• Home
  • About
  • La Contessa
  • La Contessa & Friends
  • Press / Publications

The Vintage Contessa

  • Home
  • About
  • La Contessa
  • La Contessa & Friends
  • Press / Publications

GARDENING & A PIGGY

February 16, 2017 86 Comments

GARDENING is the SLOWEST of the PERFORMING ARTS!

BEAUTIFUL …….BESPOKE………BEYOND.

I have PRUNED MOST of the GARDEN.ALL the roses are DONE!

I have close to 300.

MOSS Is GROWING to my DELIGHT!

Note Bowl under bench for birds and other animals……

I know I have mentioned before I only do YELLOW and WHITE FLOWERS……….in the GARDEN.

SECOND Terrace………Looks BAD at the moment but just YOU wait and SEE!

Give her a couple of MONTHS.

The Fountain needs a little CARE……..like that terra-cotta pot removed!IT’s GONE NOW!The empty CHERUB pots have been moved to the steps…………I have other URNS of GRANDEUR that need a LIFT To the edge of water………….where is THAT ITALIAN when you NEED HIM!

I LOVE how the MOSS Grows between the STONES……..as A child we had THREE wooden steps to start the climb to our FRONT DOOR.On those wooden steps MOSS would grow every SPRING with a little white FLOWERS………I would be MESMERIZED by them and the GREEN STUFF.You could say I was ENCHANTED.

STILL AM.

I once was called an ENCHANTRESS……………..I LOVED THAT!

THANK YOU LINDA!

SPEAKING OF MAGICAL HAPPENINGS!

MY OLDEST SON………….not only TEXTS ME HAPPY VALENTINES DAY but makes a delivery to my KITCHEN on FEBRUARY 14, th.

GUESS WHO HAS COME TO STAY WITH NONNA?

MISTER BANKSY!!!!!

DAY one he dumped the TRASH and got into the PANTRY!

DAY TWO pretty darn GOOD.

Spent most of the SUNNY day outside eating ACORNS from the OAK TREE’s.

HE is HIRED to CLEAN THOSE DROPPINGS UP!

Better THAN my MOW & BLOW TEAM.

BANKSY & BUTTERS

EVEN if YOU think I AM NUTS………YOU have to ADMIT this is ADORABLE!

BUTTERS will MISS BANKSY.

WINSTON is THRILLED!

well,

kind of………….XX

Related

86 Comments
Share

86 Comments

Leave your reply.
  • ellie's friend from Canada
    · Reply

    February 23, 2017 at 3:55 AM

    For those who are friends, virtual or otherwise, of Ellie (Eleanor) O’Connell, you might be interested in reading her daughter Grace’s tribute in the Special 2017 issue of Santa Barbara Magazine. (about p 50). Well done, Gracie!

  • Diana Amato
    · Reply

    February 20, 2017 at 7:32 AM

    Good morning from Whistler, BC. I so enjoyed this post. Watching the garden rest and soon come back to life is one of the best times of the year. I always remind my son to watch for the first green of spring. Certainly, as the season progresses, no two greens stay the same from day to day. I am eager to hear the soon to be adventures of Banksy. He will most certainly have a wonderful story to tell. Thank you for sharing all that you do. It inspires me to be “more”!

  • lisa Clifford
    · Reply

    February 20, 2017 at 6:10 AM

    I think it all looks rather wonderful Contessa Bella!
    I enjoy your posts enormously.
    Love and hugs from Florence where I wish I could get my garden to look even somewhat similar to yours,
    Lisa
    xx

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      February 20, 2017 at 7:03 AM

      YOU have THE REAL DEAL out your front door!!!!!!!!!!!
      GRAZIE,for following along!
      YOU made MY DAY!
      XX

  • Anita @ Vue at Jindivick
    · Reply

    February 19, 2017 at 11:56 AM

    Elizabeth, I believe the real work in the garden is done in the Winter.
    You can see the structure clearly then and can make necessary adjustments.
    The work is all done and then you can sit back in the Spring and enjoy the show.
    Fond of mossy patinas on stone too.
    Butters and Banksy together in the basket…….too sweet.
    Happy Sunday Vita
    Neat xx

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      February 20, 2017 at 7:06 AM

      I think YOUR RIGHT!I Never thought about that before.YOU do see the HOLES come winter…….
      I’ll be in touch soon!
      XX

  • Tish Jett
    · Reply

    February 19, 2017 at 9:18 AM

    Oh, Elizabeth, I am soooo jealous. I would love, love, love to have a pet pig. He is adorable. My-Reason-For-Living-In-France told me that during the war his parents had a pet pig they named Hitler and when his mother drove through a control point, with Hitler in the back seat, she would turn around and tell him to sit down and be quiet. He was, at least in his family, beloved by all.

