I ADORE THE MONTH OF MAY.
BECAUSE MY GARDEN IS ON STAGE!
THESE BEAUTIES WERE GIFTED TO ME!
Photos taken on their LAST DAY before their DEMISE!
SO, GRAND AND BEAUTIFUL.
WITH TIME THEY BECAME BETTER and BETTER!
JUST LIKE WE DO!
I thought a little GARDEN THERAPY was in order with us all cooped up this month of MAY.
I had an IDEA!
I have come up with a NEW FEATURE called GARDEN STYLE PEOPLE and I will introduce YOU MY DEAR READERS to WOMEN and MEN who enjoy their GARDENS and perhaps have a few TALES TO TELL!
MEET MY FRIEND ANITA DAY FROM JINDIVICK, VICTORIA in AUSTRALIA
ANITA,
HAVE YOU ALWAYS BEEN ATTRACTED TO THE GARDEN OR WAS IT A PASSION THAT CAME LATER IN LIFE?
My attraction for the garden came early on in life. One of my first memories of garden love came from my mother. To this day, I can still see her clasping a cup of tea and staring out the kitchen window to the garden with a smile on her face………..I knew she was on to something. I was 5 when I had a go at sowing my first seeds. They were Irish Bells. I don’t think I was successful but I can remember going to the plot and checking for signs of sprouting every 5 minutes. Vue is our 4th garden and the largest we’ve every tackled. The property is 36 acres, mostly native forest, with 4 cleared acres surrounding the house. The garden would be ½ acre in size. Starting with a blank canvas, the garden is 8 years old and is just now taking on a mature look in parts. I love lots of plants and lots of flowers. We have a variety of old favourites mixed with rare and unusual plants. As we keep hives, flower selection can often be based on their bee attracting properties.
IF YOU HAD AN INVITATION TO A GARDEN PARTY AND YOU WERE ASKED TO COME DRESSED AS A FLOWER OR A WEED WHICH ONE WOULD YOU BE?!
Got to be a flower and it would be a dahlia………bold in colour and personality, the dahlia has it all except perfume………… but I can forgive this flower for anything. As I’m dressed as a dahlia, I can pop a bit of scent on behind my ears.
DO YOU LEAVE YOUR FLOWERS IN THE GARDEN TO ENJOY OR DO YOU CUT TO BRING THEM INSIDE?
Always do both. As Vue is a Bed and Breakfast, I love to cut fresh flowers for the guest rooms but for the house, I love big vases full of foliage too. At the moment I’m enjoying cutting Manchurian pear foliage. It makes for such a dramatic arrangement with its autumnal colours.
DO ALL THE SEASONS GIVE YOU PLEASURE OR IS THERE ONE SEASON THAT BRINGS YOU EXTRA JOY?
The season of extra joy has to be Autumn. Summer is hard here with temperatures over 40c.on odd days, so I long for the cool to return. Spring is over in a flash and races way too quickly into Summer. Winter is just beautiful as we have views of nearby mountains covered in snow but it rains a lot and stops me from playing outside. Autumn in West Gippsland is truly glorious, especially in the Vue garden where we grow European deciduous trees. Autumn is also peak time for Dahlias……..have a big crush on this flower.
PLEASE SHARE ONE OR TWO OF YOUR FAVORITE GARDENING BOOKS.
Garden People by Ursula Buchan.This book is filled with photos by Valarie Finnis, a plants person and amateur photographer of some years ago. Page after page of stories of plant obsessed people and gardening eccentrics. My favourite photo in the book is of LADY RHONDA BIRLEY. If you google her you’ll get an image and understand why.
THE BOOK
Lady Rhonda Birley.
Colour for the Adventurous Gardener by Christopher Lloyd.The man was a genius the way he put colour combinations of plants together. His home and garden Great Dixter in the UK, is beloved world over.
CONTESSA has provided a LINK HERE!
DO YOU WEAR A GARDENING APRON OR HAT AND GLOVES WHEN YOU GO INTO THE GARDEN TO WORK?IS THERE A BRAND YOU PREFER OR IS YOUR “UNIFORM” PRETTY SHABBY?
