Viola (Close-up)

Posted on 03/30/2014 by Laurie

Beauty in an Autumn Garden

Posted on 11/06/2013 by Laurie

With cold weather upon us – it was only in the 30’s F. at lunchtime today – I am not sure for how much longer the garden will be in bloom. So, of course, I am trying to enjoy it as much as I can before winter hits. Here are some photos from this morning. My fingers were numb taking them, but it was still a great pleasure to be out with the flowers.

I am not sure that I can explain it, but I find there to be something romantic about an autumn garden – perhaps it has something to do with its beauty and quietude and all of the memories that it contains.

Several of the roses – Mr. Lincoln and Secret – are especially fragrant now. I wish that I could share their scent with you.

Have a lovely day!

Crisp White

Posted on 08/15/2013 by Laurie

This is one of the wildflowers that I saw out on the prairie yesterday. I tried unsuccessfully to identify it, but I think that it is quite lovely. The flowers look like tiny white orchids.

Dappled Sunlight

Posted on 08/07/2013 by Laurie

This is Hydrangea Grandiflora Paniculata “White Diamond” in early morning sunlight. (The purple flowers in the background are fragrant phlox.) Once my “diamonds” come into full bloom, I feel like summer, though not over, is starting to wind down and that I had better remember to enjoy the rest of summer while it lasts.

Congratulations, Graduates!

Posted on 05/18/2013 by Laurie

A few pictures from the bed and breakfast as we celebrate Kansas State University graduations this weekend with our guests …

Wishing the best to all of the new graduates out there!

(For the buttercream recipe, see my Wild Blueberry Cupcakes post.)

Gorgeous, Dependable White Iris

Posted on 05/17/2013 by Laurie

Stately and fragrant, irises are one of my favorite flowers. Though delicate-looking, in the right location they are highly dependable. I can count on ours to bloom every year for Kansas State University graduation. I am especially fond of the white irises. They look so crisp and fresh and do a lovely job of greeting guests walking up to the bed and breakfast.

You Can’t Give Away Kindness

Posted on 05/19/2012 by Laurie

Kindness is difficult to give away because it always keeps coming back

In recent weeks we have hosted a potpourri of events at the Bed & Breakfast. Afterward, several of our guests sent us flowers to thank us. We, of course, did not expect flowers; but it did make us feel appreciated and that’s a nice feeling. Moreover, it was a reminder of why we do our best to do more than just what is expected of us. It is rewarding to see that our work makes people happy. How lucky we are to have such gracious guests and so many guests that we can call friends!