Climbing roses located on my front porch trellis. The shrub was planted probably ten years prior before we moved into our house. That was twelve years ago. At the time, I knew nothing about roses. How to feed, how to prune was beyond my forte. Therefore, for several year's I only did minor maintenance care to it.
And no surprise, eventually, the shrub's appearance grew lackluster. With fewer blooms, disease/dead/and crossing canes, it was time to take charge! So three springs ago, the first major step was learning to properly prune. The rest was easy such as watering requirements, organic composting, mulching, deadheading, and feeding.
Note: The feed I've recently converted to instead of synthetic slow-release granules is organic fish fertilizer.
Since taking charge. . . thus far we've been rewarded with a healthier shrub filled with a riot of vivid blooms.
Hope you have a great weekend!
~ June
A few informative places featuring rose care:
Pruning Roses the Sissinghurst Method (Article located on my all time favorite gardener's website - Sarah Raven)
How to Prune Climbing Roses (video)
When to Fertilize Climbing Roses
SNEAK PEEK! Here is a before shot of a lovely vintage dresser. Purchased a few months ago at an antique store, it also includes an original matching mirror. The dealer had no history of the piece regarding age and manufacturer. Possibly 1920s thru 1930s? I've been searching for similar pieces online. . . as yet to discover any pertinent information about it.
When time permits, the piece will require plentiful restoration work before available to sell at our shop. Stay tuned!
Cheers,
~ June
P.S. If anyone has knowledge about this particular type of furniture (date/manufacturer), please leave a comment or contact us via our email. Thanks.
Here is a series of original still life paintings featuring assorted fruits and even some hungry finches. Inspired by 17th- century Italian painter Giovanna Garzoni, I painted these in 1997 using acrylic paint on panel board.
These are now available to sell online for the first time. To learn more such as pricing and view close-up shots, visit our Bell & Finch Chairish shop
HERE.
UPDATE November 9th, 2015: Two paintings listed here have recently sold - 'A Bowl of Cherries & Pears' / 'Peaches & Papaya'.
Have a great weekend!
~ June
Two summers ago, mid-June, we celebrated two birthdays. My mother's including mine. In spite of temps in upper 90s, we partook in a private garden tour in the town where my parents live. There were many various garden styles to view from parched desert-like modern to lush green English Country. For several hours, we ventured through all of them.
By late afternoon, this was the last house of the tour (more pics coming later). Cape Cod style, it was my favorite. Weathered shingles, gorgeous garden beds, even a courtyard, what's not to love! Under shade, we relaxed our aching feet while sipping wine and savoring imported cheeses, fresh fruit, and seeded crackers graciously offered by the owners.
And so once again, the month of June has arrived. Summer is near. Flowers galore in gardens everywhere.
Below is a link featuring a garden tour in Cotswolds, England. Begins June 7th, but no surprise. . . fully booked. If circumstances were right, I think Cotswolds would be my first choice. Which would you choose?
Cheers!
~ June
A few summers ago hubby and I visited Van Lierop Garden Market located in Sumner, Washington. This peaceful and unique shop offers a glorious riot of potted plants, stone ornaments, bubbling fountains, garden furniture, vine-strewed trellises, greenhouse, and much more. After snapping photographs, I left with inspiring ideas to improve our garden. Currently, those ideas are finally coming to fruition albeit time-consuming and laborious. Details coming this summer.
Meanwhile, links to some beautiful well-tended gardens:
Be well!
~ June
