Saturday, November 12, 2011

LAVENDER AND HYDRANGEA LOVE

Today I went outside with great expectations of throwing away the weathered, raggedy looking mums and inpatiens in front of my house and then I paused. They're not dead yet. They are bent and drooping from the wind, rain and cold, but still have lovely blooms. I stood there with the trash can and my gardening gloves and promised them all another week.

This is the lavender plant that I decided not to put in the ground this fall for fear it wouldn't root well enough before the ground froze. It's doing okay in my garden window. I water it every two weeks, as I read that they like dry soil. I have gotten advice that it will live okay in my house until spring and then I got another piece of advice to let it go dormant in a dark cool place. I suppose I would have to water it, too. Any thoughts on this? I get really emotional over this sort of thing.
I was thrilled to find that I could order a bouquet of lavender on eBay, which is pretty cool since my little plant isn't giving much yet. To my surprise, it arrived 2 weeks later via Athens, Greece. The stamps were very interesting and there were two little charms inside as well which I think was very thoughtful. It was totally wrapped in heavy plastic but the scent was unbelievable. Yum!
Daughter Emily brought home 4 of these pictures from the furnishings store she works at as a designer. They are framed French postcards. I'm going to do an arrangement on the wall in my family room, which is next on my To Do list. The room has been on hold since the kitchen took precedence. It's a big project, from furniture to curtains to everything in between. I am really excited to get moving but I think I will wait until the holidays are over.
The thing about dried lavender is that the buds fall off the stems. Never fear, into a porcelain soap dish and into the bathroom they went.

While I was on eBay, I also ordered some dried hydrangeas, which I have done before. The box came today...I shouldn't say box, it was a carton about the size of what my microwave came in. Big heads of purplish green hydrangeas. I was in awe at first and then I thought, "What am I doing with this when my house is in full transition from fall to Christmas and an unfinished kitchen thrown in as well?" I closed the box and managed to find a corner in the den to store it until January. Maybe they will look good next to some red and green poinsettia plants.

I am packing up most of my fall decorations this weekend {besides load after load of laundry}, and just leaving out a few pieces. This will make it easier to start Christmas decorating after Thanksgiving. This year I am going to be early, I will get my tree early and just water the heck out of it, and do what I say I am going to do every year...get it all finished and sit back and enjoy December. Last December with the passing of my father, we didn't get our tree until the 20th of December and I didn't decorate much at all. This year will be different. I have a big box of ornaments from him, the old, scratched mercury glass orbs, and after growing up with these, they now have a home here with my family to enjoy.

So, I'll go back to my laundry and pop on back next week. I hope all of you are having a great weekend. It's 60 degrees here and lovely!! :-)

I'm joining in Marty's party, Table Top Tuesday. Visit A Stroll Thru Life and join in the fun!

74 comments:

Pondside said...

What a cosy post, Jane. A little of this and a little of that and it all comes together for a lovely picture of a Saturday in November. Thanks for the invitation to see your world for a wee bit.

Susan McClaskey said...

I can almost "smell" the lavender from your pictures. Love lavender, but I'm afraid I don't have any advise about it. I do think it's pretty hardy. My sister brought a big bushy one home from the garden center last year, which I think they gave her because it was about dead. She put it in the ground and we now have a lovely lavender bush.
Best,
Susan

Linda said...

What a lovely visit I just had with you!!

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Oh so pretty, the lavender is just unreal. How neat to have some for the bathroom too, I am sure the smell is out of this world. Good luck with all of the renos and redos. Sounds like a lot is going on. Thanks tons for joining the party. Gorgeous vignette. A bundle of lavender is just the best. Hugs, Marty

Debbiedoos said...

mmmm...I can smell that lavender from here Jane! That first photo is fabulous for the record, wow, really nice. Enjoy the weekend.

Julie Marie said...

Hi Jane... I am envious of your 60 degree weather!... it is a blizzard and cold here right now... and I am decorating for Christmas already... if it were me, I would leave your lavender plant where it gets light and warmth but only water it sparingly... they can tolerate pretty much drought conditions... most die from too much water rather than lack of water... your French inspired postcards are fabulous!... can't wait to see all of your Christmas decorations this year... xoxo Julie Marie

NanaDiana said...

My garden has one week to live! Then it is OFF WITH THEIR HEADS...everything is looking much like it is at your house. I am so glad that you got some lavender. I have never ordered it online figuring it would be frighful when it arrived.

