Showing posts with label humble bungalow garden. Show all posts
Showing posts with label humble bungalow garden. Show all posts

Sunday, September 3, 2023

Thoughts on gardening....and a tasty pork tenderloin


Our neighbour gave us a pretty bouquet,
the cut flowers are from her new garden.
 A thank you for the fresh garden produce we shared with her.

Gardeners share...
We share seeds, plants, flowers, fruit and produce.

Gardeners collect ideas when visiting other gardens.

Cultivating a garden is an incredibly rewarding hobby.
There is a shared kinship in the gardening community...

If you've ever attended a garden club meeting 
or a garden show you will hear an abundance of chatter.
Gardeners are not at a loss for words where plants are concerned.


I've visited the local garden centres twice in one week looking for more Hostas.
We are going to be involved in a garden tour and I have some plans.
We are not sure if it will be June 2024 or June 2025.


In the meantime,
 I am looking for a water feature, some more black planters and pots.

We'll be putting the garden to bed as soon as the weather changes.
So these ideas will percolate and be revised and refined over the winter.


Romneya Coulteri Poppy


This plant likes to be grown in a rocky gravelly soil.
It doesn't transplant well.
I've tried digging it up and sharing it but the cuttings have never survived.


Our plant is not very large...
I've seen huge Romneya Coulteri plants thriving on my drive around town.

We are pleased that the Hollyhock from Ross Bay Villa has thrived.
I have tried growing Hollyhocks for many years 
but had always planted them in the soil which is heavy with clay.

The clay soil is great for roses but not all plants like to have "wet feet!"


The BIG Hosta to the left is Sum and Substance.
In the low bowl ~
Variegated grass, Hosta, Agapanthus and the silvery Centauria Chrome Fountain.
To the left of that planter is a pot of Black Mondo Grass.

I have a crush on the Mondo Grass and have it growing all over the Humble Bungalow Garden!


David Austin Rose Jude the Obscure.
It has been flowering for months...
it is a repeat bloomer.

The roses have not been as prolific as usual and I am thinking it is the drought.
We've had lots of sunshine which they love and we have watered 
carefully by hand but I suppose it has just not been enough.

There is a bumper crop of tomatoes, both beefsteak and cherry types.
Lots of zucchini, lettuce and cucumbers.

The apple trees are loaded with fruit...
in a few weeks they will be ready for picking.

The garden keeps my husband VERY BUSY!
He's taken over a lot of the jobs and seems to be enjoying his time outdoors.

Do you have a garden?
Or do you garden with a deck or patio of Pots and planters?

We are very fortunate to live in an area where there are lots of gardens.
People are quite passionate about gardening here in Victoria.
It used to be known as The City Of Gardens.

I want to share a recipe that I got from a friend...
it is an easy and very tasty marinated pork tenderloin.


~ PORK TENDERLOIN ~

Marinate a pork tenderloin in the following:
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup soya (I use Braggs)
1 clove minced garlic
3 tbsp. honey dijon mustard
salt and pepper

I mix the marinade in a ziploc bag then add the tenderloin.
Put in the fridge for about 4 hours.

Heat the BBQ and grill the tenderloin
 (baste with marinade) 
cook until it is no longer pink inside.
This cooks quite quickly so keep an eye on it!
Let it rest for a few minutes then slice on the diagonal.
I have served it with boiled baby new potatoes and a fresh green salad.

~ Bon Appetit ~


Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

I'm planning a visit to Butchart Gardens soon to see what they are growing.

Until next time...

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Sunday, July 9, 2023

Summer Snippets...


Apricot blooms of Jude the Obscure
the fragrance is citrus.

This rose is a repeat bloomer and has had its first flush and we expect more flowers.

Most of our roses have had their first flush of blooms.
Dead heading is a daily job and very worthwhile as it encourages more flowers.


Did you know that sweet peas need to be picked regularly or they set seed and stop making flowers?
I love their unique fresh fragrance.

Mr. HB has been bringing in sweet peas almost daily.
I pop them into vases and place them in the kitchen by the farmhouse sink 
and in the main bathroom atop the sink.

They last a few days and then they drop their petals,
by that time we have another couple of bunches at the ready!


~ OOTD ~

White Lands' End tee ~ Italian Linen dress
White capri tights
White Bueno Sandals

Hong Kong Pearls



Garden Shows are so much fun!

Lots of tables, many entries, ribbons galore.

The plant sale table is SO POPULAR...
plants are reasonably priced and some are VERY EXOTIC!


I had a fun day volunteering at the Summer Scentsation Garden Show.

After perusing the displays and looking at the award winning entries 
I donned my apron and served tea to the masses!!

We had 4 large tea tables set with lovely china cups, saucers and plates.
  Tea, coffee, scones, jam and clotted cream were served...

