{SPRING 2011 IS GRADUATING!}

Tomorrow it might be the last day of weather around 25°C and thunderstorms are predicted. BUT so far we've had SPRING really GRADUATING in our area. Today I took some photos from more Narcissus and also from our Japanese Magnolias or Magnolia x soulangeana in full bloom. Have a look...

Just to show you how big those Japanese Magnolias are. For 'portrait photos' such harsh sunshine/shade is not very flattering for the face but I am NOT the subject here... Pieter put this vinyl picket fence up a couple of years ago, to frame our property.  For those that live in the area, they can enjoy a Garden Tour at Mariette's Back to Basics with Book an Event.

We have had years with late frost and than the buds turned brown and fell off; no blooms at all. This year is perfect, even if we get a thunderstorm tomorrow.

Sacha, our female tuxedo cat did follow us as we walked our gardens. Our felines behave more like a dog in following and walking with us. They sure enjoy this perfect weather too; time to play outside again. The grass is starting to grow, there is a slight green haze. Pieter did mulch all the leaves on Saturdy by slowly running our John Deer lawn mower over it. That way all the nutrients of the leaves will get used by the lawn itself.

This photo of our Japanese Magnolia or Magnolia x soulangeana was taken on March 5, 2004. That shows that the blooming season is rather consistent.

Narcissus Sweetness were blooming and scenting the air with their fragrance. Most of our selected Narcissus are fragrant. That creates such wonderful experience when having a vase full of them inside the home!

Narcissus Cragford is emitting her srong fragrance to the air as well.

For all those that live far away; I hope you enjoyed this virtual Garden tour! Come back regularly as there is from now on lots to show... Thanks for your visit!

{Our Fragrant Double Narcissus bloom!}

The weather has been so perfect all week! We walked in our bermudas around the pond at our local hospital where our fitness center is. This was wonderful doing so after we worked out on the machines; instead of using the treadmill.

So uplifting to see the Japanese magnolias in bloom and other trees. In our garden the {Fragrant Double Narcissus Obdam} (< click to see previous blog) bloom again.

Nice spring display on a Le Jacquard Français towel from Gerardmer, France with daffodils. We had a French exchange group in March 2005 and one of the chaperones stayed with us and gave us a present from her region.

The daffodil plate of the Royal Albert Friendhip series you can see in my prievious post: {DAFFODIL OF ROYAL ALBERT FRIENDSHIP SERIES} < click to open.

For a dear friend who had her birthday today I'd baked last night Amaretti cookies in heart shape and also made chocolate hearts. This is just a sampler...

Today was also Mom & Dad's 62nd wedding anniversary! We did talk to them by phone.

{My Private Lampes Berger Collection + Boutique Items}

As promised yesterday, here I will show you more of my French vintage Lampes Berger collection; personal and those that are for sale at: Spectrenoir. ←click link. Worldwide Shipping and FREE Shipping within the USA!

This darling porcelain Lampe Berger with romantic Moss Roses by Revol is such a treasure. It is showing the older, solid brass open worked 'ajour' cap. This is available at my boutique Mariette's Back to Basics

Hand crocheted doily is made by my sister-in-law Elly.

Sorry Sold out...

 Lampe Berger Cherub Cameo (Angelot) is one of my favorites! No longer available but I do have ONE in my boutique...  Mariette's Back to Basics. 

The opaque center is very hard to capture on camera but I tried my best. A golden circle makes the Cherub Cameo even stand out more.

The epitome of French Country Style...

For a video on how to use these lamps, please see my previous blog post: Lampes Berger 1898 - 1998 A Century of History 

This beauty comes with a very heavy golden cap.

Sorry Sold out...

Inside my IKEA GODMORGON high gloss white cabinets I keep those, that I have for my on line boutique.

Different caps from different eras. Some vary different over the years and have a different maker's stamp on the bottom. If you would like to have additional info; don't hesitate to contact me!

This Swedish IKEA GODMORGON cabinet is a perfect match for showing off French Country Style with those Vintage Lampes Berger!

See similar ones at the Musée LAMPE BERGER.

Will be listing them soon for sale at: Spectrenoir.

High End Value for a fabulous Lampe Berger!

Lampes Berger: A Century of History; click link for info about book by Gérald Vilcocq.