    Your garden is exquisite. I can only imagine the work it takes to keep it that way.

    xo

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      February 20, 2017 at 7:05 AM

      NOW, THAT MADE ME SMILE from EAR TO EAR!!!!!!!
      XO

  • Katie Clooney
    · Reply

    February 19, 2017 at 5:22 AM

    OMG!!! I love those Banksy pics. Positively precious. The garden pics are beautiful. It’s been awhile since I’ve seen a flower grow in a garden. Have a great week, Contessa and take good care of that darling Mr. Piggy and friends.

  • Joy Moos
    · Reply

    February 18, 2017 at 8:19 PM

    Banksy is just TOO MUCH! Now Butters…THAT’S a doggie I could cuddle and think of stealing!
    Your feed was and is a delight…how you manage the care and clean-up from Banksy, I dunno ! But that is why YOU are A CONTESSA and I am not!!

    Love the idea of just white and yellow flowers….might try it of my terrace garden ….if summer ever comes to snow covered Montreal…

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      February 19, 2017 at 8:35 AM

      WE just found out we can use HIS POOP for the compost!!!!The GARDEN will BENEFIT AS well.I hope he does not EAT the FLOWERS……………..we will soon find out!
      BUTTERS belongs to MY SON……….he has a VERY LONG TONQUE for KISSES!!!!!!!!!!!!!
      If you do have SUCCESS I will need a PHOTO of your terrace!
      XX

  • Lisa White
    · Reply

    February 18, 2017 at 4:55 PM

    The terrace is magical…a fairy-land that must be illuminated at night by the white flowers. I love a white garden!!!! The Butters and Banksy cuddle picture is so precious…what a Valentine for Butters! You are such a good sport and Banksy and Butters are certainly very lucky to have found such a lovely place to curl up and take a nap.

    I am not getting your blog posts in my inbox. I have signed up to follow your blog. It is such an enjoyable read!

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      February 19, 2017 at 8:31 AM

      BEEN THERE ALSO!
      I have NO IDEA what happens………..there are still a few BLOGS I do not receive!
      I announce on IG so that way you will KNOW!
      THANK YOU for your beautiful words!
      XX

  • Sue Fogarty
    · Reply

    February 18, 2017 at 1:04 PM

    Do you have truffles growing under your oak tree? Banksy could hunt them out for you. Your blog is such a delight.

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      February 18, 2017 at 2:48 PM

      NO TRUFFLES if we did I would IMAGINE the ITALIAN husband would have said NO BANKSY!!!!!!!!
      THANK YOU!SO, HAPPY YOU POPPED OVER from IG!!!
      XX

  • Jennifer
    · Reply

    February 18, 2017 at 7:51 AM

    Your garden is a delight, and yes moss is magical. You must be over the moon to haver Banksy come stay. Fingers crossed it can be permanent for you. It’s obvious how much you adore him. We must schedule lunch!! xoxo

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      February 18, 2017 at 2:49 PM

      CALL ME!
      YOU Are the WOMAN on the GO!
      XX

  • Lola Martínez Iniesta
    · Reply

    February 18, 2017 at 6:46 AM

    DEAR CONTESSA,

    OH, MOSS!!!… LIVING VELVET!!!…
    I LOVE IT!!!
    I love touching IT, smelling IT!!!

