Oh apple blossoms...
Yes, they are still around, definitely making garden insects and garden human happy.
I realize I might have become utterly boring, what with incessant garden chatter -
But you see, it is my joy and what saves me from all matter of anything really.
The last year especially, and it welcomes me daily.
So, I pop out of bed and burst through the gates to see what is happening.
Oh what joy to see the sun illuminating petals, or the magic haze it creates when it first comes over the mountain.
That light shining on fresh green, as the garden begins to shift and change.
This is the garden behind the main walled garden.
My little escape that was pure brush and cactus and mess.
Little hills I had to level as I create paths and meander around...
Should I put this here or there - letting the garden tell me what to do.
This is the space I have been toiling in for one year, turning it into something just with a bag of seeds on my hip and cuttings from here and there.
I take this and that from the country house garden and bring it here, and vice versa.
And slowly but surely, there is something brewing, changing morphing.
Early spring begins to show me...
I paint arbors with chalk paint and move pots to and fro.
And then all of a sudden the apple blossoms show up, and then begin to unfurl, and then decide to stay a while.
And just when I thought a couple of weeks ago, that they could not get any better, they did.
The citrus trees are also in full bloom, the scent is wonderfully intoxicating beyond belief.
The entire garden is scented and it is utterly otherworldly.
The bees are everywhere, you can here their buzz song the second you make your way up the stairs, through the tiny gate and behind the wall.
In the cool morning, at first light, I see narcissus slowly opening...
Do delicate and lovely.
I remember planting these on December 10th 2020, with Miles by my side, and Matty keeping guard.
It was so cold and windy that day.
And now, here they are, part of a wonderful memory.
The birds tweet madly and build all manner of nests as I work away.
Hello birdling!
I stand back, looking, surveying...
Waiting eagerly for the deciduous trees all around me to sprout some leaves.
I can not wait to see what is to come.
It is only through my lense that I begin to see all my hard work coming together, as wild flowers grow tall and pumpkins pop through the ground.
Hello to you too pumpkin baby...
Slowly emerging out of its seed.
I spot a few wild arroyo lupines...
And marvel at how brilliant the poppies are.
To confuse everyone with their thorny leaves -
Can't wait to see their delicate beauty, soon I hope.
Below is the view from my super cozy chair.
Where I sit to refuel during my hard work days.
I watch the tender broccoli flowers I left for the bees, as they bustle with activity.
It's incredible how much they love these flowers, and it was perfect to have them here so that they would already be here when the apple blossoms and then citrus unfurled.
It was this curious little plan, that worked.
Endless bees everywhere.
I never see as many bees anywhere as I see here, it's remarkable really.
As the bulbs are blooming, I go in and tuck other summer seeds around them.
Always a plot and a plan for us garden people right?
Just when I think apple blossoms season is coming to and end, more show up.
I have Anna apple trees and Dorsett Goldens.
We'll see if we get some apples this year.
Right now the lime tree is covered in blossoms and bees beyond compare.
I should record the sound, it's incredible.
Oh and, if you get up extra early, you will spot a few Phacelia Campanularia -
Also known as California blue bells, ever so electric blue.
So, come along with me if you'd like...
Early in the morning, to see what we can see.
Deciduous trees on the hills around are just weeks from exploding I'm sure.
And then there will be green all around.
The acacia trees will be covered in yellow pom poms -
The roses will begin to bloom, and tea parties in the garden will ensue for certain.
All fun things to be happening for Easter week, don't you agree?
We are about to have the oddest most epic April heatwave that should last about 5 days.
Then it will go back down to normal temps for this time of year.
In the meantime, I have to get out there and make sure all the tender guys have shade, so they do not combust into glitter like vampires :-)
I am thinking about taking all the giant broccoli leaves and making broccoli rolls for Easter.
I did that with the cabbage and they were beyond delicious.
Perhaps with some of my remaining fairy tale pumpkins (the best for eating), and some really savory rice.
Yes, I think that is exactly what I shall do.
I also have a big bowl of quince jam I made from my country garden quince, which I will turn into mini hand pies.
I did some painting last night and am just sort of, living the life of am 1800's girl out in the wilderness.
Entertaining myself with paints and seeds and garden, keeping my days full and busy.
I still haven't been anywhere in a year, except for the country house regularly.
But there is plenty to do for me always, and I can keep super busy.
The list is never ending of things to do actually, and it seems so much more now.
I listen to music constantly, and check on all the doves and their babies.
And of course, I hug Matty a hundred times a day.
That's my life -
Garden, paint, play piano, hug dog, do laundry, clean, crochet, play with clay.
(clean clean clean)
What about you?
Well, I am off to water before the sun gets too strong.
How are you doing out there?
Sending lots of love this Easter week <3
Love, Vanessa