Plates of assorted home baking were circulated after the scones.
No one left hungry!

There was a silent auction and I bid on many items but only won one of them...
a large black pot which I am looking forward to potting up.

I am considering a fancy Hosta or an assortment of flowers.
Geraniums, lobelia, and dusty miller.


Our north patio area resembles a jungle right now!
The Lady's Mantle has gone wild...
we will be cutting it down soon.

I love black accents in the garden...like these vintage tables and chairs.


I found this metal rooster in a thrift shop and my husband spray painted it.

Garden accent pieces are hard to find locally...
if I wanted to spend a LOT the possibilities might be better but I love a bargain.


I usually finish my second coffee in the bathroom as I put on my makeup...
the thrifted English China mug looks like it matches the sweet peas
so I had to snap an image to share.

In other news...
my infection is now classified as "complicated."
I have had 3 or 4 rounds of antibiotics and they haven't worked.
So I am now receiving IV antibiotics at the hospital outpatient clinic.
They were selected to specifically target the different bacteria strains that I have...
Who knows how long this will take?

I had my second CT scan, this one with dye.
Haven't got the report yet.
I cannot believe how High Tech all these machines are...

The staff have been amazing and the departments are regularly short staffed.

I am drinking lots of fluids...many many cups of tea.
Knitting and reading...
taking life easy.



I've been meaning to read this book for years!
When I spied it in the local Book Nook I grabbed it.

I hope that you are enjoying your summer so far...
or the winter if you are in NZ or Australia.

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~




Thursday, June 15, 2023

June Roses in The Humble Bungalow Garden, swimsuit shopping and a recipe for an at home Spa Day.


June in The Humble Bungalow Garden 
is all about the roses.

Constance Spry is putting on a fabulous show here on the pergola.


The side garden patio is nestled between a lush border of Lady's Mantle
 a bed with two apple trees, various roses and foxgloves.

It's a lovely spot to sit and take tea.


I snapped this photo while sitting with my tea...
you can see the tool shed through the "jungle!"

My husband and I went on the Victoria Hospice Teeny Tiny Garden Tour.
We really enjoyed our day perusing the various gardens on the tour.

I got a few ideas to add to our garden...
for example we could use a water feature, and some more planters with annuals.

I'd also like to find some bamboo wind chimes and a tall wind ornament.

We have volunteered our garden for the fundraising tour next year...
it will be up to the coordinator in charge to decide if ours is worthy.


Climbing Royal Sunset Rose
fragrant and a vigorous growing variety.


Jude the Obscure is blooming!
It is my favourite rose.
I actually Love So Many Roses...
it is rather difficult choosing just one favourite.


The Miraclesuit shown here is 3 or 4 years old and is losing it's shape.

The Aqua Fit classes are fabulous fun!
I didn't know how much I would enjoy them.
The class is an hour and we are moving continuously.
The movements do not aggravate my arthritis or hurt my joints.

I dislike swimsuit shopping but I NEED a NEW one.
There is a limit on the number of suits that you can take into the change room
so you can try on maybe 6 then have to get dressed and take back the 6 to the clerk at the desk.
So it makes swimsuit shopping a really frustrating challenge.
It was a surprise finding this black suit.

I had already been to the Marshall's store 4 times in search of a decent style and fit.
Well this just proves that old saying...if at first you don't succeed Try Try Again.


Simon Chang


The wrap style is flattering.
I chose the size up for added comfort.


I am short so the adjustable straps are a nice feature.
The suit was $35 and I couldn't believe what good value it was.

My physio appointments are weekly and I am getting IMS treatments.
I have had two sessions so far.
I am hopeful that these will help loosen up the taut and tight muscles 
that are causing the pain in my lower back.
My doctor recommended them so I am hoping that they will make a difference.
It will be nice not to need any pain medication and be able to walk 5km as well as attend the Aqua Fit classes.


Sleep is much better with a thick pillow propped underneath my knees.
I lie on my back which is the most comfortable position.
I am learning to relax my back and get a better sleep.

Back to the garden...


Lady Angela a fragrant David Austin Rose is blooming.
She is a pretty variety and is trained as a climber.
Lots of flowers repeat throughout the summer.


I like to have some fresh flowers above the kitchen sink.
I spend a lot of time washing dishes and gazing out the window.

Eagles often soar high above in the sky floating in the air.

We live in an area quite close to the downtown and yet we have lots of urban wildlife.
Deer, raccoons, European Wall Lizards, eagles, owls, crows and various songbirds.

There are always some animal antics or birds entertaining us in the garden.


~ Hey Jude ~ 

Buds 
Blooms Present and Past

I've been busy this week and am planning some quiet time.
My energy and enthusiasm for social events are not always in sync.
Do you schedule days where you stay at home and relax?

