Friday 17 April 2015

April Breezes filled with fragrance …

 

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Spring has sprung in all its glory this week.  The sun  shone brightly.  Flowers  opened and fragrance fills the garden.  The farmer let the cows out into the back fields and they are as happy to be there as I am to see them.  Blackbirds flutter back and forth across the garden, their beaks filled with worms for their brood neatly hidden in some bush; and there are blue tits nesting in one of the boxes we have provided – what’s not to love about this time of year.

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Clouds of ornamental cherry blossom everywhere … trees that are dull and uninteresting for eleven months of the year … suddenly come alive … and are a sight to behold.

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The significance of the cherry blossom tree in Japanese culture goes back hundreds of years.  In their country the cherry blossom represents the fragility and the beauty of life.  It is a reminder that life is almost overwhelmingly beautiful but that it is also tragically short ~ Homaru Cantu

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There is no glory in a star or blossom till looked upon by a loving eye.  There is no fragrance in April breezes till breathed with joy as they wander by ~ Wm. C. Bryant

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Can words describe the fragrance of the very breath of Spring ~ Neltje Blanchan 

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I have just noticed that this is my 500th post in almost four years of blogging – where has the time gone!  Thanks to you my blogging friends for your kind comments which have kept me going when, at times, I have felt like giving up on the blog altogether.  I truly appreciate that you take the time to read what I have to say.

Elaine

70 comments:

  1. Happy 500th post. May there be 500 more at least (I don't like the sound of that temptation to give up!).

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    1. 500 posts I can hardly believe it - what on earth did I find to talk about? Thanks Annie.

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  2. Congrats on your 500th post and a splendid one it is indeed.
    All the beautiful blooms, the field of contented cows does much to lift the spirits...
    Susan x

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    1. Thank you Susan. The garden is looking its best right now and certainly does lift the spirits. Nave a good weekend my friend.

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  3. My your garden looks gorgeous. Mine is soggy but coming along. I too passed 500 posts some time ago, and it has been enjoyable to share them. Lots of time and work goes in to them. Here is to 500 more.

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    1. Thank you Donna - hope your garden doesn't stay soggy for long. I never thought I would manage to reach 500 - I guess it's just one post a a time.

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  4. 500 posts eh? Marvelous that! There shall be no quitting blogging do'ya here me Mrs!!! Good....glad that's sorted!
    I loved this post, your garden is looking magical, and so vibrant, plenty of food there for the bees! I loved that first pic and was interested to find out a little more about cherry blossom, what a lovely snippet of information!xxx

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    1. i reckon seeing as you are the boss I'll have to do as you say and carry on blogging - haha! The garden is looking pretty good as is yours - I just love all the blossom at this time of year don't you. Have a good holiday.

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  5. wow that's a lot of photos in 500 posts, all the flowers and plants are looking lovely...
    Amanda xx

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    1. I agree - it must run into thousands - good job I like taking photographs. Thanks Amanda.

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  6. Well done Elaine....always a pleasure to read your posts and take in your lovely images of the garden and surrounding area.

    I like the image of the cows. When I walk Nella I often chat to the cows in the field. They always appear to be listening............I worry about me sometimes :))

    Your garden is looking very pretty filled with Spring flowers.
    Cherry blossom is so fleeting but worth every moment she stays........

    Have a good weekend. We have a strong NE wind for the next few days.......it feels very chilly.

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    1. Thanks Cheryl. When I am working at the top of the garden the cows often come to the fence to see what's going on - I talk to them but the conversation is a little one-sided. The wind has been chilly this weekend but I managed to get quite a bit done outside - the jobs seem never ending at the moment - is there ever a time as a gardener where we can say - that's it, nothing more to be done - I think not!

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  7. 500 posts? That is impressive. Congratulations!
    You have summed up this time of year beautifully. Wishing you a wonderful weekend. May the sun shine!

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    1. Thanks Sarah - I can't quite believe it myself. I do love it when the blossom starts opening - alas it is all too fleeting.

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  8. A really delightful post with lovely pictures. Well done on reaching 500 posts, I've enjoyed them all and look forward to many more. Happy blogging and gardening. Flighty xx

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    1. Thanks Flighty. Happy blogging and gardening to you too.

