Wednesday, July 20, 2016

Lavender~ Field of Dreams~







I love it~
I love looking at it..brushing my hand against it..smelling it..drying it..baking and cooking with it..photographing it.

 I found my parents' cutting shears..I love them..now they will be used often:)

 Sharpened or not..maybe only for their pretty composure.

 So pleasureable finding something that makes you feel so good..

 Take..for example..a brand new Field Of Dreams..not 10 minutes from our home..the grand opening was the day we celebrated Noah's birthday and the morning was quite iffy weather wise..so I decide to wait to go..






I know..God willing..I will go every year..
what this nursery/garden centre  has done..with the land they own..is simply ..to me..extraordinary.
Remember I went to Bleu Lavande years ago?
I can't believe it was that long ago..

 I loved it also..but it was really far..really..took forever there was so much construction going on..

 This one is so close♥I can get there on my own~

 And I love it.

 It is less commercial..perhaps w/ time it will become moreso..but right now..it's just perfect for me.




I got there early..yesterday..spur of the moment and someone was there for my ticket and entry.
The day was picture perfect..blue skies with pillowy clouds..no humidity..a gentle breeze..and all this to admire..
They have mosaic cultures..  and sand art..

Sower fairies



some topiaries..are in the beginning stages..like the horse in the background above..the dog is adorable:)





The vison of this person for  all of this is unbelievable.
All the huge animal /mammal sculptures are entirely made of plants..
If I was younger I would ask for a job..of looking after these gardens..it's like a make believe world.
Fairy Tale.

As you arrive a huge whale awaits you with a waterfall tail..
there's a labyrinth of corn..I started and came back..I get lost in a phone booth..

 There's a pond w/ willows..and much more..so many plantings..different areas for different types..lilies and hydrangeas were in bloom..the nursery offers landscaping and plants..
I am definitely going back..♥





and there is lavender!Loads and loads and loads..I have a few plants;)

 Such a NICE feeling walking the grounds and thinking..

 Field Of Dreams..

 If you build it..THEY will come:)

 So about this cake..this is mostly a food blog:)
I made it twice..the first time..after twice the baking time almost..and dark..it was puddly.
stubborn..
because I wanted to make it..I made it again..I even added an egg..reduced the 1/2 cup of buttermilk by one line..and tossed less that 1/4 cup of blueberries in flour..

 still it needed at least 50 minutes..and I half way through switched to convection..
it's rare that this happens..so I can't share the recipe and won't link..it's not the persons fault..but I am just wondering why it was a challenge:)

 It's got a bit of honey..lavender..buttermilk..vanilla..and blueberries..the only difference my blueberries were frozen..but so few!  And so many adjustments..
Oh well it was pretty..and good...but drier because of that needed long baking time..
5 inches only..perfecto size wise..for the mini family we are just the 2 of us.

 I really do love where we live.I know I complain in March..but that's so little compared to all my gratitude:)
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59 comments:

  1. donna bakerJuly 20, 2016 at 9:44 AM

    I've never seen so much lavender and now know why it is so loved. I love my few plants, but a field, that is awesome. What a gorgeous place to visit and near your home. That cake would have stumped me too. I would rather have baked goods a little underdone rather than overdone. It is gorgeous to look at though and I bet Jaques loved it anyway.

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    1. La Table De NanaJuly 20, 2016 at 10:11 AM

      He's pretty honest..he said it was ok..overdone:)

      Oh well..so small he puts cream on it..
      It is so beautiful! And the secnt..was just over the top..they have just opened up this part of their nursery..he must have bought an enormous amount of land.I love that he is making the area even more beautiful..took 2 years to get to this point they said.

      Delete
    2. donna bakerJuly 20, 2016 at 1:00 PM

      Two years? I'd have guessed ten. I'm impressed you tried it a second time to tweak it. I think I'd have stopped after the first time. Do you sift etc. when you bake? I never do; just dump it all in. I know I should follow the recipes exactly, but after a while, you just know what to do. I read a cooking article from a show on tv that tests all things cooking. They said the imitation vanilla and real vanilla don't taste any different in baked goods. I always buy the fancy stuff, but it goes to show that not all recipes or cooks know what they are talking about. I draw the line at folding in egg whites. Isn't that funny? I just won't do it.

      Delete
    3. La Table De NanaJuly 21, 2016 at 12:31 PM

      Never sift:) I never do..unless I read..SIFTING IS A MUST;)
      Except macarons..And really I think it has been 2 tears since I made some:)
      I fold in my egg whites too..that should come w/ a warning :) If you don't expect a disaster:)
      I haven't bought artifial vanilla in so many years..I don't know:)
      Food snobs everywhere though..like wine snobs:)That doesn't sound nice..but it's true:)

      Delete
  2. Taste of FranceJuly 20, 2016 at 10:03 AM

    That is amazing! What a wonderful thing to have such a vision and to make it reality.
    If you are ever in the Netherlands in spring, you must visit Keukenhof, which does something similar with tulips. It's touristy, but for a reason--it's jaw-droppingly incredible.

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    1. La Table De NanaJuly 20, 2016 at 10:12 AM

      I know I would love to visit..tulips as far as one can see:)♥

      Delete
  3. LindaJuly 20, 2016 at 10:28 AM

    WOW! isn't that just a magical place...so beautiful and imaginative...right up your alley!
    Your parents shears are fabulous...why don't they make things the way they used to??? Such workmanship!
    I am sure your littlest little will love those topiaries...
    Have a wonderful day Monique!
    Cheers!
    Linda :o)

    ps...so glad you posted today...I hate missing them when I am at the cottage ♥️

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    1. La Table De NanaJuly 20, 2016 at 10:46 AM

      You don't have internet at the cottage?

