Springtime in the Garden

Thursday, May 16, 2019

Springtime has arrived in all its beautiful blooming glory! I've been working in my garden to get it into shape and ready for planting.

It's exciting to have my little sitting area in the garden back in business for the season. 

This door was found at a yard sale last summer, and I've had fun decorating it using an old window, also thrifted. 
Happy mail came to me from a special friend who knows me well, and I enjoyed reading the
latest issue of Willow & Sage in the shaded area of my garden. 
Our ladies bible study, Joy in the Morning, held a Unity and National Day of Prayer gathering on the National Day of Prayer. All ladies in the community were invited, and we enjoyed a beautiful time of fellowship.  My glass plate flowers were the centerpieces of each table, as the theme was "In the Garden" for our decor. 


We held a brunch with lots of delicious food. 

Several ladies from our bible study, including myself, shared our hearts with the ladies who gathered. After we shared, we sang a few songs, including this song and then we all prayed together. It was a beautiful time of fellowship!
My husband walks 2 miles with me each evening
and we enjoy watching the sun go down together and visit about our day.
It is good exercise for both the body and the soul!



The wild phlox is in bloom in a magnificent way! It covers the hillsides where I walk.  Glorious to see!

It looks like Riley is stopping to see the phlox in bloom, as I was,
but in reality, she was after a ground squirrel, lol!
The red Matador tulips I planted last fall have bloomed!  They are huge!
And the blooms literally glow in the sunshine!
I think I have taken WAY too many pictures of this gorgeous tulip! LOL!
The black strip you see in the background is supposed to give off an odor that deer don't like.
It works for the early season of planting,
but once fall arrives, the deer ignore everything but an 8-foot fence, lol! 

These tulips light up my garden with their brilliance!
 I purchased them from Breck's, my favorite tulip supplier.
I need to buy more of these lovely ladies! 
In the background of this picture, you can see an allium about to bloom! They will bloom when this tulip fades, keeping brilliant color ongoing in this space.
This gorgeous Monsella tulip from the Peony-Flowering Tulip collection (link to Brecks where I purchase them) is one of my favorites, I just love the gorgeous yellows of its blooms with the red streaks. They are long lasting, and stunning. It is a double bloomer, and will produce another bloom soon. 

I planted 10 Matador tulips in this flower bed last fall, but the deer got to them :(
I now have them covered with netting and will replant this fall.  But the three red tulips and daffodils still looked lovely! 

We purchased a rotatiller last fall at a yard sale, and it has been such a blessing. I can manage the tiller myself,
and now I can till the garden myself without needing the help of my husband or son! 

These are some of the glass plate flowers I have made.  I have them placed throughout my garden, and they fill my heart with joy to see them. I love beautiful china, and this is a fun way to display it! 








Here is a closer look at my sitting area in my garden...


Glass plate flowers are so much fun to add a touch of whimsey! 

Peony flowering tulips...

These tulips are really long bloomers.  They last over a month! 

Welcome visitors to my garden each summer, these hummingbirds provide lots of entertainment! 


Mr. Simba likes to come in the garden with me and chase gophers. I welcome his help! 

On a mission!  

A moment of rest...

Intense concentration!

Love my feathered friends!
Yes, I know I have a problem... I have so many pictures of these gorgeous red tulips! But aren't they lovely? 

Mr. Simba and I want to wish you a lovely and blessed springtime! 
Go outside and enjoy all that springtime has to offer :) 

Our spring here this May has had abundant days of sunshine, but that now seems to be coming to an end for a week or two as rain is in the forecast for the next few weeks, and we do need it. 

Our daughter will be returning home from Spain next Thursday! We are beyond excited to see her again and hear all about her trip.  I will share a final post after she arrives home of her trip in Spain. I may even be able to convince her to write a post here on my blog about her experience... :) She has gotten to see so many countries, and incredible architecture, gardens and historical places that coming back home will be a bit of a shock, I'm sure, as we live a very quiet and simple lifestyle here.  She tells me though that she is ready to come home and enjoy all the loveliness that summer offers up here.  She has enjoyed the cuisine overseas but tells us she can't wait to have some of my "homecookin" again, and I will be more than happy to oblige!

Have a lovely and blessed day, and may your springtime be full of delight :)




58 comments

  1. Such a lovely post Marilyn. Your garden is a balm to the soul and I adore your pretty glass plate flowers. The morning with the ladies at church sounds absolutely wonderful. I love to attend times like that that restore and lift you up so you are ready to face the world again.
    I'm so glad your daughter will be home soon. I know how much you've missed her. Our son FaceTimed me from London on Tuesday and we talked for over 2 hours. It's hard to have children so far away.
    Thanks for taking us on such a beautiful tour through your garden. Let the rains begin, as you say, we need them.
    Blessings,
    Betsy

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    Replies
    1. It is hard to have your children far away from home, thankfully Skype does bring them closer, although nothing like being at home with you! We are excited to have her arriving home and to hear all about her trip :) I'm glad you can also visit with your son in London, hoping you will get to see him again soon!

