18 February 2016

Forced Forsythia


So much rain and now a covering of snow this morning. 
I needed some spring to lighten my heart.
  I'm so pleased that I had  brought some Forsythia into the house.
 A shrub had been damaged during the storm so I cut a few branches 
and put them in a vase near the window. With the warmth inside 
and the light it didn't take too long for the flowers to open.

Our weather forecast had shown, sun and a rise in temperature, however it 
didn't happen. It's been cold & we've had sleet falling on and off all day.
 This lovely bright spring yellow, has certainly cheered me up
 I've been browsing through my Edith Holden, Edwardian Lady books.
Nature notes 1905 and Country Diary 1906
She painted some lovely illustrations for both these books .
I've had them for a long time and only ever looked at the pictures.
Now I'm painting again they've  given me inspiration.
Reading the daily entries in the diary is so interesting, 
not unlike the way the weather has been so far this year.

If you like, nature, birds and wild flowers
these books are lovely to have.
I also picked a few catkins,
 when we were children we called them Lambs tails.

 On my last visit to Denmark I bought myself this slate tray. 
Just right to display a few bits & pieces.

I made this card,
 just For You.



Have you brought a little early Spring into your home yet.
Try something, especially if you have snow, it made me feel happy.

Until the next time.

à bientôt
Barbara Lilian





12 comments:

  1. Love your header..is it new? Or am I just slow..

    far from Spring here..but listen to this..on the back balcony where the southern sun shines and the snw reflects..it's 60F..in front,,where the sun hits later in the day..it's 17F..real temp..17F:)

    I still love it..call me crazy.
    Pretty Spring like atmosphere chez vous:)

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  2. The spring touches of Forsythia are certainly a welcomed sight for me. We are very far away from seeing any evidence of springtime. Very cold, still have a foot or more of snow on the ground. I may try and paint the Forsysthia in your second photo . Welcomed post indeed.

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  3. I've had tulips in the house and bits and pieces from the hedge at the side of the lawn, but no forsythia. Perhaps on the weekend I'll cut a branch or two. I have the Country Diary books and find them very relaxing to page through. I'm no artist, but still find inspiration in the paintings.
    Have a good weekend!

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  4. This is such a pretty flower, Barbara. I can see why you wanted to bring some into the house, the yellow color is cheerful.

    It rained the last couple of days, but supposed to get warmer soon. The pink blossom trees are already blooming in my town, so I think we will have an early spring.

    Thank you for the card you made just for us, it's lovely.

    ~Sheri

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  5. Branches of sunshine from your garden Barbara, the Forsythia is wonderful and a great standby to have in the garden for just these days.
    Hang in there my dear friend, because in a few months the tables will be turned and I will be drooling over your wonderful garden and moaning about our dreary Winter days!
    Oh I loved those books too, I must have lent my one and I t hasn't come back - yet!
    I'll hop into my second hand book shop today as you've stirred my interest. I love country diaries about hedgerows, birds and the like, I often borrow Cou nary Life magazine from the library to read Country Mouse and Town Mouse articles!
    Sending warm hugs and a pocket full of sunshine.
    Shane x

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  6. I do love Forsythia blooming in the spring...one of the first signs of the season here. I don't have a shrub now but would enjoy forcing the blooms if I did. It's a cold snowy day here today but the last few days have been really lovely and spring-like. We had a big rain on Wednesday that took most of our snow away which is not good for winter sport enthusiasts! I wish you a lovely week to come.
    Pam

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  7. Forcing forsythia to bring spring into your home is a lovely idea. Our outside forsythia is swelling and I expect yellow flowers in the next week or two. That means it will be time to prune the roses. I like your slate tray - it does have that clean design of Scandinavia.

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  8. How lovely! We can all use a little bit of color as the winter tries to come to an end. We have a huge Forsythia bush next to our house, and I've never thought of bringing branches inside to force them to bloom. Thank-you for the idea, and the suggestion of the books as well! I hope your Sunday is an enjoyable one!

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  9. You just reminded me that it is time to cut some forsythia to bring indoors. My bushes have been buried by the snow and I am hoping they recover, because right now they are bent and broken from the weight that has been on them. Your forsythia branches have brightened my day Barbara. Thank you for the lovely card!
    The rose you asked about is Morden Blush and it is so easy to grow here in my cold climate, as it is hardy to -30 degrees F. We only got to -25 this winter so it will be blooming again here in my garden. It is a repeat bloomer and is very prolific.
    I hope you are having a lovely week my dear!

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  10. Blooming forsythia such a uplifting and beautiful sight!
    The books look lovely, although I can't see the second title,and since I googled I think it's The Country Dairy of An Edwardian Lady. Both soon to be in my collection. :) Thank you!

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  11. Love forsythia, such an uplifting shrub. Your card is lovely.
    I remember having some Country Diary bed linen and wallpaper.
    Have a lovely weekend :)

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  12. Dear Barbara what a lovely post. Seeing your Forsythia has reminded me to gather some as well. I also like to cut some pussy willow branches and bring indoors as well. It looks like spring is coming your way soon. Hope so sweet friend. Hugs!

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