I find I like to be out and about so much more than recharging at home.
You would think that I might not want to miss out on something!

(Life can be so full of fun that it is a challenge to wean myself off of the excitement)

After chatting with, and reading blog posts from women my age
I have found that many are "under the weather" because 
they have been "burning the candle at both ends."

So as an observer 
I have made note and am going to enact a day of quiet.
Perhaps a Spa Day?


Spa Day Bath Salt Recipe


What do you like to do when you feel the need for some self care?

Do you book yourself into a hotel?
Reserve a pampering package of treatments at a local spa?
Stay in your pajamas all day read a good book, sip tea and munch on chocolate?

I do love a great chocolate bar...
Lindt creamy milk chocolate with hazelnuts is my current favourite.

Thank you for taking the time to visit my blog.

Take Care

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Thursday, June 1, 2023

Roses in The Humble Bungalow Garden are in the spotlight...these are just a few of the 30 + roses that we grow.

 


~ The Humble Bungalow Kitchen ~

The window ledge above the farmhouse sink
featuring the elegant vintage Japanese porcelain vase.
Darling Daughter found this and thought it would be perfect for our garden blooms.

The rose is Abraham Darby, a fragrant David Austin rose, grown in our garden.
It is one of my favourites!
Stay tuned.
More pictures of this gorgeous rose are coming up.

May and June are the best months for our garden roses.


~ Showy Pavement Rugosa Rose ~

Bright Fuschia Pink
hardy
fragrant
very thorny
repeat blooming habit.


A close up...
while waiting for my husband to back the car out of the driveway 
I went in for a "sniff"
was I surprised
 when as I got closer, there was a bee working, inside all the petals!

Fortunately I did not get stung, the bee was preoccupied.


~ Reine des Violettes ~

David Austin
Old Rose
Strong Fragrance
repeat blooming
almost thornless


~ Abraham Darby ~

David Austin Rose
fragrant
pinky apricot
thorny
repeat blooming


One of my favourite roses.
A beautiful cut rose, great in bouquets or floating in a shallow dish.


~ Climbing Royal Sunset ~

Orange 
rich deep fragrance
repeat blooming
vigorous growth habit
hardy and reliable



I researched the local Recreation Centres for Aqua Fit Classes...
it all looks great on paper but one must actually attend and participate in person
to decide if it is a "good fit."

So I took the plunge, and I am happy to report that the class went very well.
My arthritic joints were not sore or painful during the class.
I was able to keep up 
although I was often doing the movements opposite to the instructor!
(I looked around and I was relieved to see that I was not the only one.)

There was a large group of about 30 women in attendance 
they obviously have been doing the class for quite awhile 
as they were chatting before class started 
signing a card in the change room for the instructor.
One particular woman went out of her way to say hi 
she mentioned that foam dumbbells were used in class 
so I put a pair on the edge of the pool where other women had set them down.

The instructor made the class FUN.
She had oodles of energy and was encouraging us to smile and laugh.
The hour passed quite quickly.

The next morning I didn't have much discomfort but was "aware" that I had used muscles not normally used when I walk.
The water is much more gentle on my joints than my regular walking.


I walked today, 
only 3.2 km but my hips and low back hurt.
So I will be returning to Aqua Fit and aim to attend 2-3 times a week.
I am very pleased with the pool and the class.
Feeling very optimistic, excited, and hopeful after only one class.

~ Grateful ~



My first Beach Read of the season ticked all the boxes...
While reading this book
my afternoon teatime and reading became longer and longer
(extending well into my dinner prep time) 
as I made my way through the chapters.
I enjoyed Erin's colourful characters and interesting story
set in Nantucket.

Nantucket sounds idyllic...

If you are looking for a Beach read this is a good one!

We've got lots going on here socially...
so I thought that I had better get this written and published before I forgot.

Do you love to garden?
What do you grow?


We watched the last season of Ted Lasso...

Loved the series so much.

The writing was rich and deep
the characters were spot on
very funny, yet poignant
 quality entertainment.

Will now need to find another great series...
any suggestions perhaps?

"Still" the newly released documentary film with Michael J Fox 
was brilliant.

It raised my awareness of Parkinson's disease...
I have a whole new respect for the disease Michael has,
how he is dealing with it, and the many challenges that he is facing.

He's a very brave fellow...
I wonder how he manages to be so stoic?

Obviously
a good support system and ample funds help with
the numerous medications, doctors and therapy.

Very little is known about what causes the disease.
There is a genetic connection in some cases...

Michael J Fox has set up a foundation and to date 
the foundation has raised more than 2 billion dollars.


Speaking about raising money...
My husband and I are thinking about offering our garden for next year's tour.

