GARDEN PHOTOS.

May 10, 2024 79 Comments

BOLERO ROSE……..very fragrant.

I am drawing a blank on this ones name!

It is a climbing yellow rose.

A ROSE NAMED CHARLOTTE!

I Adore this plant which I call LIONS TAIL. I do not know the plant name but was thrilled to see it take off last year in my garden after years of doing NOTHING!

I have been meaning to get these chairs re – done for THE LAST 18 YEARS!

NOW that there is a little girl in MY LIFE occasionally; I better get to it!

WE recently CELEBRATED FOUR YEARS OLD!

This looks like GOLDEN CELEBRATION but I do not think this one is!

I have that rose elsewhere in the garden.

Any Ideas FABULOUS READERS?

PEONY!

A TYPE OF MOCK ORANGE.

VERY FRAGRANT!

Looking down towards the old chicken coop!

NEW DAWN, I BELIEVE……………see I’m forgetting now!

You think you will NEVER FORGET when you plant them but YOU DO!

Some one needs to come up with a tag that remains sturdy and attached for years!

This is the mystery yellow climber………..maybe it is GOLDEN CELEBRATION!

Entrance to my little cottage.

The STANDARD ROSE TREE is PILLOWFIGHT!

WHITE SWAN is the name of this 25 year old BELLE of a BUSH!

So, my memory is NOT completely gone!

The garden I have left to its own devices.

It definitely is a SPRING GARDEN which is not very practical.

I spoke too soon the other day when I told my new neighbor the DEER haven’t been coming by!

The next morning I go to get in my car and OPPS!

I had at least ONE four legged VISITOR last night!

Ate a PEONY and some SALLY HOMES rose buds!

They areNOT suppose to EAT PEONY!

Then again I am not suppose to eat salt anymore……..

Just a little GUILTY!

Those MC DONALD French Fries were calling my name!

I read recently that MC DONALD FRIES are coated with 18 ingredients!

You DONOT want to know what is in them!

I JUST LOVE THEM!

Luckily I do not treat MYSELF often!

The climbing hydrangea is coming into sight on the left and the snowball tree is too on the right!

Thank You for viewing.

I hope your SPRING is SPECTACULAR or FALL where ever you maybe.

Those of you who are following along with me and my FOREVER HEALTH issues will be happy to hear I met with a STANFORD DOCTOR yesterday.She spent an hour and a half with me and specializes in FND.

MY new diagnosis from Kaiser.

Seems she is NOT convinced that is the correct diagnosis!

I also had my FIRST COCKTAIL in about 7 years!

A COSMOPOLITAN LAST NIGHT and it was TOO STRONG!

Perhaps some PROSECCO for Mother’s Day is the better choice?

OR STICK WITH THE WATER?

This would have been July 31,st as MY MOTHER is wearing a TIARA!

As you can tell here SHE was a bit MORE UNDERSTATED THEN ME!

Her Birthday………many years ago.

May you MOTHERS OF FURRY BABIES AND PEOPLE HAVE A LOVELY DAY and ALL THE REST OF YOU TOO!

My guess is I’m about 44 years old here so 20 years ago…………as you can see a few similarities I have with LA MAMMA!

Eyes, nose, face and double chin!

I SMILE EVERY TIME I SEE THAT CHIN IN A PHOTO on me!

WE BOTH MOTHER AND I LOVED MC DONALDS; LETS BLAME THE FRENCH FRIES!

SHALL WE?

A BIG HUG TO ALL OF YOU,

XXX

YOUR CONTESSA

KEEP SCROLLING DOWNWARDS IF YOU WANT TO ASK ME A QUESTION OR COMMENT!

I WILL ALWAYS RESPOND TO YOU in a DAY OR TWO!

79 Comments

Leave your reply.

Mel
· Reply

June 29, 2024 at 12:26 AM

Your Garden is outstanding. Those flowers! Have not been on for some time. Finally at the cottage until end of Sept. weather is cold and rainy today doe June 28th.

