skip to main content

Cottage Gardens

If you're not OD'd on fall pics yet...

14 years ago

A pretty, and pretty old, plum tree.

{{gwi:631067}}
My cutting garden put to bed for the winter.

{{gwi:631068}}
My dear little apple-picking helper.

{{gwi:631069}}
He can crank, too. Little brother took a turn later.

{{gwi:631070}}
If pears were dollars, I'd be on Easy Street.

{{gwi:631071}}
This little guy likes our pears. And we like him. :-)

{{gwi:631073}}

So long, fall. You were fast but pretty.

ThinMan

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (13)

todancewithwolves
14 years ago
Such a shapely plum tree. I think it's magnificent.

Those little guys are precious. They look just like you.

Edna
aftermidnight Zone7b B.C. Canada
14 years ago
Your plum tree is a beauty, I bet it even looks pretty good in the nude too :). I must say your two little helpers are handsome fellas, they're going to breaks some hearts a few years down the road.

Annette
Related Discussions
The best it can be yet?? Heck no. (1 pic)
Q
Comments (16)
Happy belated 4th, TM! Your cottagey patch looks positively picture perfect! Love those HHs and the daisies - a great cottage combo. I noticed the little guy right off - what a cutie. : ) I know what you mean about the stone path and shoveling snow. After we built our home I got the notion to make a similar path up to our front porch. The first winter snow fall brought me to my senses. ; ) No way could I slide that flat headed shovel cum snow plow over those rocks without jarring my shoulders beyond a quick tylenol fix. Went the concrete route, too, but we are now planning to break up the long expanse with some of those flat, man made cobblestones. I'm determined to have a more cottage look, some way, some how. : ) Kathy, cute story. I showed my neighbor some of my compost bins full of worms and she didn't quite share my excitement. Then I informed her that was what was in the soil around all the roses, etc., blooming their heads off despite the record heat we're having. She then went "Ah, tell me more." : ) Diana
...See More
Nope...we're not done here in TX yet!!! (pics)
Q
Comments (16)
Hello everyone and many thanks for the compliments. I'm starting to prepare to pull plants. I've got three plants of Cherokee Purple, 2 Red Brandywine, 1 Yellow Brandywine and one plant of variety 444 that are ready to be pulled up. By the end of the week, I'll probably add Champion, Viva Italia, Jet Star and others to that list. Early Goliath has set 6 more fruit within the past couple of weeks so that will be one variety that should be around for a while. figfarmer, as a rule, tomato plants are done in June where I live. Tomato plants will flower throughout the summer but they will not typically set fruit. The temperature and humidity stays consistently too high for any fruit production to take place. We would have to experiance an extended rainy/cloudy period during the summer for any kind of decent fruit to be produced. gardenmommy, I grow at three different locations but at home, I grow about 100. The numbers above are from 52 plants. Regarding dehybridizing, it all depends on your interest....getting into this area is really all about what your goals are. You need to be prepared to grow out a large number of plants and then select for traits that you observe to be desireable. This can take a few years to end up with a stabilized variety of choice. I'm attempting to dehybridize Big Boy. Regarding Brandywine and other late season varieties, I don't let the difficulty factor stop me from experiancing those varieties. In fact, I've had very good success with Brandywine....some years are great and some years are so-so. It looks like I will only harvest 10 fruit from Brandywine this year but that's okay with me. I've had one weigh just over a pound. It all depends on where you live in Texas. Texas is such a large state that it emcompasses many zones and can climatic conditions can vary widely. Emily, counting tomatoes on a variety such as Sungold can be quite the task (LOL). But really it's not that difficult. I only count when I harvest them and you would be surprised how quickly you can pick a hundred or so. By the way, I harvested 608 Mexico Midget at 9.1 pounds so far. Probably still have another 150 to 200 on this one.
...See More
Done! Pics of creamy, yet colorful and 'eco-friendly' kitchen
Q
Comments (18)
You are all, as always, so nice. I hope that your kitchens all finish up where you'd like. It's a nightmare when you're in it but, like childbirth, fades when it's done. Denim Insulation. First, your project has to be down to the studs since this rolls in like typical fiberglass insulation. Then, the cost is about 10% more than standard. For us, it came out to about $200 more. In the grand-scheme of things, $200 wasn't much. We bought ours at Greenmaker Supply in Chicago, because we live just to the west. We also went with FSC certified wood from them. Granite Cost. It think it comes to about $75/sq. ft. installed and fabricated, but keep in mind that's for a remnant, so it was cheaper than the full slab I had quoted. Red Painted Cabinet. Alas, no, it's new. I bought it at a reproduction antique shop in Wisconsin along with the photo above it. I really did look ALL OVER for a vintage piece I could repurpose in that space, but couldn't find anything. Originally, that piece was supposed to be a tall pantry. Maybe some day I'll find something else I love to fit there, but I'm happy with the kitchy red cabinet for now. "Stubby People in Yellow Kitchens" That's me! Love it.
...See More
Who has Minas soapstone? There is hope for me yet! pics please
Q
Comments (17)
I know the original posting is over two years old, but I must share my Minas soapstone experience: 1. It is not, by any means, one of the hard soapstone varieties. i thought it was, and it is not. 2. It is beautiful with lots of dramatic veining. 3. After waxing it, it stays black for months, so maintenance isn't bad, with a few caveats: around the sink the stone can get white; iced water glass, etc. can leave white rings; bowls with silicone feet will leave white marks. These are easy to wax out, however. 4. DO NOT install under-mount sinks. The least little touch by a pot being washed will nick the sink cutout.The small dings don't bother me - i can sand those out. But I live in terror of a soapy pot falling out of my hands and hitting the edge, however. The result is that unnatural care must be taken when washing pots, etc. 5. The scratches are easy to wax over, but for some reason, the dings stay white - even after oiling. Thank goodness the Minas has a lot of movement. But still, the little dings don't bother me. IT'S THE SINK AREA! 6. Conclusion: The Minas is gorgeous, but I would not buy it again. I would buy soapstone, however - just a much, much harder variety - perhaps Minas duro. Tried to get Beleza, but it was not available. Here is a link that might be useful: nomorebluekitchen
...See More
schoolhouse_gw
14 years ago
Looks like Fall at your place alright, great pics esp. love the second photo.
gldno1
14 years ago
There are never too many pictures!

