Tuesday, April 2, 2013

BETWEEN THE BUDS AND BEYOND

Yesterday morning, we planted two terracotta jardinieres of pink daisies and 'invisible' gardenias on the patio, along with a tiny blue pot of carnations and an extra large one of basil. 
This afternoon, I spent some quiet time out in the garden, leafing through a magazine, occasionally looking up from the beautiful photos to gaze at the bold bursts of colour and soft and dainty shapes that surrounded me.
And every spring, I'm always amazed at how the red and pink geraniums, which were planted four years ago, always arrive first, without fail, without sufficient rainfall, and seemingly, without effort. If these power flowers could talk, I don't think they would ever complain about anything; they just get on with it, resilient and forgiving!
Even when they're sandwiched between an overgrown and overbearing cluster of lilies and a tangled mass of stringy jasmine, not to mention a weak, but determined grapevine, these low key lovelies just keep calm and carry on.
And that's exactly what I did, as I leaned back into my chair, stretched out my legs and closed my eyes, the warm and comforting rays of the sun soothing my soul, while birds sang a sweet song and farmers ploughed their fields, in the near distance, beyond. A beautiful bouquet of sights, sounds and smells naturally wrapped up in wonder and awe!
Thanks for visiting,

Poppy

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38 comments:

  1. Your flowers are beautiful, Poppy! I can't wait until it's warm enough hear to plant flowers outside and I can sit on my porch or patio and enjoy the sunshine...*dreaming*

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  2. Oh how beautiful! Geraniums are my very favorite. I bet you just love that they have lasted for a few years. :)

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  3. The view of the mountains are just incredible! And I love geraniums! Can't wait til it is warm enough in SC to set flowers out. Your blog is just beautiful!

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  4. Oh Poppy.. this is lovely.. The terracotta jardinieres are beautiful filled with daisy's. I can't imagine a more perfect spot to enjoy a little sunshine.

    I've been gone for a while.. vacationing with my family:) It's good to be back!

    xxleslie

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  5. Yπέροχος ο κήπος σου, μέρος ενός πολύ όμορφου σπιτιού,
    που βρίσκεται σε ένα υπέροχο τόπο.
    Να είστε υγιείς και να περνάτε καλά πάντα.

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  6. Poppy, that's just so old world beautiful! I'm so looking forward to some true warmth and the chance to get my hands in the dirt.

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  7. I couldn't agree with you more about geraniums; hardy but beautiful. They never fail to please.
    Your Island is a paradise, you are so blessed!

    Wishing you more beautiful days to come.

    Blessings,

    Aida

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  8. My lovely Poppy and her wonderful world of dainty foliage and colourful petals. You paint such a warm, evocative picture of your personified flowers, while you relax leisurely luxuriating in nature's treasures. In a country experiencing destitution, scarcity and lost hope, you depict an oasis of calm, beauty and natural wealth. Lovely!

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  9. Beautiful colors!!!!!!!!!! I love your garden!

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  10. Hi, Poppy!
    Happy spring!! It's been a while since I visited. I've been traveling, both abroad and here in the U.S. I love geraniums, but can only grow them as annuals in the garden. It's still chilly here in DC....will have to wait another couple weeks to plant geraniums outside. I do have three potted geraniums inside as house plants. Your patio with the balustrade railing is divine. What is an invisible gardenia?
    xo
    Loi

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    Replies
    1. Hello my friend,

      So nice to hear from you! I know you've been busy, and I've been trying to adjust to being back on the island. Have been looking forward to stopping by your beautiful blog for a proper visit, but haven't had the chance. Today is the day - can't wait to hear all about your travels!

      An 'invisible' gardenia (something I came up with, for lack of a better term), is a flower that hasn't shown its face yet. We bought two leafy pots of them and are awaiting their striking scent and gorgeous, white pigment. Patience. And peeking. And pacing.

      xo
      Poppy

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  11. Poppy, What beautiful flowers and love the terracotta jardinieres!! the colors of spring are gorgeous... wishing you lots of spring happiness...

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  12. Such beautiful surroundings. I love geraniums but they never ever survive the heat and dust we have here. Have a great rest of the week, Tammy

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  13. Unbelievably gorgeous!!!
    What a great little break it was to come visit and see this - makes me think we may just get a summer here, eventually too lol
    Hugs,
    Suzan

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  14. Clearly you are back in Greece not in Canada now lol! SUN? WARMTH ?

