Spring Review

GARDEN

Spring was long, cold, and fairly wet. I put basil out in a pot around Memorial Day and the plant didn’t make it. Too cold. So I spread seeds in the container. I will get a later crop.

The tomatoes, peppers, and basil I grew from seed all survived but were very small. I did not transplant to a larger containers and the roots needed more space to create larger plants. The seedlings survived the hardening off phase, which is when I usually lose them, so I am happy about that. The small plants are in their pots on the deck. Hopefully they start taking off soon.

The Shade Garden at the front of the house is done. I transplanted hostas from other parts of the property. I added more ferns, astible, hellebores, coral bells, and trillium. Once everything fills in, the garden will be a lovely carpet of greens, whites, with a hint of red. Need to regiously spread deer repellent so I my vision can come to be.

TRAVEL

We went to Tuscany in early May. Beautiful scenery. Great food. Amazing wine. What can I say about Tuscany that hasn’t already been said over the centuries. It’s the details that create singular experiences and beauty. Sharing food and wine with friends and family is a crucial ritual for happiness. Surround yourself with beauty whenever and wherever you can. I also learned a lot about sangiovese grapes and the wine made from this grape. I’m exploring new bottles I can get here in Michigan. Thanks to #MichiganWineSchool for making this trip happen.

HOME DECOR

I refreshed the first floor of the house with new paint in shades of green. The house is brighter and I think reflects the forest in which we live. The decor from our former house doesn’t quite fit in. I need to reupholster; move pieces upstairs and downstairs; and look for new pieces. Our house will never be ‘done’. The decor changes as we change so I will continue to collect, add, rearrange, and remove.

EQUESTRIAN PURSUITS

I moved my horse, Paddy, up here. It took a long time to find a barn, #brooklanefarm, that I was comfortable keeping him and riding in. I’m focusing on dressage. Both Paddy and I are getting old. Dressage will keep us stretchy and strong and our bodies and minds engaged. I found a trainer, #lizzieekong, I love and I’m looking forward to spending time in the saddle again.

WHAT I LEARNED

Spring took a while to arrive so the garden is off to a slow start. But summers here in #LeelanauCounty are glorious and I’m sure the plants will have no trouble catching up. I will continue to work with nature to tweek my garden design.

Color changes everything. My home interior is a hodgepodge right now and that’s okay. I have plans to rearrange furniture and art. I’ll add and update when I find what I love and when funds allow.

Travel is always, always a good idea.

Do what you love. It isn’t always easy but pursuing a passion is the best way to live a joy filled life.