Spring at Heath

IMG_1054{Cherry Blossoms}

I will get back to posting on the “Silk Road” series as soon as possible, but right now I must attend to a few items around Heath, primarily the garden. There is much work to be done, such as clearing and tilling the grounds, mapping out rows, and transplanting a fig and rose bush to a safer position within the garden. The beds have been edged with a shovel, tossing the dirt back onto the bed to give the row a neater look.

The southeastern portion of the property is flourishing compared to the northern edge so, I staked the peonies in this quadrant and neatened up the Crepe Myrtle.

IMG_1128

IMG_1127

Since, our garden is off a heavily wooded area I have found that it is imperative to select the right plants to sow so, that we keep the majority of wildlife at bay. I planted turnip and mustard greens this morning, which will be used in soups, stews and mostly stir-fries for the warmer months ahead. The deer are not fond of these greens and will leave them for other items around the grounds.

I always enjoy photographing the garden in all of the seasons to use as a frame of reference when planning. I draft the garden onto paper and use the photos to determine where to place various plants. This is a handy tool that makes crop rotating easier in the following seasons.

IMG_1073

After several days of pulling weeds and thinning plants on my hands and knees, there is nothing like coming into the house for a chilled glass of Trefethen Chardonnay and then sitting on the deck with the garden in view.

A Votre Santé!

K

Zhouzhuang Watertown, China

P1010860{On the canal with boat operators who ferry tourists while singing songs}

Zhouzhuang is one of oldest water townships and considered the “Venice” of China. The locale is an hour from Shanghai and southeast of Suzhou. Each of the ancient residential dwellings are well preserved and have accessibility to elegant watery views of the lakes and rivers.

P1010863

P1010859
The customs and traditions of these people have not changed in more than a 1000 years. They have retained a style and pattern of living on these canals, as they did centuries ago.

Two or three generations may live in a home and the families appear extremely private about their personal affairs. They stay very close to the collective and were oblivious to us as tourist.

P1010864{On the canals of Zhouzhuang}

Enjoy the Waterways!!!!!

K