      Blessings to you sweet friend!

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  2. What a joy to visit your blog today. Your garden is a real delight, the sitting area a joy. The glass flowers you make are stunning, please share how you make them with us. I would love to enhance my own garden with a few. Sounds like the prayer day was a wonderful event, restorative and uplifting.

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    Replies
    1. I have a video on youtube and a previous post on my glass plate flowers. Here is the link to my post, and you can find the video in that post https://mountaintopspice.blogspot.com/2018/10/glass-flower-plate-tutorial.html

      They are so much fun to make, if you have any questions, just ask :) Blessings!

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  3. Thank you for sharing all those gorgeous flowers, both real and china! You are very creative! I recognize that song though it's been a few years since I've sung it - that is, if this is the chorus that goes with it: "and they will know we are Christians by our love, by our love, they will know we are Christians by our love!" May it be so! Sara

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    Replies
    1. Yes, that is the song! May it be so, indeed! It was a beautiful time of unified prayer, very powerful! Blessings to you :)

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  4. Your potting shed and the sitting area beside it are so cheery and inviting. I picked up a few ideas I can incorporate in my own garden. The glass flowers are gorgeous but I think the red Tulips are giving them competition at this time of the year.
    I wonder if Mr. Simba has ever succeeded in catching a gopher.

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    Replies
    1. I'm glad you found some ideas to use for your own garden! I love to do the same thing :) We have seen a few dead ones, so we know Mr. Simba is successful! :) There are so many of them though...! Hope you are having a lovely spring day :)

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  5. Spring has sprung nicely on your mountain! Love the shots of the hummers. Such a interesting wee bird. Woohoo for daughter's return. It will be a comfort for both of you to share face to face again. You are a hard worker and I enjoy all the fun yard art you have added to your place. Have a lovely weekend.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It has been fun in the garden, lots of work, but a place of rest too.
      We are getting very excited for our daughter's return!
      Enjoy this lovely spring day :)

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  6. Beautiful flowers and other scenes. I am sure your heart will overflow with joy when your daughter is home again.

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    Replies
    1. Yes, it will indeed overflow, we can't wait!
      Hope you are feeling better! Hugs and blessings :)

      Delete
  7. Spring is in full bloom there for sure. I love you flower bed.

    I can imagine how thrilled you will be to see your young woman again!

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    Replies
    1. We are getting very excited Marie! She will be home this weekend :)
      Hope you are finally getting some spring weather there!

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  8. Oh I know you'll be so happy to have your daughter home! She will have some stories to tell, for sure! I love your beautiful outdoor garden and the plate flowers are precious! Love hearing about your walks too. I want to walk every day but I need a day off now and then! I recover...and get housework done! lol Hugs!

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    Replies
    1. It is good to rest in between hikes! Our bodies need the rest!
      We are getting very excited about our daughter's return!
      It is fun making the glass plate flowers, very enjoyable to have them spread around my garden.
      Have a blessed day :)

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  9. Such beautiful photos of your springtime garden!!!!!!
    And I know how happy you will be to have you daughter home!
    I remember how happy we were when Madison came back from her travels.
    Have a cozy weekend.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Billie Jo, we are getting very excited about her return
      and I know you understand! She will be home this weekend, and we really can't wait!
      Blessings to you :)

      Delete
  10. Great photos. Love the ones of the hummingbirds.

    Enjoy your beautiful blooms and visiting critters and time spent with Mr. Simba in your gardens.

    What lovely walks and talks you and your dear husband must enjoy at the end of each day.

    Have a great weekend ~ FlowerLady

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    Replies
    1. It is a blessed time of day my husband and I enjoy, walking together.
      The blooms in the garden are really ramping up, and giving my glass plate flowers a run for their money, lol!
      Appreciate your kind visit :)

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  11. Oh how beautiful everything shines in the springtime. Your sitting area next to the cutest little garden shed looks like the perfect place to sit and read or just dream. The Tulips are gorgeous and yes the red one does shine. Love your china flowers. Truly, your little plot surrounded by God's glory is sublime. How exciting your daughter's sojourn overseas is coming to an end and she is returning to your fold. No doubt she will have many an exciting tale to tell.

