GARDEN SNAPS

May 9, 2023 74 Comments

SPRING IN THE GARDEN HAS BEEN VERY LATE.

IT IS THE MIDDLE OF MAY AND STILL NOT ONE ROSE.

I WILL LET THE PHOTOS DO THE TALKING!

I WILL DO A POST PART TWO WITH ROSES.

63 IS CREEPING UP ON ME……..LETS DO THE MATH SHALL WE?

73 DAYS FROM WRITING THIS!

BELOW A MILK CARTON WITH STORE BOUGHT FLOWERS AND WATER WAS LEFT IN THE FREEZER FOR A FEW DAYS.

THEY DO MAKE BEAUTIFUL ICE SCULPTURES IN THE GARDEN.

OR IN A BOWL ON A TABLE.

A GOOD PROJECT TO DO WITH CHILDREN.

THE ANTS OPENED THIS FLOWER A PEONY.

SOME SAY IT’S A MYTH ABOUT THE ANTS.

EVERY YEAR THE BUDS ARE FULL OF ANTS AND HEAVY TRAFFIC!

MYTH OR TRUTH WHO CARES THE BEAUTY AND FRAGRANCE OF THIS FLOWER IS BEYOND SUBLIME TO ME.

IT HAS A POWERFUL FRAGRANCE!

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE FLOWER?

IT’S HARD FOR ME TO PICK.

I ADORE JASMINE ESPECIALLY THE PINK JASMINE,ROSES OF COURSE,LITTLE PANSIES OR JOHNNY JUMP UPS AND THE SPRING PEONY!

I THINK EVERY FLOWER HAS A PLACE IN MY HEART EVEN A FEW WEEDS!

A TRIVIA FACT ABOUT THE CORONATION IF YOU SAW IT.YOUR CONTESSA SAT IN THE GOLD CARRIAGE AT AGE SEVEN.MY AUNT BETTY TALKED OUR WAY INTO THE MEWS AT Buckingham Palace AND WE WERE GIVEN A PRIVATE TOUR!I FELT LIKE A PRINCESS FOR A FEW MINUTES!THE LOVELY MAN LET ME SIT IN THE GOLD CARRIAGE BUILT FOR GEORGE III’S CORONATION IN 1761, BUT WASNOT READY IN TIME!IT WAS COMPLETED THE FOLLOWING YEAR 1762.

I HOPE NO ONE’S HEAD GOT CHOPPED OFF FOR THAT MIS-FORTUNE!

THAT WOULD BE 261 YEARS AGO!

THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR LOVELY COMMENTS AND FOR BEING HERE.

THIS WILL TAKE A MIRACLE FOR ME TO GET THE HANG OF EVERYTHING NEW.

LET’S COMPARE IT TO RIDING A BICYCLE FOR THE FIRST TIME!

I HAVE HAD A FEW TANTRUMS AND TEARS OVER IT.

MOMENTS OF TOSSING THE TOWEL IN.

HOWEVER, I HAVE FOUND WALKING AWAY FROM IT AND BEING BUSY WITH ANOTHER PROJECT HELPS!

PS.WE HAVE PURCHASED OUR FIRST OLD PEOPLES FURNITURE TO BE DELIVERED THIS THURSDAY!STAY TUNED AS THAT WILL BE A GOOD PHOTO!THE ITALIAN NEEDS TO BE ABLE TO HOLD MY HAND AT TELEVISION TIME AND THIS WILL DO THE TRICK!

BIG HUGS TO ALL,

XXX

LA CONTESSA

74 Comments

Leave your reply.

Connie
· Reply

May 26, 2023 at 7:21 AM

Just catching up on your last couple of posts. Your readers comments are the best too!

Love to see all the photos of your beautiful home and gardens. I remember a pink Fairy rose I once had. Sadly it succumbed to disease.

Thanks to you I have been wearing caftans around the house. I am tall so length is issue but I found some at World Market that are great. Batik designs. I am slowly building a collection to have for my future self. Our grandmother’s wore housecoats – I will wear caftans.