Well how exciting to get a second opinion even if that have no t pinned it down.

Hope you stay well and have a beautiful summer!
Mel
Lorna
· Reply

May 20, 2024 at 10:38 PM

I never get tired of seeing photos of your garden Elizabeth. It’s the stuff of dreams. Your roses are beautiful. I have a few bushes, mostly pinks but my husband convinced to get a coral-orangey one last year. It quite beautiful but the blooms only last a day or two. We almost got a Mr Lincoln a few weeks ago but don’t really have the space for it.

I hope your health is doing better and that you will finally get a proper diagnosis.

Little Lottie is very cute. She is growing up fast and I see a resemblance with you in her.

Last week was awfully hoy and we had a lot of Saharan dust coming our way. I’ve been complaining about it on IG. My poor plants didn’t know what hit them. But today it’s cool again and we have a strong wind, which I love.

Take care. Hugs for Theo and Bettie.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 23, 2024 at 9:19 AM
  
  The garden this year has LOST A LOT of the older roses!I am devastated by it……….
  Just not what is was in years past!I do not have the energy to start again.
  The GARDEN is SICKLY just like ME!
  GO GET LINCOLN…………CRAM HIM IN THAT GARDEN!
  XXX
chris
· Reply

May 17, 2024 at 9:33 AM

i love the garden. so pretty. and nice to see the peonies & roses i cannot grow here (no frost, & too much salt air).

maybe switch to mocktails and the occasional red wine? mocktails have become a thing now, & i’m just as happy w the flavor sans alcool.

glad to read about the specialist, & keeping fingers crossed for you (altho, Go Bears!!!!! lol)
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 23, 2024 at 9:15 AM
  
  MOCKTAILS IT WILL BE!
  AS THE TASTE FOR WINE HAS LEFT ME………….XXX
Diana Amato
· Reply

May 16, 2024 at 5:44 PM

Spring is underway in your beautiful garden. I don’t think I could possibly remember the names of all the beauties you have there. As always, I am happy to see you and the beautiful garden you have created throughout the years. Looking forward to hearing new and improved updates from your health journey.
Un forte abbraccio ancora,
Diana
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 23, 2024 at 9:14 AM
  
  MY MEMORY WAS MY BEST ASSET!
  NOW THAT IS SLIPPING TOO……………..
  I’ve got NEWS on the health but still no REAL ANSWERS!
  XXX
Graciela
· Reply

May 13, 2024 at 12:21 PM

Always enjoy! Thank you, I truly must say I love the blue outfit with hat and I dont think i have ever seen that one. YOU look gorgeous!
I hope your health continues to improve. I always say with God all things are possible.

Blessings
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 14, 2024 at 10:27 AM
  
  The Health is still a Big issue but thanks for your prayers!
  At least now I have someone who is listening!
  Xxx
1010ParkPlace
· Reply

May 13, 2024 at 6:36 AM

What a beautiful garden paradise. Once you enter your front gate, it’s easy to imagine you’re in the countryside. Eager to hear what they think you have now. Grrrr…. It’s very scary when no one can agree and this has been going on for years. I have another friend with the same problem. Hope your Mother’s Day was a beautiful one Elizabeth. Love, Brenda
- La Contessa
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 13, 2024 at 10:31 AM
  
  I agree GRRRR!
  No guess as of yet!
  More tests!
  More detective work!
  Xxx
Hilda Smith
· Reply

May 13, 2024 at 6:35 AM

I love looking at the photos of your garden and your grandaughter. And I hope that this new consultant is the biz and helps you. xxx
- La Contessa
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 13, 2024 at 6:40 AM
  
  I want to see more photos of FIRENZE!!Blog post coming soon I hope!
  Thank you as always!
  Xxx
Karen Persson
· Reply

May 13, 2024 at 2:43 AM

Hi Contessa!

Your garden is a paradise and those flowers are so beautiful. You just use your iPhone for those photos, right? Love your outfits, too! And the photo of your granddaughter eating cake!

What did the Stanford doctor say about your health? Is she doing extra tests?