I wear everything Elizabeth. My garden clothes are very shabby , but I do wear two items that I treasure. My hat, made by milliners Axel Mano in Sydney and my gardening tunic tops by CARRIER COMPANY from Norfolk UK. The hat has the biggest brim to protect my fair skin. I fell instantly in love with this hat when I first saw Mickey Robertson from Glenmore Garden wear it in a photo on Instagram. I’ve never bought anything as expensive as this hat in my life………but it has been so worth it. The tunic tops have large deep pockets for my glasses, phone and gardening bibs and bobs. I first found out about Carrier Company at Chelsea flower show some years ago. Designer and maker Tina Guillory sold me my first Norfolk Slop. She is one stylish lass……..love her look…..go google her too.
Tina Guillory
IF YOU COULD INVITE ANYONE TO COME SIP A LEMONADE OR A CUP OF TEA IN YOUR GARDEN WHO IS NO LONGER WITH US,WHO WOULD IT BE?
CARE TO SHARE WHY?
Can we drink wine together too?
(“YES, ANITA VINO WOULD BE DELIGHTFUL!”)
Firstly, it would have to be my hero Christopher Lloyd.
I would ask him to tell me where I’m going wrong.
Secondly DAME MIRIAM ROTHCHILD. She was a naturalist and scientist. An early champion for planting wildflowers, she knew of their benefits for attracting bees, insects and butterflies to the garden. She heavily influenced Prince Charles to garden in a more naturalistic way at Highgrove.
CAN YOU LEAVE US WITH A GARDEN QUOTE THAT SUMS UP WHO YOU ARE AS A PERSON?
“To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow”.
As we move closer to Winter, and the garden goes into dormancy, in my heart I know Spring will come again and madness which is my garden will return.
CAN WE FIND YOU ON THE INTERNET?
IF SO WHERE?
I do have a web page if people would like to find out more about our bed and breakfast accommodation and upcoming beekeeping workshops www.vueatjindivick.com .
I’m active on Instagram Vue_at_jindivick Eco B and B
and also on
Facebook at Vue at Jindivick eco bed and breakfast
I HOPE YOU ALL ENJOYED ANITA AND WILL SPEND SOME TIME CRUISING HER FAVORITES AND HER WEBSITE!I CANNOT RECALL IF ANITA FOUND ME OR I FOUND HER ON INSTAGRAM YEARS AGO BUT WE FINALLY MET UP IN ENGLAND ON MY LAST TRIP WHICH WAS A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO!SHE IS EVEN MORE DELIGHTFUL IN PERSON IF THAT IS POSSIBLE!
I WENT TO THE CHELSEA GARDEN SHOW AND PURCHASED A COUPLE OF THE GARDEN “SLOP’s”.THEY ARE VERY ROOMY AND WASH BEAUTIFULLY. MY AMERICAN READERS REMEMBER IF ORDERING THE HATS OR THE GARDEN WEAR ITS IN AUSTRALIAN DOLLARS AND BRITISH POUNDS!YOU CAN ALWAYS GOOGLE THE EXCHANGE RATE!
I HOPE TO VISIT ANITA AND PAUL ONE DAY WITH THE ITALIAN IN TOW AS I THINK HE WOULD ENJOY THAT TRIP.I HAVE A FEW PEOPLE TO VISIT DOWN UNDER!Even with THE COVID-19 THE ITALIAN is working so its going to take an ACT OF GRACE to get him to STOP and escort me to that BELOVED COUNTRY!
I PLAN TO SHARE MY OWN GARDEN WITH YOU NEXT MONDAY, MAY 11.
I WILL LINK TO ANOTHER DEAR FRIEND SO YOU WILL HAVE TWO GARDENS TO CRUISE!
XXX
PS. ANITA, I ADORE IRISH BELLS!
kim says
I’m so glad you liked the idea of this. I knew you would do an amazing job with knowing so many chic gardeners!! I adore Anita and have enjoyed her Instagram and following her so much. She’s a lovely person as well as very talented!! Can’t wait to see more of yours too and this is so inspiring to me. I hope one day to have mine as lovely as yours and Anitas. I think I need a cooler garden hat. This is such a fun series. xoxo
Anita Day says
Hello Kim,
Best of luck with your garden aspirations Kim.
One of my first gardens was made up of just potted plants as we were only renting our first home.