Hope your health continues to improve. I struggle with arthritis everywhere as I age.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 26, 2023 at 1:05 PM
  
  HI CONNIE!
  YES, I AGREE THE COMMENTS CAN BE BETTER THAN THE POST!
  I CANNOT BELIEVE YOU FOUND LONG CAFTANS AT WORLD MARKET OTHERWISE KNOWN AS COST PLUS?THEY WERE ALWAYS TO SHORT FOR ME!
  I AM WEARING A CAFTAN TODAY AS I TYPE AWAY………..
  THEY ARE PRACTICAL AND PRETTY!
  THE HEALTH………LETS JUST STAY AWAY FROM THAT TODAY!
  XXX
Ms. Mary
· Reply

May 15, 2023 at 3:02 PM

From the comments so far, it seems like the Peonies are a favorite! 🙂 I am partial to Tulips. I just told someone about your yellow/white garden color scheme yesterday. I am not disciplined enough to stick to a coordinated palette, and now I have a mash-up of all the colors in my garden. Currently, purple is the dominant color. Love, M.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 18, 2023 at 7:10 AM
  
  MASH~UP IS GOOD TOO.
  WHAT EVERY SUITS YOUR FANCY!
  ANY FLOWER OR TREE IS A BEAUTY!
  XXX
Juliet
· Reply

May 14, 2023 at 7:55 PM

Roses or no, your garden is looking lovely! Hopefully the last few days of warm (hot) weather spurred them on. I’m a few days late getting here so I say a glimpse of the new furniture on Insta. Looking forward to more details and the full story! Speaking of stories … you sat in the Coronation carriage?! This deserves the full post treatment! xo
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 15, 2023 at 10:02 AM
  
  YES I DID AT AGE SEVEN!
  THE PHOTO IS MISSING FROM MY BABY ALBUM I MUST HAVE TAKEN IT OUT TO STARE AT AND NOT PUT IT BACK!!
  XOXO
D. A. Squires
· Reply

May 12, 2023 at 11:11 AM

When we bought our home in New Milford, CT we ‘inherited’ a large peony garden that had been planted by the seller a long time ago. A ‘legacy’ peony garden : ) All shades of peonies, all robust bloomers, and filled with ants on the buds, always. The luxury this afforded was I could cut and cut for the house and still have many blossoms on the plants. I used to bury my face in them and breathe and do the same with Devyn! It is the most heavenly scent, but our mature lilac trees were a close second. Aside from the politics in FL, the heartbreak was knowing I would never have them again. And rare to find them cut anywhere in FL. No Trader Joe’s within range (adore that store).
Can’t believe you sat inside the golden carriage!! Amazing. Those were the best times. I am so, so nostalgic for the past the older I get. (Re old person’s furniture, if it’s a memory foam adjustable king twin mattress you will love it : )
Cannot wait for the rose photos!!! Never give up your blog… never!!!
XOXO
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 15, 2023 at 10:07 AM
  
  WE HAVE THE MEMORY FOAM BUT NOT TWINS ONE FULL MATTRESS!THAT WORKS LIKE A HOSPITAL BED!
  THAT I GUESS WAS OUR FIRST PIECE OF OLD FOLKS FURNITURE!
  IT DID COME IN HANDY WHEN I HAD PNEUMONIA!
  
  I DID SIT IN IT WITH BIG EYES!I KNEW THEN I WAS ALLOWED TO DO SOMETHING VERY VERY SPECIAL!BUT THEN AGAIN THE QUEEN AND I HAD THE SAME NAME!SO I THOUGHT THAT HAD HELPED!!!
  
  THANK YOU!
  XOXO
Fran
· Reply

May 12, 2023 at 9:51 AM

Carissima Contessa,

I’m a little late to your party here, but YOUR garden is a DREAM! PURE PARADISE with the variety of blooms you have. I just LOVE the perfume of lilacs and jasmine….too bad the lilacs have such a short blooming season – especially here where I live. Your garden in full bloom will help you feel a whole lot better, TOO! Now…..I almost fell off my chair when I read that you actually SAT INSIDE THAT GOLD CARRIAGE! WHAAAAT?! Throughout all these years, I have fantasized about doing JUST THAT – except, I am wearing a tiara and a glamorous dress. I hope you find that photo of you in the Royal Gold Carriage!
Also, I think your Italian is the SWEETEST man EVER! Just the thought that he wants to hold your hand while watching telly on your new furniture is PRICELESS!
XXOO Fran
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 15, 2023 at 10:10 AM
  