Wishing you all the best!

Big hug and love!

Karenxoxoxo
- La Contessa
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 13, 2024 at 6:38 AM
  
  Yes!
  My IPhone and it’s not a new one!More tests and more info needed!I did most of the talking answering her questions.The important part is I have HOPE again!
  Xxx
Carmen
· Reply

May 12, 2024 at 9:02 AM

Happy Mother’s Day and thank you for sharing your amazing garden! I also love the wildness and fanciful es of it, it is just charming! Your granddaughter is just beautiful as is that photo of you and your mom? Hope your new doctor can help you! Please share where you got your caftan, if you can. And please keep posting these wonderful photos!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 12, 2024 at 10:44 AM
  
  Caftan came from
  Jpeterman.com
  I’m not thrilled with the fabric and went to see what it is made of 93%viscose 7% linen says DRY CLEAN ONLY!
  I will be wearing TONIGHT!
  Thank You so much!
  Xxx
Susan
· Reply

May 12, 2024 at 8:43 AM

Your garden is bursting with blooms and it is truly outstanding. Your rose collection is beautiful and the scents amidst the blooms must be glorious. 4 years old, she is a real cutie and must be a joy to be with. Hopefully, the new doc proves beneficial. MacDonald’s french fries do carry a hopeless allure. What’s a few on occasion. No harm. Right?
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 12, 2024 at 10:47 AM
  
  Right!!
  We gotta pass by something!!
  And since I have already been given my death sentence what’s a LARGE ORDER OF FRIES going to do in the long run?!!!
  Thank YOU!!
  Xxx
Jill James
· Reply

May 12, 2024 at 1:46 AM

Hello Elizabeth , I hope you have had a lovely Mothers Day and did enjoy a glass of Prosecco.
It is always a joy to see your garden in its full glory , especially as mine is bedding down for Winter.
I agree that the rose with the pink tinge is not New Dawn. It reminds me of a rose in my garden, Pierre de Ronsard.
So pleased you may finally have a doctor who listens and maybe will give you some answers.
Love the blue and white caftan , reminds me of blue and white chins.
Take care, Jill
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 12, 2024 at 10:49 AM
  
  I have PIERRE DE RONSARD!
  Given to me by an AUSTRALIAN!
  It has never taken off!!
  I have moved it twice now !
  Thank You for your input!
  I must figure it OUT!
  Hope you feel as good as you LOOK!
  Xxx
Pipistrello
· Reply

May 11, 2024 at 5:34 PM

Such a joy to read, dearest Contessa! Your Mother’s Day ensemble looks stunning on you and your Loved Ones look as beautiful as you. As to your garden right now, it is divine and the abundance of blooms is amazing. Happy Springtime, Happy Birthday Charlotte and Happy Days to your new doctor!!

Baci Bella
Xxx
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 12, 2024 at 10:52 AM
  
  Hello GIRLFRIEND DOWN UNDER!
  Thank You for all the accolades!
  Spring has SPRUNG HERE AND SO HAVE THE ALLERGIES!My whole house is SNEEZING EVEN THE CAT!!!!
  Xxx
lisa thomson author
· Reply

May 11, 2024 at 5:11 PM

What a spectacular garden, LA CONTESSA! Nice tour. The roses are all beautiful, especially the Dawn. Love your Kaftan! Nice photo of your mom and you. I remember when I was 40-something and thought I was old. Haha. Happy Mother’s day to you! Hugs from Canada.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 12, 2024 at 10:55 AM
  
  Yep I can recall thinking that too!My 40’s were my BEST YEARS!We were strong could open jars,etc and understood how the world functioned!No aches and pains No mystery ailments!!
  Have a WONDERFUL DAY WITH YOUR KIDS!
  Xxx
donna
· Reply

May 11, 2024 at 4:58 PM

Your granddaughter is so beautiful! And your garden…those flowers! I’m trying so hard to have a garden this year but I’m terrified of ticks. Still, you and others have inspired me to try again. Hope you are feeling well.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 12, 2024 at 11:00 AM
  