Wishing you every success and thank you for your kind comments.
Cheers
Anita xx
Jilda Zlatarev says
Thank you! I enjoy your blog!
Anita Day says
Hello Jilda,
This has been so much fun.
I’m so happy you enjoyed this post.
A very Happy Spring to you.
Cheers
Anita
Sandra Sallin - Apart From My Art says
I want a slop and I want one of those hats!!! How fun. I wish I could see more of her garden. But she is a delight. What a lovely series. I’m so looking forward to it. Maybe we could have that recipe that she featured on Instagram. I know Miriam Rothchild was quite the influencer to Prince Charles. I love the wildflower garden she created that led up to his home. Great new series.
Anita Day says
Sandra,
I was so in awe of Dame Miriam, I wrote to her after reading an article about her in an English gardening magazine. She wrote back!!!!! I treasure this letter. She was a vegetarian too. She once wore plastic wellies/gumboots to a gala dinner hosted by the Queen as she never wore leather……… can you believe that!!! Any of my recipes you would like Sandra, I’m very happy to supply.
Cheers
Anita
Pat Rudebusch says
I love this idea! And, I love her hat…I may need one. Great post E!
Anita Day says
Hello Pat,
I’m so glad you liked Elizabeth’s garden blog.
My hat is from Axel Mano in Sydney.
They make to measure an send worldwide.
A very Happy Spring to you
Cheers
Anita
Taste of France says
Her garden is gorgeous and I do like that hat. Thank you for introducing us to so many beautiful, interesting women.
Anita Day says
We’re just about to head into Winter here but so grateful that Autumn is lingering.
I’m so happy you enjoyed this post.
Elizabeth asks so many great questions ………. such fun!
Wishing you a very Happy Spring.
Cheers
Anita
ps……… you can purchase my hat online……. made to measure too
Parnassus says
Hello Contessa, A great idea for a new series. Anita was perfect to start with–imagine having all those acres of native forest! I especially loved her allée of autumnal trees.
Speaking of gardening, I just came across this picture of a n old gardening store from the Early American Gardens blog:
https://americangardenhistory.blogspot.com/2020/05/interior-of-19c-new-york-seed-plant.html
A little fancier than the average garden center!
–Jim
Anita Day says
Hello Jim,
This is going to be a great new series.
The allée of pears is looking amazing right now.
They were 1m sticks as thin as your finger when I planted them…………best thing I ever did.
Happy Gardening
Anita
Eleni says
Lovely post. Wonderful information. Great photos. Looking to “meeting” lots of “garden lovers” and reading all their stories. Thank you.
Anita Day says
Hello Eleni,
I’m really looking forward to this series too.
Elizabeth I’m sure is going to take us to some lovely places.
Happy Gardening
Anita
debra @ 5th and state says
oh Anita, do I have stories to share about Christopher. I set up a meeting with him and professionals in Chicago. oh my, oh my, quite the character!
love your hat, great interview!
LA CONTESSA says
DEBRA!
ANITA & PAUL were the ones who SPOTTED YOU at PETERSHAM NURSERIES!
They lugged my luggage down the LANE for me!
YOU must connect with ANITA or NEAT as she is called and relay THAT STORY!!
CONTESSA HAS A WISH!!!!YOU ARE TO FULL FILL!!!!!
XOXO
Anita Day says
I would love to hear your stories Debra !!!!!!
We said a quick Hello at Petersham Nursery………… nearly two years ago………. time flies!!!!
You can purchase my hat online……..made to measure!
Happy Gardening Debra
Cheers
Anita
Leslie Lord says
What a fun series Contessa!
The English have such a rich garden history…vast spaces and estates are enchanting. I purchased Penelope Lively’s new book yesterday called Life in The Garden…what would we do without our flowers and gardens? Especially now when we are staying home.
Have fun pottering about in your lush garden.
Anita Day says
Hello Leslie,
I think we’re all going to love Elizabeth’s new garden series.
It’s been a lot of fun to be her first Garden Floosy
A Happy Spring to you.
Anita
Shannon says
Dear Elizabeth,
Her quote resonates with me in this time of worry.
It is such a good idea to start this series. Now you are combining your passions! I am a so so gardener but I have a race against the deer. Right now the nasturtiums and hollyhocks are losing?. I am sure the roses will be next on their smorgasbord. Ah, but to dream!