I am so glad you have your Dad's ornaments. How wonderful and special will that be to see them on your tree this year. A good reminder of your childhood and Dad!

I have never grown lavender inside so I don't know what to tell you~ xo Diana

Olive said...

The lavender and postcards will be sweet together. I leave the hydrangeas I dry out all year and they blend with Christmas just fine. All those subtle greens seem to work. I do hope you have a good time decorating this year.

April said...

Lavender is one of my favorite scents! I'd love to order somem for myself! I really love what you did for your bathroom. I just might have to steal that idea!

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

I used to give my flowers one more week, too, Jane. Then it would snow in that week and they stayed there until Spring!

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Hi Jane,
I planted some lavender outside in the spring and it did fair, not as well as I would have liked. I think I'll try ordering some and at least I will have the wonderful smell.
Thanks for the idea. Loved reading your post. You are so down to earth and I love how you always speak from your heart.

hugs
Sissie

Marigene said...

When I first scrolled seeing the lavender I was wondering why mine didn't last that long...then I realized it wasn't out of your garden, but had ordered it.
Have a fun weekend...after you get that laundry done!

Erin said...

Oh, Jane, lavender and hydrangeas, my favorite! Where did you order them from? I tried drying hydrangea this year with absolutely no luck. :( I hear you on wanting to be able to enjoy December. I'm already planning out Christmas presents so I can shop early and be done. And I've been making glitter houses the last two days so I'm in a Christmasy kind of mood already. Enjoy the rest of your weekend! It's mild here but I don't think it'll last for long!

Take care,
Erin

Anita at Cedar Hill said...

Oh I love lavender. You are inspiring me to go get some of my own. I am a new follower. Thanks for your sweet comments on my blog.

Melanie said...

I love lavender, but my plant is outside, so I don't have any advice for you on how to keep the plant thriving indoors. I'm not at all ready to decorate for Christmas - I feel like I just put out my autumn decorations! I want to enjoy those for awhile longer. Love your french postcards - those will look really pretty in a grouping.

LuLu Kellogg said...

I felt like I was sitting there having tea with you and enjoying the lavender!!

Love,
LuLu~*xoxo

Ricki Treleaven said...

I would love to get a closer look at the postcards. I adore the smell of lavender. I like the way you have it in a little white dish! Very pretty. I am glad your impatiens and mums got another week..... :D

June said...

So happy you were able to give your plants a stay of execution Jane!
It is nice to know that dried hydrangeas can be shipped and make it through well. I have been wanting to send some to my daughter.
Have a wonderful Sunday!
hugs from here...

White Ironstone Cottage said...

Beautiful Jane Love the lavender
I always feel so welcome when I visit
xxoo
Pam

A Hint of Home said...

I'm sure the lavender smells wonderful!
I love the idea of framing and using the postcards!
Have a super weekend!

Ribbonwood Cottage said...

Hi Jane! Oh I love this lavender and I think because of your post I need yes need to order some too! I've never thought to do this but I would enjoy the scent as well. Lovely post. I'm going to pack away some fall things to just to get ready for the transition and maybe even clean house! Buwahahahaha....because once December hits I just sprinkle fake snow all over everything...you know instead of dusting! Big smile!!!! No one realizes my house is dusty! Hahaha
Blessings,
Debbie

Shirl said...

Hello Jane , thank you so much for stopping by and leaving a sweet comment. What a cute post, I buy lavender on ebay too but not in a bouquet. I'll have to try that. I love the fresh scent of it.
Hugs, Shirl
Shirls Rose Cottage

Heaven's Walk said...

You're always such a busy gal, Jane! I don't blame you for wanting to start the Christmas decorating earlier. I am, too. It comes and goes way too fast, so I'm going to start enjoying my decor next week! lol! How fun to get that lavender from Greece! Wow! There's no better fragrance.... :)

xoxo laurie

Sarah, Three Boys said...

mmmm lavendar. Love!!

Tracy said...

You are so fortunate that your flowers are still holding on, mine bit the dust with the snowstorm we had for Halloween and I tore it all out last week. I have some tattered mums left but I'm thinking they will go this week and I'll put out some big urns with boxwood for the holidays. I hope you get all your decorating done early as planned. I am hoping to do the same!

Alison @ The Polohouse said...

Hi Jane!
You made me smile as I read that you ordered a case of dried hydrangea just as the holiday season is approaching. That is totally something I would do too!

