Lately I have been questioning the purpose of doing this blog, beside sharing ideas and projects....I mean, does it really matters? Does anyone get something of value out of my ramblings? You know, that kind of ruminating......Then, BINGO! The answer comes through a multitude of comments that validate my initial concept in spades. Thanks so much for giving me the simple answer I needed.
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When you are a house cat life is so EASY! You play, you eat, you sleep.....................
in baskets................................... on the furniture
......................or on the floor...............................basically, anywhere you want! Hmmm.....Just noticed how fat my kitties are getting....must be all that good tuna and catnip treats......
...............sometime we watch the lizards go by......................and wonder what it's like out there............but we are not allowed outside.........too many bad snakes, raccoons and.....alligators...............after all, this is Florida........................
I am in the last few days of editing Romantic Country so I have not done much of anything else. Except taking a trip to the garden center to see what new plants I can add to the garden. I always wanted a magnolia tree. I saw quite a few (in bloom) but they were all way too big for me to plant. Fortunately the nursery will be getting more next week and they will be a size I can manage. My biggest problem is to be able to dig a big enough hole since the sunny spot where I want to plant it has more tightly packed gravel than soil. In the meantime, the nice fellow at the garden center gave me a lovely bloom to take home..............it smells so lemony-sweet.... and it's so soft and gorgeous...........
On the way home I stopped at the grocery store and ended up getting cigarettes (no lecture please.....I know.... if the rattle snake won't get me the cigies will....or maybe I'll get hit by a car! Who knows?), coffee and......white tulips.................I won't get fat on that diet!
......if you look closely you will see how the edge of the petals look like lace...........I had never seen these before............very delicate and romantic...........................
Speaking of romantic, I received these 3 stunning French crystals from ROBERTA
............they hang from the kitchen chandelier........Thank you Roberta!
Of course that prompted me to take a look around the house and take a few photos of some of my favorite things.............................like anything made from wire.....................
..from a funny looking 3 level "thing" found in California. little houses and a cage from Florida..
......an old frame with chicken wire from France, a little metal mannequin perfect for hanging necklaces......
.....and a wire one also very useful for some of may baubles......and plenty of little and big baskets...........................................
............................a decorative tea pot........................................
................and cloches.........................................................
.....and, of course, the Eiffel tower!
So, this is it for today...........................................................................
......................Here is to all you princesses out there.........................
Thinking of you...................xoxoxoxo Fifi
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Another fabulous post from the Fabulous Fifi.
You kitties sure do love to lay all around the place. How lucky they are.
You have so many pretty wire storage and show pieces.Love the 3 level 'thingy' with the eggs.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Alison
Posted by: Alison Gibbs | April 25, 2008 at 09:40 PM
Miss Fifi,
Love your Blog!!! Don't stop. I read it all the Time. I also live in Fl and have 3 cats that are NOT allowed outside...and they love to look out of my windows to see the lizards too! Thanks for such a great blog.
I am on my way to The Cat's Meow today, after seeing your blog about it, I must go check it out!!
A huge fan!
Jackie
Posted by: Jackie | April 26, 2008 at 05:20 AM
Don't ever think of giving up blogging! I don't think I've commented before but I wanted to today.
Yours is one of the blogs I open up first on Bloglines and usually click to "come over" rather than reading quickly.
I often say on my blog that I enjoy finding people online who are "just like me". Well, I also love meeting people who are not like me at all. :)
I adore your personality, your decorating, your artistic talent, your way with a camera, and the way you share your whole personality with us. Thank you. :)
Posted by: Brenda@CoffeeTeaBooks&Me | April 26, 2008 at 05:43 AM
Of course you need to keep blogging, I love your blog! Love your beautiful photos as well. Hugs, Mia
Posted by: Hem & Lyckas Mia | April 26, 2008 at 06:19 AM
Fifi, I hope you never stop blogging! For me the purpose has turned out to be something so different from what it was when I first started. Now its all about my "friends" I've met from all over the world. I never imagined I would find such a connection to so many women that I don't really know expect through my computer. If you stopped blogging I would feel like I lost a friend! Blogging brings us all together!