Anita Day says
Hello Shannon,
I can understand your frustration.
I have the same problem with deer too when we originally planted out.
Lots of plants you see on my Instagram page are really tough and deer resistant……… berberis, euphorbia, melianthus, echiums, salvias……… there are lots more.
Best of luck and a Happy Spring to you.
Anita
Shannon says
Dear Elizabeth,
Her quote resonates with me in this time of worry.
It is such a good idea to start this series. Now you are combining your passions! I am a so so gardener but I have a race against the deer. Right now the nasturtiums and hollyhocks are losing?. I am sure the roses will be next on their smorgasbord. Ah, but to dream!
Penelope says
What a treat to have a garden series to look forward to! Thank you and your new “victims” for giving us a peek and hopefully some good tips along the way. Thank you, Anita for opening the series!
Anita Day says
Hello Penelope,
Thank you for your kind comments.
I’m really looking forward to this series too.
I’ve loved being May’s Garden Floozy.
Cheers
Anita
Ms. Mary says
So happy for you to start this series. 🙂 I also have followed Anita (through your connection) for years and really enjoy her IG posts. Can’t wait for the next installment of your own garden. I think of youy whenever I see a yellow flower! Love to you and the whole famiy. <3
Anita Day says
Hello Mary,
I’m so happy you like my IG page.
I think we’re all really excited about this series.
Looking forward to the next.
Happy Gardening
Anita
Heidi says
Hi Elizabeth,
oh just beautiful, beautiful! One of my biggest frustrations has been my garden, or rather the lack of one! We have over an acre, mostly natural landscaping as nature has taken over, weeds, berry vines, gophers, it’s a big jumble. Nothing like your lovely garden or Anita’s. She sounds really interesting and devoted to nature! I’m going to do more research, such fun to see the possibilities!
Xo Heidi
Anita Day says
Hello Heidi,
Best of luck with your garden aspirations.
Nothing like Spring for spur our enthusiasm to tackle the big jobs.
Wishing you every success
Anita
Rosemarie says
CONTESSA – this new blog is PURRfect for me as I love gardens and so enjoy seeing what is growing in other’s. It’s quite interesting to see what people in other countries/climates are growing – some similar and others different compared to where I live.
In my neighbourhood walkabouts the people = strangers that are the most talkative are the ones working in their gardens – they so enjoy telling me about their gardens.
Enjoy this splendid month of May.
Anita Day says
Hello Rosemarie,
I’m so pleased Elizabeth is writing this series.
Perfect timing as our gardens have become so precious to us during lock down.
Happy Gardening
Anita
MARGI Cellucci says
Elizabeth – the pictures of you are so so beautiful —
Anita Day says
Hello Margie,
How are those tulip pictures!
Can only dream of tulips here for now.
I’ve so enjoyed being Elizabeth’s Garden Floozy for May.
I think we’re all going to love her new series.
Happy Gardening
Anita
Loree says
I need some tips from people who successfully grow plants in hot countries. It’s already too hot here. It was nice to ‘meet’ Anita. She looks like a lovely person.
Anita Day says
Hello Loree,
I’m so pleased you enjoyed Elizabeth’s post.
My best advice if you have to tackle heat in the garden, is to concentrate only on summer flowering plants…….. and there’s lots to choose from………. good luck.
Happy Gardening
Anita
cindy says
I did a series years ago called bloggers beautiful gardens and it was such fun. I am so glad you are doing this. I have not been following her but now I surely will! Great interview!! Can’t wait to read more of the series!
Anita Day says
Hello Cindy,
I’m really happy that Elizabeth is doing this too!
It’s been so much fun being May’s Garden Floozy!
I hope you enjoy my Insta page……… thank you.
Happy Gardening
Anita
Anita Day says
Tell Giampy we’re just about to buy a ride on mower ……….that will get him here!!!
We have plenty of chainsaws too!!!!
Thanks so much for making me your Garden Floozy for May.
Lots of fun!!
Hope Winston is going to be ok………poor boy.
Ps…………. without Insta we may have never met…………how sad would that be not to have you in my life xx
LA CONTESSA says
UNTHINKABLE!!!
