Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day ~ February, 2011

Local florists tempt me with bright blossoms
This Bloom Day finds me far, far away from my pretty flowers, left in the (fingers crossed!) competent hands of a house sitter back home.

My little Hyacinth
While I'm lonesome for my Bad Dog, I don't worry about him. That big, butter ball is not one to miss a meal. And, he can be quite vocal when dinner is late.

As for the 2 cats? Never cross them. There’s a distinct pecking order in my home and they're on top o’ the heap.

But my flowers? Well, that’s another story, those little girls I worry about. Though I imagine they are blooming just as brightly in my absence.

I freelance for a company that makes handmade shoes in Italy and Germany. So, I'm living and working in the picturesque town of Bressanone, in South Tyrol Italy ~ for one, amazing month.

It's beautiful here. Early springtime, a sweet break from the cold winds and deep snows back home.

But, enough about that. It's Bloom Day! So, what do I have to show for myself...?

Just one very fragrant Hyacinth who seems quite delighted with my sunny window sill.  I rescued her from the dark shelves of the Despar (doesn't that sound evil? It's the local grocery store.)

These pics are from my walks around town, where I sometimes resort to window peeping:


Never grow weary of the narrow, cobblestone streets:


And, happily say hello, each and every morning, to the town swan, who lives beneath the foot bridge:


Pay a visit to Carol, of May Dreams Gardens to see more pretty flowers, closer to home.

30 comments:

Rose said...

I'm glad Bad Dog is in loving hands while you're away; I'm sure your plants back home are doing just fine. Your new hyacinth certainly looks cheery sitting on the windowsill.

One said...

Your One gorgeous hyacinth has overshadowed all my flowers. :)

Diana said...

I just loved the hyacinths!! So colorful!

Carolyn @ Carolyn's Shade Gardens said...

I am in snow-covered Pennsylvania, but the temperature suddenly shot up and I managed to find some flowers outside. You on the other hand are doing something so much more fun. I wish I were with you in Italy. Happy GBBD, Carolyn

commonweeder said...

What a lovely way to spend this month. One flower can stand in for all those far away.

Kate/High Altitude Gardening said...

Happy Bloom Day, Rose!
I'm glad BD is good hands, too. Everyone around here has big dogs and it makes me lonely for my silly boy. But, I couldn't ask for a better house sitter. He even checks up on the horses for me.

Kate/High Altitude Gardening said...

Well, it's that time of year, ONE

Everything back home is buried under heaps of snow so I'm grateful to be in a place that is celebrating an early spring.

Kate/High Altitude Gardening said...

Thanks, Diana;
I couldn't get through the month without buying at least one flower...

Kate/High Altitude Gardening said...

Congrats on the outdoor blossoms, Carolyn!

That's no small feat for PA in Feb.

PS: I think you'd love this little town and all the interesting things to see.

Kate/High Altitude Gardening said...

Hi, Commonweeder!

Yeah, you're right. I'll trade the flowers for this experience without any whining...

jan said...

Kate, I am really enjoying the peek into another world through your travels! (Does your free-lance get you any deals on hand made shoes? I think that would be the ultimate luxury!)

Kate/High Altitude Gardening said...

Jan, my dear, they are practically free.

As in 60% off retail so just say the word....

Noelle Johnson said...

Oh, I do hope you are enjoying your stay in Italy. I have always wanted to visit and plant to one day :-)

I do hope that you will be in for a happy surprise when you return home to blooming plants...

Kate/High Altitude Gardening said...

Happy Bloom Day, Noelle!

I'm sure it's warmer in AZ than it is here but I'm hopeful I return to an early spring.

Noel Morata said...

aloha

i love the plants all lined up....looks like a wonderful place to be for the month...enjoy your visit and look forward to more pics of the area

thanks for sharing this today

Kate/High Altitude Gardening said...

Mahalo, Noel

Yes, it's been a nice break from the Utah winter.

joey said...

Oh my, how lovely, Kate. Thanks for sharing. Enjoy!

Jennifer@threedogsinagarden said...

Hi Kate, Happy GBBD! Hope you are having a wonderful time. I am sure all your loved ones are fine at home. The hyacinth is lovely.

Wally said...

Gorgeous hyacinth!
Lovely swan too. I always find white ones somewhat... surprising. Swans in Australia are black.

bradzio said...

If I had boatloads of money I would spend every winter somewhere warmer and sunnier. Luckily for you, they're paying you to do just that. Enjoy Italy and your bit of color. Very nice hyacinth.

Kate/High Altitude Gardening said...

Happy Bloom Day, Joey;
I've missed blog visits while I'm traveling but I'm anxious to dive into more of your yummy recipes upon my return.

Kate/High Altitude Gardening said...

Hi, Jennifer;
Yes... I imagine my little flowers are doing fine. But those orchids were just about ready to bloom when I left! I hate to miss the show. :)

Kate/High Altitude Gardening said...

I'd love to see a black swan, Mac!

Please post some pictures.

Kate/High Altitude Gardening said...

Boatloads of money is definitely what's needed, Bradzio;

Life is expensive over here.

Elaine said...

Lucky you! Beautiful photos!

Faythe said...

UUmmm, I can almost catch a hint of hyacinth perfume, heavenly! I have been enjoying seeing your photo shares during this exciting trip. I must figure out a way to shrink myself down so I can safely stow away in your luggage next time.

Kate/High Altitude Gardening said...

Thx, Elaine;
It's been a long time since I've nurtured just one little flower and it's been fun.

Hi, Grammy!
They might throw a fit at customs but who cares? :) I'll come up with a good story so we'll breeze right through.

Sunray Gardens said...

Great photos of your blooms and others.

Cher
Goldenray Yorkies

Wally said...

I've just posted some photos of the local swans on my other blog.

Mariana said...

I really loved the pictures. You are a great photographer!