Posted by: Cindy ~ My Romantic Home | April 26, 2008 at 06:53 AM
Dear Fifi, I love your blog so much. I check here all the time to see if you've updated. You inspire me. Everytime I come here I get a new idea. Thank you for showing your creativity. I guess I really don't have any eloquent words with which to encourage you, but I will say you are fabulouso!
I love your sweet kitties and laugh at all the ways you find them sleeping and playing. The white tulips were beautiful. I've never seen any like that.
Have a great day! Love,Rachel
Posted by: Rachel Going | April 26, 2008 at 06:56 AM
Hi
I enjoy your beautiful blog.
Your garden is amazing.
For us dog lovers, how is Pal? Does he/she go out? I imagine the racoons wouldn't like that, those little squatters. Is there any way you can close the snake up under the house?
Sooz
Posted by: Sooz | April 26, 2008 at 07:48 AM
Don't blog - have never posted - but just want you to know that you would be missed more than words can say. My husband and I read you every time you post. When he comes home from work, one of the first things he asks is whether you posted. We love your home, your garden, and your kitties. We love hearing the "crazy" things you do. We rush to the book store to buy your mag and others you mention. Well, now we sound like crazies. We do have a life, but we so enjoy you.
Posted by: Sandy | April 26, 2008 at 08:46 AM
Fifi~ You BELONG in blogland! Your everyday adventures are priceless!!!! Keep sharing your sweet world with us!!! ~Amanda
Posted by: Amanda | April 26, 2008 at 08:54 AM
Hi Dear Fifi
Have not bin here for a while but please don't stop blogging.....i love your blog. I too love wire things.....yours look al so pretty. Love the birdcage and the little one on the right. Your kitties look lovely too. Dith you make the little gold crown i send you silver????? Looks verry pretty like this. I made a blog too so if you want and have time come visit me too!!!!! I'll be back more often now.
oxoxoxox Marga from the Netherlands
Posted by: Marga | April 26, 2008 at 09:08 AM
Oh, I know how very busy you must be. But please don't stop writing your blog! We are all faithful followers. We come to see your creativity and beautiful things. Your unique arrangements. Your lovely kitties. It would be like losing family!
Brenda
Posted by: Brenda Kula | April 26, 2008 at 09:35 AM
Fifi, you can't stop. Before I buy a magazine, I find myself looking to see if you are listed in the credits. I now feel personally attached to these publications. I even show these to people...."see I know her!!!"
Doni
Posted by: Doni Palmgren | April 26, 2008 at 10:08 AM
Your blog is one that I read everyday and love - although I am terrible about leaving comments - I will do better! Maybe it's because I feel a little like I don't have as much to offer you as you do for us. My blog is more on the funny-side-of-life, but my love of all the beauty and old wonderful things that fill a home are right there with you.
Thank for brightening our days & don't stop!
Colleen
Posted by: Colleen | April 26, 2008 at 10:09 AM
My husband always says that if there's such a thing as reincarnation he wants to come back as one of my pets! According to him they get away with anything and get all the hugs and kisses! I think blogs are a wonderful thing. It's so much fun to see how other people decorate all over the world!
Posted by: DENISE | April 26, 2008 at 10:25 AM
Dear Fifi, please don´t stop doing your blog!!!
I love your blog and I´m addicted and read all your posts.
You inspire me!
Thanks so much for your Fabulous blog.
Randi from Sweden
Posted by: Randi | April 26, 2008 at 10:25 AM
Please don't every stop blogging. Your blogs cheer me on every time I read them.
The kitties are adorable and gardens beautiful. Please don't stop.
Posted by: Norell | April 26, 2008 at 10:28 AM
Fifi,
J'aime beaucoup votre blog!!
I just recently discovered your blog and frankly, I was hooked from day one. Your creativity and vision is amazing. Artists, such as yourself, can take a simple wire basket and come up with the most imaginative ways to use and display it.
I am hoping that some of that creativity will rub off on me. :-)
Your home and garden are perfection, really amazing eye candy. It's obvious that every special detail was well thought out and perfectly placed.
Honestly, your blog really is an important part of my day!
Posted by: Marilyn | April 26, 2008 at 10:31 AM
Okay, I'm going on the tulip diet because you look fabulous!
Hugs, Sherry
Posted by: Edie Marie's Attic | April 26, 2008 at 10:34 AM
Fifi,
I remember seeing an article about your home quite some time ago before you started blogging and I thought-she looks like a snooty little princess! After getting to know you in your blog, I know you are a princess without the snooty part!