  I KNOW I LUCKED OUT IN THE HUSBAND DEPARTMENT!
  NOT PERFECT BUT PRETTY DARN CLOSE………….
  CANNOT BELIEVE IT WILL BE 37 years this summer!
  I HOPE YOU HAD A WONDERFUL MOTHER”S DAY!
  XOXO
Lorna
· Reply

May 12, 2023 at 2:55 AM

Elizabeth, your flowers are gorgeous and your garden is like a slice of heaven on earth. I didn’t comment on your last post because I have been rather busy but I am glad that you decided to continue blogging. On the other hand. I think I want to throw in the towel. I’m still deciding. It’s just that I don’t feel I have anything interesting to share.

I enjoyed watching the coronation but, for me, the highlight was the military parade. I rather like to see men in uniform 🙂

As you’ve probably noticed, I’m also not on IG much. The algorithm works against me no matter what I do. It is annoying and IG is nothing like it used to be when I first joined. But then, nothing is the same. Everything keeps changing and sometimes I find it hard to keep up with everything.

I don’t think I have a favourite flower. All of them are beautiful in their own way but I do love roses, hydrangeas and carnations a lot. Peonies are beautiful but they don’t grow here – at least I don’t know anyone that has grown them successfully.

Take care and I hope to be in a better blogging mood soon 🙂 If I do share something I will send you the link directly because Mailchimp still isn’t working and I have no time to fix it. xx
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 12, 2023 at 7:18 AM
  
  Algorithm is screwed up on mine as well.I have a few thoughts about it.I am not going through the people I follow that often anymore so that cut down on likes BIG TIME.I have found you must put in what you get out!A lot of people just STALK no like or comments just scroll……I get that easier on the eye zooming in to hit that circle!I only receive ADS and people that are BIG ACCOUNTS none of MY PEOPLE who I want to see!If I happen to see them on another feed I go to their account and realize I have not seen the last 6 or more photos!I agree with you!It has changed and its ALL TOO MUCH TO KEEP UP WITH AND THE DAM MUSIC AND VIDEOS WITH WORDS I HAVE NO INTEREST IN!I want to be entertained and relax not fighting for time to see what they wrote plus look at the photo flashing by………
  Yes, MAILCHIMP seems to be sending out some of my emails but I have lost 80% of my readership from what I see from the stats!ITS A SAD SITUATION AND I AM HAVING THE SAME THOUGHTS YOU ARE.
  IT MIGHT BE BACK TO BASICS FOR US!!!COOKING AND CLEANING AND READING A BOOK!!!
  XXX
Maggie
· Reply

May 11, 2023 at 5:37 PM

Elizabeth,
Wow stunning flowers. Your garden looks like a dream. What a fantastic story about the carriage. Amazing!
Maggie
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 12, 2023 at 7:19 AM
  
  SO MAD I CANNOT FIND THE PHOTO!BACK IN THOSE DAYS ONE PHOTO WAS TAKEN NOT A FEW!!!!
  I REMEMBER IT ALL SO CLEARLY TOO!
  XXX
Jill James
· Reply

May 11, 2023 at 4:47 PM

Hello Elizabeth, lovely to see your Spring garden in all its glory. I am rather envious of your peonies , I have a few but they dont flower for me. They probably will this year when I’m not home to see them.
The coach King Charles road in for the coronation was made by an Australian coach builder Jim Frecklington for the late Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee and had heating and was more comfortable than the one previously used.
I did laugh at your mention of the new furniture , sometimes practical over your usual style. Hope all is well, Jill.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 12, 2023 at 7:07 AM
  
  IT TOOK YEARS FOR MY PEONY TO BLOOM AS WELL!HANG IN THERE!
  IT HAS ARRIVED THE NEW FURNITURE.VERY COMFORTABLE!
  BETTY LIKES IT TOO!
  XXX
PPP
· Reply

May 10, 2023 at 6:42 PM

Ma Chere Contessa,

Your garden is heavenly!
The blooms are a sight to behold. My favorite is that gorgeous pink peony ! Please share a pic of the old people furniture… I am excited to find out what you mean.
So glad to see you looking well …I hope you feel as good as you look.
A beautiful garden feeds the soul, but you already know that ?

