▼

Tuesday 3 April 2012

walk with me in the garden...



The entrance to our farmhouse... you can just see the rose beds in the distance... rich and fuzzy with new shoots...


Looking towards the mountains... The irises are sprouting either side of the chemin d'eau and promise to be bold and beautiful by May... When they flower their white petals will break the expanse of lawn and soften the look of the stone waterway...


Views from the terrace that runs the length of our home...


Looking back the other way from the farmhouse... the hanging rosemary is in full bloom and the only shot of colour in the garden right now...


Pots... seeking the sun after a drab few months...


Looking in the distance towards the apple orchard... there is just a hint of the blossoms to come... the rose beds and the arbor are flush with green shoots...


A close up in the apple orchard... fruit blossoms for easter...


and here is hoping... weather to lay by the pool...

This past winter has been a tough one for our garden... the season kicked off in a mild fashion, easy and gentle... with days that felt and even smelled like spring... it ended with an all out freezing bang. Temperatures of minus this and minus that drove our conversations, the icy winds kept us huddled inside and more importantly the frosts wreaked havoc on our garden... But all that is forgotten now as spring starts to weaves her magic... 


The big picture at our farm and in our garden is always beautiful... how could it not be... olive trees, lavender, cyprus... mountains that change colour in front of your eyes... to me, the French countryside is glorious at any time of the year... 

Happy promenade...  and to wander in the garden with other blogger friends please visit here... xv

images - vicki archer
on

69 comments:

  1. Linda C.3 April 2012 at 10:16

    Vicki, that's Paradise!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Teresa Hatfield ~ Splendid Sass3 April 2012 at 10:35

    So beautiful, Vicki. Everything is so beautiful. I am in love with the fountain, and the view is breathtaking.
    Happy Tuesday.
    Teresa
    xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  3. Tiina A3 April 2012 at 11:17

    Thank you for the wonderful walk!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Olga Levina3 April 2012 at 11:33

    Your pictures and stories are always awe-inspiring, and this one is no difference - thanks for inviting us to walk with you in your garden :)

    Greetings from Tel Aviv!

    ReplyDelete
  5. The enchanted home3 April 2012 at 11:43

    If this isn't paradise, then tell me what is!!!! Absolutely breathtaking in everyway......wow, just beautiful Vicki! Thanks for taking us along.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Ann3 April 2012 at 12:26

    Oh my!
    I believe you live in heaven.

    Stunning, no matter where you look.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Karen in VA (was CT)3 April 2012 at 12:57

    .. isn't your garden just lovely ... this is a good time of year for your treasured pictures, as not enough has bloomed to cut out the view ... when you are too old to keep up with it, and want something smaller, you will have these wonderful memories. Thanks for giving us a peek, garden touring has always been a delight for me. Best, Karen

    ReplyDelete
  8. Beautiful Day3 April 2012 at 12:59

    Oh my gosh - you live here? I am so humbled. :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. Coty Farquhar3 April 2012 at 13:12

    Truly beautiful!
    Such a wonderful time.....Spring!
    Thank you for sharing your home and life with us Vicki!
    xx Coty

    ReplyDelete
  10. lisa | renovating italy3 April 2012 at 13:24

    Just too impossibly beautiful for words Vicki,x

    ReplyDelete
  11. Denise Mackenzie3 April 2012 at 13:26

    Something to aim for!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Greet Lefèvre3 April 2012 at 13:27

    Dear Vicki,
    Your garden looks FABULOUS!!! Oh my gosh I could spend hours and hours in it! Such a beauty around! You are soooooo blessed having a French garden and living in the French countryside! I am always so glad to see pictures of your home on your blog!
    Enjoy this new season Vicki!!
    Hugs,
    Greet
    PS Thank you so much for voting on my blog!

    ReplyDelete
  13. jeanette3 April 2012 at 13:28

    what a magical place....truly heavenly....
    i adore the fountain, but every picture is paradise and so calming....
    thx for sharing....