I'm always disappointed if I check your blog and there isn't a new post.
Love your kitty babies, I too had 4 indoor cats until recently. My defenseless big old kitty was killed recently by a pack of bad dogs when he went out to sit on OUR porch!
Posted by: carold | April 26, 2008 at 12:12 PM
Hello! I first found you blog through Jennifer at the Old Painted Cottage. I was there minutes ago and saw her turquoise umbrella similar to the pink and green ones you have. Creative minds think alike! I would be thrilled if you stopped by my blog sometime! I think we have similar taste! Know anything about vintage bling? My last post is about Weiss jewelry. Hope you stop by and say hello! Cindy Roberts@cutepinkstuff.com
Posted by: Cindy Roberts | April 26, 2008 at 12:15 PM
PLEASE, PLEASE, dont give up your blogging. I go into your website every day. Its like a drug, I'm an addict, I go to your blog every day. I got my sister hooked. I love your decorating, your kitties, your home. I definitely get inspired. Oh my god I cant imagine - nope dont want to think about it. Please dont leave us. I know I dont leave comments, but believe me when I tell you that I am on your website every day! I have seen your photos over and over and I cant get enough. You have made me start sewing again, and thats a good thing. So please dont leave us - Madeline from Brooklyn, NY.
Posted by: Madeline | April 26, 2008 at 12:52 PM
Fifi..let me tell you a little about me. I am a mother (2 grown children, 1 at home), wife of a ND farmer. I have always loved to decorate and create. We moved an old lutheran church unto my property to use as a studio/shop. This is about the time I found your blog. Yes, I am a magazine addict, but your blog is so warm, so personal. It's about real life. I draw inspiration from you on a weekly basis. I devour your how tos, pictures of your home, and more. What I really like is your sweet kind spirit and the touches of your life, like your kitties in this post. You are successful and busy, but yet you take the time for bloggers, likes me. When I am preparing for my next open house sale in my vintage church, you are great inspiration to me. Please keep blogging whenever you can. I love all your wire decor. Always gorgeous!
Posted by: Ele at A bit of Pink Heaven | April 26, 2008 at 01:34 PM
J'adore absolument vous et vos écritures mon ami de la Floride !
You impart such warmth and magic to this sometimes very impersonal Net world. I know of no other who drills holes in glass blocks in heels, who has alter ego dollies to entertain us while she works, who goes to very nearly the ends of the earth to share beauty with us. We love you FiFi, and we'd be lost without your fabulosity! xoxo
Posted by: Andie | April 26, 2008 at 02:32 PM
Ahh yes, your blog is a must read for me Fifi - don't stop! I don't mind you taking breaks from time to time but don't stop! ;)lol And just for the record, I'd love to come and join you for a casual ciggie, menthol perhaps...with a Cosmo on the side? :)
Joy
Posted by: Joy | April 26, 2008 at 03:30 PM
Hi Fifi,
Your blog is such a beautiful inspiration for all of us who love to surround ourselves with beautiful things. I ALWAYS look forward to your posts. Your pictures bring so much joy to many, many people (I can look at them over and over again just like my issues of Romantic Country). Have a fabulous weekend, my dear. I will most definitely be waiting for your next fabulous post! I know you are busy, busy with all you do, but if you get a chance please drop me an e-mail as I would love to share with you a few other things (i think my e-mail address shows up to you when i submit a comment. . .i hope ha ha!).
xoxo-kristen
Posted by: Kristen | April 26, 2008 at 03:58 PM
Well, after a Saturday afternoon in Venice, FL and loads of shopping, I'm home and just put away my treasures. Along, with a chair that was marked for $25 I got it for $14!!!! black and ugly material, I took off the cushions, sanded the chair. 20 mosquito bites, calamine lotion and 2 cans of white spray paint, it is all coming together! The chair will be done soon! It will be posted on my blog that I am in the process of doing, but not having much luck...I just wanted to thank U, Miss Fifi, for giving me back my creativeness and I am taking a Photography Class at USF this summer! Please keep your blog going!!!