  Donna!
  The ticks willNOT find you putting a plant or ten in the ground!Wear long sleeved shirts!If you do find one grab it between your fingers DONT OPEN THEM!Fill a glass with water put those fingers with tick down in the water!Open fingers slowly as tick will DROWN!Leave there a few hours then dump water!Wash glass of course!!
  Don’t let a little bug keep you from the GARDEN!
  Xxx
Bonnie Melielo
· Reply

May 11, 2024 at 4:15 PM

Such a beautiful garden!! In Alaska gardening is VERY hard work, VERY difficult. We had a 1/2 inch of snow on 9 May which thankfully melted off quickly. We will be in Italy mid May through June which is prime “gardening” time. Rule of thumb is annuals do not go outside until Memorial Day weekend. I have started my sunflowers and will put them out on the deck and hope for the best I adore my sunflower deck and red geraniums on my front walk. No pansies, etc. for me this year. So glad you have a doctor who gives you hope!!! That is soooo important! Happy Mother’s Day!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 12, 2024 at 11:03 AM
  
  ArriverdercI BONNIE!!!!
  Have a WONDERFUL TRIP!!
  Let’s chat upon your RETURN HOME!I’ll call YOU!!
  Send me your phone number via email or DM on Instagram!
  WHERE ARE YOU HEADED?Cities I mean!
  Xxx
Rosemarie
· Reply

May 11, 2024 at 4:01 PM

Hi there CONTESSA
I ALWAYS ENJOY SEEING YOUR GARDEN PICS – SUCH A VARIETY OF PLANTS ARE GROWING. A SENSORY DELIGHT! LIKE YOUR VARIETY TOO OF GARDEN FIXTURES. I LIKE THAT YOUR GARDEN IS NOT “MANICURED” – ENJOY THE NATURAL FLOW.
I HAVE LOTS IN MY GARDEN BUT SO MANY ARE RESCUES I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT THEIR NAMES ARE. I SHOULD SIT DOWN AND GO THRU A FLOWER CATALOGUE.
I WAS FORTUNATE TO BE INVITED TO EXPLORE A LADY’S GARDEN (STRANGER) WHEN I WAS IN VICTORIA – SHE HAS BEEN AT THE HOUSE FOR 41 YEARS AND IS STILL ADDING PLANTS! WHAT A DELIGHT!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 11, 2024 at 4:07 PM
  
  You are a TREAT and people just SEE THAT FROM YOUR SMILE!Love hearing Im not the ONLY ONE HELPING THE NURSERIES!
  Thank You!As today you were suppose to be HERE having lunch with me and THE ITALIAN!We will meet one day!
  Xxx
D. A. Squires
· Reply

May 11, 2024 at 3:03 PM

A beautiful post to read on Mother’s Day eve : ) How lucky we are! Your granddaughter is gorgeous, as are your flowers and garden, as are you! Best of all is the hope you now have for answers, finger crossed that will happen soon! Happy Mother’s Day to a gem of a mom & grandmama!! XO
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 11, 2024 at 4:10 PM
  
  It will happen to YOU TOO SOON I HOPE!You have No Idea how much Joy they bring until you are there!
  I should call you!
  Maybe tomorrow?
  I’ll try!!
  Xoxo
Sunday
· Reply

May 11, 2024 at 2:02 PM

Bella Contessa, I just adore all your fleurs but am just over the moon with your beautiful beautiful four-year-old!
Lucky you!
Thinking of you especially now as I’m in wonderful Siena with Jack Danger eating stuffed zucchini flowers…on to Sicily tomorrow…baci baci baci…
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 11, 2024 at 4:04 PM
  
  You just MADE MY WEEKEND!
  You are in Siena eating THE ITEM I MADE FOR YOU to photograph for @wherewomencook!!!!!
  Sicily is on my BUCKET LIST!
  Please text me upon arrival home so I can call and you can give me The LOW DOWN!
  Who is JACK?
  Big HUGS
  XXX
Janis
· Reply

