Late summer

 

Late summer is approaching its end, but it is still quite warm and sunny here in south east of Norway. I have eagerly been waiting for months to enjoy harvesting fruits and vegetables from our garden ( also from our neighbours, since neither one of them are living there at the moment ) I have been picking rhubarb, cherries, red currant, plums and apples. I feel utterly happy and lucky having a garden. Where I live, very few never or hardly use theirs. I don`t know why, maybe because of their hectic lifestyle, or lack of interest. I always wonder and it sometimes baffles me.

Plums, beautiful red plums. I remember, my shirt got stained. I could not get rid of it either. Now, always a reminder of that particular day I sat down eating with both hands. Spitting the pit into the grass, the cats were running after it.
 

Photos © Aina - Modern Country

 

I tried to be there first, always a battle between the magpies and me. Yes, how can someone resist something as sweet and cheerful like these?

 Photo © Aina - Modern Country

 

 I don`t own acres of land and probably never will, most of my fruits and vegetables comes from the supermarket. Although I really would have loved to be totally self-sufficient. Unfortunately we don`t have a weekly market, now and then I visit the Farmers market in a small town 45 min away.  But I have enough place to grow what I like, tomatoes, herbs, chillies and lettuce. Last year I tried another two favourites, broadbeans and peas. Sadly many just rotted away. This year I am playing safe, but could not resist adding a few beetroot plants as well. I am so proud of what I have achieved, despite nearly half of the seed I planted back in February died. But rest of them came out so strong and healthy !

 



 End of July - Tiny beetroot plants

 

 This morning - the colour has changed. Almost there now.

 

  

I hope they will taste good. I love the earthiness, newly harvested they sometimes taste as if you are biting into clean sweet earth. Yesterday I found a beetroot chocolate cake recipe. For those who love both it sound like the perfect marriage. Tempting..

Photos © Aina - Modern Country


~ Aina ~




Favourites

 

I love scented Geraniums.

 

This is my absolute favourite, "Pelargonium Fragrans" (also known as nutmeg geranium).

The leaves and flowers are edible and has a very special but fantastic smell. It is hard to put my finger on it, a note of wood, nutmeg, a hint of mint and spice...I find it highly addictive, I can`t stop rubbing those leaves ! Many cooks love using the plant in cool drinks, desserts, and for adding flavours to jellies, vinegars and different fruit dishes.

 

 

 I have always liked Daisies ( Nellis perenniss), they are simple but still they make our garden look so beautiful. And look, Julie loves them too !

 

Photos © Aina - Modern Country

 

 

* Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend *

 

~ Aina ~


 

Start of Summer

Photo © Aina - Modern Country

 

 

Hi everyone, thank you for being so patient with me !

Summer is here, I can`t believe we are in June already, can you ? I am so sorry for not keeping my promise to blog more often.The weather has been fantastic for weeks so I have been making the most of it. Painting, doing some carpentry, and working in the garden as well.

 

A couple of weeks ago our apple trees were covered in beautiful clusters of fragrant blossoms. In full bloom, you won`t believe how amazing the smell is! I used every opportunity to walk by and have a sniff. This particularly morning I had been working hard, cutting down a couple of bushy trees, helping our landlord. Walking up and down the garden with branches in both hands countless times, which is quite steep, I was tired and longing for a break. I could not have been happier, having a break here at this beautiful spot. I put up our hammock between the veranda and these charming trees that overlooks the greenhouse. With my head on the pillow I was staring through the shimmering leaves, dangling my feet and thinking about how grateful I am to be surrounded by greenery and friendly neighbours...

 

 

~ Aina ~

 

 

 

Photos © Aina - Modern Country

 

Spring is here !

  

 

  

   

  Photos © Aina - Modern Country

 

I can`t hide my excitement, spring is finally here !! I am so happy !!

