Dreaming of Spring

This photo, taken in London, reminded me that Spring really is just around the corner. Dreaming of fairer weather, I ventured to the flower show last week. Between 50 degree weather in London and a dose of flowery times at the convention center, I’m so ready for Spring cooking and flower arranging.

This gorgeous display of geraniums reminded me of colorful salad greens that share multiple shades of greens. Freshly dressed with lemon juice and olive oil, there’s nothing better.

This dark geranium had an under-planting of a mossy-green fern. It reminded me of my days at Winston’s, when we always finished off plants with an under-coating of something (pea stones, lava rock, moss).

This fountain needs to be in my back yard this year. It would be quite the focal point for barbecues, smoke parties (meat smoking!) and all sorts of al fresco dining.

If only this citrus tree could be in my yard as well. I may buy a little lime tree for my back deck, to nurture our bad margarita habit.

I have so many old stone pots that I plan to fill up with dozens of succulents this season. They always fancy up a barbecue, adding a touch of elegance to plates of smoked meats.

Gigantic pink tree peonies always remind me of gigantic dinner plates. I have some peach dinner plates purchased for a buck a pop at the local dollar store. I always prefer to use actual plates rather than paper or plastic. Sure, it’s better for the environment. But ultimately, real plates make burgers so much better.

Ahh, I look forward to those early Summer peony blooms that will pop up just outside my kitchen door. Start planning your garden now, there are so many possibilities!