Kaseys Korner

the first container & a strawberry fork

The garden has competition for my affections.

First. time. EVER.

Let's blame it on Downton Abbey, shall we??  Giving me highfalutin notions about the finer things in life ~ including what has recently stolen a piece of my heart away from gardening: 

Silver or Silverplate flatware.  Either one.  It doesn't matter.  I'm officially smitten.

Above:  Strawberry fork in the Antique silverplate pattern 'Glenrose.'

In a way, it's a companion love (not a true betrayal) because all the patterns I'm drawn to are FLORAL.  No surprise there!

Scrumptiously detailed with vines, tendrils, & blooms.

Above:  Antique silverplate fork handle in 'Grenoble or Gloria' pattern.

Oh, the craftsmanship.  What's that saying, "the devil's in the details??"  Precision & skills the likes of these are difficult, if not impossible, to find anymore. 

In researching my new "passion," I discovered that most of the big name silver manufacturers have shipped their production overseas.  Flatware is now predominately made in Indonesia, Vietnam & China.  How sad is that?? 

A pretty piece of silver can make a sweet treat even sweeter.

The garden better kick it up a notch...

It's my new thing and I thought you should know. 

In case it should, somehow (quite inadvertently I'm sure) pop into other photos on this blog...  Just sayin'

But not these:

My first assembled container for 2013.  With the gorgeous 'Fireworks' Begonia & a wonderful PINK (be still my heart) striped grass.  Name unknown.

and (I believe ~ correct me if I'm wrong) a green 'Wandering Jew' (Tradescantia???)  Name also unknown.

Container to be carried indoors tomorrow for the remainder of the week because (insert drum roll here) it's supposed to S.N.O.W. again!  Can you freaking believe it????

I hope I can handle it.  At least I had a chance to play in the dirt between storms...

 

 

Asparagus Quiche & Kitchen Papers

I've really been into Asparagus lately.  I mean REALLY into it.  

I've sauteed it, roasted it, sandwiched it, diced it, and now found a spectacular quiche that was (once again) too good not to share.

Recipe here. 

It's definitely worth a try if you're in the mood for a nice Spring meal. 

Pair with a salad or serve alone. 

Maybe even serve it outdoors ~ on top of an awesome Kitchen paper!!?!!  Notice how smoothly I made that transition!!!

Kitchen Papers, my new favorite product.  I've been giving them as gifts (whenever I can bear to part with them.)

No ordinary paper placemat, that's for sure. 

Pretty & functional ~ how often does that happen???. 

Sold in packages of 50 (at least the ones I've seen), just tear off then recycle/dispose after use. 

Could. Not. Be. Easier....

The website has some other awesomely creative ideas for how to use too ~ like wrapping a floral bouquet!  Beautiful!

The placemats above are from a line called "Backyard Party" and can be found here, if not at a store near you...

Believe me, if you check out the link, you'll find SO MANY cute designs your gardening seed money will be gone before you make it to the greenhouse!!!

Okay, I'm done promoting.  I wish they had paid me to say that, or given me free papers (!!) but believe me they did not!! 

Moving on...   Happy to find Muscari 'Ocean Magic' tonight:

Anything blooming is welcome after the month we've had. 

We may have turned the corner tho & it just might  F.I.N.A.L.L.Y.  be Spring.

Thank the Lord, or Mother Nature or whomever you choose.  Just grateful for some warmth & sunshine.  Have a great weekend everybody!

Asparagus Sandwich & Velour Frosted Chocolate Violas

Thank you 'The Cottage Journal' (my new favorite magazine by Hoffman Media) for introducing us to this delectable spring treat.

French Bread, Asparagus & sliced hard-boiled eggs.  The recipe calls for a sprinkling of bacon over the egg & asparagus ~ obviously missing in our version (I didn't have any on hand) ~ but it would make it even more fantastic.

The dressing truly sends the whole concoction "over the top."  Be sure not to omit it!

Whisk together:  1/2 cup mayo, 2 Tbsps fresh dill, @ Tbsps fresh Lemon, 1/2 tsp salt & 1/2 tsp of pepper.  (I cut in half for our sandwich & still had plenty)

It would be a fabulous tea party sandwich, don't you think??

Pull out the fancy dishes & silver then slice the sandwiches into finger-size portions... Anybody in????

It would also be a perfect addition to an Easter brunch. 

Since my decorations are still up (slightly embarrassed about that), we could almost say it was!

Flowers accompanying lunch were 'Velour Frosted Chocolate' Violas:

An exciting find at the greenhouse yesterday. 

I had pinned these on my garden Pinterest board last year but forgot to track them down & order seed.

Since I'm way behind on seed starting this year, buying plants is perfect.   I'm wondering now why I thought a four-pack was enough!???!!

Another two day rain/snow event here (Mon & Tuesday) then it looks like Spring might actually find us ~ I think I can make it!!! 

 

 

Yet Another April Snow

I'm starting to sound like a broken record, right?

I wish I could change the "tune" but it is what it is...

This go-around has been a three day event, starting on Monday, April 15th, and continuing thru today.  egads. 

The photos you're viewing were all taken the first day ~ our totals are well into 20" now and there's still more forecasted for tonight.

