Quite recently we made a bold move when we decided to downsize from a larger home with an acre of land to a smaller home and lot. More about the move later. I’m not too sure when I developed an enthusiasm for gardening, but when I did, there was no stopping me. I love to dig, get dirt in my fingernails, play with wiggly worms, create compost, transplant, grow seeds, and most of all create an environment that would welcome my fine feathered friends, butterflies, bees, birds and the like. Unfortunately the garden also welcomed deer, foxes, rabbits, squirrels and other four-legged friends that devoured some of the delicate plants that came up in the spring time. It was a hassle trying to ward off these unwanted friends especially after all that hard work. The most exciting moments were watching hummingbirds suck nectar from the flowers. There was never a dull moment with me in the garden, it was therapeutic and healing in more ways than one, I was surrounded by an oasis, a sanctuary.
I loved getting on my tractor and mowing the lawn each week; in the Fall, the tractor also picked up leaves, this was an arduous task as I emptied the 2 large bins on the tractor to a compost heap that I started in the back yard and up a hill. Adding unwanted scraps from the kitchen, eggshells, coffee grinds etc. all added to the rich, dark and earthy compost that cooked for about a year. I would later lovingly spread the compost on the flower beds. Oh what a difference this made! As I was starting this post and collecting pictures from the old house, I started to feel pretty sentimental about that large plot. I left a lot of beautiful shrubs, plants, trees and bulbs behind. How I wish I could have moved some of these plants that I so lovingly tended to. Of course I don’t miss mowing the lawn, or picking up leaves in the Fall, or the sheer size or cleaning up in the spring time, but how I do miss my beautiful plants – I wonder if they miss me and the care they so devotedly received???? Here’s just a sampling of what I left behind. Click on the picture, then use the arrows to navigate the gallery.
Fast forward almost 2 years later. We love it here, the house is easier to maintain and the garden is definitely comparable to a postage stamp, but I have that same penchant for digging in the dirt, listening to the birds chirp, sitting out on the porch and watching the postage stamp evolve around me. When we were looking to downsize, I definitely wanted a small garden, one that I could work away into my golden years. We found just the spot and did I mention how much I love it? :-) No grass to mow, the clean up in the spring time takes me just under a week, no chemicals, no lawn. I’ve been working away to make it look just the way I want it. It has a ways to go, but I do believe I’m getting there. We’ve found paradise in our postage stamp lot :).
You are inspirational Loretta. I remember asking your advice on Hostas. this year, despite my hostas being in pots on our postage stamp garden which I am sure is less than a sixteenth of yours, I have THE most fantastic hostas.
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Thanks Patti, that’s so kind. Glad your hostas are doing well – did you try the drink and drown beer method on those pesky slugs?
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Hi, Loretta! Is this the one you are talking about? I meant, the posts that you told me you cannot see in your ‘Reader’ tab?
These are gorgeous, btw. ;)
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Yes, exactly….guess it’s there somewhere :). Thanks for checking them out. Perhaps I’ll re-blog and bring them to FF to grace everyone’s tables?
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I checked for ‘garden’ on the ‘Tag/Explore’ section and I found it. ;)
Yes! Yes! FF people will love this!! ;)
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Thanks darlin’ off to work now, catch up later….just wondered why it did not post on Reader? I could tell that nobody had seen it. Thanks for checking.
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Loretta – you are full of surprises! My goodness but both your gardens are simply stunning. Wow! I am speechless. For the first time ever I don’t have a garden at all and I really miss that. Can’t wait to see what the summer has in store for your garden this year!
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Awww, thanks Selma, you’re always so kind and encouraging with your comments. At last, I have somewhere where I can document and write about some of the things I’m passionate about. I thought of bringing bouquets to FF this week to grace everyone’s tables?
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Oh bouquets would be wonderful Loretta. And I only say what is true, you know!!
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By the way. If it’s not showing up in the reader it could be because the time needs adjusting in your dashboard settings. I’m on my phone now do can’t check the sequence but let me know if you need help later. This happened to Elaine and to me recently.
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Good thought, I’ll take a peek later on and see if that’s the case. Thanks.
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A small garden can be just as lovely as a large sprawling one. Looks like you’ve filled it with some beautiful plants. Just sit back, relax and enjoy.
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Thanks Heather. I definitely think I’m putting my mark on it. :)
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Beautiful pictures the flowers look so radiant. The best manure for a happy garden is the owners footprints.
Thank you and cheers :)
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Thanks Dilip, what a great thought, and you’re absolutely right about that. You sound like a gardener yourself? Thanks for visiting.
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Wow, your garden is so beautiful (even the postage stamp size version). My favorite line was “We’ve found paradise in our postage stamp lot,” too cute! Thanks for bringing the flowers to FF, it will certainly be a well-decorated party this week. And, have a wonderful weekend! :D
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Thanks so much, I like that line too, because it’s exactly what we found! :) Been so busy, just now visiting FF.
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It’s a good party this week! I bet you’ll have fun looking around. :)
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Beautiful gardens – I downsized too from 75 acres to less than 1 acre. I still have lots of fun in my small yard/gardens. :)
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Wow! I’ll bet you feel it – did you live on a farm? I actually love this area, I was just missing my plants as I was reminiscing about them as I gathered those pictures. Enjoy the weekend, thanks for visiting.
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Your previous house and your new one….wow! You made them both so lovely with your gardening! Truly beautiful! Thanks for bringing these flowers to the party!