THIS technology……has had FRIENDS with BENEFITS!!!!!!
Although, I think we will have to step away at some point!
XOXO
Claudia Pavloff says
I have only recently come upon this blog and it is a delight. I have gone back and read many of the archived posts. Your personality comes through in your writing and photos. My mother had a pet pig as a little girl and her stories were charming about him. Anyway thank you and keep the posts coming…….I know this is hard.
LA CONTESSA says
MY MOTHER DID TOO!ALTHOUGH, hers would eventually disappear!
NOT MY BANKSY BOY!!
XX
Anita Day says
Hello Claudia,
So happy you enjoyed the blog.
We had a lot of fun with this collaboration.
Cheers
Anita
Cathy says
Love your blog and this was one of my favorite posts. Thank you!
LA CONTESSA says
THANK YOU for letting me KNOW!!
XX
Anita Day says
Hello Cathy,
It’s one of my favourite posts too………a little biased.
So happy you enjoyed it.
With every good wish.
Anita.
Anita Day says
Hello Cathy,
It’s one of my favourite posts too………a little biased.
So happy you enjoyed it.
Anita.
Jill James says
A wonderful start to your Garden Floozy series and a fellow Australian too. The garden looks simply beautiful in its Autumn glory, my favourite season. I will look forward to the next garden always a treat to explore a garden.
Anita Day says
Hello Jill,
What a beautiful autumn it is.
It’s been a lot of fun being Elizabeth’s Garden Floozy.
So happy you enjoyed my garden tour.
Cheers
Anita
Stephanie says
How I love that you’re sharing some of your garden pals, Elizabeth. Ever the matchmaker, I’m positive you were the one who introduced me to Anita and Vue via IG a few years ago.
Anita…what a glorious destination you’ve created. Bees and flowers and delicious food and wine. I almost made it to Oz when my daughter was an exchange student there in 2001, but alas, that was a sad year in US history and our trip never happened. Here’s to world health and happiness, that we will be able travel again soon and my dream of visiting your magical spot might come true.
Best wishes to you…
Stephanie aka Tendrheart4
Anita Day says
Hello Stephanie,
It’s lovely following you too on Insta.
I do hope you get a chance to visit Australia one day.
I believe Autumn is the best time to visit.
Happy Gardening
Anita.
judith says
Contessa, thank you for the debut of this wonderful series! Anita, thank you for helping to get it started! I enjoyed your interview so much, as well as the photos. I had to look up “slop,” to see what it was. I am a passionate gardener and have created a little sanctuary, with a woodland garden, cottage garden, “wild/messy” garden, shade gardens and more. The birds love it here, so that is an extra treat for me to see and hear them. I really look forward to seeing this series evolve and appreciate both of you for putting it out here for us to enjoy. I would probably ask the same questions if I were Elizabeth, but I might add one about your favorite garden implement or a fabulous gardening tip.
LA CONTESSA says
OKAY JUDITH!
WILL ADD THAT TO MY NEXT VICTIM!I LOVE IT!!!
I only know what it is as ANITA told me I had to get one at THE CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW!OF course I got TWO!!!!
XX
Anita Day says
Hello Judith,
Your garden sounds absolutely beautiful…………. divine.
My tips to new gardeners is to let your heart run free.
Plant all the flowers and plants that you love…………not what some designer tells you what’s in.
Don’t fear failure………if something doesn’t work……… don’t be defeated.
Lastly Judith, garden like nobody’s watching.
Cheers
Anita
Jen says
What a great idea for a series. I look forward to reading along! Stay safe!
Anita Day says
So glad you enjoyed this post Jen.
We had a lot of fun collaborating on this.
Cheers
Anita
Suzana Borlovan says
Well just when I thought the blog couldn’t get better, a garden series!!!!! Love the concept and love that the first feature was of a fellow Aussie.
We left cold Northeast Victoria in August 2019 for a climate change to tropical Kuranda in Queensland to an acre rainforest block. Gardening in the tropics is fun, can’t stay still for too long as the plants take over so quickly. A dream and challenge to push myself out of my comfort zone and reorganise and grow plants I have never had the chance to enjoy fully. Almost like starting over as a novice gardener after almost 40years with my fingernails dirty from the joys of digging in soil. Pure Bliss.