PPP
- La Contessa
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 11, 2023 at 7:26 AM
  
  I will show a photo!
  Out with the beauty in with the comfort!
  Hope you two are well.
  XXX
Hilda Smith
· Reply

May 10, 2023 at 1:30 PM

Beautiful beautiful garden. What a gift you have. Looking forward to seeing the new furniture xx
Bonnie Schulte
· Reply

May 10, 2023 at 11:39 AM

Love your flowers, all of the garden. The photos of the weathered statues are my favorites. Just beautiful!!! In Wisconsin we have been having so many colder days, that my Iris, Peonies, Lily of the Valley, and Hydrangas (sp?) are just little green peek-a boos, coming up. I can’t wait, till we have a little color in the garden. Today it is 74 degrees, the first time this Spring.
Hope you don’t mind if I call you youngster, you are a gorgeous. classy 63 year old, that is 20 years younger than I am.
Rosemarie
· Reply

May 10, 2023 at 10:51 AM

HI AGAIN CONTESSA
FORGOT TO ADD THAT SOME WEEDS CAN BE EATEN.
MOST PEOPLE HATE DANDELIONS BUT THEY ARE SO BEAUTIFUL WITH THEIR YELLOW FLOWERS – BEES LOVE THEM – I’VE BEEN ENJOYING ENJOYING THE LEAVES – NEXT I WILL TRY THE FLOWERS.
OFF TODAY TO VAN DUSEN GARDENS.
Claudia
· Reply

May 10, 2023 at 10:44 AM

Those flowers!!!
Rosemarie
· Reply

May 10, 2023 at 10:41 AM

Hi there CONTESSA
SPRING IS SO MAGICAL IN THE GARDEN – WITH PLANTS SPROUTING AND BLOOMING. WONDERS OF NATURE TO BEHOLD!
UNFORTUNATELY IT IS A MYTH RE ANTS/PEONIES BUT INSECTS ETC DO CARE FOR
FLOWERS ETC. I HAVE LOTS OF PEONIES NOW IN BUD – THE MAJORITY WERE RESCUED FROM GARDENS WHERE HOUSES WERE GOING TO BE TORN DOWN – THE WIND CARRIED SEEDS TO OTHER PARTS OF THE GARDEN SO I HAVE THEM SPROUTING UNEXPECTEDLY HERE/THERE – THE GARDEN IS FULL OF SURPRISES!
HERE IS A FAVOURITE HAIKU:

IN THE DARK GARDEN OF THE NIGHT
THE PEONY REMAINS QUIET
(SHIRAO KAYA)

**no I am not yelling at you – large print easier to read)
***Did the lupine seeds I sent you a year or 2 ago sprout/bloom?***
***THANK YOU FOR SHARING SUCH LOVELY PICS***
Heidi
· Reply

May 10, 2023 at 10:36 AM

Hi Elizabeth,
We must get a little more sun than you do up there, my roses are all starting to bloom and look wonderful. But, you have so many gorgeous blossoms all over the place, your garden is like a dream! I planted what was supposed to be a peony and it turned out to be something else entirely, very disappointing. Enjoy yours while they are in their splendor! I see a few of your photos that might make it into a painting if that’s okay with you?
So nice that GP wants to watch TV while holding your hand. Sweet. Guess an ugly-ish piece of furniture is not too bad a price to pay for that!
63 is a good age, so are any years that come after it! Consider the alternative, my dad always used to say. Believe me it was a bit of trauma here when i turned the corner into official senior citizenship. But I am happy to be alive, so I’m not going to complain! Feeling pretty good right now, hopeful for the future and busier than ever.
Sending you lots of love,
Heidi
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 10, 2023 at 4:11 PM
  
  HEIDI I MUST GIVE YOU A CALL…………..we are way over due for a catch up!
  I need a RE-DO on 62……………..
  63 has to be BETTER!
  OF COURSE YOU CAN PAINT ANYTHING I POST YOU KNOW I ADORE YOUR WORK!
  XXX
Brenda N
· Reply