Remember last summer when our state was on fire (and I said I would never again complain about snow)???  Trying to remember those words when all I want is some sunshine & "average" temperatures.  Highs have been in the 20's & 30's instead of the 60's. 

It's a heavy, wet snow tho that will go a long way toward helping with the drought in our state. 

Be happy Kathleen.  :)

The snow brought flocks of birds to the feeders ~ 17 lbs of black oil sunflower seed devoured in 3 days!!!!  To think I'm usually finished feeding by this time of year!

Look what all their twittering attracted to the back garden:

Not the greatest photo but this Great Horned Owl landed deep in my pine tree and was but a dark silhouette until I lightened it a LOT. 

Wow.  I never get over the thrill of an owl sighting.  It was made even more spectacular by the fact he flew right past me prior to landing (as I was shoveling the back patio)!!!!

Now, hopefully, tomorrow the snow will quit falling and start melting.  This weekend is "Rush for the Roses" at a local greenhouse & it feels anything like planting weather!

Fairy Garden Terrarium

Finally a home for my ever growing stash of fairy garden products ~ the white wrought iron terrarium I bought several years ago at Hobby Lobby:

It's primary function has been a home for seed starting but setting it up as a fairy garden will make it infinitely more useful. 

My initial idea for setting everything up in the garden got nixed when the wind & snow tore up my fancy gazebo & tossed its itsy weather vane into oblivion.  These tiny little pieces are too expensive (and cute!) to leave to the elements!

Encased in glass is a much safer way to go.

Notice the adorable Martin house! 

Now, if the terrarium were only bigger!  or could I possibly have too many pieces??? 

Not a chance!

The little bee skep (above) is one of my favorite pieces.  Along with this tiny obelisk:

Why is everything SO much more adorable in miniature??!!

Like the parrot in a cage (above) and sweet seating for two (below):

I've gotta say Pinterest really inspired me to set up my own fairy garden.  There are so many incredible pins on this subject. 

One of the pieces I've really admired (and secretly coveted) is a fairy garden greenhouse.  Maybe that's because I want a lifesize one so bad!  Check it out here ~ it's pricey but a must-see!!!

I purchased most of my products at local greenhouses but there are many websites to order from if you don't have a local option available.  Amazon, Miniature Garden Shoppe, Faire-Ality Style are a couple that have cool products.  You're also welcome to check out my Pinterest "Fairyland" board here and follow any interesting link (there are 150+ pins) ~ it may just inspire you to create your own wee garden. 

Beware tho, it's another potential addiction ~ just a friendly warning!!!!

 

Primula Belarina Nectarine & some April casualties

I can't seem to escape death lately.  It's gone beyond people now & is pursuing me into my stressfree zone ~ the garden & its inhabitants. Stop the madness, I beg you...

Remember the last post?  Well, we had a record low temperature that night ~ 6 degrees above zero ~ extreme cold for April. 

It took out even the stalwarts of my spring perennial garden. 

Bleeding heart crumbled & turned to mush:

As did Rhubarb:

Before the storm, I snapped one photo of Helleborus 'Phoebe:'

thank goodness I did, for now her beautiful blooms lay sprawled across the garden soil:

horizontal & brown ~ blatant evidence of how severe the cold was..  Is there any amount of TLC that can resurrect them now?

What really brought me to my knees tho was the flacid shoots of my favorite Peony 'Coral Charm:'

'Coral Charm' is was a newcomer to my garden. 

I'm not sure what this devastating blow means ~ will she return??  Put out new shoots???  Is it a temporary setback or horror-of-horrors, a permanent one???  

I am left with no choice but to comfort myself with old photos:

or maybe looking at this makes me lament my loss even more???

Please someone, say something, anything, encouraging....  A complete wipeout is something I've never before (and never again) want to experience.

Now that you've witnessed the cruel hand Mother Nature dealt my garden (and read my diva dramatics), you'll understand why I went in search of something to bolster my spirits.  You would do the same, right?

I'm happy to say I found hope in Primula Belarina Nectarine:

My soul aches a tiny bit less. 

Maybe Belarina Nectarine is exactly the balm I need.

At least until I venture outside again....

Seriously Winter.  Enough is ENOUGH.  Go bother someone else already....

 

the story today isn't the snow

we get that often enough in April.

Red Fox Squirrel with a face full of snow!

The story isn't the driving wind either (although that's none too pleasant)

The story is the FRIGID temperatures.

Actual temperature this morning was 15 degrees, with a wind chill of -1!!!!!!!!!!!!

my least favorite garden bird ~ the grackle.

Very unusual to have that kind of cold in the middle of April. 

Snowy Aspen catkins.

Maybe it's apropos that Amaryllis 'Clown:'

and Amaryllis 'Razzle Dazzle' are blooming out of season:

Oh where, oh where did our April go??  

 

 

where does the blog go from here??

Pondering that question as I'm sure many of you have at one point or another...

I'm feeling "stalled out," for lack of a better word.

Thinking maybe the blog has run it's course??

or maybe it's time to change directions & do something different??

The time away from posting has me thinking....

I wonder what makes other people go on??  Any thoughts??  Have you felt the same way??