the first time that a giveaway of mine is going to someone who lives in my home town Rotterdam. Francis. I am really happy that Annebelle picked your name. I think you will like the book very much. It will give you lots of ideas for your own garden and delicious recipes to prepare for your children and granddaughter. Could you please email me your address?

Last weekend I felt like a princess. I stayed in the Bed and Breakfast of a friend of mine, who I met through work. We made a deal. I would take photo's of her horse, in exchange for a night in her lovely B&B. It was one of the best deals I made in a long time :-) My friend's B&B is called De Keekener and is near Kleve in Germany, in an area which is outstandingly beautiful. If you like wide open countryside, far stretching views and a taste of country life, this is the place! The rooms are clean and comfortable and my friend Sjanne an excellent host. Dear Sjanne, thank you once more, for your hospitality and your friendship. I had the best of times! xox

We visited the Millinger Theetuin, which is only half an hours drive from the B&B on bicyle. It's a lovely ride through the Millingerwaard nature reserve and along the banks of the river Rhine. I have been there a few years ago, but it looked totally different now. Although it was a dark and rainy day, the garden looked beautiful in all it's spring glory. Don't you just love the blossoms on the trees?! I can't get enough of them :-)

Taking you to my garden next time.

Wishing you a lovely week ahead. Have fun!

Madelief x 

The photo's above this text were made in the Millinger theetuin. Below this text at B&B De Keekener

It would be lovely to sleep in a cherry tree all white with bloom in the moonshine, don't you think? You could imagine you are dwelling in marble halls. Couldn't you?!  

By A. M. Montgomery

Enjoying the garden

Hello,

Hope you all had a fabulous weekend?! I spent two lovely day's with a friend, who runs a B&B in the German countryside near Kleve. I hope to show you some photo's soon.

Just before I left, two of my daughters helped me out in the garden. Days like this are special to me. It's so much fun to work together.

However, sometimes unfortunate things happen. While my middle daughter was cutting the grass with the lawnmower, the youngest one saved a large attractive brown caterpillar from it's sharp blades. They named him Ricardo. Ricardo would have probably transformed into a beautiful butterfly, were it not that I stepped on him while putting my pretty floral cups on the table for tea. I still feel awful about it........Poor Ricardo. Girls, once again SORRY!!! ;-) xox

A while ago I was asked by Callwey publishers if I was interested in posting about their gardening/cookery books. When I had a look at their catalogue and saw which books are part of their collection, I was enthusiastic straight away. When they allowed me to give two books to you, I was definitely in for it!

Of the two books that I chose, Geniessen im Garten will be this weeks giveaway.  Another giveaway will follow in the summer.  As you probably may have guessed, the book is in German, so you will have to bear that in mind.

Geniessen im Garten is about enjoying the garden with all it has to offer through the seasons. From the first spring bulbs, roses in all their glory, to the warm autumn colours and the falling of the leaves. The book is a combination of beautiful gardens, festivities in the garden and recipes.

For Easter I made a spinach pie with egg filling (from the book), which turned out beautifully and was absolutely delicious. The book is a co production with the German magazine Wohnen & Garten, which is one of my favourites. The photography is superb!

If you are interested, please say so in your comment. My youngest daughter will choose the winner next weekend.

Wishing you a lovely week. From a sunny Rotterdam.

Love,

Madelief x