    ReplyDelete
  14. caroline@thebalancedapproach.com.au3 April 2012 at 13:30

    Vicki, your French garden is just beautiful... it just strengthens my resolve to one day live my dream..just not sure when one day will be!! Joyeseus Paques!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Victoria3 April 2012 at 13:46

    I thoroughly enjoyed the walk in your garden. You live in a magical place.
    All the best...Victoria

    ReplyDelete
  16. veuvemcd3 April 2012 at 13:56

    Vicki, your farm and garden, a treasure. Thank you for sharing! Bon Pâques.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Virginia3 April 2012 at 13:57

    Oh Vicki, I never tire of photographs of your beautiful home. Parfait in every way! :)
    V

    ReplyDelete
  18. Renata3 April 2012 at 14:06

    Vicki, you are such a lucky lady. What a fantastic place you've got! Real dream ... Congrats and enjoy it! Renata

    ReplyDelete
  19. LA CONTESSA3 April 2012 at 14:08

    You are one lucky woman!Your garen is just beautiful.Please keep updating us on the progress..........or should I say bloom time!You make me want to start over!

    ReplyDelete
  20. jessica3 April 2012 at 14:21

    Absolutely breathtaking!!! Thanks for sharing :)

    ReplyDelete
  21. LPC3 April 2012 at 14:27

    Wow. Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous. Mankind does so love a vista, and yours is spectacular.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Cassmob (Pauleen)3 April 2012 at 14:34

    It looks exquisite and the views are magnificent. it is a tribute to all who shape and cultivate your garden.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Pura Vida3 April 2012 at 14:45

    what a lovely peaceful walk...thank you so much...cold and rainy here!

    ReplyDelete
  24. kimberly3 April 2012 at 14:54

    Can you hear my wistful sigh from here? Absolutely stunning my friend - in all the right ways~
    xx

    ReplyDelete
  25. French Girl in Seattle3 April 2012 at 15:19

    Eh bien chère Vicki, quelle propriété! Superbe! Please tell me you have help to take care of all this... I can hardly stay on top of my American suburban garden... sorry... "yard" (that's what they call it here) ;-) Bonne semaine! Veronique (French Girl in Seattle)

    ReplyDelete
  26. Amy3 April 2012 at 15:46

    It's gorgeous, Vicki. I haven't even ventured outside in my garden yet this year...I'm a little afraid of what I'll find!

    ReplyDelete
  27. hostess of the humble bungalow3 April 2012 at 15:47

    Your garden is magnificent! I particularly love the design and the setting....
    now I am yearning to see your home inside and out!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Penelope3 April 2012 at 16:01

    Vicki, So beautiful! You inspire us all and to think that your vision for your home came to life is lovely indeed! Thank you for sharing! I love your region and hope to travel there again! It is paradise! Have a blessed day!

    ReplyDelete
  29. Hallie3 April 2012 at 16:10

    This is a dream and it is worth every minute of work...oh goodness, it is heaven.
    Yesterday I was wondering how to solve my little problem of assorted flower pots and now I have the answer, I'll group similar sizes with the same plants. So neat and precise looking!
    Your farm property is nothing less than breathtaking.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Karen3 April 2012 at 16:10

    Oh, Vicki, your grounds remind me of a recent post about a French resort. So lovely! Thanks for the visit.
    Karen

    ReplyDelete
  31. Splenderosa3 April 2012 at 16:15

    This is what we all love the most about your posts,Vicki. That you share with us your actual life and lifestyle. The visions of rebirth abound and this is what makes life so beautiful. No matter what has happened we each have an opportunity to re-think, re-do, recover and move on with our lives, this is truly the gifts we've been given. I so wish I could walk in your garden with you and spend hours sitting by the pool, just chatting away.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Anonymous3 April 2012 at 17:03

    Vicki, I love your gardens! That fountain is so charming–thank you so muchfor sharing a French Spring with all of us.