May 10, 2023 at 10:09 AM

Hi Contessa,
What beautiful photos from your garden! I especially enjoyed seeing your lilacs and yellow Banksia rose in bloom. Also, your garden art is lovely. I would love to be able to grow beautiful peonies like yours down here, but we’re not the right zone. Oh, I love pink jasmine too, what incredible fragrance! Our star jasmines will soon be blooming (late for this year) and the garden will be filled with the scent. My favorite plants in the garden this year are scented geraniums I planted last year that are now huge, blooming profusely and smell wonderful. The foliage also scents the garden, without even touching it, a nice surprise. Since they are drought tolerant for me and do well in pots or the ground, I just picked up three more yesterday, a new addiction!
Happy birthday in advance, my fellow 1960 gal! I’m just a few months ahead of you.
What a fun story about the carriage at Buckingham palace!
Take care 🙂
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 10, 2023 at 4:08 PM
  
  THAT MEANS YOU HAD A BIRTHDAY RECENTLY?
  TELL ME WHEN IS YOUR BIRTHDAY?
  YES!1960 was our year!
  I recall you buying those Geraniums.You have a GREEN THUMB for certain!
  XXX
  - Brenda N
    · Reply
    
    May 11, 2023 at 9:00 AM
    
    My b-day is Feb 9th. 🙂
    - LA CONTESSA
      · Reply
      
      Author
      
      May 12, 2023 at 7:06 AM
      
      OHH THANK YOU!!!
      XXX
Judith
· Reply

May 10, 2023 at 9:58 AM

What a treat to see your gardens, Contessa. Everything is lovely. Here in Tennessee, Agricultural Zone 7a, we are having a splendid spring, loaded with blooms and lots of green, new life everywhere. Last winter, we had a sustained period of 5 degree weather, so I was worried about what would make it, but the majority of everything survived. Trust your instinct to turn to your garden for solace and reflection – you are so right to distract yourself when things become overwhelming. This time outdoors, amidst all of that beauty, is soul-fulfilling; it will only serve to help you. Along with your sparkling attitude, intrepid determination, and sheer zest for living, you will emerge an even better you…..
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 10, 2023 at 4:05 PM
  
  LISTEN TO JUDITH should be a BLOG POST for the FUTURE!
  WE can do a DEAR JUDITH POST!
  ASK HER QUESTIONS ABOUT GARDEN, PARENTING, ETC!
  I’m on THAT!
  THANK YOU!
  XXX
  - Judith
    · Reply
    
    May 10, 2023 at 6:05 PM
    
    That’s hilarious!
Carole
· Reply

May 10, 2023 at 9:07 AM

I am always so happy when I see your name pop up in mail. You have inspired me with your beautiful flowers ?. Where do I begin ? Seriously, where do I begin . I have never planted anything before. I’m starting with a blank year .
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 10, 2023 at 4:02 PM
  
  HEAD TO THE NURSERY AND BUY WHAT SPEAKS TO YOU!
  ITS NOT HARD TO PLANT ESPECIALLY NOW BEFORE THE SOIL GETS HARD FROM SUMMER.READ THE TAG for reference………shade/sun etc!
  ENJOY IT!ITS GOOD FOR YOU TO GARDEN!GOOD FOR THE SOUL!
  XXX
lisa thomson-author
· Reply

May 10, 2023 at 9:03 AM

Your garden looks gorgeous, LA CONTESSA. Has there been less sun this spring? Is that why it’s behind?
I used to have a Peony bush at the side of my house and it was my favorite. Indeed, the ants loved it just as much if not more than I. I have so many favorite flowers. I especially like the fragrant ones. I’ve never grown roses because I have not been in the climate for it. Since moving to a more temperate location (Vancouver) I have been apartment living so I have no garden, only pots. Well, I would love to try roses one day when we have our large property…hopefully in the next few years.
Speaking of old people furniture, I think I win that one. I have my mother in law’s recliner! It is the comfiest thing ever. Is it old people furniture? You bet it is. She moved into a seniors home and didn’t have room for it in her new digs so she gave it to me. I will enjoy more with each passing year, I think. 63 years young you’ll be! Are these the golden years? I am hanging onto my 50’s by the skin of my teeth.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 10, 2023 at 3:59 PM
  
