MARIETTE'S BACK TO BASICS

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

{Our Japanese Somei Yoshino Cherry in Bloom + Hummingbird Hawk Moth}

It is now one week ago that I took these photos of our Japanese Somei Yoshino cherry in full bloom. The blossoms don't last that long and as the wind blows, they soon end up under the tree as a pinkish white carpet on the ground. These Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms are slightly pink, almost white and 5-petaled. You can read more info Cherry Tree Varieties as it is also by far the most numerous cherry tree in Japan.

Bumble bees feasting on the pollen of this gorgeous tree near our pond. Scroll down below to see also a Hummingbird Hawk moth (Macroglossum stellatarum).

Petals already floating in the pond...

The gazebo is in view from this angle of the pond.

This is towards the wood garden.

A carpet of petals on the ground...

Hummingbird Hawk Moth (Macroglossum stellatarum) is feasting on the pollen here. For more info click Hummingbird moth.

Would make again for an interesting Garden Tour from Book an Event with us.

Monday, March 28, 2011

{Our Cercis canadensis 'Apalachian Red' & Cercis chinensis 'Avondale'}

This time of the year is really peak season for our garden. It is hard to capture it all on camera as the weather is also ever changing. But the Cercis canadensis 'Apalachian Red' (Apalachian Redbud) and our Cercis chinensis 'Avondale' (Chinese Redbud) did make it digital for you to enjoy. We also do have several native Cercis canadensis (Eastern Redbuds) but they are not that exotic. Let us begin with the 'Apalachian Red' below, which was available at Wayside Garden.

Too bad that we've failed to propagate this one, as the seedpods are empty. But with very dense flower clusters in brilliant fuchsia they are a lot showier than the Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis).

Let's now continue with the Cercis chinensis 'Avondale' or Chinese Redbud. Which is a lot smaller and compacter but we've been able to propagate them very successfully. That is rewarding, once you invested in the first one, you can multiply them. The 'Avondale' was available from Durio Nursery in Louisiana.

These two species are a showcase for our Garden Tour from Book an Event. When the blossoms are gone, the leaves appear! You can see already some green coming in the photos below. Most early blooming shrubs and trees produce that way; blossoms and than the leaves...

Sunday, March 27, 2011

{11 Giovanni Raspini Charms & Co 925/000 silver Angel Pieces from Italy}

Giovanni Raspini Charms & Co, Italy

Today I want you to get to know the upscale jewelry from→ Giovanni Raspini Charms & Co. For me it is equal in quality to→ Tiffany & Co as you will soon learn after the first purchase. The High End items below are available for purchase at→ Spectrenoir.

But, let me show you first some info about their company nestled in Tuscany, Italy in the heart of Val di Chiana, between Arezzo and Siena. They manufacture silverware since 1972.

Just click on the image to enlarge it for easy reading!
Above you also read about their markings. As of 132 AR:132 stands for their own unique marking for the silver and AR is for the Province of Arezzo and all the items I will introduce you to, do bear also the 925 marking.

Giovanni Raspini is about my age and one day I hope to meet him in person and tour his fascinating silver workshop. Italy does have a soft spot in my heart as we both worked and lived there in the Venice area... Well, it makes you at times a bit homesick for several reasons. But having access to these treasures does more than make up for that.

Let's open the treasure trove...

Angels all around!

Here they come...very upscale silver jewelry. These darling angels will make the perfect gift for a loved one; a symbolic Guardian Angel given to someone very special in our life...