The Hospice Fundraiser ~  Teeny Tiny Garden Tour

Mom was in Hospice the last few days of her life.
The staff were incredible and the facility, although old, was very cozy.
There was a family area, a small kitchen, and a beautiful rooftop garden oasis.
It would be a very worthwhile cause...

Well that's about it for now...
I appreciate all your comments.
You may have noticed that I respond with your name 
but cannot link directly to your account.
It is a glitch with Blogger.


Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.
Hope you have a FUN weekend!


~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Sunday, April 2, 2023

Snowdrops and a Vintage Bag...

 


The Humble Bungalow Garden is coming alive 
bursting forth with beautiful blooms for Spring!

This Hellebore was purchased from Van Dusen Gardens in Vancouver.
At the time it was quite a rare plant...now Hellebores are available in many varieties.


I am absolutely smitten with Snowdrops...
it's becoming a wee bit of an addiction.


Gardeners can be fickle when it comes to plants.
We love so many things in our gardens...

Roses, Hostas, Daffodils, Tulips, Hellebores, Lady's Mantle and Black Mondo Grass.


We grow a wide range of plants...
our garden is so full it's really bursting at the edges.
However that doesn't seem to persuade me to stop acquiring more plants!

These new snowdrops are very pretty in their form, we bought several new varieties.
In The UK, where many of these snowdrops originate 
there are gardeners who are busy hybridizing unique new species of these plants.

I see many exciting snowdrops in the UK publications 
but unfortunately they are not yet available here.


The comments are working!

Thank you for testing them out...I am keen to welcome more dialogue from you.
Please know that I am unable to respond to each "individual" comment 
which would normally generate an alert 
so now will respond when I am able.
You'll have to check back.

I apologize for these glitches...
will continue to investigate.

Now that I have shared the "Blogger housekeeping issues"
let's move on to something more interesting shall we?


That BAG could be me :-))


Vintage Ann Taylor wicker bag with red leather details.


Vintage Coach Court Bag


Paired with my Josef Seibel ballet flats...
I want to buy another pair of flats.
Perhaps in that classic Chanel two tone style!


Vintage Coach Regina bag


Quilted leather vintage Canadian Due Fratelli bag.
(BTW~ The Mick Herron series of spy novels are fabulous!)

Do you ever get a "Bee In Your Bonnet?"
a shopping Bee?
An idea...
It hums along in the back of your mind percolating 
until it urges you to seriously look for that particular item.
So powerful that you start searching online and at thrift shops.

That urge to buy that imagined something that you cannot resist.

It happens to me quite a lot and I don't always act on the idea.

BUT
I have been quietly on the lookout for another vintage bag.

~ Not a NEED but a WANT ~

I see gorgeous iconic bags online...
most are designer bags with big ticket price tags
Chanel and Hermes.

Not exactly in sync with my budget or my lifestyle.

My handbag collection is rather small by comparison to some.
I love vintage leather bags...

2 Coach bags ~ Black Regina mini, Brown Court bag.
A wicker bag with red leather trim ~ Ann Taylor
Black leather Croc embossed "doctor" style ~ Banana Republic 
Wine quilted leather bag ~ Due Fratelli 


I saw this listing on Ebay.
Vintage Brown Croc bag by Canadian maker Due Fratelli
The price was higher than I really wanted to pay so I made an offer
which to my surprise, was accepted...
it arrived quickly but it smelled of smoke.
So disappointing...

I considered sending it back, even contacted the seller.
I really like the bag so instead did some research, 
for the past two weeks have been airing it out 
with a bag of baking soda in an open "Zip Loc" bag inside the bag.

The smell is definitely gone...
I will use a leather cleaner on the exterior this weekend.

Have you ever bought or inherited a vintage bag that has had a musty or smokey smell?
What did you do to "fix" it?

Many of the designer bag makers offer a service to restore their classic iconic bags.
No idea on the cost but thats peace of mind if you inherit a Chanel or Hermes bag.

Let's enjoy some more blooms shall we?


The Star Magnolia is in bloom out front in The Humble Bungalow Garden.
We have three magnolia trees all different varieties
they all bloom at different times of the year.

How is the weather where you live?

Our weather is slowly warming up 
I am keen to swap out my heavy coats for lighter jackets.
I will wash and store them away for next season.

Let's get serious bring on the warmth.
I would LOVE to start wearing my summer linen skirt and dresses!

Will have to pop into the shops, maybe this week, take a peek
see what they are showing for Spring and Summer.
Not that I will buy anything new but it is fun to browse...
besides it gives me ideas of what to do with my basic minimalist wardrobe.
Mix up the possibilities...add a scarf.

Well that's about all the news I have to share right now...
stay tuned for more blog posts.
I usually post on Sundays and often mention my blog posts on Instagram.

Thank you for stopping by...
I appreciate you taking the time to join me.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~