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Thursday, September 12, 2013

Asters with a past.




Asters growing in my garden from seeds gathered almost Forty Years ago at Lake Maggiore, Italy.


They were growing through her fence. 
The young woman watched me from an upper story window.
She smiled and waved.  I thanked her with a smile and a wave. 
She knew.





Hand painted muslin bag filled with Aster Seeds. 
Now almost forty years later and going back to Italy.





It's been raining for a few days.  Good for our pastures and garden. 
A good time to paint a few tiles.  Tiles as simple as Asters. 






Also time to make a few Pear and Champagne Grape Preserves. 







Asters from my seeds are growing in many gardens. 








I'll save some seeds for you.  


Have a great remainder of the week and a wonderful weekend. 



Gina



12 comments:

  1. This is an incredible little story Gina. Asters from Italy 40 years ago.. and now you are sending some back. That is so lovely.
    I have never grown asters.. I still have a lot to learn about seed flowers.
    Your tiles of the simple asters as stunningly beautiful.
    Thank you Gina.
    A happy week to you too.
    val

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    1. Dear Val, The best way to learn about growing flowers from seed is to purchase a packet of mixed seeds. You will soon notice which varieties do best in your climate and in your soil. That way you are assured success the very first time. Happy planting, ox,Gina

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  2. Your aster blooms are beautiful, and their singing coliors have inspired some very spritely tiles, Gina. Happiness flowed from your brushes.

    Great to know that some of the aster seeds are "going home."

    Happy weekend to you, too. xo

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    1. Dear Frances, A few years ago I lost almost all of my asters. Because I had shared the seeds with friends I was able to collect not only from my garden but also from their gardens.

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  3. A very nice history that I am sure will elicit an even greater smile than the one you gave that woman forty years ago! Perhaps you'll send a tile or two as well? A complete circle.

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    1. Dear Mary, I could probably never find that particular house again, but if I could I would only be too happy to share a few tiles. Just thinking about those beautiful asters growing through her fence makes me want to go visit again. It is always late September when the best seeds are available.

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  4. Ah, Asters. So lovely. Some special seeds indeed.

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    1. Hello MarmePurl, Asters are so special. They always survive a few frosts (unlike many of my other garden flowers). They are also long lasting cut flowers and they sport such beautiful colors.

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  5. What a lovely gesture to return seeds and make a full circle! I'm looking forward to seeing images of your trip to Italy, and perhaps some Majolica ware.

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    1. Dear Mark, Pictures there will be. This time we will be in Europe a little later. I have decided that I can't leave my garden when everything still needs to be harvested.

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  6. Gina, this post is filled with wonder and delight. How fantastic to have flowers blooming from seeds collected so long ago and far away! A perfect example of the magic of a garden. Wishing you a lovely week ahead.

    xo

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    1. Dear Georgianna, Have you tried growing Asters in your Garden? I would think that they would do very well. I know that you have only a certain amount of sunny areas. But Asters are very forgiving and I know that they would like your rainy days...they would grow to be much larger. Let me know if I can send you some seeds. ox, Gina

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