The postcards are so awesome! I love momentos like that -- framed and all. So nice that someone already did that for you! Not a project... I have lots of those!

Will be thinking of you as you decorate your tree without your father this December. Hope that goes ok for you. The first holiday without is always the hardest I think.

Hugs to you today.
Alison

Lynne said...

Hi Jane!
How fun to have Emily popping in with such lovely touches for your home! The postcard is wonderful!

I have lavender tucked all over my house. I even have it on my deck at work. I squeeze it for when stress happens!

I have never grown Lavender inside. I'll check my favorite site and see if there are any suggestions!

I wish you well this weekend!
~Lynne
[w/L]

bj said...

O, my...we all love lavender. This looks so lovely. I don't know a thing about it...wish I could help.
I love the bowl of lavender in your bath.

Regarding the rugs thrown away and found....by moi....I think the lady had just moved in next door to our cousins and they think she is crazy. :) They called us the day after we found the new rugs and had found a new exercise bike with price tags hanging from it.
CRAZY !

Jane said...

How special to have the ornaments that were your father's! Every year will bring wonderful memories when you hang them on your tree.
Sounds like you are having a beautiful fall. We've had great weather our way too!
Jane

Deborah said...

The lavender and hydrangeas must be gorgeous Jane and so fragrant!
It sounds like you are busy and looking forward to the holidays...me too!
The decorations from your father will be so beautiful..Im the biggest lover of mercury glass.
Cant wait to see your tree..
Have a great weekend!

Deborah xoxoxoox

Lynn said...

I'm chomping at the bit to decorate for Christmas too Jane! I always do it the day after Thanksgiving. I love that you have special ornaments from your Father, I look forward to bringing out my G-Mom-B's each year. Happy Sunday:@)

Confessions of a Plate Addict said...

I didn't know you could order lavender...or hydrangeas, for that matter! That would be great for me, since I have had little success with either! Love the French postcards! I hope you are having a wonderful weekend!...hugs...Debbie

Something Nice and Pretty said...

Hi Blondie! I too am going to put my tree up for Thanksgiving, working part time I sort of have to if I want to enjoy the holidays! I doubt I'll decorate it though until after the big Turkey dinner!

Linda @ A La Carte said...

Maybe I will put lavender on my list to grow this next year. Meanwhile I might order some also. Hmmmm...love it and those french postcards. Take care and I'm glad you will get Christmas decorations this year. I'm getting Halloween put away and only putting out a few Turkeys so I can get to Christmas fast this year. Being gone from home a month has thrown off my decorating. hugs, Lindab

Debby said...

Love the little framed French items and the lavendar.
On my way home from the airport last night I saw several Christmas trees up and some outdoor lights. I am ready to start decorating. I always have Thanksgiving but my son is this year. So I am decorating early. When you have a rough year like you did last year it makes you want to make the next holiday even better. With all your new touches it will be.
The laundry can wait........why is it that it is always there.

Laurel@ChippingwithCharm said...

I plan to get my decorating done early too...then I can just enjoy a clean and cozy house in December...rather than boxes and bins stashed here and there :) Enjoy the treasures from you father! Blessings, laurel

{Semplice} said...

Love the little etc. jar, very cute. Enjoyed visitng your blog.
Bristol

Tricia said...

I feel the same as you, Jane, wanting to get all the Christmas things out right away so I can just sit back and enjoy December. I say that every year though and it never seems to happen. Hope you have a good week :)

Daniella said...

Hi Jane!!
I love the lavender you got, and how awesome to get those pots from your daughter!!
I'm sorry last Christmas was so hard. I hope you and your family are able to find joy this holiday season.
And I hope your kitchen reno is almost finished!@@
xxDaniella

Lori said...

Loving the lavender Janie and it does smell heavenly! I have a bunch of old ornaments from Mom and also from the farm ~ they are my favorites at Christmastime. We had gorgeous weather here also today ~ hard to believe it is Nov and no jacket required! Have a great week.

podso said...

Like pondside said, this is just like having a cup of tea with you on a Saturday, hearing about your week, etc. O can't get over how you have these plants and flowers mailed to you! And coming from Athens! How cool.

Good idea to "Downsize" the fall decor so you are ready for Christmas stuff. It always takes me by surprise. The day after Thanksgiving I suddenly know it's time, especially if the kids that are home for the weekend are going to help trim the tree!

Theresa said...