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Thanks Lori, you’re so kind! I thought flowers might set the tone for the party, I hope folks enjoyed them. Enjoy your weekend, and FF! Thanks for stopping by.
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Your photos are amazing, I love the gardens! This is the first year in a long time I haven’t been able to plant, thanks to a recent knee surgery. You are going to be my inspiration however for next year! Happy Fiesta Friday! :)
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Thanks so much, I hope in time you are able to dig in the dirt and plant too. Sorry about your knee surgery, that’s a bummer! Happy FF!
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What a stunning gallery of colors and blooms. Life is bittersweet, isn’t it? With what we leave behind, what we miss, and what is new and better in its own different way . . . . I’ve heard that sharing with others cuts the pain of loss in half and multiplies the joy of gaining something new twofold! So thank you for sharing these photos, memories, with us today!
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Thanks so much, you’re very kind. I actually just miss the plants, I don’t really miss all that work. We are really glad we made the decision to downsize, when there’s just the 2 of you at home, these large homes are a bear to clean and the garden just too large. It’s a whole new lifestyle for us as we approach our golden years :). Thanks for stopping by, and Happy weekend and Fiesta Friday.
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Loretta, you showed us a glimpse of paradise. Yes, this is life! :) Fae.
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Thank you Fae, how very kind of you! I like to think so too :). Happy Fiesta Friday!
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B e a u t i f u l! Gorgeous blooms, Loretta. :)
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Thanks Nancy, hopefully all the tables looked good with some fresh blooms :)
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This is the season for fresh cut flowers, so thanks for sharing yours. Beautiful gardens!
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You’re very welcome Hilda, and thanks for visiting. Happy FF!
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Wow, Loretta, how lucky you are to have had both the large property and now your “postage stamp”. Gardens are a little piece of heaven, no matter the size! I envy you. :-)
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You bet they are chefjulianna, and the pleasure it brings is indescribable! Thanks for visiting both gardens :) Happy FF!
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So many beautiful flowers in both of your gardens Loretta – absolutely stunning!
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Thanks so much, if only we were surrounded by flowers with every waking moment, I’d be in heaven :).
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Beautiful Loretta! Love what you did with both your gardens! Amazing! Thank you for a glimpse into your beautiful world :)
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So glad to have had you visit, and thanks for your kind words.
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Just beautiful, Loretta! I have half an acre now, and I’m struggling to maintain! I feel like I spend every second in the garden and yet nothing to show for. Guess that’s why I’m the novice gardener, lol…
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Thanks a ton Angie, so kind of you. Would love to see pictures of your garden, I’m sure your just being modest about being a novice gardener. You are quite an artist in the kitchen, sure your garden is just as beautiful.
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Very beautiful!
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Oh Loretta… I so need your help!! You have a talent… a true talent. Welcome to Fiesta Friday!! I’m so glad you brought your beautiful gardens to our table… they’re pretty special. You know… tranquility…that happy place. Wonderful, wonderful post. Have a lovely week. And I’m serious. I truly need your help!! <3
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I would be more than happyto help you in anyway thatI can…I’m no expert though. Send me an email and I will do what I can to help out. :)
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Thank you for bringing these gorgeous flowers to Fiesta Friday, Loretta. You are a really talented gardener, it must be delightful to sit in your garden and listen to the birds… :-)
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Thanks for your kind words, it truly is therapeutic, both working and relaxing in the garden.
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Oh Loretta, both gardens are so beautiful! But I imagine the first was hard to maintain just because of the sheer size of it. I would love to have a flower and vegetable garden, but I’ve not found the time or energy to build flower beds and vegetable patches yet. I think if I started, I would really love it, like you did. Have fun relaxing in your garden! That wine is calling to me….
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Thanks Ngan, you’re so kind. I really enjoyed both gardens and continue to improve the wee one. I just find it so therapeutic to be outside, listening to the birds, digging, weeding, transplanting etc. I believe if you started out with a small patch, be it flowers or veggies, you would find it truly relaxing. I guess, I just like to see the results, you win some, you lose some, just like with cooking I suppose :). So go ahead, plant in pots first, they are more manageable :)
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Ur garden is a visual treat. Omg u r awesome:) I wish I have one like u.. Every morn it wil b do refreshing right to start the day seeing flowers
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Thank you, yes it is great to be surrounded by flowers and nature.
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Both your gardens are wonderful, Loretta! I was gonna envy you but then I got inspired. They look so loved, cared and cheerful! Lovely!
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Thanks you so much for your kind words. I hope your inspiration gets you going, would love to see what’s happening in your Mumbai garden when you get started. :)
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I only have enough place for a pot near the window, but that could be a start!
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Your gardens are SO BEAUTIFUL, Loretta. I have no talents in gardening AT ALL, so you can imagine how envious I am of your gardens. These are just lovely :)
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Aww, thanks so much for your kind comments. I do enjoy gardening, I find it so therapeutic. So glad you stopped by. :)
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I am so happy to be at your blog as well :)
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Your postage stamp garden is lovely! We just have a city lot but need to make it easier to maintain as we age! Nancy
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Thanks Nancy for visiting :). We too took the plunge, left the big house, lot and the suburbs behind, in favor of the city. The postage stamp lot is the city one. I took a peek at your blog too, it’s beautiful. You are very fortunate to be able to grow veggies, I don’t think I have enough room, nor sun for that. I do have herbs in pots though and perhaps I’ll grow tomatoes next year.
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