Posted by: Jackie | April 26, 2008 at 05:10 PM
Your blog is the first and last thing I look at everyday! I cannot even begin to tell you how much you inspire me. Even when you are busy and away, I look at old blog posts and I am filled with inspiration! Please don't ever stop blogging! Thank you for sharing.. It is because of you that I am learning French while I am in college (as an adult student)!! Thank you.
Posted by: chrissy taylor | April 26, 2008 at 05:19 PM
You have a very special talent in your writings. You convey the importance of a beautifully put together home affordably, and reach many more people on the blog who may not read one of your articles. I have always read your articles and feel that through the blog I now know the author. I look forward to your posts. Thank you. Have a great weekend.
Posted by: Susan | April 26, 2008 at 05:44 PM
I adore your blog. I love your home and I think your cats are adorable!!!
Posted by: Janice | April 26, 2008 at 06:44 PM
WHAT??? Quit blogging??? No my dear Fifi, you are fabulous and we need you!!!! I live vicariously through you, working for a home magazine, a wonderful, beautiful, foofy, Fifi -house.... I love your ramblings! Please don't ever stop!!!!
karen....
Posted by: karen benson | April 26, 2008 at 07:13 PM
DON'T STOP BLOGGING MY DEAR...you simply make us all smile, everytime I read your blog...and I can relate, as far as busy...I think you and I have spoke on that. You add life to use humdrum homebodies! I also look at the credits, writers, editors etc in all the magazines to see if your name is there and think "I know her!".... My Miss Muppet kitty IS fat, I have been giving her too many treats and food I guess! She too is strictly an indoor kitty, but loves to look outside. Thanks again for having this blog and being the special person you are!
Hugs,
Anita
Posted by: Anita | April 26, 2008 at 08:45 PM
You are welcome Dearie, and please don't stop blogging! You are a beautiful inspiration to us all!
Posted by: Roberta | April 26, 2008 at 09:05 PM
Dearest Fifi,
The sense of beauty and inspiration that you send out into the universe is like that of a magic potion. It causes one to feel inspired to create beauty within their own little space in the world. That surely is a special gift of which we all are not so blessed. And so you see, that makes you very special.
You resonate with such a charismatic energy and it is oh so contagious.
Fifi, you are much like the stone that creates the ripple in the lake of beauty. I suppose it is selfish of us to want you to give so much of yourself but you truly inspire so many people.
I wish we could give more back to you than just a simple thank you. It seems so small for all you give.
If you go, you will be missed greatly and the light of beauty and inspiration will not be as bright. Thank you for all of your wonderful ideas and your time spent sharing them. I hope you stay.
Yaya
Posted by: Yaya | April 26, 2008 at 10:16 PM
I echo everyone's words re your lovely Blog Fifi..
Had I never read your Blog~We would have never met!
If you stopped..it would be like losing something of value:(
I agree with Cindy..Romantic Home..
I have made friends..of similar interests..and met them though the powers of the keyboard.
You just never know who's life you are touching and inspiring petite Fifi:)
You're our Queen Of Everything...Don't pass the crown..It's ok if it's crooked some days because of all the work you do:) but never remove it.
:)
Please.
Posted by: Monique | April 27, 2008 at 05:59 AM
I know keeping up your lovely blog does take time. Your traveling schedule and deadlines must be overwhelming. So here comes the selfish part..we really love your beautiful blog! I go back and study all your lovely pictures frequently; as so many others do. You DO make a difference in ways that would probably really surprise you. You add beauty to a world that can be a bit difficult at times.
Best,
Kathy
Posted by: kathy | April 27, 2008 at 06:48 AM
Good morning Fifi :)
I love reading your blog, and I know I'm not the only one ;)
Beautiful inspiring pictures once again and your kitty cats are really sweet :) What a wonderful home and mom they have...
rue
Posted by: Rue | April 27, 2008 at 07:05 AM
Oh Fifi please dont stop blogging!
yours was the first I started to read on a regular basis and it eventually inspired me to start my own.
