January 15, 2025

Eucalyptus

January 15, 2025/ Meryl

As I sit in the Chalet while snow falls - I thought about something that even on the grayest day can brighten our homes - Eucalyptus. Its such a simple touch of greenery and it smells yummy too. Silver Dollar is what I usually grab at the market but I always look for the Seeded variety (they have been harder to find in the last few years) and even my mother included the most common Spiral variety in our home while I was growing up. To view varieties click here. I’ve collected images from over the years - enjoy.

I love them solo.

I also love them mixed with my favorite blooms… hydrangeas.

An overhead shot is always fun!

Christmas over the years.

2021 Spiral, 2022 Seeded, and 2023 Silver Dollar.

The first time I ever saw the Seeded variety was my wedding day mixed in with Delphiniums in my bouquet.

Til next time friends I hope you’ll pick up some Eucalyptus at your local market or florist to enjoy and I’ll see you over on Instagram!

May 29, 2024

Long Valley Peonies (2024)

May 29, 2024/ Meryl

The Beauty! The Scent!

Friends I was thrilled to visit to Long Valley Peonies in Long Valley, NJ with my sister yesterday. When I looked back at images from last years visit it was a year ago to the very day May 28th!

BREATHTAKING

If you live within a few hours’ of Long Valley, NJ you must visit. Luckily the weather won’t be too hot this week - which means I’m able to go back this coming Monday June 3rd - this time with friends. But, only Mother Nature dictates how long the farm will be open!

Located at 227 West Mill Road, Long Valley, NJ, 07853 Hours: 9am-6pm daily, rain or shine. It costs $10.00 CASH to visit. The bouquets are $35.00 for 10 blooms - I did see details about Venmo but, CASH is preferred. There are great options for dining just down the road from the Farm. The Long Valley Pub and Brewery, Chesapeake Tavern - I recommend both.

It’s heavenly friends - walking around breathing in the scent, seeing all the blooms - so many different varieties and it’s so quiet. You are surrounded by amazing beauty. I have over 50 images on my phone - I just couldn’t stop trying to capture this immense experience.

This my mixed bunch of 10 blooms I brought home.

I encourage you to visit Long Valley Peonies. If you’re very far from New Jersey look in your area and find a farm or garden to visit. 🌼

Give Long Valley Peonies a follow and check out their Website.

Til next time friends be well and I’ll see you over on the Gram!

last year’s visit: Long Valley Peonies (2023)

April 10, 2024

Delectable Daffodils

April 10, 2024/ Meryl

Hoping this week finds you well. We just returned to a normal schedule yesterday - my son had the previous week off from school.

Is there anything more beautiful than Daffodils! We have had a chilly time here in New Jersey but, these amazing blooms have finally arrived!

I’m fortunate to have a few varieties here at the Chalet.

Arkle (Large Trumpet unscented)
Sun Discs (Small Double Yellow unscented)
Acropolis (White with Orange center - amazing scent)
Thalia (White with sweet scent)
Le Torch (Yellow with Orange center)

a mix from the garden (Le Torch and Sun disc)

Daffodils (plural noun): any of various perennial bulbous herbs (genus Narcissus) of the amaryllis family

especially: one whose flowers have a large corona elongated into a trumpet

Beautiful Image from White Flower Farm - where I purchase all my bulbs.

Friends while we were on break and the weather was rough - tons of rain and cold - (We also had an Earthquake Friday April 5th … that was crazy) so we spent a bunch of time as a family organizing around the Chalet. I thought it might be helpful to send my Spring Check List to my subscribers to help them with their Spring Cleaning needs. Look for that email - be well and I’ll see you over on Instagram.