    You made me feel warm for a moment there! :)

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  15. Love your photos!

    I host a weekly party called SEASONAL SUNDAYS. Your post is perfectly seasonal and I'd love to have you linkup. The link goes up on Saturday evening at 7pm.

    - The Tablescaper

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  16. Good Morning Poppy, What a thrill it was to find your blog via Claudia's, My Favourite Thing. I used to live in Cyprus and loved the relaxed atmosphere, so it was fabulous to see how you live your life in Crete. I have become a new follower and I am so excited to catch up with the rest of your blog. Sending you best wishes from England. Best Wishes Daphne

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  17. This is my first visit and your post is lovely. x

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  18. I can feel the warmth of the sun just by looking at your photos, Poppy! Heaven. Your flowers are beautiful. Here in the northeast, the daffodils are springing up and the beginnings of the hostas and sedum are springing up. Spring may finally be here.

    Thanks so much for joining in this week, Poppy!

    xo
    Claudia

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  19. Such a charming post. I honestly felt like I was standing right next to you enjoying each lovely moment!

    Big Hugs,
    Susan and Bentley

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  20. Gorgeous! Found you on A Favorite Thing and I'd love to have you stop by and share your post on The Creative HomeAcre Hop today!
    http://www.theselfsufficienthomeacre.com/2013/04/the-creative-homeacre-10.html

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  21. hello :) i found you through a favorite thing... all of your pictures are so, so pretty! blue skies and flowers... and beautiful views! thanks so much for sharing.
    have a happy day~
    angie

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  22. These photos are so lovely! How fab your geraniums return year after year ~ they are gorgeous.

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  23. Such pretty blooms! You have an amazing view there!
    Sherry

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  24. I love your spring planting - I am partial to Geraniums - your balustrade is gorgeous and so is the view. I do appreciate you sharing with Home and Garden Thursday,
    Kathy

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  25. I love geraniums, and yours are lovely. Geraniums are my steady and reliable porch flowers AFTER the cold leaves the Pacific Northwest. Until then, they thrive in my sun-room. I like the way you described them..."keep calm & carry on", and I am going to remember this and look at my geraniums with more respect as I try to "keep calm and carry on" in spite of the difficulties life flings at me.

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  26. Hello Poppy

    I want to join you on the porch as you ponder the goodness of life and the beauty that surrounds you. These are precious moments and treasures to file away for a rainy day.

    Continued joy as you tread softly through your week

    Helen xx

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  27. I love your flowers and your patio, it is so inviting and colorful...wow I wish I were there, love the views...I am your newest follower and I look forward to following you and seeing a lot more of your beautiful area...come for a visit

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  28. Love the views :) Thank you so much for sharing this on The Creative HomeAcre Hop! I hope to see you again tomorrow. :)
    http://www.theselfsufficienthomeacre.com/2013/04/creativehomeacre11.html

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  29. Hello Poppy
    Isn't spring just the best!!!
    I always associate geraniums with the Mediterranean and have some always on my balcony. I totally agree with you they are strong plants but so beautiful and with such bright colours.I love the splash of colour they give to balconies.

    Your garden is lovely and I see you say you have jazmine too...I'm struggling to get jazmine to grow in a pot on my balcony. I'm told it will and my mother-in-law had a huge pot of it and the house was always filled with its wonderful perfume. I want that too but for the present jazmine doesn't like my balcony. trial and error I suppose.... sigh!

    keep well

    Amanda :-)

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  30. Hello Poppy,

    What a beautiful place.
    Your flowers are beautiful.

    Thank you for sharing.
    Bear Hugs

    Carolyn

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  31. What a glorious view, Poppy! I have been to Athens, Katakolon and Rhodes and everything is so beautiful there.....Christine

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  32. Gorgeous! Thanks so much for sharing this on The HomeAcre Hop!

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  33. Wow! Your porch area is amazing- love those white columns! How nice to be surrounded by such beauty! Thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving the sweet comment!

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  34. That's what God's beauty was meant for, for us to enjoy. Love that you got to soak in the sun and the scene!
    Liz

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Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to comment. I really appreciate hearing from all of you! Have a great day!