Anita, I was always meaning to get to your B&B, recommended you to my niece who was there a couple of years ago and loved her time there. Now you will need to come to Kuranda in Far North Queensland for a visit.
Contessa, you as always are an inspiration to many.
Suzana xx
LA CONTESSA says
YOU MUST GET THERE one day SUZANA!I PROMISE YOU ANITA WILL NOT DISAPPOINT!
THANK YOU!!!
XX
Anita Day says
Hello Suzana,
Kuranda is so beautiful………. no wonder you love living there.
That’s lovely your niece stayed with us and she loved Vue.
If you come back south ever in the Spring, there’s some amazing gardens to visit here in West Gippsland.
So happy you enjoyed the blog.
Cheers
Anita
Sheila from the luncheon says
I have always loved gardens so this topic is perfect. It’s the time when gardening has been very fululfilling particularly during isolation. My yard is small with mostly succulents and not as interesting as yours. But there s always room for improvement by learning from experienced gardeners. Look forward to the series.
LA CONTESSA says
SMALL or BIG a GARDEN IS A SANCTUARY!
BEAUTY ABOUNDS!
THANK YOU SO MUCH SHELIA!
XX
Anita Day says
Hello Sheila,
I find succulents so interesting.
This is going to be a great series and I can’t wait to see who’s Elizabeth’s next Garden Floozy is.
Cheers
Anita
Caroline Walker says
I love your new idea – Garden Style People. It was a pleasure to meet Anita. Two of my favorite gardening books, published in the 80’s, are THE ENGLISHWOMAN’S GARDEN, and THE ENGLISHMAN’S GARDEN, both edited by Alvilde Lees-Milne and Rosemary Verey.
It seems many people have taken a new interest in gardening/plant growing since the Coronavirus. Sadly, I don’t have a garden just two large balconies plus room for plants indoors. There are many very good plant sites on the internet but one that I have found most enjoyable as well as informative is that of Summer Rayne Oakes. She has a 1200 sq. ft. apartment in Brooklyn, New York and, currently, has over 1000 plants!!! Her advice has proved invaluable. She can be found at homesteadbrooklyn, as well as on facebook.
Anita Day says
Hello Caroline,
Thank you for your Gardening book suggestions.
I hope you enjoy Elizabeth’s Gardening series………. it’s going to be a lot of fun.
Cheers
Anita
LA CONTESSA says
I MUST CHECK HER OUT!
PLUS, I am headed over to see if I can find YOUR FAVORITE BOOKS NOW!
THANK YOU for SHARING HERE!LOVE MORE INFORMATION!
XX
Caroline Walker says
Summer is incredibly knowledgeable and a pleasure to watch. Her short 5 minute “plant a day” videos are always helpful. She does take one on tours of homes, nurseries, and botanical gardens but mainly covers indoor plants. I hope you find her of interest.
Juliet says
Garden Floozy! Brilliant! I look forward to this series and learning a lot as I plan and plot my little garden at Snowberry. Anita’s enthusiasm for her garden is infectious. I’m going to click the Contessa-provided links for both of her book recommendations. Marking my calendar for next week’s stroll through our favorite Contessa’s lovely garden. xo
Anita Day says
Hello Juliet,
I hope you found those Gardening books.
Looking forward to reading Elizabeth’s next Gardening blog.
Cheers
Anita
suzanna says
So much fun Elizabeth, I loved this one! And end in one of your divine colors I love you wearing! I too have been in my garden, I shall never leave!
Anita says
That’s so lovely to hear Suzanna.
Elizabeth asks the best questions.
Happy Gardening
Anita
Anita says
That’s so lovely to hear Suzanna.
Elizabeth asks the best questions.
Cheers
Anita
Ellie's friend says
I loved this. May have to get the hat!
Anita says
Please do.
Best investment I ever made.
Cheers
Anita
Pipistrello says
Ciao Contessa,
So late to the party, my dear! No excuse, just got busy around the Casa with Mr P on holidays. No Europe, as planned – Obviously!!! – just home stuff instead.
So pleased you have strong ties with Australia. The allure will be strong and we shall see you on these shores sometime! Mr P bought me a crazy fun Axel Mano hat some birthdays back.
Baci bella xx