  I sent you a photo on instagram private message!
  I have my MOTHER’s recliner I found at a consignment shop about 10 years ago!DONE IN FABRIC!!!GORGEOUS COLORS TOO!
  GOOD QUESTION ABOUT THE GOLDEN YEARS!I GUESS THEY ARE………
  NOT WHAT I HAD ENVISIONED!
  HUGS,
  XXX
Barbara at Mantel and Table
· Reply

May 10, 2023 at 8:59 AM

Elizabeth your garden is so lovely! The peonies are gorgeous, and I can’t wait to see your roses. Ours are slow up here too, but lots of buds! 🙂 I hope the old people furniture does its job and lets you two be cozy AND comfortable! Thanks for the moment of beauty this morning, and good luck with it all!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 10, 2023 at 3:56 PM
  
  THANKS BARBARA………….it arrives TOMORROW at 7:45 AM!!
  STAY TUNED!
  XXX
Marci
· Reply

May 10, 2023 at 8:05 AM

Your garden is a stunning and happy offshoot of your zest for all things beautiful. I’m getting ideas and enthusiasm from looking at your flowers and containers. Now, as soon as I shake off this cold/flu thing, I’m headed to the nursery. Also…what is “old people’s “ furniture? This sounds so funny coming from you. Thanks for a delightful and lively blog ??
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 10, 2023 at 3:55 PM
  
  YOU will see what old people furniture is and I’m sure a lot of you already own it!To give a hint OUT with the BEAUTY and in with the COMFORT!
  I can get rid of the question marks just know that the icons emoji’s do not work here for some odd reason.
  THANK YOU!
  XXX
Mumbai
· Reply

May 10, 2023 at 7:58 AM

your garden is always wonderful. Although the tulip is my favorite flower, every flower has its place in my ranking. Late spring, long summer. Here in southern Spain everything bloomed crazy in the winter time, but now it’s over. Have trimmed back hoping they will bloom again in summer if it doesn’t get too hot as predicted.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 10, 2023 at 3:52 PM
  
  I LOVE THE TULIP TOO!I FORGOT THAT ONE!
  I hope the weather is good to YOU!
  How lucky that things bloom in the winter season!That must be a big lift of the spirits!
  XXX
Vikki
· Reply

May 10, 2023 at 7:50 AM

Hi Elizabeth!
My garden is slow this year too. (Except the weeds that loved the rain). I do however have lots of lettuce as they like it colder. Hope you have a wonderful birthday… I’ve tested the waters on 62. It’s ok just enjoy every year:)
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 10, 2023 at 3:50 PM
  
  THANK YOU !
  WILL DO!
  YES,I HAVE A FEW OUT THERE TO PULL………….XXX
Stephanie D
· Reply

May 10, 2023 at 7:32 AM

You and your garden are simply beautiful, and those peonies? Swoon!!

My new front garden is only a week old, but I did put in three Japanese peonies that are loaded with buds. Hail is possible later today and I’m a nervous wreck trying to figure out how to protect all my new plants! Wish me luck…

xx
Stephanie
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 10, 2023 at 3:49 PM
  
  MAY THE HAIL PASS OVER……………
  VERY EXCITED FOR YOU AND YOUR NEW FRONT YARD!!
  XXX
Donna
· Reply

May 10, 2023 at 7:00 AM

Your garden”s flowers are gorgeous. Peonies are some of my favorites! Your hard work shows.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 10, 2023 at 7:37 AM
  
  NO hard work here just put in ground and forgot about them!Every year this little bush surprises me!I love to watch the ants circle it with speed and once it opens there is one or two still staying AFTER HOURS!!!
  They are triple in price now I noticed at the Nursery!
  XXX
Dinner Party Guru
· Reply

May 10, 2023 at 6:20 AM

Dear Elizabeth

Your garden is beyond beautiful. Happy 63rd year to you – you are just a spring chick – I turn 70 in October. Where have the years gone I wonder.

Wishing you more spring blooms and contentment in your old people new sitting situation. Can’t wait to see!

