President Grevy (the lilac) is putting on a real show for the first time

President Grevy (Common Lilac Syringa vulgaris) has been a resident at Rosehaven Cottage for 10 years now. But like many common lilac breeds, Mr. President doesn't necessarily do well in our mild winters and would prefer the stress of a very cold and frosty winter in order to set buds for a spectacular springtime show. Think New Hampshire and that's what it wants. It's why the lilac is the state flower of New Hampshire.

I finally found mild-winter breeds of lilacs that love residing here, but never had the heart to give President Grevy an eviction notice despite its rather pathetic existence (it should be close to 10-14 feet tall by now).

I continued to cultivate around it and a few years ago eventually planted roses on its southwest side--a Tahitian Sunset and a Hot Cocoa. The Tahitian Sunset must have gotten settled in quite nicely because it took off last year and towered over the rest of the plants in that corner of the garden despite minimal irrigation. Because my health began to decline in August, the roses were allowed to grow and grow. The Tahitian Sunset was thrilled. And, apparently, so was President Grevy. It liked the cool shade afforded by its towering neighbor, I guess... so much so that Mr. President is putting on quite a springtime show for us.

Nothing worse than being scolded by a crabby ginger tabby

When does Dee Dee resort to her crabby scratchy meow?
Let's see...
When she wants a drink of water
When she wants her pre-bedtime snack
When she wants a drink of water
When we've been gone all day
When she wants a drink of water
When she's locked out of the bathroom
When she wants a drink of water

The air is sweet with rain-kissed hyacinths and lilacs

"We would do well to slow down a little, proceed at the optimum speed for our circumstances, focus on the significant, lift up our eyes, and truly see the things that matter most."

Dieter F. Uchtdorf

The garden is all decked out in green for St. Patty's... guess it won't get pinched!

Sweet surprise: We harvested the first fruit off the Moro blood orange tree

With hope, the Moro blood orange tree was planted
Tended and pruned, it set its roots
Blossoms came
One showed promise of fruit
Months of waiting
To harvest
Then slice
An exotic orb of sweetness

Tom Tom kitty: The supervisor of spring

Tom Tom kitty perches at the picture window.
He must supervise the coming of spring.
All birds must be counted.
Every ray of sunshine must be soaked up.
Outside, bulbs reveal their brilliance
Turning Tom Tom's picture window into
A Monet painting
For a season