We are enjoying the gorgeous sunshine and warm days
here at Quarter Deck Cottage.
It's a wonderful respite and relaxing is what we do best here at the cottage.
Swimming laps each day in the pool has made my muscles ache...
I don't swim fast but I have been out of the habit of late.
The outdoor pool is so much nicer that the recreation centre and there appears to be less chlorine which is kinder to my swimsuit and skin.
There is a small garden center here where I go mostly to browse.
But any serious gardener will tell you that it is hard to resist buying plants!
I have been watching the BBC coverage of The Chelsea Garden Show
wouldn't it be grand to visit in person?
In the spirit of gardens and gardening
I've been adding a few things near the cottage.
Deer resistant and drought tolerant plants are essential.
Lavender
Rock Roses
Carex grass, an Icelandic poppy plant and variegated lavender
Variegated lavender
Poppies and a Euphorbia
Bowles mauve wallflowers
Shells
Hope that these plants will survive and flourish.
I purchased a new book which sounds interesting...
the clerk mentioned that it was similar to Eat Pray Love.
I have not started the book but I may set aside Life After Life by Kate Atkinson for a wee bit and pick this one up.
Sitting with a mug of coffee watching ferries ply the waters of The Salish Sea early in the morning has become part of our routine.
Overnight oats with banana for breakfast.
Loved this issue of Victoria magazine
I read it cover to cover in one sitting.
Dinner after a busy day...quick and easy.
Salad made with fresh produce from Raven Rock Farm on Pender.
Julia Childs' vinaigrette made in a Bonne Maman jam jar.
Fresh halibut topped with mint and lemon slices served with roasted carrots.
These mauve rhododendrons were just buds when we arrived on Friday and now they are in full bloom.
Can you see the bee?
Close up and working hard at 6:30am...
spied when I wandered out to take a picture
Lovely
I am going to close for now as the day awaits...
many opportunities for activities...where to start?
A beach combing walk, a swim in the pool, some time to read and water the new plants, shop for veggies at the farm stand and decide what to make tonight for our dinner.
Thank you for dropping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.
~ Be Well and Be Kind ~
30 comments:
So peaceful and refreshing it all looks. Respite for the body and soul.
Hello
Was wondering how you get the BBC to watch the Chelsea Flower Show - YouTube? or do you have a streaming service? Your garden looks lovely.
The cottage views are restorative and the relaxed pace make it easy to relax.
The coverage I saw from the BBC was on you tube. I have heard that a new service has been launched it’s called Brit Box which is a streaming of British shows.
What a wonderful way to spend the week, probably hard to leave that deck and view......
That quarter share investment sure was a great idea!
Suz from Vancouver
Oh, how lovely it is there at your cottage, and how beautifully you have added plants to the garden. I am sure they will do very well, and how gorgeous to grow poppies. I planted a few seeds this week, but doubt if they will grow in our climate. Your magazine looks so appealing, very much to my taste too. Have a beautiful restful time at your pretty place.
The Chelsea Flower Show is fascinating but the crowds are daunting in person. I really enjoyed it but once was enough. I would LOVE the recipe for that gorgeous halibut dish!!
Today is my day off and I visited the garden centre as well because I really don't want to use the "bedding plants" supplied.I've got the blue and white French May/June Victoria.
After all these years, I still enjoy it. I have been tempted to try Britbox but I really don't know. I tried Amazon Prime for a few months but the best shows were not available in Canada. Are you at the cottage for the week?
Your stays at the Quarter Deck Cottage are filled with loveliness and relaxation.
I find it hard to visit a garden center and not come home with a plant or two (or more). The lavender and other plants you've put in will add more charm to your cottage.
Leslie if you would like to see a bit more of the Chelsea Flower Show I really enjoyed watching this on youtube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJuhVM4SjME
We Italians grow up with "la bella figura” drummed into us since we're still in our cots! We must always give a good impression: how we present ourselves, how we dress, behave and talk etc. But it does not only come down to this, and it is not easy to explain, because it is a way of living. The opposite of la bella figura is, la brutta figura. A mother will tell her daughter, ”don't sit like that, fai brutta figura!”. It means: you're making a bad impression.
My English is not good enough to explain it better than this.
You are very attentive of your surroundings and take lovely photos. The rhododendrons with the bee are a beautiful mauve colour!
Your food always looks very healthy Leslie.
Greetings Maria x
Thanks to my dear husband who found this special place...I was so immersed in dealing with my Mother's estate and I believe that he wanted to find a way to help me heal while I grieved mom's passing...
Its fun trying new plants and nothing quite as rewarding as growing plants from seed...I wish you good luck and hope the seeds germinate...water them while they are growing and they should thrive.
I popped the halibut fillet on a piece of parchment paper and drizzled it with a wee splash of olive oil and a fresh grinding of pepper...add the lemon slices on top and chopped fresh mint...cook in a 350 degree oven for about 20 minutes...timing is dependant on the thickness of the halibut...mine was about 2 inches thick. You want it just cooked and flakey. Hope you enjoy the recipe!
We are at the cottage this week! The weather has been amazing and the pools are filled and swimming has been wonderful....lots of walking, beach combing and fresh food...I do not have that blue and white Victoria issue.
Did you find some better plants at the garden centre?
I know when I do get to a garden center that I am going to come home with something! Your weekend looked like fun...I love that area around Deep Cove in Vancouver...so scenic and beautiful.
I found quite a few videos on Chelsea on the You Tube channel....so inspiring!
I read the book yesterday and today....I could not put it down! It was well written and I loved the author's description of the countryside and of Florence, the exquisite details made you feel like you were actually there right beside her!...the recipes that she includes at the end of each chapter are a bonus and I plan to make them. In fact I made a simple pasta dish last night...it was delicious!
It all looks heavenly. I am sure in your wonderful and garden friendly environment your new plants will thrive and grow. I hope you will be showing us a follow-up as they mature. I love your choices.
Have a great time!
What a beautiful view from Quarter Deck Cottage. Makes me miss the ocean. Your pictures are beautiful. The view of the ferry from your window is awesome. The book sounds interesting and the rhododendrons are lovely. Amelia
Lovely! Such a good decision-every week you spend there has a different charm and you've given your signature inside and outside the cottage
How long do you have to drive there from your home?
I'm glad that you liked Bella Figura,it goes to my list,and I'm glad too to read Maria's comment. I really admire italian elegance,food and culture
Have a nice weekend
Dottoressa
I would so love to have that view in the morning! It's the best of both worlds, serene ocean and some boat action too!
I'm so envious of your cottage life, the easy "escape" monthly for a week. You must feel so fresh and recharged after such a lovely time there. I'm curious if you can take your own boat there? Going to the beach for a walk this morning.
I will take pictures next time I am there and have my fingers crossed that the deer and drought are not too severe and that the plants survive!
We love walking along the seafront in our city and this spectacular view is such a joy to wake up to when we are in residence...so grateful.
We drive about 45 minutes to the ferry and wait about an hour to make sure we are there in time because of the traffic, then a 35 minute ferry ride...i will publish a review soon.
Hope you have a lovely week.
The views are really spectacular...as my husband maintains...the view never gets old!
We do take our boat when we have the 2 consecutive weeks in the summer as we install the grandchildren at the cottage for the first week and we stay on the boat, then when they depart we move up to the cottage.
Hope you enjoyed the beach walk.
I need to get BELLA FIGURA.......and I went to CHELSEA LAST MAY!
YOUR GARDEN is SPEAKING TO ME!
XX
Ah I remember that you went to Chesea....such a fun trip.
I really enjoy your garden pics on IG too!
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