Love
Amanda
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 10, 2023 at 7:34 AM
  
  Well, don’t hold your breath as The Italian does not care for photos, but I’m certain I can get BETTY TO MODEL THE NEW LOVESEAT!
  CONGRATULATIONS!
  70 is a GREAT NUMBER!
  XXX
Pierrette
· Reply

May 10, 2023 at 6:19 AM

Love peonies. We live in a condo now so cannot grew them. Yours are beautiful. Queen Elizabeth hated that gold carriage because she said it was so uncomfortable and cold. Woke up at 4 am and watched every minute of the coronation. Made scones the night before. Hope you are feeling better.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 10, 2023 at 7:32 AM
  
  I read that too!That coach was NOT COMFORTABLE for the ride……….NO SPRINGS etc.Maybe its time to put it on display!
  GOOD FOR YOU!AND TODAY IS THE GARDEN PARTY AT Buckingham Palace!!SO many events in such a short amount of time!
  Lovely to hear from YOU!
  XXX
Leslie Lord
· Reply

May 10, 2023 at 6:08 AM

Elizabeth
Your garden snippets are gorgeous! Spring is late here too…peonies are blooming but no roses just yet…the lily of the valley is just starting to flower.
Better late than never!!!
Old people furniture? Wouldn’t even try and guess…except perhaps it’s an antique :-))

Have a lovely week! I will look forward to seeing your part 2 of the garden post with roses!!!!

Leslie
Hostess of the Humble Bungalow
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 10, 2023 at 7:29 AM
  
  NO not an ANTIQUE!
  NOW THAT I WOULD LOVE!
  I still can kick myself for not buying a three sided FRENCH BED as a COUCH!The dog the pig the cat we could ALL HAVE FIT!
  IT’s pretty BASIC.
  AND NOT PRETTY!
  XXX
patti
· Reply

May 10, 2023 at 6:04 AM

I LOVE Peony’s
I LOVE Jasmine.. pink and/or white
Little pansies are the BEST!
Nasturtiums !
Sweet potato vines
English Ivy.. and the list goes on !
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 10, 2023 at 7:27 AM
  
  I know!
  I donot think there is one ugly FLOWER!
  Plus some WEEDS are gorgeous!
  I always wondered who decided what was a WEED verses a FLOWER!
  XXX
1010ParkPlace
· Reply

May 10, 2023 at 5:50 AM

I love peonies. Decades ago I bought some sheets for my bed. They had a white background with huge pink peonies on them. They fell by the wayside years ago, but they’re still the prettiest bed linens I’ve ever had. Love your photographs and the story about the little gold carriage. xoxox, Brenda
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 10, 2023 at 7:25 AM
  
  SHEETS SOUND EXCEPTIONAL……….
  IT was always hard for me to find flowered sheets or clothing for that matter.The ENGLISH do it so well and here hardly nothing!
  The whole mews was a sight to be hold!I can still recall it vividly!
  XOXO
Robin
· Reply

May 10, 2023 at 5:32 AM

Your garden looks wonderful with all that IS blooming. Roses to look forward to.
Looking forward to seeing the new furniture. How sweet GP holds your hand at television time!!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 10, 2023 at 5:44 AM
  
  YES!
  I am VERY LUCKY with THE ITALIAN!
  My Mother did GOOD in pointing him out to ME!
  XXX
Barbara Spain
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May 10, 2023 at 5:29 AM

Ahhh, the pleasure of having a garden! I enjoyed all the pictures you posted of your beautiful flowers today! Fun fact about peonies… Fairbanks, AK grows peonies in large numbers during the months of June and July! And the cut stems are shipped all around the world! I learned this when Mr. T and I visited our son who was stationed there two years ago.
- LA CONTESSA
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  May 10, 2023 at 5:41 AM
  
  I REMEMBER THAT VISIT from your instagram!IT’s a cold weather PLANT!
  Trader Joes use to get them up here but very small……
  I am so HAPPY each year when they pop up!
  The plant has remained the same size now for ten years I think NO GROWTH IN SIZE!
  XXX
sbchica
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May 10, 2023 at 5:17 AM