    As you love so much WHITE and YELLOW FLOWERS, are there any GARDENIAS, JASMIN SHRUBS, TUBEROSES (the polianthes tuberosa kind), WHITE AND YELLOW VIOLETS in your WONDERFUL GARDEN?… Violets growing in moss are such a sweet picture… both are so HUMBLE…

    As for those FOUR-LEGGED BABIES OF YOURS… I would HUG THEM ENDLESSLY… SOOO MUUUUUCH that BANKSY, ON SMELLING ME COMING, WOULD SHOUT: “BUUUUDDIIIES!!! LET’S SPLIIIIT!!! PAIN IN THE NECK-LOLA’ S COOOMIIIIIING!!!”…
    IMAGINE RHE STAMPEDE!!!

    BESITOS PARA TODOS,

    Lola.

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      February 18, 2017 at 9:14 AM

      YES!
      GARDENIAS……..TONS of JASMINE,I cannot GROW TUBEROSES but I HAVE TRIED!
      WHITE AND YELLOW VIOLETS?????MUST LOOK INTO THOSE TODAY!
      I AM SO LUCKY TO HAVE MY FURRY FRIENDS!!!!!THEY LOVE TO BE TOUCHED SO YOU WOULD BE IN GOOD COMPANY!
      XX

  • Libby
    · Reply

    February 18, 2017 at 6:45 AM

    Oh, I love love love all that moss! It’s too hot here to really get it to grow. How very romantic, as is your entire garden! As for Banksy; hmmmm. Well, the scenes are adorable, but not sure I could actually live with him! we will see, right?

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      February 18, 2017 at 9:05 AM

      RIGHT!!!!!!!!!
      XX

  • Anita Rivera
    · Reply

    February 18, 2017 at 3:18 AM

    “The Enchantress” – I LOVE THAT!

    Well dear Contessa, I do hope you have not had those torrential storms in your area; whenever I hear about the troubles out in California with the extreme rains, I always think of you and many friends and family I have in Northern and S. California. Your garden looks ready, and I TOO LOVE MOSS! We have plenty of it from past rainy springs, and I am now dreaming of spring. Even here in Minnesota, we are having a “heat spell” and this weekend is supposed to be 60+, which is very unusual for us. Even the golf courses are opening!

    LOVE YOUR STYLE!

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      February 18, 2017 at 9:05 AM

      YES!
      THE RAIN is HERE TO STAY ALL NEXT WEEK TOO………………WE NEVER have weather like this!All the SPRING trees are blooming so the flowers will FALL with ALL the RAIN!!!
      I will BE JIPED!!!!!!!
      ENJOY YOUR SUNSHINE…….GET OUTSIDE and do not FORGET THAT CAMERA!!!!
      XX

  • Hope
    · Reply

    February 18, 2017 at 2:31 AM

    Dear Contessa, I adore your blog.Garden looks magical. Moss have spiritual meaning LUCK, MONEY, PROTECTION. Italian marchesa was my second mother and she told us if moss doesn’t come back forget about luck,cash or her protection. Just imagine what part moss is playing in our lives.

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      February 18, 2017 at 9:02 AM

      THE ITALIAN MARCHESA???
      I did not KNOW any of THAT…………….I NEED ALL OF THAT IN MY LIFE right NOW!
      GRAZIE BELLA……..XX

  • Allena
    · Reply

    February 17, 2017 at 8:51 PM

    My gosh, Butters and Bansky in the the same bed is to die for! Of course some of your garden is asleep but you are way ahead of me when it comes to trimming the roses! How did you trim all of those roses with this rainy weather? My backyard is a mess still. However, pop over because my Daphne Odorata have exploded! Enjoy your blog so much, love ya!

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      February 18, 2017 at 9:17 AM

      IT Took me awhile in between the RAIN DROPS!!!!
      I WILL!!!!!!!
      XX

  • Pat
    · Reply

    February 17, 2017 at 8:49 PM

    Send Banksy to my house when he’s done with your acorns…I have a few here. What about pine cones?…does he like pine cones?