    XO, Lissy Parker

    ReplyDelete
  33. Flournoyfrance3 April 2012 at 17:21

    We leave France every September but you keep us "there" during the Winter months until we return in June... I appreciate all your posts and photos...many, many thanks...

    ReplyDelete
  34. Leslie in Little Rock3 April 2012 at 17:33

    When I opened my email to see your post, I got chill bumps. I'm in the beginning stages of growing my garden and your's is divine inspiration! I'm also loving your book, French Essence. The photographs by Carla and your sweet prose are so breathtaking!

    ReplyDelete
  35. Lisa DeNunzio3 April 2012 at 18:23

    Your garden looks enchanting. I know from our own home how difficult it can be to keep up with the garden, especially when mother nature throws you a curve ball. I try and remind myself that these beautiful canvases of nature do not just appear, but are the product of much work, love and nurturing.

    ReplyDelete
  36. classiq3 April 2012 at 19:11

    So beautiful! Your garden looks heavenly. :)
    ada

    ReplyDelete
  37. Heather Robinson3 April 2012 at 19:20

    So much beauty, it is a true feast for the eyes! I can hear the burble of the chemin d'eau reaching its end and the rustle of the olive branches. Wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday weekend ahead.

    ReplyDelete
  38. My Notting Hill3 April 2012 at 19:39

    Agree - heavenly!!

    ReplyDelete
  39. Jacqueline @ HOME3 April 2012 at 20:13

    Oh Vicki,
    Whenever you post images of your beautiful French home, I always get just a teensy, weensy bit of envy come over me !! You have turned your farmhouse and its gardens and land, into the most beautiful retreat and home. I love it when you show us images of it.
    .....and, it is perfect for our BIO subject. XXXX

    ReplyDelete
  40. Nikon3 April 2012 at 20:51

    That is so beautiful! You are very lucky to be surrounded by such beauty. We are lucky that you are such a good photographer!

    ReplyDelete
  41. Olive and Branch for the home3 April 2012 at 21:11

    Your property is stunning! Thank you for sharing! My olive grove in Provence was contained to a pot and someone came along and pinched it so now I am left with a garden of dirt...alas.

    ReplyDelete
  42. Linda Carswell3 April 2012 at 22:20

    This walk around your garden is enchanting, I can almost smell the freshly cut grass......such a beautiful partbof the world.
    Linda x

    ReplyDelete
  43. Velvet and Linen3 April 2012 at 23:03

    I always love the images of your garden.
    I'm saving them all as inspiration for our future gardens.
    Your arbor, the apple orchard, that spectacular water feature... dreamy!

    xo
    Brooke

    ReplyDelete
  44. Jess Flett3 April 2012 at 23:09

    Vicki, the garden is so stunning. I can't wait to see some more photos of it in full bloom.

    ReplyDelete
  45. Parisbreakfasts3 April 2012 at 23:49

    Utterly lush Vicki
    Looks quite a bit like Tuscany too...

    ReplyDelete
  46. Laura3 April 2012 at 23:54

    Lovely tour, beautiful garden and terrace!

    ReplyDelete
  47. Ingrid Mida4 April 2012 at 01:06

    Dear Vicki,
    This looks like heaven to me... filled with the promise of spring.

    ReplyDelete
  48. Chris4 April 2012 at 01:48

    Yes, I agree with Tina...breathtaking! I have wanted a rill (chemin d'eau) for the longest time and culminating in the stone basin...well, for me...dreamy!
    xoxo, Chris

    ReplyDelete
  49. Yvonne @ StoneGable4 April 2012 at 02:02

    What generosity to share the extreme beauty of your surroundings! I felt like I had a small escape!
    I am a new follower!
    Yvonne, a fellow by invitation only member

    ReplyDelete
  50. debra@dustjacket4 April 2012 at 02:29

    Just gorgeous Vicki...what a pick-me-up that must be each day!
    xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  51. Mona Thompson Providence Ltd.4 April 2012 at 04:04

    Vicki...Your property and gardens are what I dream of...totally fabulous. Thanks so much for sharing. XO, Mona

    ReplyDelete
  52. kate4 April 2012 at 04:35

    Vicki, your garden is exquisite. Thank you for sharing these photos for us all to enjoy. I cant imaginge how much time must go into caring for your property,have you designed this yourself?