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  9. Simply beautiful, the pictures and your descriptions!
    Congratulations with your 500th post and I'm looking forward to the next 500.
    Wish you a nice and sunny weekend.

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    1. Thanks Janneke - its not hard to take beautiful pictures at this time of year is it. There seems to be something new to look at every day.

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  10. Your garden is so beautiful!!!!!! It is absolutely wonderful to look at!!! Happy 500th post! How great is that! Here's to many more!! xx

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    1. Thanks Amy. I can't begin to think about the next 500 - one post at a time is all I can manage.

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  11. some spiffing photos Elaine I too love this time of year looks, like your back to your old self that`s so nice to know, all the best

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    1. Thanks David - glad you like the spiffing photos (I haven't heard anyone use the word spiffing in I don't know how long). Yes, definitely back to my old self.

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  12. I'm so glad you haven't given up on the blog buddy! I always enjoy coming here as it is a refreshing escape for me!!! Your shots of your blooming spring garden are magnificent!!! And it is so true that this is a magical time of year! Your bouquet knocked me over in the first shot up there!!! HAPPY 500th post Elaine! Wishing you a weekend full of good times in the garden!!! Nicole xo

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    1. Thanks Nicole - I'm glad you enjoy visiting - I will do my best to keep the blog going even when I don't have an idea in my head as to what I'm going to blog about that week - luckily something always pops into my head just in time. It's a busy time of year in the garden - so many jobs that need doing and never enough time. Have a good week my friend.

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  13. Congrats on your 500th post Elaine - I hope you will still be blogging at 1000 posts!

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    1. Thanks Mark - you must have passed your 500 mark years ago - but as I only post once a week it's not bad going - here's to the next 500.

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  14. May there be 500 more! We have a great tit roosting in our camera box but no sign of nest building.

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    1. Thanks Sue. We are trying to keep an eye on all the nest boxes but they keep us guessing.

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  15. I am glad you are soaking up all the joys of Spring. Your garden is beautiful, what a reward for all the work you must have put into it.

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    1. Thanks Susan. I guess when you are working in the garden all the time you don't really appreciate it. Nice to see it through other people's eyes.

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  16. Elaine

    Congratulations on four years and 500 posts.

    Well done!!

    It takes time and effort on your part and I, for one, really appreciate your posts.

    Ms Soup

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    1. Thank you Ms Soup - what a kind comment.

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  18. Happy Spring and Happy 500th to you, Elaine! Your brilliant garden colors have me sighing and wishing I could get a whiff of their fragrance on the air.

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    1. Thank you Ann. I have been surprised this year at how many of the Narcissus actually have a scent - it is lovely walking round and having a sniff at everything as I go.

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  19. Elaine, Happy 500 - that's a lot of posts! You are sure in bloom there and everything looks very green, I'm a little jealous.

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    1. Thanks Barb - it is a lovely time of year - that's for sure - I'm sure your spring isn't far behind.

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  20. Yet more beautiful photos. Yes, Spring is delightful here too, even if our garden isn't anywhere near as floral as yours. Congrats on your 500th.... look forward to many more.

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    1. Thanks Cro. As your garden is more trees than flowers you surely must have lots of blossom around the place.

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  21. Dear Elaine, congratulation for so many blog posts! And thanks for the beautiful photos of your garden and of nature - so joyful, so elating! When I see your walks depicted here, longing for the countryside arises - oh, one so many possibilities to live one's life... A compromise then is a walk in the Botanic Garden, there I have my share in nature too.

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    1. Thank you Britta - I should imagine the Botanic Garden is lovely at this time of year. It is nice to know that you appreciate the countryside and nature as much as I do.

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  22. Your garden is looking fabulous already!
    Many congratulations on 500 posts, that is quite some achievement.

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    1. Thanks Jessica. I feel exhausted just thinking about the next 500!

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  23. super images - I really love the image of the blossom with its shadow on the wall. Congratulations on 500 posts! I know what you mean about sometimes feeling like giving up - blogging is a funny thing, isn't it?

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    1. Thanks Ann. Yes blogging is a funny old thing - sometimes it just feels like really hard work - other times the words just fly - I will keep going only as long as I enjoy doing it - can't say fairer than that.