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    Replies
    1. Oh Kim, yes there is so much in springtime that I love! The blooms in the garden are really ramping up, and giving my glass plate flowers a run for their money, lol!
      Our daughter's arrival home has us all very, very excited! It will be fun to hear all her tales.
      Have a blessed day :)

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  12. Marilyn,loved everything about this post . Your garden with all God’s beauty is so beautiful . The food looks so yummy at your fellowship and I’m sure you ladies had a wonderful time . Nothing like a precious time of oneness in the Lord together . I get your daughter has much to share . How exciting that she has experienced such unique culture . I hope that you gave a lovely weekend . Hugs and blessings, Cindy

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    Replies
    1. It was a very special time of unified prayer with the ladies, so thankful for it!
      Our daughter arrives home this weekend, and we can't wait!
      Have a blessed day, appreciate your visit! :)

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  13. Exquisite and enchanting photos as always, Marilyn. I loved enjoying your springtime with you, as we here in Georgia are already plunged into summer. I'm looking forward to seeing your garden flourish in the months to come.
    Blessings!

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    Replies
    1. The blooms in my garden are now giving the glass plate flowers a run for their money, lol! Happy springtime blooms for sure :)
      Have a blessed day, appreciate your visit! :)

      Delete
  14. Hi Marilyn! I've been thinking of you lately and knew your daughter would be coming home soon.... I was so happy thinking that! and know you will feel relief when she returns to your soil! Your garden is just wonderful, with those brilliant red tulips! Wow and double wow. I used to shop at Breck's and that sure did bring back some memories. I never seem to plant many bulbs as I always think of it only when they are blooming! and not when they "should" be planted. I can just see you sitting and relaxing??? in that garden sitting area.... love the old door and window frame... love the china "flowers"... and how wonderful to have the blessed time with your neighbors and lady friends. It looked like a very special time. You and hubby have a Heavenly spot to take your walks too.... and this time of year I can imagine it is more than stunning with all the wildflowers. I am like you with the camera... if I see something I especially love, I will take MANY pictures of it! I have to get it from every angle possible! Have a blessed reunion with your daughter.... always love your post and photos. Hugs... Marilyn

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    Replies
    1. The blooms in my garden are now giving the glass plate flowers a run for their money, lol! Happy springtime blooms for sure :) I just love the bulbs from Brecks, they do really well.
      Our daughter arrives home this weekend, and we can't wait!
      Have a blessed day, appreciate your visit! :)

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  15. Oh, what a blessing it always is to come here and visit with you, sweet friend. It just does my heart good. Your plates are just stunningly beautiful! I remember seeing them before, but it was like seeing them today for the first time. I know God meets so sweetly with your Bible study group, and you are such a faithful servant to do His will. You impact so many lives and are such a dear blessing...especially to me! I know you are thrilled to have your sweet girl coming home, and I just imagine she will find her mama's table laden with homecooked goodness when she arrives! I can't wait to read your next post about her amazing adventures and hope she will do a post, too! Many hugs and blessings to you, faithful friend.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for your precious and sweet words!
      The blooms in my garden are now giving the glass plate flowers a run for their money, lol! Happy springtime blooms for sure :)
      Our daughter arrives home this weekend, and we can't wait! I am having a barbecue on Sunday and have invited friends to come and greet her as well. Everyone has been wonderful about praying for her and I am so thankful that her trip has been such a great experience for her. Sure appreciate your prayers!
      Thankful for your visit and encouraging words! Hugs!

      Delete
  16. Marilyn, oh you must be so excited that your daughter is coming home!! Love your sweet garden area and what a blessing to hold a brunch/study for all those ladies! xo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was a wonderful time of unified fellowship and prayer!
      The blooms in my garden are now giving the glass plate flowers a run for their money, lol! Happy springtime blooms for sure :)
      Our daughter arrives home this weekend and we can't wait :)

      Delete
  17. Thank you for this post Marilyn! Wonder if you're Methodist. We are Methodists. Love your garden. Those plate decorations are so pretty! It really adds colors. The tulips are lovely! Blessings to you!

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    Replies
    1. No, the little church I attend is not Methodist, but we are trying to live out Christianity as we find it in the book of Acts :)

      The blooms in my garden are now giving the glass plate flowers a run for their money, lol! Happy springtime blooms for sure :)
      Appreciate your visit!