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      February 18, 2017 at 8:57 AM

      I do not KNOW..bring a couple over!The ITALIAN was just saying we need to make a ramp to the car so I can take him around TOWN!XX

  • Shireen
    · Reply

    February 17, 2017 at 6:34 PM

    Love the picture of Banksy and Butters!!! Your garden is slumbering and will soon be lovely as always!!! xoxo

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      February 18, 2017 at 9:01 AM

      SLUMBERING!!!!!!!!!!!
      YES………….and YOU know I loved THAT adjective!
      XX

  • Foolishfun
    · Reply

    February 17, 2017 at 6:27 PM

    OMG, Banksy and Butters! I love them and their sleeping positions!
    I also love your photos. The close-up of the Camellia, the moss, really spectacular!
    You never fail to delight my senses.
    Thank you so much for what you write and show.

  • Jennifer Lively
    · Reply

    February 17, 2017 at 3:00 PM

    I absolutely adore Banksy! How fortunate for you that he’s come to stay. All you need now is a cow. I read somewhere that there are miniature cows. Your garden looks marvelous too, especially the beautiful moss.

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      February 18, 2017 at 9:00 AM

      THERE ARE!!!!!!!!!!!
      MAYBE a field trip to see a few?
      XX

  • Lillian Plummer
    · Reply

    February 17, 2017 at 11:23 AM

    Well you know I love Banksy and all your delightful friends. Enjoy looking at your garden pictures and hearing your news. I have violets growing in Perth, they seem to thrive all year round which is amazing and they provide the best ground cover. Getting back to the adorable Banksy, is he coming to live with you? Imagine it would be hard for your son to leave him home all day whilst he is at work.

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      February 17, 2017 at 2:06 PM

      YES, He is here for a TRIAL RUN………….SO FAR SO GOOD!WE have a 60 pound weight in the GARBAGE can to HOLD IT UPRIGHT!XX

  • 1010ParkPlace
    · Reply

    February 17, 2017 at 11:11 AM

    I’ve started working on my little patch of green in the city. Three sides of my house are built around a central courtyard that is a poured concrete aggregate… Ugh! There’s also a Spanish fountain in the middle of the courtyard that no longer works. My ideal scenario would be to pull up the concrete and the fountain and plant some pretty things around the edge and in big pots and have a big umbrella in the middle with a place to have small dinner parties… So far, the price quote for that is insane!! Still thinking about it. Thanks for the inspiration, Brenda

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      February 17, 2017 at 2:08 PM

      PUT THE POTS on the CONCRETE!GET the FOUNTAIN FIXED!Put the TABLE in a CORNER……………..I WANT A PHOTO COME SUMMER!!!!CAN CANDLES sit on the edge of the FOUNTAIN?Those small floating ones……….??XX

  • Marsha Scott
    · Reply

    February 17, 2017 at 10:34 AM

    I love that you always think of the wildlife and of all our in-home creatures. That Banksy is adorable and I’m sure I would have her in my lap, if possible. You know I planted climbing roses as a tribute to you, and now they are plentiful and beautiful, even after our 2 days of freezing temps. All of you gals in California are so lucky for your weather, and I think you can throw seeds out of the window of your car and they would blossom forth! Always a pleasure to visit you and your family. xx’s

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      February 17, 2017 at 2:12 PM

      I REMEMBER YOU ASKING ME ABOUT THE ROSES………..I cannot recall which ones you planted!I hope YOU are feeling better.
      WE HAVE HAD SO MUCH RAIN HERE today is no EXCEPTION!ALL GOOD AS WE NEED IT………A LOT of our water here goes to SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA.
      SPRING SHOULD BE BOUNTIFUL…………..
      YES, I EVEN FEED THE RATS who frequent the COOP!XX

  • Juline Rosa
    · Reply

    February 17, 2017 at 8:41 AM

    I love your posts!!!!it’s like therapy

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      February 17, 2017 at 2:13 PM

      HAPPY YOU ARE ENJOYING THEM……………I will give you a call in a few weeks!XX

  • Celia Becker @ AfterOrangeCounty.com
    · Reply

    February 17, 2017 at 7:03 AM

    May I please babysit Banksy one day too. I have oak trees all of my property that drop thousands of acorns. He’d be in hog heaven!