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  24. Congratulations on your 500th post. I hope there will be at least twice as much :)
    I'm glad spring finally came to your garden. You always have so many colours in your garden. looks like a small fairyland.

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    1. Thanks Leanan. After a long winter spring is always welcomed with open arms - my favourite season.

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  25. Congratulations on your 500th post, and your spring flowers are lovely. This time of year is wonderful isn't it :-)

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    1. Thanks Su. Yes, it is a pretty special time of year.

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  26. Your garden is looking lovely and the spring sunshine and delicate blossom certainly lift the spirits don't they? Congratulations on 500 posts:)

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    1. Thanks Rosie. I know the flowers are lovely but when I look around all I can see are all the jobs that need doing - and how on earth am I going to find time to do them all - only joking, not.

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  27. Dear elaine,
    congratulations.. 500th post. I am slow at posting..
    Please dont think of giving up... I myself have gone through stages.. I think we all do.
    Your posts are always so romantic and lovely..
    Your garden is a delight to the eye,just stunning in the un planed beauty that you have made- Tulips here and there of all colors , flowers with names i would never remember.
    Spring truly is the most wonderful month.
    You really work hard in that lovely garden..
    best wishes for a wonderful weekend.
    val x

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    1. Dear Val
      Thank you for your kind words. Yes, the garden definitely keeps me busy but I love being outdoors so it isn't really a hardship looking after it all. Have a good week.

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  28. Dear Elaine, congratulations...500 lovely posts! I just love your photo of the blossom with the shadow against the wall, beautiful. Enjoy your weekend in that gorgeous blooming garden!

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    1. Dear Jane
      Thank you. I do try hard to capture the essence of the garden - but sometimes it is elusive and the pictures don't do it justice. The blossom photo was one of the more successful ones. Have a good week.

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  29. Oh well done on reaching 500 posts Elaine! That takes some doing. One month's worth of glorious blossom makes up for the other eleven months in my book although some of the flowering cherries also have attractive autumn foliage too :)

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    1. Thanks Anna. My ornamental cherry was attacked by some nasty beasty insect thing last year which munched its way through all the leaves. We had it professionally pruned later on so fingers crossed it will be back to full glory this year.

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  30. What a wonderful 500th post. Such lovely photo's and the colours are amazing.

    Here's to your next 500 posts

    Take Care

    All the best Jan

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  32. Happy 500th post and here's to many more! I agree with the sentiments of your post completely - what is not to love about spring? I get a great swoosh of excitement every time I think about it!

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    1. Thanks Jane. I feel the same way about spring too - such a wonderful time of year.

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  33. Congratulations on this milestone Elaine. Your blog is always interesting and so enjoyable to visit. I can't believe the intensity of the blue sky above the cows. What a nice vista you enjoy from your house and garden. Your spring garden is looking wonderful. We are moving ever so slowly in the direction of spring bulbs and flowers. I can hardly wait!

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    1. Thanks Jennifer. My garden always looks its best at this time of year, everything new and fresh. I hope your spring is as enjoyable as mine.

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  34. Hello Elaine. Will you find me here at the bottom of a very lengthy list? 500, a milestone indeed. I have enjoyed every post that I have visted. Your garden is beautiful in spring. Our spring bulbs are winding down. The daffodils are pretty much done, making me a bit sad. It will be a few weeks before the next wave of color hits, the lilacs, peonies, and iris. Lovely tribute to spring, you have written.

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    1. Thank you for your kind comments Ann.yes soon the spring bulbs will be over here too - then as you say there is lots more to look forward to.

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  35. Dear Elaine- your photos are beautiful. It is really lovely in your part of the world. Your spring garden is so alive with pastel colors. Congratulations on your 500Th post. So glad you didn't give it up. I so enjoy reading your thoughts and see where you live and what you are doing. You are one of the reasons I keep blogging as well. Once again thank you for a wonderful post. Hugs!

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    1. Dear Debbie
      Thank you so much for your kind words - the garden at this time of year is at its best - alas the spring bulbs are slowly going over but soon we will have the next round of flowers to look forward to. Have yourself a good weekend. How's the wrist by the way - all back to normal I hope.

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