The first signs is everywhere to be seen, small leaves on birch, apple, pear, plum and cherry trees. New buds are popping up every day and all the birds are singing their favorite songs, making mornings very cheerful. The cats are exploring and jumping around celebrating the new season also.
 

 It was beautiful last week, how lovely it was to see a bit of sunshine. I spent several of hours out in the garden soaking it all up, taking a few shots as well. Here are some of my favourites. Hopefully you are enjoying these wonderful days also.

 

~ Aina ~

 

Early, crisp and cold, but beautiful..

 

 Noen ganger er det verdt å stå opp tidlig. I morges da jeg passerte denne urna, det første jeg så var noen herlige varme solstråler som skinte på toppen av lyngen. Jeg smilte fordi jeg synes det var så fin start på morgenen...

 

- Sometimes waking up early is worth it. This morning, the first thing I saw when I passed this urn was glowing sunbeams on top of it. I smiled, it was such a great start to the day.

 

  

 

 I  veksthuset har jeg fylt opp et lite lager av naturlige materialer som jeg skal bruke fremover til kranser og dekorasjoner. I kassene hvor jeg tidligere dyrket salater og bønner oppbevarer jeg nå mose Jeg bare sørger for å vanne av og til. Jeg måtte selvfølgelig tenne et lys, og det ble nesten litt førjulstemning her inne..

 

- The greenhouse now serve as a shelter for twigs, herbs and moss. Normally I use a lot of it in decorations during the autumn and winter season. Candle and juniper, yes it does look a bit like christmas already..

 

 

  

Jeg bruker einer og små grantrær som dekorasjoner i bøtter og baljer av sink, men jeg synes det er fint å pynte opp gamle trekasser også. Den kombinasjonen synes jeg er kjempefin. 

 

- Juniper and twigs of spruce is beautiful as decoration in buckets and tubs of sink, I use them also in old wooden crates. I like the colours..

 

 

 Av og til står jeg under ett tre og ser oppover.  Nå med det det fargerike løvet som blåser i alle retninger kan det være ganske heftig !

 

- Every once in a while I stand under a tree and I look upwards. Now with all the colourful leaves it can look pretty amazing !

 

All photos © Aina - Modern Country

 

  

 Ikke langt fra hvor jeg bor. Høsten er virkelig vakker..

- Not far from where I live. Autumn is truly beautiful..

 

 

~ Aina ~

Nyter fortsatt sommeren - Still enjoying the summer

Hi everyone, how are you doing ?

I assume many of you are busy enjoying the summer, like I am doing.

Photo © Aina - Modern Country

We`ve had some fabulous weather lately, so I am afraid my blog has been a bit neglected. So sorry for that !

I have to admit, I don`t spend much time thinking about pillows and rugs, cups and corners I have to finish, or even the downstairs loo. Which is totally ripped from wallpaper, and should have been finished two years ago. I rather spend my time with friends and family, in the garden, taking day trips, celebrating the season with  ripe fruits and vegetables, watching sunrises and sunsets, holding hands, or diving into lukewarm lakes. I just want to enjoy all those little things that makes summer so special.

Photo © Aina - Modern Country

Soon the beautiful green leaves will turn grey and brown, the wonderful butterflies will disappear and the flowers will fade away... Scandinavia comes to life during summer. For many, summer is THE favorite season. We hardly spend time indoors. Gone are the freezing cold, the hopeless longing for warmer, brighter and longer days with lots and lots of sun. 

Photo © Aina - Modern Country

Summer is time for sheer joy, but also a time to have patience, to grow, to take time to sit back unwind and reflect, and find balance by spending quality time with your loved ones.

...So you see, I will try not to miss out on anything. Not yet.

 

Photo © Aina - Modern Country

Totally, I think we already have harvested 8 cucumbers. And they just keeps coming and coming. 

Hurray, our broad beans are almost ready to be picked too!!

Photo © Aina - Modern Country

Ha en fortsatt deilig sommer - Enjoy summer my friends ! 

