Merry Christmas 2015 from Chickadee Gardens at Blue Jay Lane

Much has happened at Chickadee Gardens in the past two weeks. We have officially moved residence--a Herculean task neither of us wishes to go through ever. Again. Ever.
Now that we're here and (somewhat) snuggled in our beds for a deep winter's nap, let me show you some of the happenings these past two weeks. First of all, we awoke to snow this Christmas Eve morning. What a surprise as the NOAA says that Saint Helens receives only an average of one inch of snow annually. Even Portland gets more than that. No matter, we're stuck at home painting bathrooms, installing IKEA lighting and unpacking boxes so it is a welcome new view outside.


 Even the labyrinth looks smashing in shades of white.


Backing up now, a couple of weeks ago we moved a few more of the big pots. A few still remain for "staging" of the Portland house. These were beasts to move. That's why they are still parked here on the "unloading dock."

 In the same spot now covered in snow.



 David has dreams of his own shop/garage space, so he had a Tuff Shed built. Here is the pad put down recently as a base.


Here it is! It comes in a fabulous color of primer. David was hoping it would have been just natural wood so he could stain it, but darn. Now the plan is to paint it a cheerful shade of barnhouse red. This is his space to play in.

Note: David says his! His alone! Heehee.

Earlier this week we had a fierce windstorm. It reminds me to call the arborist. This big leaf maple took a hit, a huge branch came crashing down. We are SO grateful it went the other way, for the house is basically where I'm standing taking this photo.



It also toppled a Douglas fir. 




 Again, VERY grateful it went the other way. Some of our fellow Saint Helenites didn't fare as well as we did. We saw a house with basically no roof yesterday.

 On a sunnier moment this week which was fleeting. We have officially had the wettest month on record for Portland with 16-plus inches recorded as of today. The old record was 13.35 inches. We chose to move this month. Oy. It's been a challenge.


On to more cheerful matters. Snow! The future Casa Azul seems dressed up now.


 And the labyrinth begs to be walked on such a day.


The oak tree clings on to a few last leaves.


 The house also seems dressed up.


 Christmas card, anyone?


 This little tree, although healthy and full, seems a bit like a Charlie Brown tree out there by itself.



 Even the filbert trees are gorgeous.



 It's a good we are not working this day. David does not have his snowplow rigged for clearing the swooping, uphill driveway. We'll stay snuggled in doing our chores.


Some long-gone perennial planted by the former owner. 


The maple and other goodies barely touched by snow. This will likely be melted by lunch time, so for now we are enjoying every bit of it.




 There is our report from the "farm" as we affectionately call it. It's been a whirlwind and a lot of hard work but we are settling in and, for those of you in the area, come on out and see us! With or without the snow.

Thank you for reading and for your patience as we put together the home then the garden. Have a wonderful holiday season and stay tuned for more updates. Until next time, happy gardening!


Comments

  1. I saw a car covered in snow when I went shopping this morning. I was wondering where it came from ? Now I know.
    Enjoy your first new house Xmas , snow and all !

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    1. Thank you Linda! It was a little crazy but we had fun. Love being out here!

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  2. Happy gardening to you too, Tamara, and Merry Christmas! Great shots of your garden newly covered in a layer of snow. I loathe snow, but it does make for some really wonderful photos. We had a touch the other day, which was completely gone by next morning. Hope yours doesn't last. Congrats on being completely moved in, house and garden.

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    1. Thank you Alison! That's interesting that you loathe snow, I think I like it! It was very pretty and lasted about two days...all gone now. We're exhausted but so very glad to be here. I still have some more garden to move, though...

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  3. A beautiful start to many more years of great gardening and memories. Merry Christmas!

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    1. Thank you Alan! Merry Christmas to you too.

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  4. I'm so jealous you got snow!!!!! I was really hopeful I'd see flakes for my birthday yesterday. Ah well. Maybe it will be a white Christmas after all!

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    1. Happy birthday Mindy! I hope you get to see snow after all...maybe tomorrow? There's always Mt Hood Meadows...and Timberline!

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  5. The views of your new house and garden are magical, especially to someone like me who has only seen snow up close a handful of times. I love the sheds - both of them. Best wishes for a merry Christmas in your new home!

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    1. Thank you Kris...the snow was magical. David woke me up like a little kid and said "look outside!!"....it was fun. Merry Christmas to you all!

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  6. Beautiful photos Tamara, what a picturesque Christmas welcome to your new home! We haven't been home since the windstorm, I'm a little worried about what we'll discover tomorrow.

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    1. Thanks Danger....I hope your garden fared well - I see lots of downed trees in St. Helens...had to go to the Portland house today to dig up plants and saw no damage in that neighborhood. Keep us posted about your garden.

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  7. Ooh you're going to have so much fun playing in your new yard. So many possibilities. The Christmas photos are perfect and I do believe a very good omen! Love to you.

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  8. It looks picturesque, beautiful, and so peaceful, Tamara! I escaped up on the mountain for my snow fix - I should have just visited you. (Still will though - will call you soon!) New Years hugs to you both!

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