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      February 17, 2017 at 8:17 AM

      CERTO!!!!!!!!
      However, he is HARD to TRANSPORT………….
      MY ENTIRE LIFE I HAVE WANTED A PIG and a COW……………
      I AM BEYOND THRILLED TO HAVE him UNDER foot in the kitchen as I cook and prepare dinner………..better than a MOP!
      XX

  • Ms. Mary
    · Reply

    February 17, 2017 at 6:51 AM

    Sweet post! The garden is looking great. Is the extra rain a good thing? I do love the light green of the early spring. It’s so like you to see the beauty in the moss.
    Enjoy your time with Banksy. He’s adorable. <3

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      February 17, 2017 at 8:15 AM

      RAIN is GOOD here in CALIFORNIA we areNOT OUT of DROUGHT MODE YET!BUT it is causing A LOT of PROBLEMS…….a DAM Over flowed up NORTH many people were EVACUATED.MUDSLIDES in my neck of the woods……………..SPRING should be BOUNTIFUL!XX

  • Mithra Ballesteros
    · Reply

    February 17, 2017 at 6:29 AM

    I’m dying to see Banksy around your house. Do you think you could embed a video here? Or maybe post a video on Insta? I’d pay the price of admission just to see him clomping around your kitchen or munching on acorns.

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      February 17, 2017 at 8:13 AM

      YES,I think I CAN!!!SAID that little engine who could!!!!!!!!DO you remember THAT book!
      There are a couple of videos on IG already………….BANKSY Doing the STAIRMASTER is the BEST.I will try and send to you later today.WE have MORE RAIN……..once the weather improves I will BORE YOU TO DEATH of this CHARMING YOUNG PIGGY!
      XX

  • Priscilla Pilkington
    · Reply

    February 17, 2017 at 6:10 AM

    Spring is indeed “just around the corner” and as we have a clear warmer day here in my part of the UK today, your post is a timely reminder to get into the garden and get pruning and feeding,thank you as I am becoming the biggest procrastinator the older I get. I love the idea of your beautiful,fragrant and elegant gardens and so much of it! Looking forward to your next garden and pets postings. Have a well deserved relaxing week-end. (heart emoji’s I think but turned up as question marks!)

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      February 17, 2017 at 8:11 AM

      I think you gave me hearts or smiling faces for some reason my computer picks up question marks……………so I edited that!Hope thats OK!
      THANK YOU!!!!
      XX

  • Lou
    · Reply

    February 17, 2017 at 5:08 AM

    So happy I found your blog. You are my kind of girl- Love all your stuff.

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      February 17, 2017 at 8:08 AM

      WONDERFUL………THANK YOU!
      HAPPY TO HAVE YOU HERE!
      XX

  • Karen Persson
    · Reply

    February 17, 2017 at 4:51 AM

    Another delightful blog addition. I love your garden and can’t wait to see it in real life. Good idea to have only white and yellow flowers. And your Miss Banksy….. So cute! My neighbour has a pig who he takes for a walk in the early evening (that’s the only time I see the cute pig).

    You’re such an inspiration and so much fun to follow!

    Love,

    Karenxox

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      February 17, 2017 at 8:08 AM

      THANK YOU!
      IT was not easy convincing THE ITALIAN but let me just say he rubs the pig upon entry BEFORE MY KISS!!!!!!BANKSY & WINSTON hear him arriving and run to the kitchen to GREET HIM!
      XX

  • Our French Oasis
    · Reply

    February 17, 2017 at 4:14 AM

    We have moss all over our ancient stone in the garden and along the walls, I absolutely love looking at the intricacies of moss, viewed through a magnifying glass it is quite fascinating. I love watching the garden slowly coming to life at this time of year, things are starting to grow, new life is emerging and for us, most unusually, the weather is really warm, can’t ask for anything better!

  • Daron
    · Reply

    February 16, 2017 at 10:57 PM

    I just love the way Butters has no choice but to share his bed with Banksy. I must admit I am very envious of you having Banksy, I think my neighbors here in the Lowveld of South Africa would look at me as mad if I got a pig as a pet.