May 11, 2024 at 1:45 PM

You are so beautiful! Love the caftan! And that hat…perfection! Your garden is just lovely…Reminds me of my gardens many years ago! I love the old fashioned roses, too…especially yellow. Your Lion’s Tail looks like Jerusalem Sage. Just gorgeous! Thank you for sharing! Your granddaughter is beyond beautiful! Sending warm regards from Daytona Beach…Janis
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 11, 2024 at 4:15 PM
  
  That’s it!
  The J. SAGE!!!
  That is the name I know but LION TAIL STICKS WITH ME!
  Janis many many THANKS!
  Sounds like your gardens were BEAUTIFUL.Yellow was my mother’s FAVORITE COLOR!
  Now you made that memory POP BACK INTO MY HEAD JUST NOW!
  Thank You!
  Xxx
Judith Sharpe
· Reply

May 11, 2024 at 11:08 AM

Hello Beth, Many thanks for your lovely garden Blog! That is not ‘New Dawn’. The roses at the beginning look like some of David Austin’s English Roses and I don’t use them much which puts me in the minority! Your garden looks lovely. Your granddaughter is so cute and I bet you looked the same at her age? Your Mum looks beautiful – a mother to treasure. Not all of us are so fortunate! Sending you tons of love and enjoy the rest of your weekend! Xxx
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 11, 2024 at 4:22 PM
  
  Okay!Now that you have set me straight on the pink rimmed rose I will try and figure it out!
  It does well in partial shade!
  I’m OLD WORLD COTTAGE GARDEN IF I HAD MY CHOICE!
  It is HIT and Miss with me!
  Now I can’t do the real gardening the up and down!So I must enjoy what I have done in the past!
  Xxx
Penelope Bianchi
· Reply

May 11, 2024 at 10:34 AM

LOVE THAT CAFTAN!! And all the flowers! Your granddaughter looks like you and it makes me so happy you are a part of her life!

BRAVO!!!!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 11, 2024 at 4:23 PM
  
  Yes she does and my SON!
  Xxx
rena.spain
· Reply

May 11, 2024 at 10:13 AM

Your garden is charming as you are. Love the Kaftan…suits you perfect.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 11, 2024 at 4:25 PM
  
  Rena thank you!
  I bought it with the idea. It would be my Mother’s Day kaftan so I will wear that tomorrow!
  I ADORE CAFTANS THIS TIME of YEAR!Been known to sleep in them too!
  Xxx
Linda Henderson
· Reply

May 11, 2024 at 10:03 AM

You look lovely in the blue and white caftan. And the hat! I am glad you had a good visit with a doctor.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 11, 2024 at 4:27 PM
  
  Me too LINDA ME TOO!!!
  The doctor is a woman has two credentials and could NOT BE NICER!I have HOPE!
  Xxx
Fran
· Reply

May 11, 2024 at 10:03 AM

I could LIVE in your Gorgeous Garden!! I can only imagine the heavenly perfumes wafting from each Beautiful flower around each and every garden corner! You have worked hard all these years, so now your garden is rewarding you and blessing you tenfold.
Your Mother in her tiara and Grandbaby are PRECIOUS! Both SO BEAUTIFUL as YOU ARE!
Let’s hope this Stanford therapist is a good investigator/researcher and will soon give you a CORRECT diagnosis once and for all! You’ve been through the wringer with all those tests, so it should be a lot easier to find out now!
As for MickeyDee fries…..Lol….don’t get me started! I could eat those EVERY SINGLE DAY LOL.
BIG HUGS and a BIG WISH for a Beautiful and Feel Good Mother’s Day Tomorrow, Carissima Contessa!! CIN! CIN! XX00
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 11, 2024 at 4:32 PM
  
  Cin Cin Fran!
  Prosecco Domani!!
  After years of WATER!!!
  Let’s hope I don’t become a LUSH!Kidding but I’m in no hurry to get back to it!
  Interesting how we wait for things and then no interest!
  Thank You for all your INPUT AND HELP OVER THE YEARS!
  You have been a TRUE FRIEND TO ME!Just know YOU ARE VERY SPECIAL TO ME!
  Xoxo
Robin
· Reply

