Tulips in Vase

Yesterday I was determined to get some color, and since the outside was blanketed with snow on the first day of spring for 2013, I spontaneously decided to pick up some fresh tulips while at the grocery store.  I placed them in a green glass pitcher and added some white twigs – and voila, the color arrived.

Begins to Open

Within the first five minutes or so, I could see the tulips petals begin to expand from the warmth and water uptake.  I thought it is amazing how quickly they respond to being admired.

Peek-a-Boo

So, because I’m obsessed with plants and flowers, I took a shot of the petals opening up.  Finally, I thought, I got some color in this house.  Then I placed one yellow tulip by my window to capture the sun’s rays.  Yellow happens to be my favorite color for tulips and roses.

Yellow petals capture the sun

This little bit of activity prompted me to go dig out a box of Easter decorations from my basement and put out some bunnies and other Easter goodies to brighten up the home inside.  It was time to bring on some Easter colors.

Easter Bunny Lady

I also installed a container garden display outside of my client’s business.  Usually I include some daffodils, hyacinths, or other spring blooming plants – but it is only in the mid 20’s to mid 30’s, and I thought, I’ll jut put out some decorations and as soon as Easter is over, I’ll add some live plants.

It was cold outside as I was working with the wind blowing, and I was a bit frustrated of not having spring-like temperatures, but this process cheered me up.  The bunnies faces are too adorable – and the colors reminded me of the tulips I put in the house earlier.

The Happy Couple

When I work on the displays for this client, the customers walking into his store always compliment me – saying, “You do such a good job!”  They just love the change of the seasonal displays – and that makes me happy.

Cute Couple

Aren’t these pair of bunnies so cute?  I think so.  Seeing them made me think of the Easter goodies and colors as a kid.  I always loved getting Easter baskets and cards when I was a child, and as an adult, I also love preparing and giving Easter baskets to my nieces and nephews, and still do.

One year, my Aunt hid Easter baskets all over my parent’s house.  I remember us running through the house, trying to find our basket. The rule was if you found someone else’s basket, you could not give it away – where it was hidden, so we would scream and laugh when we would find other’s – for our brothers or sisters.  Thank you Aunt Lucy – I remember you doing this for us!

I miss the “Candy Castle” store we use to have in our town where you could buy homemade chocolates.  The smell would be so alluring when you would walk into the place, but now it is gone.  Another fond Easter memory.

Two barrels

There are two barrels in front of this store, and the other one has a male bunny.  I didn’t take a photo.  Lovely bag of rock salt in the back, eh?  It is the little hint that we have snow right now.  But – Spring is Coming – It is coming – right???  In the meantime, get into the Easter spirit.  Add some color inside if you can’t get it outside yet.

Container Crazy Cathy T
http://www.cathytesta.com
860-977-9473
ctesta@sbcglobal.net