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      February 17, 2017 at 8:04 AM

      WAIT until MY NEIGHBORS find OUT as well!BUT they ALL KNOW I AM A BIT DIFFERENT!SO, it should come as NO SURPRISE!
      PIGS ARE VERY SMART…….Love to be petted and scratched behind the ears.NEED TO BE TOUCHED.LYING here at my feet are WINSTON the doggy and BANKSY the PIGGY…….soon the CAT will join once he comes in from hunting!I”M VERY LUCKY to have this MENAGERIE that all gets ALONG so well…………XX

  • Kathy L
    · Reply

    February 16, 2017 at 9:22 PM

    I appreciate your passion for flower gardens, animals and classic antiques.
    Every creature large and small needs a Nonna (I had a Nonnie). The pup and the pig are two peas in a pod.

  • Susan
    · Reply

    February 16, 2017 at 6:16 PM

    Your fur-kids are all so special. They live in paradise, along with you in your wonderful garden. I find green moss magical. It shows up and sometimes disappears in the heat of the summer. When in its’ glory, it is thick, like very plush carpet. Currently my garden is covered in at least a foot of snow. Seeing your spring pruning completed, makes me yearn for Spring and warm sunny days. Looking forward to seeing your garden transform to lush greens, whites and yellows, and roses blooming. Think Spring!

  • elizabeth@pineconesandacornsblog
    · Reply

    February 16, 2017 at 4:15 PM

    Elizabeth,

    Your garden looks beautiful. I cannot wait to see it is it’s blooming glory. This looks like a full time job!

    As for your house guest…what a cutie! Is he your gift or are you just looking after him? I hope that he stays!

    Have a wonderful weekend!

  • Jen
    · Reply

    February 16, 2017 at 2:44 PM

    Love Banksy. He makes me very happy. He needs a reality show, as do you! xo

  • Loree
    · Reply

    February 16, 2017 at 1:10 PM

    I am sure your garden will start to look magical soon. I love moss too, it’s so velvety. Does Theodore get along with Banksy?

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      February 16, 2017 at 2:08 PM

      YES!
      IT TRUELY IS A BEAUTIFUL SIGHT!HARD TO CAPTURE ON CAMERA but I will keep trying!XX

  • janina
    · Reply

    February 16, 2017 at 1:06 PM

    Can’t wait to see what your hillside looks like once in bloom. Spectacular I’d say. Our native garden flowerings when due is a mixture of colours, pink, red, green, purple, yellow. Not sure I’ve seen any white flowers. Must keep an eye out. We do have cream flowers on the tree directly in front of my balcony. It finished flowering a couple of weeks ago. Now the balcony is not so messy. Ciao, bella!

  • couldashouldawoulda9
    · Reply

    February 16, 2017 at 11:39 AM

    It all looks so great and love the feed good post!

  • Sandra Sallin
    · Reply

    February 16, 2017 at 11:04 AM

    OMG, that photo of the two of them together is priceless. I love your garden in all of its seasons. Love your moss, love your urns, love it all. It’s always a special treat when you post about anything!!!!

  • Fran
    · Reply

    February 16, 2017 at 10:48 AM

    LOVELY POST AND LOVELY GARDENS!!! It all looks so serene…peaceful and very elegant!! An Enchanting Garden, indeed!!!!

  • Robin Fink
    · Reply

    February 16, 2017 at 10:35 AM

    Lovely photo of Banksy and Butters!! Brava for all that pruning. Where do you find the time for all you do? My beautiful blue vinca is flowering; Spring is on the way- yeah!

  • Jan Schechter
    · Reply

    February 16, 2017 at 10:28 AM

    Darling photos of Banksy and Butters. It is always amazing to me how your beautiful garden transforms itself each year. Love the moss, pottery and fountain! Happy it is warm enough for you to be out in it. Still darn cold her in PA!

  • Lisa
    · Reply

    February 16, 2017 at 10:03 AM

    I love Banksy!!! What a crack up! Always fun to see him and all your fur pals! Your garden is beautiful! I miss that lush California gardening.

  • ellie's friend from Canada
    · Reply

    February 16, 2017 at 9:53 AM

    Oh, I am so envious! Not only do you have oak trees with acorns but a piggy visitor to eat acorns!