I have found it a wonderful way to share and meet other people that you would have never met otherwise.
there are NOT alot of people who live near me that share the same love of romantic shabby home decor,
they would rather shop at pottery barn (which is good but just not my style) and ive discovered many women who share my same love through blogging (like you)
so just keep up the good work, dont feel pressured, just blog when your inspired to we want you here!
hugs and smiles,
Sandy
Posted by: Sandy | April 27, 2008 at 07:51 AM
Fifi, We all love ya! We so enjoy your sharing your ideas and love all the kitty pic's!! Wow, you sure have alot of critters around!! ICK to the snakes!!!!! Love ya,Lori
Posted by: Lori | April 27, 2008 at 08:01 AM
Fifi,
Here's what you said:
....I mean, does it really matters? Does anyone get something of value out of my ramblings?
And from all the positive comments, I think the answer is crystal clear!
Your blog is a breath of fresh air, a sunny day, a burst of color in a Spring garden, a rainbow at day's end...~
Your little cottage is a bit of paradise! I love seeing all your treasures. I marvel at the way you take something simple and add that special Fifi touch...and it becomes a divine creation.
I, too, love to thrift store shop, and when you point out something you've gotten at a thrift store or a yard sale, you seem like my kindred spirit~you truly inspire me, even if I do have a "creativity deficit!"
Your cats are the sweetest things, and I just love the latest pics - especially of the white one with black markings (can't remember which one she is) curled up like a baby!
You just keep right on blogging, please! You have so many devoted fans.
XOXO
Joyce
Posted by: Joyce | April 27, 2008 at 08:41 AM
Your blog provides a restful escape for me! Please don't stop! Thank you for sharing your life and your world with us! xx
Posted by: Denice | April 27, 2008 at 12:53 PM
I am new to blogland and discovered your blog only 3 months ago.I am a reader of your magazine and love it. Much better since you have been doing it. I love your blog and through it have discovered so many more that I love. Great pictures, ideas, etc. Feels like I have taken a trip to Florida even though I live in California. Thanks much - keep it up.
Posted by: melody caldwell | April 27, 2008 at 01:40 PM
Dear Fifi,
I just wanted you to know what an inspiration you are to me. I so love to read your blog and to see your beautiful, home, work ,kitties, humor and spunk. Your are always doing something artistic and creative and thats the way I live too. It seems like you enjoy life and you are always full of surprises. I read your blog in the morning and it always brightens my day. You have such a wonderful positive outlook on life. Thank you for being you!
~Debra
Posted by: Debra | April 27, 2008 at 02:28 PM
Hi Fifi,
You, the Princess of Blog Land, to not continue blogging? Of all, your's is the fairest in the land...
You introduced me to this world with such beautiful inspiration and kept after me to begin my journey, and I did...
I now have friends in Australia, Argentina, France, Serbia and across the U.S. that I wouldn't have without your saying "when are you going to start your OWN blog?".
Also, thanks to you, I visited with a friend that lives 35 minutes from me at an antique fair just today that I would have never met but through YOU.
And I'm going to go ahead and gush all over the place... I am doing things I would have never had the guts to do lifestyle wise with my decorating if it wasn't for you dear Fifi, dear friend.
If you do stop, I will go through withdrawal and have to camp out on your doorstep just to see those lovely kitties and their pampered ways.
Personne ne peuvent prendre votre endroit!
xoxo~Tracie
Posted by: Tracie | April 27, 2008 at 03:44 PM
Your home is beautiful and very inspiring! Thank you for sharing so many photos. I'm drawn to all things wire too and have been fortunate to find a few good pieces at thrift stores and estate sales recently.
Kelly of The Vintage Butterfly Boutique
Posted by: Kelly/The Vintage Butterfly Boutique | April 27, 2008 at 05:00 PM
FiFi,
I love, love your blog it is so inspirational to me. I love to read your blog, drool over your pics and fantasize about being like you. Keep up the wonderful work you do. I know you enjoy it because it shows in your work. I hope you don't mind that I put a link to your blog on "Fun in Blog Land" list.
Take care,
Mya
Posted by: mya | April 27, 2008 at 06:48 PM
I hope I come back as a house cat... And you made me realize how many wire items I own too. I'm starting to think: IS THERE ANYTHING I DON'T COLLECT?!!! Including cats!
Posted by: Cami @ Heart-Shaped Rock Cottage | April 27, 2008 at 07:12 PM
Fifi, I think the "Ayes" have it...no one wants you to stop your blog. We all get such wondeful ideas from you. I come here just to sip my coffee and relax!
xo
Penny
Posted by: Penny @ Lavender Hill Studio | April 27, 2008 at 07:14 PM
Hi FiFi, Now that I have found your blog. Stopping it is out of the question!!! As I told you in my last post you always make me smile. You make a lot of people happy.