These are all wonderful fall shots....love those grandsons.

Now inquiring minds want to know: Do you know what variety the plum and pears are?

That is the most glorious plum tree I have ever seen and the pear isn't too shabby either! My pear trees have been out about 3 years now.....still nary a fruit and just a few blooms last year
girlgroupgirl
14 years ago
Thinman, those are gorgeous pictures. I dream of growing fruit like you do (I should be so lucky to grow it that well!). Your photos are beautiful as are the little chips off the ol' block!
User
14 years ago
Oh TM....what beauty you have around you....c

here is a link to my DS1 last year...my apple picker !

Here is a link that might be useful: apple picking in Alabama
thinman
Original Author
14 years ago
Thanks, Edna, Annette, and Schoolhouse. We have had the two boys since Sunday, and I haven't had a lot of time to post anything since I put the pics on. Their mom and dad will be home today, so life will be back to normal for us. Less rich, but normal.

Glenda, thank you, too. The plum and pear trees came with the property and are all that's left of a farm that was here many years ago. We have two different kinds of pears, but you won't be surprised when I tell you that we don't know what they are. One is earlier and the pears are good if you catch them at just the right time. There used to be a second plum tree here and we got some plums until it got so decrepit I had to take it down. The one left is now pretty but fruitless.

GGG - I can't take a smidgen of credit for growing any of the fruit. The only thing I do is prune the trees every couple of years and they do the rest. Because I don't spray, a lot of the apples are not usable, but I can usually find plenty to make batches of fall applesauce. Thank you for thinking the pics are gorgeous!

Yes, Caroline, we love our spot in the country. That was a cool video of your son picking apples.

TM
gldno1
14 years ago
Caroline, I enjoyed the video too and learned something. Use pickling cucumbers for the best taste! I always plant them and just let them self-seed.....and they are picklers. Glad to hear a chef agrees with me.
Thyme2dig NH Zone 5
14 years ago
What a beautiful set of photos. I could just stare at the second photo of your field for hours. It is so serene and the lighting and clouds are perfect. And what wonderful and helpers you have!
thinman
Original Author
14 years ago
Thank you, Thyme2dig. I like the second one a lot too. When the morning sun starts coming across the field and barn, it tends to make me run for my camera.

Here's another shot: {{gwi:631074}}

Yep, we love our helpers.

TM
mora
14 years ago
Beautiful pictures TMan. That plum tree is so perfect. Your little helpers must love coming to visit, what wonderful memories you are making with them, Martha
thinman
Original Author
14 years ago
Thanks, Martha. The two little grandsons actually live right next door to us and we watch them two days a week, so we are definitely making lots of wonderful memories. Our other two grandkids live in Seattle, and we don't see them nearly enough. :-(

TM
memo3
14 years ago
It's pretty amazing how great fall pictures look, and how welcome they are, in the middle of January when a storm is brewing outside and everything is already covered in white snow! You have a beautiful property TM. I always enjoy seeing pictures from you.

MeMo

Related Stories

FUN HOUZZ 16 Creative Paint Color Names We Haven't Seen — Yet

By Nina Montenegro

Someday, the namers of new paint colors will finally run out of ideas. We're here to help

FALL GARDENING Make This Fall’s Garden the Best Ever

By Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

Learn the most important tip for preventing buyer’s remorse, plus get more valuable buying and planting advice

BEDROOMS Trending Now: 25 Bedrooms We’d Love to Fall Asleep In

By Mitchell Parker

Looking for a comfortable and calm space? Consider some of the most popular new bedroom photos on Houzz

BEDROOMS Guest Picks: Make Your Bedside a Soothing Yet Useful Space

By Lemonade Makin' Mama

Set a romantic tone with vintage-style clocks, a textural carafe and nature-inspired accessories on your nightstand

DECORATING GUIDES Budget Decorator: 12 Ways to Perk Up Your Home for Fall

By Laura Gaskill

Get crafty or shop strategically to give your nest that extra-special touch while you’re cozying up on chilly days

PETS So You're Thinking About Getting a Dog

By Alison Hodgson

Prepare yourself for the realities of training, cost and the impact that lovable pooch might have on your house

MOST POPULAR How to Create an Inventory, Whether You're Naturally Organized or Not

By Alison Hodgson

Documenting your home items is essential, even if disaster seems unimaginable. And it may be easier than you think

REMODELING GUIDES Love the One You're With: Honoring a Home's Original Charm

By Sarah Phipps Design

Before you jump into teardown mode, consider these 3 examples of homes whose quirkiness is a draw

ORGANIZING Houzz Call: Show Us How You're Getting Organized

If you’ve found successful ways to declutter and create order at home, we want to hear about it. Share your ideas and photos!

DECORATING GUIDES They're Baaack: 7 Retro Design Features Making a Comeback

By Samantha Schoech

You may have thought (hoped?) you'd never see them again, but these design blasts from the past are better than ever

Sponsored

T. Walton Carr, Architects

Franklin County's Preferred Architectural Firm | Best of Houzz Winner