Last year was *renovation year *for Stella – we had a lot of work to do, the smaller details had to wait. Because the entire 300 acre parcel of land that these cottages sit on used to be home to many cows, still is on a portion inland, the soil is rich. Many of the cottages on island have little gardens, right now the daffodils planted along the little roads and in cottage gardens are in full bloom, some tulips too.
Stella’s street side…
This year I want to concentrate a little more on the garden spots around our cottage. The past few days have been in the 80’s – wow! .. and that allowed me to get some serious gardening done. I went to a nearby garden center and picked up a flat of hot pink geraniums for the pots around the place.
Those two chubby toads came with the place..
I didn’t have it in me to kick them out.
On the street side, I planted a few varieties of Iris and purple balloon flower to blend with the Astilbe, hosta, hydrangea and something with a name I can’t remember but given to me by our dear friend, BJ, just down the road. I also bought a bird bath which Momma Robin up in the porch has been using frequently. She’s not happy we’ve returned.
There’s a perfectly good and quite charming birdhouse installed just 15 feet away in the large oak tree. For whatever the reason, the birds ignore it completely, go figure.
Below is Stella’s waterfront, as seen from our neighbor’s yard.
We’ve got a grub situation, so the Type A husband who likes the perfect
lawn is a bit frustrated with the patchy look.
I say life’s too short to care about perfect lawn.
He’s having none of it and is down there
this morning tackling the grubs.
May the force be with him.
May the force be with him.
In the firepit garden I have planted some Speedwell and
Red Jewel to blend with the daisies I took from This Old House
and Alium and native cranberry bushes.
Within a few years this should all fill in nicely, with something
always in bloom throughout the summer.
Sage and Lavender grow in a little patch on the other side
of the patio.
I also spent the last few days washing down surfaces, mopping floors,
running throw rugs and towels etc. through the washer,
making beds and dusting furniture.
We’re still waiting for the new couch and recliner to be delivered –
And the refrigerator is stocked with water, gatorade, coke, dove ice cream bars, hotdogs, hamburgers, cheddar, condiments and beer, just the bare necessities to get the season started. We also have enough toilet paper and paper towels for the next generation of inhabitants. Notice a globe missing from the light in the ceiling. Yep, sometimes, you think you’re doing a good thing, and then you drop the globe in the sink just to add some excitement. Fingers crossed they still make replacement globes for what I call the spider light.
Sharing a few summer recipes I am going to serve
on Stella’s deck this summer
– found them on pinterest
(not my photos or recipes!)
We’re all trying to make healthier food choices –
these fit the bill and are refreshing on hot summer days.
Watermelon Spa Smoothie
Found on Pinterest
Ingredients
-
- 1 cup chopped watermelon
- ½ cup chopped peeled cucumber
- 6 ice cubes
-
- Squeeze of lime juice
- 2 teaspoons agave nectar (optional)
- 1 tablespoon mint leaves for garnish
Directions
- 1Combine watermelon, cucumber, ice cubes, lime juice and agave (if using) in a blender. Puree until smooth. Garnish with mint, if desired.