Mo :-)
Posted by: Mo...Mo's Cottage | April 27, 2008 at 10:41 PM
Please know that we all love your blog. So don't stop. You give me such inspiration. I LOVE your blog.
Posted by: Becky | April 28, 2008 at 08:10 AM
Hi Fifi,
Blogging is such a wonderful thing. I have met so many amazing women who have become my friends via blogland. I also get wonderful ideas and I love to hear from others who share my passion of decorating. Your blog is so so inspiring, please don't give it up. Your blog is like sipping a fresh lemonade.
Hugs,
LeAnn :)
Posted by: LeAnn Huntington | April 28, 2008 at 08:19 AM
Hi Fifi, I have so enjoyed my visit to your blog. Finally ~~ I found you, which was a delight. I have to share with you, I also love black toile and after the Romantic Country article and feature with pictures of your studio last spring, I was inspired to gather all my toile and do my art studio in black toile with a touch of pink. I will feature mine on my blog La Rea Rose soon. Thank you for the inspiration. I loved seeing your office. I so enjoyed my visit here and look forward to stopping by again soon. Have a special day!!!!!!!!!
Celestina,
La Rea Rose
Posted by: Celestina Marie | April 28, 2008 at 10:19 AM
Fifi
Me too !! It is so much fun for us to tune in and see what new ideas you have going on and to see that you have to spring clean just like us... I too now look to see if you are in the issue before I buy.. well I usually buy anyways.... but I do look for you !!! stay !!
Posted by: diana | April 28, 2008 at 11:20 AM
Well my dear - you know how I feel about you! I adore (and I mean ADORE) you! I love your Blog Fifi - You are one in a million, and a beautiful gem in this little Texas girl's eyes...Don't ever stop being the fabulous woman you are, and writing in this wonderful blog, because, quite frankly, no one can compare to you :) xo Sher
Posted by: Sherri | April 28, 2008 at 01:17 PM
Oh please do not give up blogging. I love to read yours. Just looking at your pics is so inspiring, and your kitties are so adorable.
Irma:)
Posted by: Irma | April 28, 2008 at 01:21 PM
I haven't commented before, but I just had to respond to this. Your blog is my FAVORITE on the whole internet. You have a genius for decortating and you are an adorable person. Please don't ever stop sharing your vision!
Posted by: Amy M. Burks | April 28, 2008 at 02:09 PM
gasp!!! I held my breath when I read your words about not bloggin...I also am not a frequent commenter but sit in the silent majority in awe & wonder of your beautiful life....your blog is first on my list to check daily and I am thrilled when I see a new headline to see what jewels have fallen out of your pockets....you definately sprinkle fairy dust around everything you do...I too live vicariously through you...,.so please rest when needed but please do not stop blogging....
diane from ontario canada
Posted by: dianec | April 28, 2008 at 05:21 PM
The edges of the tulips do indeed look like frilled lace. Love all of the wire ornaments, and Oooo I love the smell of a Magnolia tree :)
Posted by: Adla | April 28, 2008 at 07:08 PM
Inspiring others, and leaving a legacy of beauty, that is one of the many things your blog does for all of us.:)
xo Lidy
Posted by: frenchgardenhouse | April 28, 2008 at 07:17 PM
Oh we all question why we blog. I recently seriously considered stopping, but know if I did by friends would absolutely be devastated. I'd never hurt them, so decided to just keep typin' and try to fit everything into a 24 hour day. It often feels absolutely impossible.
