Friday, March 16, 2012

A Springtime Garden....And Easter Celebrations.......

Whether you live in a rambling nineteenth century manor house set high on a French countryside or in a house rather ordinary you can still make it feel exceptional this time of year! Plantings sometimes take many years to mature....especially ones like this one in Provence!



I have always loved an arbor of greenery and regretfully once had to leave a beautiful arbor similar to this at a home we once owned.....springtime blossoms at the entry would be perfect like this one I saw in Avignon!



I love tulips and last year we planted lots of bulbs but when they are planted in mass like this beautiful display in Hyde Park in London they are magnificent! Oh to have my own Gardner who has lovely ideas and a large budget!!! Dreams......



Alas this is my plantings, small but a beginning.....just getting started in this area of my garden. I planted Iris that were from my Grandmother's yard!



I have a few of these around our yard also and they give just a pop of color!



The Easter Bunny will have plenty of places to hide the eggs, but the Bunny bringing the eggs and baskets is a truly an American tradition! Did you know in France treats come to children via church bells?! Parents tell their children that ALL the bells in the country will be silent the week before Easter because they have left their towers to visit Rome and gather sweets. Once they return, the bells hide goodies in the gardens of children who've been good! Can you imagine bells flying all over hiding chocolate eggs, covered with pretty ribbons?! When I was visiting in France, I did notice patisserie windows were all showing off their lovely packages waiting to be delivered! This is an idea to be copied if you are crafty!







These lovely eggs have been decorated with watercolors...but you can use natural dyes from vegetables to give you just the right shade for your baskets! The pretty shades of springtime grass is perfect for hiding eggs! So...we must hurry and start shaping up the yard! Easter comes early this year. New shoes, new dresses, new shirts....a celebration perfect for sharing the true meaning and celebration of Easter......JESUS! HE is always right on time and truly delivers HIS LOVE in our hearts......JUST BEAUTIFUL! Let the Bells Ring.....Hallelujah! Glory, Glory, Glory! Christ has RISEN!