My workshop this time was to make a forsythia wreath using silk forsythia and curly willow. More on that in a minute. First a quick walk about and through the garden gate we go!
As usual, the fountains and bird baths were filled with flowers.
The gentle crocus had made the first announcement of spring.
New life was sprouting everywhere, just waiting for that last bit of warmth to brnig it into bloom.
Even the old Chevy was out, looking well spruced up for the new season!
After our walk we returned to the Corn Crib for dinner. As usual, it was lovely.
The tables were set to perfection and when they brought our dessert, we swooned. Lemon and berries and a bit of fluff to die for. Our host, Scott, then told us some of the lore and history of the forsythia. I learned that they were indeed edible -- but a bit on the tart and bitter side. Nice for a garnish, perhaps, but think twice about forsythia salad!
In the vestibule was the sample of our project, the forsythia wreath.
Full and more than satisfied we moved over to the craft tent and started working on our wreaths.
The initial work of winding the forsythia into the wreath form was done before we arrived. Our role was to add curly willow to give it that wild and crazy look. Micah gave us good tips not only on using the willow in our wreath or other arrangements but also in rooting it. I rooted some last year and it has grown into a small but sturdy tree. I hope to do the same with my leftovers.
We were set up on hay bales again -- a good surface for working.
And best of all, the Southern Exposure rescue chickens were being very friendly. I'd never pet a chicken before -- their feathers are like velvet or satin!
All good things come to an end and so did our evening at Southern Exposure.
But when I returned home, I added a bird (and later, a dragonfly and nest) to my wreath -- and I was very happy!
I'm headed back to Southern Exposure soon for a third workshop, "Garden Gate" -- and I'm hoping by then a few more of the blooms are out!
Till then, wait, wonder and anticipate!
What a lovely journey with you this was! The statue, the rusty quaint old fence gate and of course the heart shaped wreath with flowers, my favorites of all.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness Jeanie, what a wonderful and beautiful place to visit and your workshop must have been so much fun. I’ve never worked with forsythia, only arranging in a vase. I love the wreath. I have to say, I love chickens and roos and yes they have such wonderful and soft feathers and as you say, like velvet! Enjoyed all your beautiful photographs. Happy to hear you had a good and safe trip.
ReplyDeletenew follower...and what amazing photos of a beautiful locale. :)
ReplyDeleteI remember this lovely place! Forsythia means spring has sprung - your wreath will be a good omen for your weather. Unfortunately, we're getting more snow. I may move in with you!
ReplyDeleteLovely wreath. I grew up with forsythia bushes along the side yard and I miss them. I may have to think about planting some.
ReplyDeleteYour wreath is beautiful! And I love the little additions you made to it. I did not know that forsythia was edible!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous. The forsythia is the first to come here too, and I am seeing it bloom in different neighborhoods. One of the best things about my hour drive to work is seeing spring arrive in a new way, every morning. OH JEANIE, we are finally out of the frozen woods, you and I!
ReplyDeleteHAVE FUNNNNNNNNNNNN!
Sounds like a beautiful place, a wonderful atmosphere, and a very fun workshop!
ReplyDeleteYour dessert sounds tasty too!
What better place to learn to make this wreath than in such a beautiful and inspiring environment, not your typical 'craft room' indeed. Glad spring is so colourful for you. As for us, that 'snow storm' I mentioned in my email lasted for about 15 mins. We're getting warm temp. most of the day but still no greens yet.
ReplyDeletewhat a beautiful floral wreath !!! and I like the rusty garden door !!! thank you for your visit, I was very happy !!! a nice weekend and love greetings from angie
ReplyDeleteGirl... you do the funnest things ever! Your wreath is fabulous! The fact that you can root those branches has me intrigued! I love to "root" things *wink*
ReplyDeletebig hugs,
Cheryl
I loved that dessert. Fabulous! I have never made a wreath, so I was happy to see them on your blog.
ReplyDeleteOh my friend, what a wonderful walk. So much inspiring things around. Looks like a successful workshop - the wreath is fantastic!!!
ReplyDeleteHave a happy happy weekend
Elisabeth
What a wonderful event. We have some curly willow in our garden started from a bouquet I once had. Wondering if I should make a wreath. Love, love your wreath. Also loved the tart you shared and the bowl with the tulips is to die for, gorgeous! The gardens would be dreamy to walk through too. Thanks for sharing it with us.
ReplyDeleteI love that rusty garden gate!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the nice visit
ReplyDeleteThe workshop sound like a lot of fun.
HPS
Laura
I love, love, love your wreath. Of course, forsythia is a favorite of mine when it is in bloom. We used to have to "curly" willows near our driveway in Utah. We called them corkscrew willows. I was always fascinated by them, but we eventually took them out because willows are notorious for interfering with the drainage pipes coming from the house. They were causing us some serious issues. That sounds like such a downer statement, but be careful to plant willows away from the house.
ReplyDeleteLove the way you personalized your wreath, so pretty.
ReplyDeleteHave a great week
hugs
Maggie
I've been looking forward to this post, and the wreath was fully as lovely as I expected. On the other hand -- silly me -- I didn't expect that the forsythia would be silk! Well, of course it would be. It wouldn't last very long, otherwise!
ReplyDeleteIt's beautiful here today - and cool! We've already been hot and humid enough that we're happy for a few more days of spring weather, before the summer comes in full blast.
The rusty look of that gate adds beauty to the place. I've nrver heard the bsne forsythia before but I believeI have seen some. The chicken didn't serm to mind people pettjng her? :) I know they're very elusive and not really fir petting but it was a nice experience, wasn't it? :)
ReplyDeleteSorry for my typo mistakes, my touchpad's being too clever again.
ReplyDeletewait, wonder and anticipate:)
ReplyDeletebeautiful description of living:)
I'm so hungry for those berries
dipped in that fluffy creamy goodness.....how gorgeous!
I love your wreath and the experience it's wrapped in:)
Your life and story inspire me so; thank you for sharing:)
-Jennifer
What a fun way to spend the day. Your wreath is so pretty.
ReplyDeleteHI Jeanie! What a lovely garden and I adore you wreath! You did a great job. What can you not do? :) Thanks for popping in to see me.
ReplyDeleteBe a sweetie,
Shelia ;)
I Love it when you visit Southern Exposure Jeanie...
ReplyDeleteall of that eye candy!
Thank you for taking us along and sharing your lovely photos.
That wreath is gorgeous!
oxo