Hello Beautiful,
Okay, I'm a huge fan. We have a mutual dear friend, Jenn, at The Old Painted Cottage. Because you love kitties, plants and Jennifer, I'm going to give you a bit of advice. Yes, I am a gardener, a good one, so trust me! The only way you're going to be able to plant your new magnolia tree in the area you've designated is with either a jackhammer or common sense. I'd use common sense. You have to soften the soil. I know because I had to do the same thing when we bought the house and I decided to landscape our side yard. It had tons and tons of pea gravel and had been in that condition for decades, so the soil was completely compacted and as hard as a rock. I couldn't even get the shovel in! Seriously. I'm laughing now, but wasn't laughing then. I realized I had to soften the soil, so put a sprinkler on the various areas every day for about 4 or 5 days, approx. 20 minutes at a time. That did the trick. I knew because of the pea gravel I'd have great dranage, so planted herbs, lavenders, roses, etc. It turned out beautifully within months (a year and a half later, it's stunning). I had probably twenty feet on both side of the yard to dig, you just have a little old hole! You can do it honey!!! It'll probably take a few days to soften the soil, then let it dry just a bit before turning it because you don't want to turn mud. You'll put the shovel in and feel when it's right, then just turn the gravel right in for good drainage, add amendments, and then the tree. I garden only organically, so typically use only organic compost and fertilizer from Whitney Farms. I'm a simple gardener, but the results are to die for!
Most nurseries will tell you not to add amendments to soil when planting a tree. I've done so most of my life and so beg to differ. What's important is when you remove the tree from it's pot, be sure to tickle the roots apart gentle and let them exhale. They've been growing in a pot, so like a merry-go-round, growing round and round. If you just take the tree directly from the pot and plop it in the ground, the roots are going to continue to go round-and-round and your poor tree will fail. If not in 5 years, 10. It's important to let the roots exhale. So ruin your beautiful manicure and trust me, you won't regret it. The roots will find their voice very quickly. Oh, and be sure to dig a big enough hole. Yes, it should be about 3 times the size of the root (width, not depth). I know, it's a lot of work, but it's worth the effort.
Be sure not to plant the tree any deeper than it was planted in the container (you can see the line on the trunk very clearly). Back fill the hole half way, water it in, then fill it in completely, then water again. Water well, and do so for weeks, but don't overwater. That's a no-no. It's a dance you know. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask.
Continued success my dear. Love the magazine and always have. I used to live like you, but with the number of kitties we have now and the dog, it's simply impossible. And I don't have time to clean all that "stuff" any longer. I've become a Romantic Country Homes minamalist! And I like it! So I visit your place for the memories and the beauty.
Yes, I know this is long winded. I can't write any other way. I try to edit, but never learned the definition. Sorry.
Good luck with your tree (and if course life and the magazine).
XO Suzanne
Posted by: Suzanne | April 28, 2008 at 07:47 PM
Sweet Greetings FiFi,
This is a big step for me, I've been lectured by Cathy from Treasured Heirlooms to blog more, to put myself out there. I carry the "I'm not worthy" bag over my shoulder too much. I would never have dreamed of coming to your blog to leave a comment. You are larger than life in my eyes, yet your posts put me at ease. Reading about your missing basket story, and how you turned it into a positive was perfect. I too love gardening,and until last summer had a Greenhouse for 20 years, I have big hopes that my husband will keep his word and rebuild another this fall, fingers crossed~ And cigs, don't get me started! lol....(I quit for 5 yrs. but started again a few months ago, so you won't hear lectures from me!) Please continue to blog, I finally found the courage to leave a comment. Big smiles~
In Friendship,
Michelle
Posted by: Michelle from Rose Petals & Blooms | May 01, 2008 at 07:24 AM
I just love the chandelier and the chandelier pendants. So lovely. Sorry about your lovely hangers being taken. At least they are bringing joy to someone. :)
Alexandra
Posted by: Alexandra | May 02, 2008 at 04:46 PM
You would not have mentioned the cigarettes if part of you did not want a lecture (despite your protests). So here it is. Cigarettes will kill you far more certainly than snakes or cars. You're dancing with death. I quit 10.5 years ago. I loved to smoke. I still miss it sometimes, but it's not intense at all. The patch did it for me. Different solutions are right for different people. Yes, it made me itch. But it was worth it. Now I run 2 miles, several times a week. I am not a fanatic. I just need to lecture you because your life and your blog are delicious. My best friend is an editor who quit a few years ago, too (with the zyban pill). You can do this, and you know you need to, or you would not have mentioned it at all. Do know that I love your blog....
Posted by: Ann | May 17, 2008 at 07:31 PM
LOVE, LOVE your blog!!! Thank you for all your phots and inspiration! God bless you, Brandi
Posted by: brandi | August 12, 2008 at 04:32 PM