May 11, 2024 at 9:05 AM

Cara Contessa,
Your garden looks lovely and so do you. You look absolutely regal in the blue caftan and wonderful hat!!
Good you have a new doctor in Stanford and you had a thorough appointment.
I hope she finds out more.
Happy Mother’s Day to you and Happy Birthday to your gorgeous granddaughter!
Baci baci, R
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 11, 2024 at 4:34 PM
  
  A new CAFTAN DOES MAGIC TO YOUR MOOD!I also had a bit of make up on which HELPS!
  Happy Primavera to You and the MARITO!!
  Xxx
Judith
· Reply

May 11, 2024 at 9:00 AM

Well, the other guessers beat me to the punch in the “Name that Plant” contest. The pink one is NOT “New Dawn.” I only know because I have it. Did you know that the New Dawn Rose was the very first plant to be patented? I am a cornucopia of useless information. Your gardens are delightful – I love all of the hardscaping; the paths, trails, walls, statues, and surfaces are such a wonderful backdrop for all of your happy plants. As to remembering plant names, I have an inventory of nearly everything that’s on my property, including botanical names. For most items, I add the approximate location, which is easy because I name all of my gardens. Now, there are a few “mystery” Ferns, Hydrangeas and Hostas, which joined me before my system. So I am on a quest to get everything identified. I got some black plant markers (hard to see in the garden, but they don’t compete that way) and paint pens and hope to get many plants identified. Call me a geek.

Thanks for the tour, Happy Birthday to little Charlotte, and a Blessed and Calm Mother’s Day to you, my friend. Fingers crossed for good medical news.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 11, 2024 at 4:38 PM
  
  You are full of information. I don’t doubt for a minute. You have almost every plant named and documented in your beautiful garden that WON AN AWARD AGAIN THIS YEAR!
  You are a MOVER AND A SHAKER IN ALL BITS OF LIVING!!!
  Thank You!
  Xxx
Amanda
· Reply

May 11, 2024 at 8:50 AM

Your garden is gorgeous, I love seeing photos of it.
Just been to a plant sale and wondering where to put everything! And somehow managed to order another 10 dahlias!?
We’ve just had a run of beautiful weather, but meant to be raining all next week.
I’m going out tonight to see if I can see the northern lights, apparently they were visible last night. Have you had them too?
So glad you saw the Stanford specialist, be interesting to see what they decide.
Enjoy your granddaughter birthday
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 11, 2024 at 12:57 PM
  
  You sound like me!I just BUY what speaks to me then worry about where to put it!!
  I will fill you in via email when I get more information!I found that video you sent me very interesting!The pacing I had already put into place and now adding a little more to my day!
  So I was doing the therapy without knowing I was!!
  Your body can talk to you if you listen!Even if its all so frustrating!
  Thank You!
  Xxx
Joan
· Reply

May 11, 2024 at 8:39 AM

Dear Contessa – I enjoy reading about your garden and all
your medical mysteries…hope the new doctor can help you to feel better…wanted to let you know that I cook potato wedges in my air fryer – no oil – for 11 minutes and they come out even better
than French Fries ! Hope you try it. Best wishes for a lovely Spring.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 11, 2024 at 12:52 PM
  
  I don’t have an AIR FRYER!
  That could be DANGEROUS FOR ME!Good to know!
  Those GOLDEN ARCHES FRIES are coated in sugar and nail polish remover type stuff put on them so they don’t turn GRAY!!!!!
  You have been a READER for a very long time I think Joan!
  Thank You!
  Xxx
Dee Black
· Reply

May 11, 2024 at 8:01 AM

Love all your roses. Names don’t matter. N. Florida living yields completely different garden (yards) and dress code. I can dream though. Love your blue!
Happy Birthday cake and flowers ,from your garden, to your granddaughter is the best share.
So happy you found a new doctor to listen to you. Look forward to hearing what they find, as you move forward. Sounds encouraging!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 11, 2024 at 12:47 PM
  