    It is beautiful weather here. It is warmer and the snow is melting. We are far from spring but there is that promise in the air. Not quite the fragrance of wet earth in the air that embraces the gardening soul, but still a promise! I’ve spent my time horizontal looking at garden catalogs. It is hard to know what to get…but a wonderful younger friend has said she will give me a Strawberry Hills rose. How touching is that? 300 roses!! You have created heaven. Are all of your roses white or yellow? Or does yellow and white refer to non-rose plants? I love moss, too. In fact my backyard grass has died out and is replaced by moss. It is so sumptuous. If it gets thicker, I am going to walk barefoot on it! That brings back memories of when as a child I was taken to the wilderness and we climbed up a moss-covered hill in our bare feet. The moss was deep and thick and sopping wet. As we climbed we were surrounded by wild orchids, secret to the world but us. Oh, moss!

    I’m now quasi-vertical again for short periods so will sit outside for a breath of fresh air and I’ll watch the bird action. In the meantime, I love your gardening post. To me, it is that breath, that promise of spring!

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      February 16, 2017 at 10:56 AM

      YES………dear friend the roses are either WHITE or YELLOW.I know I am missing out on others with GREAT fragrance and BEAUTY but I am a STICKLER about just two colors……….Penny Royal jumped in there and I let her stay as when you walk on her CARPET it is SO FRAGRANT!She gives a short lived purple flower……………….I just look the other way!!!
      SO HAPPY YOU ARE FEELING BETTER!
      XX

  • Parnassus
    · Reply

    February 16, 2017 at 9:42 AM

    I love the early spring period when everything is somewhat in disarray–the garden has to shape itself up just as does nature. I too love moss, and especially moss and stone together.
    –Jim

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      February 16, 2017 at 10:53 AM

      EARLY SPRING is MY FAVORITE JIM!!!!
      GREEN HILLS with wild MUSTARD blooming…………….TREES starting to BUD!
      IT is MY FAVORITE SEASON!
      XX

  • Linda
    · Reply

    February 16, 2017 at 9:25 AM

    That must be a giant dog bed!

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      February 16, 2017 at 10:51 AM

      NOT!!!!!!!!
      XX

  • Laura
    · Reply

    February 16, 2017 at 9:19 AM

    What a great house guest Banksy is!
    Not only is he an adorable family companion, but he helps with garden duties by cleaning up the acorns!
    So love the photo of Butters & Bansky napping together.

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      February 16, 2017 at 10:51 AM

      THAT Kudo goes to the SON who sent that photo to me last week!
      I have tried to take a photo of him sleeping here……..HE sleeps with MOUNDS of PILLOWS and covers himself UP!WHERE IS BANKSY………………..???
      XX

  • Penelope Bianchi
    · Reply

    February 16, 2017 at 9:09 AM

    What a great post! All that moss! I love it! I love the cherub pots too!!

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      February 16, 2017 at 10:49 AM

      WE use to use those pots for CHAMPAGNE!
      XX

  • Taste of France
    · Reply

    February 16, 2017 at 8:55 AM

    Just this morning I was admiring the big, fat clumps of moss on top of a garden wall outside my window. Great minds think alike… The moss looks like it could substitute in a photo for a shot of the Irish countryside.
    And the little patch of lawn in front of our bridge is now purple with violets. I always adored violets, maybe because I was allowed to pick them but even more so when I started reading about France and all the poor girls who sold violets in Colette stories.

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      February 16, 2017 at 10:48 AM

      I do not think I have EVER seen a VIOLET in the ground!!!!!!!!!!!!
      HORRORS!
      YES, YOU AND ME would get on JUST FINE!!!!
      I JUST KNOW!
      XX

  • Stella
    · Reply

    February 16, 2017 at 8:32 AM

    I am confused. Is my darling Banksy going away or did he just arrive? Such a treasure. My garden is covered in snow! Groan.

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      February 16, 2017 at 10:45 AM

      BANKSY has ARRIVED at LA CASA DE LA CONTESSA………………….MY VALENTINE!
      Hoping he is a permanent FIXTURE.
      YOU have a BIRTHDAY coming UP………..DID YOU MAKE PLANS?
      DO IT!
      XO

1 2

Leave a Reply

Your email is safe with us.
Cancel Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Contessa & Banksy!

Contessa & Banksy

Email:

  • iolacontessa@gmail.com
Subscribe Box

© 2026 · thevintagecontessa.blog · designed by ITVida · Privacy Policy

Prev Next