Putting the Romance back into Homesteading

In our quest of more self sufficient ways in Homesteading, one should never leave out the pleasure of romance it can provide. From enclosed gardens, giving the feel as though you are in your own little world to structures that can be used for climbing plants yet provide a focal point. Perfect for lounging and intimate brunches.

We have the picket fencing waiting it's time for new life as our garden enclosure. Once providing privacy for it's previous families residence. Now, with every other picket removed and shortened to height of 4 1/2 feet, it will bring delight and re purpose for our family. Last Fall, I begun the preparation of our grape arbor space and have decided a different look for it. I would like to build three of these structures, side by side with a head clearance of 6 1/2 ft for The Captain {my Ogre man} which will compliment the Potager look I am after.

This is from the book "Climbing Gardens" by Joan Clifton.  Simplicity in it's making yet full of romantic Country flair. The Captain & I still have 2 dead {and very tall} tree's for some Chain saw play to do in Spring. Perfect pieces for this project. Providing the post height needed as well as the pyramid top limbs.

As to not waste space and add more usefulness, why not add a pot rack rack chandelier? You could use any metal rack and just add chains with S hooks. Paint it white or black. Maybe add some bright color and go with a blue or red. Fill them up with potted herbs, Pillar candles placed in tall glass vases,Maybe some mossy rocks around the edges. Found this at Erin Ever After . She has succulents as the plants, but imagine some creeping thyme, oregano or even some cut & come again lettuce peeking out from Terra cotta pots!

I of course have an immense love affair with old garden roses. Their beauty. Fragrance and many uses some might call indulgences. Such as these climbing/trellising fragrant gems:

picture is from this blog, which is not in English but the pictures are so dreamy.

The snow has all melted and the sunshine has been teasing me through the windows. It looks so inviting but one step past the door and nothing but the wind of Jack Frost greets me.

Having the seclusion we do with our new home is rather exciting. Having The Captain more involved in the garden plans have also been a joy. He may not be into roses. He may prefer sweet corn over sunflowers but we are planning this together and that can be pretty romantic. Seed catalogs, the beautiful fireplace and a comfy couch cuddled up with my Ogre..

Sweetest dreams,

~Tammie