  I have HOPE ONCE AGAIN!
  All hope had left me before I met with her.
  Also off the anti-seizure medication as of Tuesday!That has made a BIG DIFFERENCE TOO!The eye episodes still happening however almost daily!Not as foggy and not as TIRED!
  Xxx
Kathy L
· Reply

May 11, 2024 at 6:36 AM

Happy birthday to your sweet grand-daughter! Your garden is lovely – I could feel the endorphins being released into my bloodstream as I looked at the photos. I love the blue and white caftan and blue hat combo – beautiful. I hope that the Stanford doctor can get to the bottom of your health issues. Three cheers for an occasional order of MacDonald’s french fries! I love the photo of you and your mom – God bless all the moms here and gone.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 11, 2024 at 12:43 PM
  
  Thank You Kathy!
  Let’s seize the day and hope for beautiful weather!
  I have it TODAY!!
  That photo of me and mom was taken 20 years ago!I had to go look on the back!So I would have been 44!
  Xxx
Chris
· Reply

May 11, 2024 at 6:31 AM

Happy Mother’s Day everyone!
Thank you for sharing your garden.
Beautiful photos.
Your granddaughter is precious .
Hope you find answers and get a correct diagnosis.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 11, 2024 at 12:39 PM
  
  That would be THE BEST GIFT EVER!
  I’m Ready for some kind of change!
  Xxx
Carole
· Reply

May 11, 2024 at 6:29 AM

Contessa,
Love your garden is beautiful. I felt more relaxed just looking at the pictures. When I saw the pictures of you , I thought her health is improving. So happy you found another doctor.
Happy Mother’s Day.
Carole
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 11, 2024 at 12:37 PM
  
  Thank You Carole!
  A GARDEN IS A GOOD PLACE TO RELAX!I never think of just sitting in my garden as wasting time!It repairs you for what’s to come!I just made that up!!
  Thank You for your comment!
  Have a BEAUTIFUL WEEKEND!
  Xxx
liz
· Reply

May 11, 2024 at 5:49 AM

Your garden is absolutely enchanting- I would love to wander the pathways and explore all of the nooks & crannies! So much eye candy at every turn. Yes, redo the chairs as I can envision many tea parties with the little one!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 11, 2024 at 7:56 AM
  
  On It!
  Exactly my same thoughts!
  Thank You!
  Xxx
Jan
· Reply

May 11, 2024 at 5:26 AM

Here in Philadelphia we have been enjoying the flowering trees such as Redbud, Dogwood and Wisteria trees. Look them up E, you would love them!!!! Planting can now begin after Mother’s Day and fear of freeze is gone.
I hope you are celebrated for the wonderful mother I know you to be. Perhaps lunch in your spectacular yellow and white garden? You deserve to be cherished! Much love Jan
- LA CONTESSA
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  May 11, 2024 at 7:55 AM
  
  I have a DOGWOOD!It is struggling however!Needs more sun than it receives.Wisteria I know and have tried to grow it a FEW TIMES!Never worked comes in white too!The other plant you mention I donot know!Will look it up!
  Yes most likely in the garden for the day and your GODSON WILL MEET FOR DINNER with his significant other in WC!!
  They are back from JAPAN and I need to hear more stories!!!
  Xoxo
Linda V
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May 11, 2024 at 4:51 AM

Oh the garden is beautiful! when I had a huge perennial garden in Massachusetts, I would write lists and do drawings of what was planted in my garden. It helped when replacing things so as not to make mistakes with certain plants! And I love the caftan/dress you are wearing! Just gorgeous!
- LA CONTESSA
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  May 11, 2024 at 7:49 AM
  
  I started to do that too in the very beginning!! I had garden books which I would write down what I bought and where I would place it but then life got in the way I guess and I got lazy and sounds wonderful. A garden is a BALM for the soul. Somebody said that and they were right! I could spend hours outside, just looking at plants and watching the activity of the bugs and the birds and the bees!
  Xxx
Frances
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May 11, 2024 at 4:19 AM

