La Chatte Gitane (or The Gypsy Cat) was the name we chose for our cottage in France at the time. We chose it while on the road, moving house the first time round, from Ireland to France with 2 dogs and 7 cats in the car.
This blog began its insignificant life as a recipe book for friends and family who would ask me repeatedly for a recipe of this, that and the other.
Since then it has taken many different directions, like we did and like gypsies tend to do. Sometimes making a U-turn and revisiting familiar roads and taking a break when necessary.
You'll find recipes here, but also musings about the places we've called home, the gardens that we've established, not always successfully, the homes we've improved and the environments we've lived in. Currently, after yet another stint in Ireland, we're back in France @ Le Mas d'Ayen

Sunday, May 08, 2011

Rhododendrons


Ever since the time we lived in Ireland, I have a love - hate relationship with rhodos.
I hated them, because they invaded Killarney National Park  and beyond, showing no mercy for indigenous plants and trees.
I love them, because come May, they will bloom in al their glory and delight me with an abundant display of colour.

Now, in our own garden, well established rhododendrons show off their lovely flowers and atract all the bees from the neighbourhood.

 You can't but love them !



Buzz, buzz, buzzing !


 One of my all time favourites (I have many) is the Foxglove.
The picture below shows some that grew wild last year in the woodland just 'behind' the fence.
When they appear in our garden, I nourish them (psychologically - they don't need to be wrapped in cotton wool) and I abide my time until they grace me with their beauty.
Where ever you may be, I hope you enjoy the late spring flowers as much as I do.

Patricia xxx...x
Posted by at
Labels: ,

2 comments:

  1. MyriamC11:19 am

    I love rhodo's. They are native to the area where I live and I love where I live ...
    We don't have any hybrids in our garden, only the wild purple ones. Have you ever visited the Arboretum in Kalmthout? A must for rhodo lovers in the season. They also have a lot of other indigenous plants and trees. It's a lovely garden.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Patricia (La Chatte Gitane)12:05 pm

    I have to admit I know pretty much zilch about rhodos. The ones in our garden were here when we moved in.
    Never been to Kalmthout (to my knowledge). On the to-do-list, before we emigrate again. ;o)

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...