You can get just about anything on Ebay:) I have some dried Hydrangeas on my dining room table, kitchen bar and in my powder room! They were dried from my front yard! I love lavender and I can't imagine how good your house must smell! Have a blessed evening dear friend, HUGS!

Gypsy Heart said...

Wish I were there to smell the lavender! There's a wonderful Lavender Farm in the Hill Country if you need to order again. :-) If you have time, would you mind sending me the eBay info re: the dried hydrangeas?

I'm getting in the mood for Christmas decor. My daughter's house is just gorgeous!! She loves Christmas so much...everything went up a couple of days afterHalloween. :-) Her job gets so busy and stressful that she wants to enjoy the season.

Have a wonderful week!
xo
Pat

Desire Empire said...

Oh the joys of gardening in extreme climates.

We have issues with sea spray and of course Australia is extremely hot in Summer. I have no doubt that you have problems growing Lavender in the far north of the US, as it is a Mediterranean origin plant. I guess that's why it does so well in the South of France. It loves it hot and dry. Obviously it needs water but it likes its roots to be well drained.

I have cut them back hard with great results but I would definately be leaving it inside over the Chicago winter. A repot to a larger one may also help.

The Moerks said...

HI Jane, it is all action at your place. I bet the house smells divine with all the lovely lavender.

Maggie said...

Hi Jane
I had the same dilemma when I went out to the garden ready to pull up the remaining nasturstiums only to find that they're not ready to bow out just yet! They still have a fiery redness that looks lovely in the November sunlight.
The winter will be long enough without colour so they can stay for as long as they want!
Have a wonderful week.
Maggie

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

Lavendar is so soothing...

Unknown said...

I love lavender, and yours is lovely. This time of year some of the Hydrangeas dry so beautifully. Wishing you a lovely evening.

Karen

Barb said...

Hi Janie, love the bundle of lavender. So, so pretty!

Hope you are having a great week.

Barb ♥

Deserae said...

I bet your lavender smells divine and those postcards are wonderful!!!! I can't wait to see them hung in your family room. Every year I say I am going to decorate early for Christmas and every year I arrive late! LOL
~Des

Honey at 2805 said...

The lavender and hydrangas sound wonderful! The post cards sure look interesting. Can't wait til we see them up close and personal. It's so nice that you have your Dad's ornaments; they will certainly hold a special meaning!

Dreaming of Vintage said...

Hi Jane! Pretty pictures! I love lavender!
Thank you for your kind words of encouragement and of course you can copy my wreath!
Hugs,
Kelly

GLENDA CHILDERS said...

I love your "etc." canister.

fondly,
Glenda

xinex said...

Your lavenders look lovely, Janie. I can just imagine their fragrance.I am never successful in planting lavenders. I try but they die when it gets too of in the summer here. I wanted to tell you that we toured the Fragmore Cotton Plantation, the one Al wanted to see when you were here. It is so interesting. I wish we could have taken you there but we ran out of time. I'll post about it on Sat.....Christine

Elaine said...

I love lavender and I have some stems in my bathroom. Along with lavender soap and lotion.

I have some dried hydrangeas too. Mine are almost beige in color now, perfect for Thanksgiving.

That's a good plan to decorate early and then enjoy yourself after it's done. Nice to have your father's ornaments to remember him this Christmas.

Micupoftea said...

I love lavendar and Hydrangea. I've done the same thing...head outside to pull up plants and then give them a reprieve! lol

Decor To Adore said...

Oh I too love lavender!

I just packed up Halloween last night and due to a hectic schedule will now go straight to Christmas.

Unknown said...

Thank you Jane, your post inspired me and became the topic of my post today.

I love the way your write, you always make me feel good after reading one of your posts.

Have a beautiful day. My post is called Lavender Inspiration.

http://karenharveycox.blogspot.com/2011/11/lavender-inspiration.html

Karen

www.MaisonStGermain.com said...

Hi Jane:) Love all of the lavender you have. It smell sooo good:) Can't wait to see pictures of your CHristmas decorations:) I have been adding Christmas little by little already:)
~Debra xxx
Capers of the vintage vixens

Knitty said...

I wonder if your order of lavender was detained in customs or the US mail. A friend in Washington state sent lavender to a few mutual friends. Each of their packages had been opened and inspected by the USPS. Maybe illegal drug shipments use lavender to disguise the smell?

Some of our plants are still blooming, oblivious to the November date. Too bad they won't last much longer.

Denise said...