Contessa, your garden is the stuff of my dreams. I just love that it’s not overly fussed with and yet is such a knock-out.
I see the resemblance between you, your mother and your sweet birthday girl grand-daughter.
Happy Mother’s Day.
- LA CONTESSA
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  May 11, 2024 at 7:47 AM
  
  No FUSSING HERE!
  These last few years I have let it do its thing!Im enjoying the growth and surprises!I always try to keep adding a few plants each year and of course I have a vision which may never be achieved but I’m okay with it at this point!
  Thank You for your lovely comment!
  Xxx
Sandra Sallin
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May 10, 2024 at 10:28 PM

oh your garden is stunning. I love every single rose. Just gorgeous. I also love the wildness ( is that a word) in your garden. Your granddaughter looks just like her father. Love that Blue and white caftan on you. Looks perfect against your garden. Did the rains make the roses bloom so beautifuly? Thank goodness you’re over at Stanford!!!!!
- LA CONTESSA
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  May 11, 2024 at 7:43 AM
  
  Yes it has WILDNESS TO IT as I love that!Another reason I’m not out there trimming! The roses love the rain and yes, they’re beautiful, but they’re always beautiful at the first bloom. I’m afraid the rain we might get that black spot and fungus sooner than later. I don’t spray them so onward and upward hopefully they will continue blooming throughout the season.!
  She DOES LOOK LIKE DADDY!
  Xxx
Ms. Mary
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May 10, 2024 at 6:59 PM

I love the yellow and white (and GREEN!) color scheme of your garden. 🙂

I tried to limit my flower color choices this year to pink and white. But, I did have some volunteer purple larkspur and some rouge red poppies. (And many irises are yellow.) So, now, I guess its a full rainbow of colors.

We are in the mildest temperatures of the season. By the end of May, temps will go over 90 and not dip below until September.

Stay cool 🙂
- LA CONTESSA
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  May 11, 2024 at 7:39 AM
  
  Is that common the over 90 for summer every day?!!
  My GOSH well that means super early mornings in The Rainbow Garden for you!!
  It’s hard to keep to just two colors!I could not find the white lavender so I bent and put the purple lavender in in the last few years, which the bees and butterflies seem to love. Plus, I wanted each and every plant to have a fragrance didn’t know how naïve I was about that!! Well, it turned out OK and I had fun creating it now I’m having fun just watching it. Hummingbirds, butterflies little Finch birds making Nests here and there we have three nest in our eaves this year! they sing the dad or the mom when they’re bringing the worm for the babies, it’s absolutely beautiful!
  Happy MOTHER’s DAY MARY!
  Xxx
cindy
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May 10, 2024 at 4:00 PM

I think Leslie is right! Graham Thomas for the climber and golden celebration for the other! Graham Thomas did well for years in my garden and then went to hell. Golden Celebration remained strong. Your garden is beautiful. I want to call you next week and find out about Stanford.
- LA CONTESSA
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  May 11, 2024 at 7:33 AM
  
  I would LOVE to catch up!
  My roses are over 28 years now and a few need to be replaced!
  SEA FOAM died which I ADORED!
  XXX
LA CONTESSA
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Author

May 10, 2024 at 3:50 PM

Bingo LESLIE!!!!
That’s it!
Graham Thomas it is!!!
You need a PRIZE!!!
Xxx
Leslie Lord
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May 10, 2024 at 3:28 PM

The Lion’s Tail is phlomis…also that yellow climbing Rose looks like Graham Thomas a David Austin Rose…we have it here in The Humble Bungalow Garden.
Congrats on meeting with the Stanford Dr!!!!!!! Hooray!
Prosecco is lovely especially when sipped in a beautiful garden :-))

Happy birthday to your granddaughter!

Hope you get some more answers and a proper diagnosis.

Leslie
Hostess of The Humble Bungalow