Friday's Project in the Garden

It has been awhile since I have posted about the projects at Das Kleine Haus. Spring has already arrived here on the Prairie.

To tell you the truth, I have been working on the flower and vegetable beds since January, usually the coldest month of the year. There were virtually no gardens when I purchased my 130 year old home.

The pathways started with 4 to 5 loads of decomposed granite, carried in the back of my pick-up truck.

Benjamin, my handyman, spread the granite with shovel and wheelbarrow, as I marked the pathways with landscape fabric.

The next step was to purchase 2 tons of rocks....yes, rocks are heavy.

This is hard work...first deciding how the path will wind around the flowers and vegetable beds. Then, lifting the stones in place.

My idea was to create an English Cottage Garden. Being a Texan, I think it will probably be a combination of both styles.

The African Daisy, with a purple center, is a new flower for me.

And, the typical white Shasta daisy, with the yellow center, is a must for any garden I plant.

Delphiniums, planted on one side of The Studio, are showing off their indigo colored blooms.

One of my favorites, to add to a flower garden, is Powis Artemisia.

This photos was taken Easter Sunday, for my grandchildren. They live out of state, so, I sent them several photos for an "email Easter Egg Hunt".

Starting over can be exciting! The garden takes form as new ideas become reality and flowers begin to blossom.

After all, dreams do come true.....

Meggie Mac

Show and Tell Gift from Romania

Each year, as my youngest daughter travels to another country, she brings me a special gift. Last year, she surprised me with this beautiful hand-crafted plate from Horezu, Romania.

Here is a photo my daughter shared of her trip to Romania. The Bran Castle is situated on the border between Transylvania and Wallachia.

This is another view of the Bran Castle roof top.

In doing a Google search, I came across the blog called, True Romania, that wrote a post about the history and making of the world famous pottery. Click HERE to see more interesting photos.

It is very fascinating how they still use ancient age old tools such as cow horns and goose feathers, to apply the unique chromatics and floral motifs that are symbolic to the region.

Great care and patience is required for painting such detail. The process in making the pottery has been the same for generations. Please click on the photo to see the detail.

The underside of the enameled pottery is left the natural clay color.








The well-known pattern, in the center of the plate, is called the "Horezu Rooster".

It just so happens there is another rooster post this week. Click HERE to read Val's post on the legend of the Rooster of Barcelos. (Portugal)

Meggie Mac

What's in a Name.....

It's Monday again, and I'm sharing the country back roads with you. The blooms on the Huisache (Acacia farnesiana), native to the Americas, are breathtaking. It's spring here on the prairie and the winds are blowing relentlessly, making the flower covered branches sway back and forth.

From a distance, one might think the color is of fall foliage. Never just a single tree, but rather found growing in groups.

Click on Photo


 

The overwhelming fragrance has given the huisache one of its common names of "sweet Acacia".

The hundreds and hundreds of bright orange-gold flowers are borne in spherical clusters. The small tree has feather-like tiny leaves, too numerous to count. Each branch or twig grows a set of straight thorns up to 2" long.

Nahuatl is a live language spoken by an estimated 1.5 million Nahua people, most of whom live in Central Mexico. The name huisache is a derivative of Nahuati huixachi, meaning "many thorns".

The word huisache is pronounced wee sa che.....now isn't that easy to say?

Meggie Mac

Easter Sunday

Das Kleine Haus Roses

Meggie

Friday's Fences

At the highest point of a hill, not too far away from my home, is a small Texas Historical Cemetery.

Some of the family areas are still enclosed with metal fencing.








The family cemetery was first established in the 1830's. For some of you living outside the United States, this is probably not very old.

However, Texas didn't become a state until 1845. This was basically newly chartered territory.

In 1879, the family donated 1.25 acres of land and it became a community cemetery. Burials include veterans of the War for Texas Independence, The Civil War, World War I, World War II, and The Korean War.

The Bluebonnets and other wildflowers are in full bloom this week. And, yes, that is an outdoor toilet in this beautiful scene.

It was a very windy day, as it so often is here on the prairie. Looking at this photo, one might have the feeling  of dropping off on the other side of the trees.....and you could.

Meggie Mac


I'm joining with Jan n' Jer's Friday's Fences. Please take a look at other wonderful Friday Fences.

A Show and Tell From My Grandmother

After my grandmother died, my mother and I were the family who took care of collecting my Grandparents personal items from their home. This teacup was one of the many items I saved for my daughters.

The only story I have to write about is that I know my grandmother loved pretty things, whether it was a beautiful hat or this teacup. To read more about my grandparents click HERE.

I'm very careful when I handle it because it is so delicate. You can see the saucer has the same swirl design as the cup.

As much as I would like to read the label, it seems impossible. I believe it was in gold and has rubbed off over the years.

Maybe one of you, my dear readers, have a clue as to the country of origin of the teacup.

 

Look at the raised berries to see its' full beauty.

The truth is,  all I really need to know is that it belonged to my Grandmother....

Meggie Mac

The Cow Who Believes....

 

The grass is greener on the other side of the fence.

 

I believe it is greenest in my own backyard.

 

Hope you feel the same way!

 

Meggie Mac