I love lavender. I ordered a bag of it on Etsy to stuff in my lavender sachets that I had in my Etsy store. I've closed my Etsy for a bit but hopefully will open it next year when I get a bit more organized.

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

HI Jane,
So nice to get caught up with you!
Loving that lavendar, I bet the smell is amazing!
Dan and I are going to try to sneak away for a bit this next weekend. I sure need to get out of Dodge for awhile as they say.
Hugs to you,
Cindy

Jacqueline~Cabin and Cottage said...

Hi Jane! It's always so nice when you pop over! I admire you ladies who can get so much visiting done! You're at the top of that fun list. I'm going to order some dried hydrangeas someday too. We can't grow them here, and I love the look of the big bunches of dried brown ones. I've always got a bit of dried lavender around. You crush those seeds and the frangrance lasts and lasts!

Sharing with Sherri said...

Lavender is the perfect solution to calm the nerves for making the transition from Fall/Thanksgiving to Christmas for sure! It would be nice if there were a bit more time between the two...
Do you ever cook with the lavender? I came across a recipe on another blog for lavender scones I thought looked delicious!
Hugs:)

Bunny Jean said...

I came by to say thanks for visiting me and the sweet comment you left me.

I already read this post and thought I commented but didn't see my little face when scrolling down :o)

I love hydrangeas and lavender. Not going to try the hydrangeas here in the desert but I do have lavender and it is blooming right now!

xoxo Bunny Jean

Charlene said...

Jane, How is that kitchen coming? Are you loving the granite? Thank you for the sweet comments on the post I did on Marble Falls. That showroom was amazing. I want my kitchen redone so much! I just can't decide where to start. After loosing Hubby's Dad last month life has been upside down enough without adding the stress of a remodel right now. Can't wait to see yours completed. And aren't you the eager beaver getting ready to decorate for Christmas! But, you will enjoy it all month like you said... YOU GO GIRL! HUGS!
Charlene

Jacqueline said...

What a wonderful idea to order lavendar on ebay! I had no idea you could do that. I think it is one of the most amazing smells and I have planted a plant here or there, but I agree, it would never give me a bouquet. Oops, I smell it coming off the computer. That is so strange! Sounds like the hydrangeas are wonderful online too!
Yup, I am decorating early too. It is nice to come back and have the house ready.

Kathleen Grace said...

Hmmmm, I think lavender is pretty hardy, I would just water it and let it grow inside for the winter. With the mild weather we have had I might even plant it and just mulch it really well to protect it from freezing before it can root, and then water it once a week. I am trying to figure how much Christmas decorating I can get away with right now so I dont have to do it all at once. I usually wait until Thanksgiving weekend but then the season seems so short! I always pack it away by New Years.

Daydream Living said...

Hi Jane!
You know, I have the same with my plants in the windows outside, not dead yet...but I will remove then soon, when I find the urge (they look sad...). Always a joy to read what's going on at your end, enjoy the weather! hugs, Maureen xx

Nancy's Notes said...

Great photographs! I love lavender and yours I'm sure smells divine! YOu are a busy lady and sounds like you've got a good plan to get your fall treasures put away and will be ready for Christmas to be put out! Enjoy!

Sue said...

I have tried to grow lavender two years in a row and it just isn't working for me. I never thought about checking ebay for some. I'll do that before the day is over!

I'm trying to get my shopping done early. Of course we have less shopping to do this year, which makes me sad. I always did the shopping for our family from my in-laws, so not only are we short the 3 parents, I'm also not shopping for the 4 of us from them. It makes this shopping thing seem much easier, but less fun.

As for Zoe...she is a beagle. Our old beagle girl, Nike, is 15 1/2. So, we opted to get a pup now and not find ourselves buying a "replacement" pup later. We may just have been crazy to do so, but I love her so much that it is worth all the work. She is a sweetheart!

Andrea said...

I adore both lavender and hydrangeas. I must admit, I have some purple and green dried hydrangeas up in an urn in my front entry. They are so perfect there that I can't bring myself to take them down for Christmas. I figure they'll be a good balance to all the other decor =)

Anonymous said...

Hi Jane! Oh, I love lavender and the smell! :) I've never grown any so I know nothing. Oh, you've got lots of decorating ahead of you, haven't you? Is it ever done? I don't think so. I've got some things I need to do and I just keep thinking about them. just thinking...
Thanks for popping in to see me
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

I've enjoyed your post! I love lavender...and hydrangeas are my favorite flower! Enjoy your weekend! ♥