Yes, old people’s furniture, LOLOLOL. We are thinking of some items that would be helpful and comfy, too. I’m glad we can all laugh at ourselves.
- LA CONTESSA
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  Author
  
  May 10, 2023 at 5:35 AM
  
  WE MUST!
  I am hoping my pillows will SPRUCE them up by day but by night will be regulated to another chair!
  COMFORT is IN NOW FOREVER!!
  XXX
Dawn
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May 10, 2023 at 4:38 AM

Looking forward to SEEING what you refer to as “old person furniture”! Your photographs are a pleasure. May is the month of the PEONY on the East Coast. Especially on the North Shore of Long Island. A drive out to Orient, NY will yield 2 bundles of the beauties (in that exact shade of pink you’ve photographed) for about $40.00. The fragrance–made the house smell good for almost a week, and they lasted for almost a month! I just kept changing the water daily and moving them from room to room. Alas, I am relegated to 3 stems from Whole Foods so far this year, as I haven’t learned how to create the conditions for them to thrive in our soil. They are beautiful and an intense shade of pink. I will be returning to Whole Foods weekly until they are no longer available. Small pleasures. <3
- LA CONTESSA
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  Author
  
  May 10, 2023 at 5:33 AM
  
  I keep thinking today I should go cut the stems but cannot bring myself to do that!WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME!The fragrance is BEYOND anything I have yet to smell and OH SO FRESH!
  WEST COAST they are hard to grow as we do not have the cold cold winters and I happen to have the CLAY SOIL which hinders many plants.Thrilled I get the few I do!
  Keep finding those small pleasures!
  XXX
Nena Ivon
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May 10, 2023 at 4:32 AM

Beautiful post…your garden is exquisite…just like you!
- LA CONTESSA
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  May 10, 2023 at 5:28 AM
  
  It gives me great JOY to look at even if I cannot work in it like I would like too.
  THANK YOU VERY MUCH!
  XXX
Daron Baylis-Duffield
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May 10, 2023 at 4:28 AM

We sat and watched the Coronation and I must say that one of the most memorable events of the whole ceremony for me was the music which, in my opinion, really was something that took your breath away. There is no other nation that does Pomp and Ceremony quite like the Brits, but they have been doing it for a very long time??
Love the photos of all that is blooming in your garden and I can’t wait to see the roses again.
Much love to you both.
- LA CONTESSA
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  May 10, 2023 at 5:26 AM
  
  HELLO DARON,
  YES, I too heard about the music!I didnot get up at 3 am to watch the service LIVE and have yet to google it!I hope I can do that maybe this afternoon.THE KING picked out the music himself I read which is LOVELY I think.He sure looked CALM and READY TO CARRY ON………….
  The bits and pieces I saw were lovely.
  
  THANK YOU!
  XXX
LA CONTESSA
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Author

May 9, 2023 at 5:38 PM

Don’t know anything about the “WING” you must fill me in!
My neighbor just brought me a dish towel from the CORONATION!She bought a sleeping bag and slept outside for two nights by herself!
I asked about the PORT A POTTIES……..she shook her head NO as if there were none!!
She was coming down with a COLD so I will get the full scoop LATER!
GARBUNCAL!!WHAT A WORD!!
XXX
Julie
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May 9, 2023 at 5:25 PM

You have a great memory! My mom was always a great charmer! I can totally see her talking your way in, giggling all the way. My favorite flower is the peony. It is so robust and fragrant.
- LA CONTESSA
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  Author
  
  May 9, 2023 at 5:35 PM
  
  SHE WAS SMILING A LOT AND WINKING AT ME!
  I DO REMEMBER THAT!
  THANKS TO HER SHE SET MY EXPECTATIONS HIGH!
  XXX
sandra Sallin
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May 9, 2023 at 3:59 PM

I’m with you. Whatever is blooming is my favorite. Don’t tell the other flowers. It’s such a treat to see the flowers blooming Our rain has certainly made the flowers bloom. I can’t wait to see your “old person” furniture. I think I know what it will be. Funny I thought that gold carriage looked from such another time. Of course it was but it seemed too old for today. But I loved watching the coronation and I’m sure he’ll be an excellent king. I loved that he kept that wing from being added to the National gallery. It was a “garbuncal”!