    ReplyDelete
  53. Natalia4 April 2012 at 06:54

    Oh how beautiful your home is!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  54. Shell Sherree4 April 2012 at 07:35

    My garden is more laissez-faire ~ in an orderly way ~ but yours has me itching to do an Edward Scissorhands on some of my mock oranges. And plant some roses. And have a chemin d'eau... and... What beautiful sights, Vicki. You must still pinch yourself often.

    ReplyDelete
  55. Soulful Mama4 April 2012 at 07:44

    Glorious it truly is! You really do have the most beautiful home.

    ~ Clare x

    ReplyDelete
  56. debway4 April 2012 at 09:27

    I don't know how you could ever leave such a gorgeous place! Springtime looks so wonderful there, and your gardens are amazing. Thank you so much for sharing with us. Enjoy!

    ReplyDelete
  57. manask4 April 2012 at 10:15

    How serene! After a hectic day in the office, your beautiful images are relaxing keep me mindful of how special 'home' is :-)

    ReplyDelete
  58. The Caledonian Mining Expedition Company4 April 2012 at 12:04

    Without doubt, one of the most beautiful gardens ever... Phil xxxxx

    ReplyDelete
  59. Veronica4 April 2012 at 13:49

    Wow Vicki. I am still stuck on your glorious entrance, never mind the rest of the view pleasure. What a gorgeous relaxing place to live and garden.Strolling through your garden feels like a mini break, thank you. Provence is possible the only other place I could put down roots apart from Africa.


    Veronica

    ReplyDelete
  60. Pink Princess4 April 2012 at 16:57

    Its just gorgeous and breathtaking. It must be heavenly to be treated to such views all the time. Thank you for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  61. Mr Paul4 April 2012 at 21:01

    The prostrate Rosemary looks lovely. We like to harvest the delicate pale blooms to garnish salads. I see the Wisteria is getting ready to flower, the smell on the terrace must be incredible.

    Paul

    ReplyDelete
  62. Connie5 April 2012 at 13:51

    Thank you for sharing these lovely photos with us. You have an absolutely beautiful home in a glorious setting! I'm sure you enjoy it each and every minute! Thank you again!

    ReplyDelete
  63. manon 216 April 2012 at 09:25

    Magnifique Vicki

    Amitiés

    Manon

    ReplyDelete
  64. Cassmob (Pauleen)7 April 2012 at 04:02

    Your garden is beyond gorgeous...I love every aspect of it. Thank you for sharing it with us around the world.

    ReplyDelete
  65. Genie -- Paris and Beyond7 April 2012 at 13:38

    Just divine! I think that every season will reveal a beauty of the land, and spring is the most exciting! We will be planting the herbs for a new season, but how great to be able to count on rosemary, ever present. We feel lucky that 59 of the 60 azaleas we planted in the fall have survived the winter and bloomed.

    Your grand garden is stunning, Vicki.

    Bises,
    Genie

    ReplyDelete
  66. jlonit8 April 2012 at 00:16

    Gush, swoon gush. More gushing. Beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
  67. meezo8 April 2012 at 01:35

    Gorgeous gardens! Thanks for sharing! Such inspiration.

    ReplyDelete
  68. Jane11 April 2012 at 02:47

    Oh Vicki, I'm * sighing* in faraway Hobart, Australia. I cannot believe this is all yours. What wondrous beauty. You clever woman and very lucky duck! J x

    ReplyDelete
  69. LA VIE EN ROSE11 April 2012 at 16:38

    WOW - amazing garden with an amazing backdrop!

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for visiting French Essence... I love to read your comments and I hope you will be back often... xv