Cold and rainy.

It is cold and rainy. Together with the rhododendrons I'm longing for sun and warmer weather.

Blue in the Blue Garden

Terje's work in the backyard wilderness keeps on. He spent hours out there today doing a great job. Thanks to Mouse and Ardi for your ideas of what we can do back there. We will keep them in mind. I have already planned to make part of my garden a place for reflections and prayers, but I never thought of the backyard wilderness. It might be the perfect area Mouse.

The temperatures are still cold, but with an extra fleece jacket on we had our coffee on the kitchen balcony.

Wilderness backyard

We have a wilderness in our backgarden. A part on the edge of our land where nothing has been done for years. We bought the House in the Woods almost 6 years ago, and didn't think much of it then since so much of the land was a wilderness. But with the garden coming more to life every year, it was now very visual from the kitchen window that something had to be done with the wilderness. And Terje has gone to work, digging, raking, moving stones and bushes. He has left a spot with wood anemones for me. They are among my favorite wild spring flowers and will be in bloom in just a few days now.

Free from snow.

The herb garden is free from snow now, but still in a mess. I bend down and inhale the different fragrances which remind me of all the meals I will cook.

Working together.

Terje has been out of town for a couple of days, but yesterday he was back home and we could play in the garden together. Marta had football (soccer) practice, and played with her ball before and after.

Life is bursting.

Easter tell us the wonderful story of life fighting death, and these days nature tells us the same story. Our garden is big and I keep on with my raking, my palms are starting to get blisters now ;-) And while I work I can almost watch the growth of flowers and trees.

It was 17C yesterday afternoon, which is very warm for the season up here. I enjoy my garden days.

Spring cleaning.

After a long winter with alot of snow, it is time for spring cleaning in the garden. When the snow melted, a blanket of old leaves and pine needles have been covering the soil and plants. Perfect during the cold months, but now it is full time to remove it.

After work and dinner yesterday both Terje and I was eager to put our garden boots on and start the work. Raking the wet moss, gave life the most aromatic smell of spring. Dirt under my nails is natures best nail polish.

And after a couple of work hours, what can be better than a cup of coffee and a piece of cake on the porch!

Will there ever be tomatoes?

Some weeks ago I planted the tiny tomato seeds, and today it was time to transplant the small plants, giving each of them their own pot. Patience is now the key word, and in the autumn I will be rewarded with lots of sweet tomatoes.

Colouring the garden

The snow which came a few days ago has melted, and I am craving for some colour in the garden. After church today, Terje and I drove over to the closest garden center to see what they had in stock. I was hoping to find primulas in different colours to plant in some of my old clay pots, but was disappointed. Insted I fell for the daises. Bought a whole bunch of red, pink and white ones, and planted them out in different pots when I came home.

From the window in my study, where I have my computer, I have a good view out to many of them. Their spots of colours makes me happy. Spring is here. Nature is awakening, and I am here to enjoy it all.

The first rhubarb

In my childhood it was always said that May 17 was the due date for the first rhubarb porridge. I live in the northern hemisphere, not far from the edge of the Arctic circle. Our winters are long and dark, our summers are short but light almost around the clock. May 17 is our Constitutional day, and rhubarb porridge for dessert that day was a special spring treat.

Right now I am desperate for spring, and though I posted a little snow surprise in my House in the Woods yesterday, spring is finally finding its way up here.

My camera and I have a daily routine, we take a garden walk. Around the house, around the garden, with stops every few second to chat with what we meet. There is always something new to look at in a garden. Creation never stands still. This morning I was amazed by the strong force in these tiny, though fast growing, rhuburb leaves. A little blanket of snow is no prevention for them to sing in praise.

Small as the leaves are, I couldn't resist cutting a few and bringing them into The Blue Café's kitchen for the tiniest little dessert, Red Rhuburb Soup with yoghurt. (which will be posted in The Blue Café later)

The Blue Garden's blog is officially open!

Welcome!