~ Aina ~

My very first homegrown cucumbers !!

I am as proud as a peacock, this morning I harvested my very first homegrown cucumbers ! 3 mini Danito and 2 normal sized. Immediately I had to take a huge bite, it was very crunchy and very watery with a sweet flavor. Delish !  I am so pleased with my first attempt as I was a bit worried they would be difficult to grow, but it has been a willing plant. We planted only two plants, but they have a lot of yellow flowers, so it looks like we will be harvesting plenty in the following weeks. I am looking forward to making crispy barbecued salmon with cucumber yoghurt  or other delicious treats.

 

All photos © Aina - Modern Country

Our broad beans are doing well also. Actually it is a beautiful plant. I did not expect that at all, tall and lean with wonderful scented white and purple flowers. I will update as soon as I see a change. Have you harvested anything from your garden yet ?

~ Aina ~

Out in the garden

As a long time reader you would know, this is the part of the year when I become totally obsessed with my garden. And I spend a whole lot of time digging, weeding and watching all my plants grow. This year we have more confidence expanding the various of plants in our greenhouse and we are trying out a few more vegetables. Such as broad beans, peas, cucumbers and salads. In addition to chili, herbs and tomatoes. Not much yet to see though, I just make sure that every plant is healthy and well maintained..

 

The peonies are almost blooming. (If you look closely you may catch a glimpse of Saba. She is always just a few steps behind, following me around to see what I am up to) And here, a couple of healthy small Cucumber plants in our greenhouse. I am very excited about these, hopefully they will develop properly..

 

Old French glass bottles outside our greenhouse. I recently also planted a few more Lavender plants. 

 

All photos © Aina - Modern Country

Lush peony plants, waving Spirea..

Not too many colors or vegetables to see yet, besides green. But still very lovely to walk around and watch how every little plant is developing. I will of course be back with more pictures from our greenhouse and garden later this summer.  What is blooming in your garden ?

Wishing you a good start to the week !

~ Aina ~

Fresh picked Lilacs

We have a gorgeous Lilac tree in our garden. I usually sit here on the bench and smell the wonderful scent of these beautiful flowers..

All photos © Aina - Modern Country

Our neighbors have a few more trees with various shades of purple, but I am quite happy with these. The smell is irresistible and refreshing, a real burst of spring, early summer. I like the shape op these flowers also, like small butterflies. What is your favorite flower bouquet?

~ Aina ~

Elsker våren - Love spring !

Foto : Aina

Er ikke våren vakker ?? Alt føles så bra når den er her !!

Glade klemmer ♥ Aina

Vakkert frostkledd landskap - beautiful frosty landscape

Så utrolig vakkert det er ute i dag !! Kulda har satt seg og det ligger iskrystaller overalt, på gress, planter og trær. Magisk ! Spesielt når du ser røyken komme opp fra pipene på de frostkledde hus takene. Det er ikke så ofte jeg går ut i hagen så tidlig på morgenen, og spesielt ikke når det er så kaldt, men i dag kunne jeg ikke la være. Da jeg kom hjem etter å ha kjørt mannen på jobben ble jeg bare stående og se utover hagen. Jeg synes det var så flott å se på. Så jeg gikk inn og hentet kameraet, og blåste i både negl spreng og arbeid som venta. Nå sitter jeg her med varme kinn , tekoppen og broderiet mitt. Og gleder meg over den gode starten på dagen..




Vanndråper på rognebærene som har fryst til is. De ser ut som fristende sukkertøy..



Veksthuset er tomt, de fleste plantene har jeg tatt inn. Men Eføyen har jeg latt stå ute. Jeg vet ikke om det var så lurt, men den er så dekorativ foran trappen. Den har faktisk stått der siden i våres. Og i høst skiftet bladene farge fra grønt til rødt..



Foto : Aina

Blader og planter i de mest herligste farge nyansene..