Pansies

It's coming to that time of year again when I plant my first annuals...Pansies! I can usually plant them in early March, so I'm counting the days till I can run down to our local nursery and pick some out!

They are such an easy flower to grow and are quite hardy. I love having them right by the front door for some beautiful spring color. All shades of purples and pinks are my favorites.
 
                                     Here are Some Beauties 

                                                     
                                     A Lovely Field of Pansies

Snowflakes

          

                               
                               I counted till they danced so
                               Their slippers leaped the town,
                               And then I took a pencil
                               To note the rebels down.
                               And then they grew so jolly
                               I did resign the prig,
                               And ten of my once stately toes
                               Are marshalled for a jig!

                                                         Emily Dickenson

My Birdhouse

This Christmas my husband gave me this cute birdhouse. I'm so looking forward to putting it up and watching the birds nest and start a family! I was thinking of putting it in the garden but will probably end up nailing it to the railing of our deck so I can watch them from my kitchen window while I do the dishes.

We've had a pile of snow the last few days, but I just keep looking at my new birdhouse and remembering the promise of spring. Can't wait for warmer weather, springtime flowers and of course those sweet birdies. :)

Paradise

"If God hath made this world so fair
   Where sin and death abound,
How beautiful beyond compare
   Will paradise be found."
                                  James Montgomery

                                          

Some Favorite Magazines

These are a few of my favorite magazines:

First off is my Canadian Gardening Magazines. These are full of wonderful gardens from all over Canada, with tons of great tips and new plants and flowers to drool over. :) It also has a section in each issue that covers each province and whats going on there, featuring plants that grow well there, public gardens and shows. I love that this magazine has so many photos and I can get great ideas to incorporate into my own garden.

Better Homes and Gardens is another favorite with the bonus of great recipes and home decorating ideas. It also includes articles on home improvement. The makeover rooms are fun to read about and I love the before and after photos!

Victoria Magazine puts out a special Gardening Issue each year and I love it! This one had lots of great ideas for bouquets in assortment of vases for use in home or garden. It also featured beautiful gardens from all over the world. One section included a page for each color palette of the garden...pink, blue, yellow and white...and showcased flowers from each. The photography in this magazine is gorgeous and I'm looking forward to the next garden themed issue!