      Delete
  18. Gorgeous images of God’s creations Marilyn, especially love those tulips they are the most akzung flowers ive seen! We can’t grow them here like that no snow and forthat I’m grateful but loved yours.
    Thanks for sharing.
    Yes prayer and fellowship is key to spiritual life, we’re rejoicing here as looks like our Christian God fearing prime minister has been re-elected not all votes counted when it ceased for night so I’m praying on pleading for mercy.
    God is good.
    Praise re dear daughters return also and ask that theLord bless that inevery way.
    Prayer hugs Shaz in Oz.x

    {Wonderful Words of Life - Shaz in Oz}
    {Calligraphy Cards - Shaz in Oz}

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm thankful that your conservative prime minister was re-elected! Thank you Lord!
      Our ladies meeting was a delight, full of wonderful unified fellowship!
      Our daughter returns home this weekend, we are so thankful!
      Appreciate your prayers and sweet visit very much :)

      Delete
  19. Oh it's so pretty here ... I'm still recovering from something munching on my newly bloomed pansies and sprigs of sunflowers ...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Springtime blooms are amazing to behold! Blessings to you :)

      Delete
  20. I love tulips too...and they never last long enough....It will be so wonderful to have your daughter home again!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The blooms in my garden are now giving the glass plate flowers a run for their money, lol! Happy springtime blooms for sure :)
      Our daughter arrives home this weekend, and we are soo excited!
      Appreciate your visit, and trust all is well with you and your move! Blessings :)

      Delete
  21. Wow, Marilyn! Your garden is an oasis of tranquil beauty!!! I love those Peony tulips. I've never seen any like them. Mr Simba is a sweet beauty (don't tell him I said that) with fierce concentration. ;-) I bet he like snuggles too. What do you do when a storm comes in that gorgeous garden? Do you have to move stuff inside??

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    1. Oh, and I do hope your daughter will share some of her adventures she's been having. What a blessing to be able to travel the world like that at such a young age. Nothing beats international travel for learning! I know you'll be happy to hug her again. :-)

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  22. Hi Marilyn, I so enjoy taking a walk around your property with you and other things going on in your life. It is so welcoming. Mr. Simba is a sweetheart.

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  23. Beautiful photos. I loved seeing Mr. Simba. I had a cat named Simba too. He was an orange long haired cat.
    Enjoy Spring!
    Love, Carla

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  24. Your gardens are looking beautiful! Also, striking coper colored hummer, wonder what kind? Love the color.

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  25. You've shared such beautiful photographs here, your garden looks lovely.
    I also think it's great that you and your husband enjoy a two mile walk each evening …

    So exciting that your daughter will shortly be home, I'm sure she has had a wonderful time and experience abroad.

    All the best Jan

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  26. I am so excited for your daughter to return and hear all about her travels, smiles.

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  27. What an wonderful opportunity for your daughter. She'll have those experiences to look back on, plus school. There's no place like HOME and mom's cooking.
    Great pictures (I know I say this every post but it's true).

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  28. Hi there, I don't usually comment, but I am curious to know what church is it that you attend? You said that you are not Methodists, could you say what denomination it is?
    Thank you.

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  29. I just found your blog the other day! I totally love your little spot... you've made such beauty out of simple things! You're in my faves now, I'll be back to visit more! Have a blessed day! ♥

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  30. Everyone who is having a bad day needs to stop by your place and see your lovely garden. If they did, their day would certainly get a lot better...how could it not? You have such a gift, Marilyn. By now your girl must be home and I know your family is so excited to have her back for the summer. Enjoy every day with her! Hugs!

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  31. Hi Marilyn, it is always a pleasure visiting your blog. You are so creative and your garden is a wonderland of delight and whimsy. I cannot visit without feeling happier for doing so. A funny story, the other day one of my blogging friends sent me a link your blog. She said, Connie you have to check out this blog I know you will love it. Little did she know that I have been coming here and loving it for long time. You have created a joyful home and thank you for sharing it with us. Also, thank you for all your prayers and blessings. You're a lovely lady. Have a sweet weekend.
    Connie

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  32. I always love it when you invite us into your colorful garden. Such a fun, happy place! I could spend a lovely afternoon there, admiring all your makes and treasures.
    Amalia
    xo

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  33. As usual, what beautiful pictures! I can just imagine the hillsides of wild phlox. That would be beautiful! I hope you have a wonderful time with your daughter home!!!

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  34. Why Hello there! Long time, no write! Ha! I'm so glad I follow you on Instagram, cause it never really feels like I'm outta the loop. Your little piece of heaven is so inviting and very colorful. We made something similar to your flower plates a few years back and I'm really thinking we need to make some more. Yours are so pretty! I am so glad Annie girl is doing well and her surgery was successful. But that poor cone looks very uncomfortable. Praying it stays in one piece!
    I hope you have a wonderful Summer! Looking forward to seeing more of your adventures!

    Hugs to you,
    Amy

    ReplyDelete
  35. What a beautiful home and life you've built!


    I've not written much since my husband has not yet been able to get my old computer to connect with the new internet. Soon I hope. I'm borrowing hubby's while he takes a well-deserved nap.

    Blessings from Harvest Lane Cottage,
    Laura Lane

    ReplyDelete
  36. Your garden is spectacular, Marilyn! You have such a knack for creating a charming and welcoming outdoor space. I love your glass plate flowers. Very, very cool! Hugs, Nancy

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