Friday, September 18, 2009

climbing rose


My husband and I are thinking of planting some climbing roses in our patio. We have already nailed latices on the not so pretty concrete walls (although it has been freshly painted, it is just very cold-looking).

However, there are a few problems...1) the roses must be planted in pots, 2) the patio is half-shade, 3) we have to wait until Oct to plant, since it's waaaay too hot here.

I am wondering how many roses I would need
to cover the entire walls. 2? 3? I love antique or David Austin-like roses. I am thinking of Nahema, Mme. Alfred Carriere, and Abraham Darby. I believe all of them are desease torelant, and do OK in half-shade.

Nahema is the first picture with gorgous light pink flowers (with apparently amazing fragrance.).
Mme. Alfred Carriere is pale pink, which changes to white as it opens. In the picture, it looks more pink, but it apparently is pretty much white. Abraham Darby is classy, romantic peach that makes me think of Pre Raphaelite paintings. I just love anything between the mid 19th century to early 20th century......
Anyway, I want all of these roses.....but are 3 roses too much for the space????

I also wonder how big the pots should be, since I am assuming that the roses will be very large, eventually.

Ahhh I cannot wait to se
e my patio covered with beautiful flowers and the aroma. Plus I get to decorate the house with the roses too.....

Saturday, September 12, 2009

Bonne Maman


I love Bonne Maman products. So cute to look at the gingham and the tag with hand writing-like font. However, I found it very difficult to find a wide range of products. As far as I know, I can only buy several types of preserves near where we live.

When I visited the Netherlands, I stopped by a random grocery store in Amsterdam, and found a cutest package of creme brulee. (The gingham is purple, unlike most of the preserves, which have the red gingham lid). It came with a mini packet of this powdery thing, which miraculously becomes crunchy burned caramel once you sprinkle on top of the custard. It was sooooo good. I really wish I could purchase this in US!!!