Strolling into Spring

Yesterday, while preparing the patio for a friend's visit, I snapped a few shots of the front entrance and surrounding garden. The sun was warm and inviting and the light was spectacularly bright. 

 Above is our herb and rock garden. We had originally planted oregano, thyme, rosemary, mint, laurel, lavender, and a few Cretan herbs used for aromatic teas. It is quite lush right now and the herbs fill the air with a minty freshness that floats along in the spring breeze. 

On the left, above, is how the herb garden looked when we first planted it, about four years ago. I can't believe how tall and full the Goldcrest cedar trees have grown! 

 Still to make an appearance is an intensely sweet and  exotic type of jasmine, which arrives with the start of summer. Here on the island, that could be any day now!  The strange thing is, we don't remember planting it - a gift from the gods, I guess!

My one and only lilac bloom! We planted two bushes three years ago. They prefer a cooler climate, so I consider myself lucky for this lone, nonetheless, lovely, lilac! After all, it only takes one to breathe in its intoxicating perfume.

Bottom left and top right: Callistemon, Bottom right: Metrosideros Excelsa

These prickly red stunners are magnificent in Mediterranean gardens. The Callistemon, which in Greek means 'good thread', also known as the bottle brush flower for its cylindrical shape, which, along with its look-alike, rounder sidekick, called Metrosideros Excelsa, accent the wavy stone border at our front entrance.
 

Left: Before, Right: Now

Our black wrought iron fence is now covered by the density of the cedars and Leyland cypresses. Although I appreciate the beauty and fullness of these evergreens, I also love the views of the vineyards and olive groves in the near distance.  It was either a little privacy or pretty views, and my husband, being practical and protective, insisted on the former. 

Fortunately, from the upstairs veranda we have panoramic views for miles, including the island of Dia, anchored in the Sea of Crete.

Paid a visit to our local flower nursery a few weeks ago and returned with some gorgeously robust red petunias to warmly welcome guests at the front door. 

Left: A small vineyard at our front gate, Middle: our Callistemon tree, Right: our Maple tree

The petite potted daisies situated on the patio are so adorable! I just had to give you a closer look at these mini pink petals that always make me smile!

Hope you enjoyed this little stroll
 around our spring garden.

Thanks for visiting,

xo

Poppy

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MY 'Happy' Kitchen

Last October, I entered a contest on the very popular blog, Hooked On Houses, written by Julia. The contest is aptly titled, "Hooked On Your Kitchens", and we were asked to tell Julia what we loved about our kitchens and submit a few photos. I was intrigued, and so I did a little styling, snapped a few shots, among them some 'before and afters', and sent in my entry. I wrote, (and I quote) - can I quote myself - how surreal is that?

'This may sound strange, but, what I love most about my kitchen is the fact that it took four (!) years to build and thus, I appreciate it so much more. My husband, who is a contractor, got his carpenter to work on the kitchen whenever our funds allowed.

'Although frustrating, this condition not only taught me patience, but more importantly, appreciation.  It’s funny, but, sometimes I think it’s true that the longer you wait for something, the more you cherish it.'

BEFORE

Closed shutters, still to be delivered appliances and an absence of necessary knickknacks made the space feel cold, dark and uninviting, despite it being brand new.

Then, with sunlight streaming in through the windows, classical red and white checks for texture and bright and bold bric-à-brac  lining the white shelves, you suddenly have a room that shines!

'A light and bright space, I also love my kitchen because it’s a cheery mix of the two cultures that, in a design sense, stylistically influenced the duality of Canada, where I was born and raised.

'Rich, earthy colours that echo those of the French countryside are used as sunny accents to complement the creamy white cabinetry and curvy open shelving, popular English country features.

'A little bit of whimsy thrown in for good measure, (the Mediterranean in me- can’t get too serious!), and voilà, you have an eclectic, custom made kitchen that personifies its creator, a Greek Canadian expat, living on the island of Crete.

'And lastly,' I said, ending my description, 'It’s just a happy space that I love waking up to every morning!'. And just like that, I pressed 'send' and hoped for the best. Interestingly, about two months later, my kitchen was featured on Julia's blog and I was pleasantly surprised to learn that Julia and her readers commented on how 'friendly' my kitchen looked, and for me, this was the nicest compliment I could have ever received. After all, who wouldn't want to be greeted by a cheery smile first thing in the morning?  And a cup of steaming hot coffee...And something sweet! And fresh flowers. A bouquet of happiness, indeed!

Well, that's my 'happy' kitchen. Hope you enjoyed the 
little tour. What do you love about your kitchen?

Thanks for visiting! xx

Poppy

Van Gogh, "Still Life: Red Poppies and Daisies"