It has been a sad year for our spuds, but the four plants that we did have, gave up some bizarre specimens: We have never had such oddly-shaped potatos...they were like clouds—one could imagine seeing all sorts of things in the strange shapes. After trying to out-do each other with the nobbly tubers, we relegated them further to the pan. The end result was nothing less than a fantastic celebration of flavour. It was new spuds, the first harvest of beans and a chicken schnitzel. Oh mates, I can’t tell you how wonderful that tasted . New potatos, and beans have such a special flavour. When a food is delicious the dutch saying is that it tastes like an angel has peed on your tongue. Haha. Before we left the lottie however, it was time to trim the finished strawbs. Each year at this moment, we cut off all leaves and runners from the plants. All except about two leaves or so per plant. Now they can form new leaves to carry them through the winter, ans the older discoloured and dead leaves are gone and the risk of slugs, snails and fungus is less. The lady across from us is home from her sailing vacation and had a little thank you gift for us for minding her garden during her absence for a fortnight. Polish off your eyeballs and take a look at these ! These mugs are done un the Friesian style of Hindelopen, a well known folk style of painting so many things like chests, chairs, coat racks and now...mugs. I included the boxes that they came in in the foto to show the uniqueness of the painted paper boxes. What a nice touch. I believe that I have written about Hindelopen on here before several years ago. I am especially fond of this Friesian art style, so the gift was extremely appreciated. Do you remember Hindelopen, Eileen? You’ve been there, haven’t you. So then I want to end this thread with a little puzzel piccy. Can you guess or do you know what is featured on this pic? I will reveal the answer in a couple of days. Good luck.
Love those mugs! What a thoughtful and colorful gift in return for your garden care. I must say the Dutch have a way with words. I didn't know angels peed! I thought by the time someone became an angel, they were past all that.
Yeah, those are really nice. Now I’m afraid to use them in the garden. The Bride has a talent for breaking them. Its Dutch angels, Jane. They have special skills.
Odif...mate you are the only one to take a guess at the pic. Actually, you weren’t guessing at all were you. Chuckle. Well done, it is indeed a hazelnut.
I just saw this and I have never seen one. I was going to guess a viburnum as thats what the leaves reminded me of. I don't think we have hazlenuts here. maybe they don't grow in our zone. chestnuts, beechnuts, walnuts, but never have I seen a hazlenut tree offered in a local nursery. maybe a catalog but not in flower. Great picture. is it yours?
They are very pink so Id tricky, they are not the same as the wild or cultivated in their colour, but Identical in shape and aspect.
I thought it was a weird distorted poppy hiding out in some shrub. Beautiful mugs, and yes, beautiful boxes & bag. I love the style.
Carolyn—Glad you liked the pic of the hazelnut. No, it is not mine, it belongs to a lady up the way. She has turned hers into an espalier. It is doing quite well. Thanks Netty— the new spuds and beans were great with a nob of butter. The schnitzel went down very easily. Odif—I was chatting with the lady today about a different subject and forgot to ask about her hazelnut tree. Cayu— Cheers mate. Yeah, that style is really nice. I was surprised and quite appreciative of the gift. It wasn’t at all necessary. That hazel has such odd blooms and nut clusters, so I thought that I would post the pic and see how many folks had ever seen one. Thanks for the guess.