      Gives you a nice non tecchie break.

      Miss V would like this place..
      Imagine how hard he has worked to create all this..he and his team..
      I came home and weeded and planted Verbena Bonariensis...it's past due..but I have to REMEMBER for next year:)

      Delete
    2. LindaJuly 20, 2016 at 8:32 PM

      Nope...no internet....but I use my iPhone to text the kids...we shut off the phone last fall, too costly!

      Delete
    3. La Table De NanaJuly 21, 2016 at 12:20 PM

      Smart!!!:) Is it nice enough outside for you..what a summer!

      Delete
  4. Stan and Jody GabaraJuly 20, 2016 at 11:06 AM

    The lavender fields look gorgeous! 10 minutes away from you, lucky girl ♥ Your parents' cutting shears are a wonderful family treasure! Love the photos, especially the whale in the pond.
    Hugs, Jody

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    1. La Table De NanaJuly 20, 2016 at 11:20 AM

      Such a nice place Jody..I know you have loads of cute places too:)
      I ordered the stamps.:)
      You're an enabler.

      Delete
  5. Gloria BakerJuly 20, 2016 at 11:30 AM

    I love lavender !!
    So beautiful ♡♡♡♡

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    1. La Table De NanaJuly 20, 2016 at 12:06 PM

      Oh I do too and feel so lucky to have it so close..:)When I was a young mom..we would ride our bikes w/ the girls down that road from our home..the thought of that happening now..is NIL:)
      Have car will travel:)

      Delete
  6. Penny from Enjoying The Simple ThingsJuly 20, 2016 at 11:57 AM

    What a wonderful place! I would go there every week if it was near me!

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    1. La Table De NanaJuly 20, 2016 at 12:05 PM

      I might:) It was so peaceful..weekends are busier..so many little birds too..and bees..all this encourages nature:)♥

      Delete
  7. Red Couch RecipesJuly 20, 2016 at 12:46 PM

    How wonderful that it is so close to your home. The structural elements are so amazing! I have to confess that on early morning walks (like today), I will pull a bit of lavender off a bush and then crush it between my fingers. I have a neighbor that I confessed my sin too, and she tole me to always take it from her bushes! Such beautiful photography. Love the basket with the lavender.

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    1. La Table De NanaJuly 20, 2016 at 4:35 PM

      Thank you:) Long time no see..I hope you are well? And all your family:)

      Delete
  8. JenniJuly 20, 2016 at 1:09 PM

    oh my lavender is one of my most favorite smells that and roses, i've never been to a field of it though, how lucky to have it so close. rows and rows so magical and i love how you captured it.

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    1. La Table De NanaJuly 20, 2016 at 4:38 PM

      I felt like I had won a prize when I saw it..when I left..I went into the nursery part and made a small purchase..the owner was in his office..and I said I felt so proud walking in his gardens and he was not even my child:)
      I find he is beautifying the land ..the neighboring communities..and the world actually:)You picked the perfect word Jenni ...I wish I had thought of it..magical:)

      Delete
  9. Mary@mydogsmygardenandmaryJuly 20, 2016 at 2:06 PM

    I just love lavender and have quite a few plants.
    The place you went to is stunning, so many beautiful things to see WOW. I would be there all the time.

    I was going out to cut some lavender and dry it, but the gardener beat me to it. He trimmed all the flowers off. He is new and I didn't tell not to cut them until I got what I wanted. We are just getting use to each other. He is doing a great job.... only time will tell.

    The cake WOW, I really wish that I had a big piece right now and a nice cup of tea to go with it.

    Great post - thanks so much.

    Mary

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  10. LindaJuly 20, 2016 at 5:36 PM

    Just beautiful ....I have two plants that are doing really well this year....I would love to see a field of lavender!

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  11. SarahJuly 20, 2016 at 6:40 PM

    I love everything about lavender too! Just came from the grocery, and they were selling bundles of fresh lavender from small buckets of water. Not dried! I was tempted, but didn't splurge. Sometimes I have to stay focused and return with just what is on my list. There are so many temptations in the grocery store these days. Ha!
    The cake looks lovely, even if it didn't meet your standards. The new Field of Dreams is amazing. I'd love to visit, especially the lavender fields. Oh, to walk through those fields with the fresh fragrance of lavender.

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    1. La Table De NanaJuly 20, 2016 at 7:49 PM

      Oh me too..I picked up some gorgeous cauliflower and a two toned pepper..striped almost..markets are a weakness of mine ..and art supply stores and baking things;)
      Too many passions!

      Delete
  12. LaurieJuly 20, 2016 at 8:31 PM

    Beautiful lavender fields! You're lucky to live so close. I have a flower bed begging for some lavender plants, which I intend to oblige next spring.

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    1. La Table De NanaJuly 20, 2016 at 9:10 PM

      Mass plant Laurie..makes all the difference..wish I had..I have one here..one there..
      Plant lots!

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    2. LaurieJuly 22, 2016 at 8:59 PM

      Thanks for that tip, Monique. I sure will.

      Delete
  13. Sketchbook WanderingJuly 20, 2016 at 9:02 PM

    Wow!!! Such original sculptures!! Yes, I love it too, and my mom loved it. I missed our local lavendar farm this year...But I will never ever forget being in Provence during the lavendar season. Our guide, my old French teacher drove us through hills and mountains and we had view after view! Your local one is wonderful and I'm glad you got to be there!

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    1. La Table De NanaJuly 20, 2016 at 9:12 PM

      I have seen the Provence ones in photos..maybe one day..it is plentiful and so much of it!
      The sand sculpture artist is well known..worldwide..will find her name out..paint lavender and show us..please:)

      Delete
  14. Cheri Savory SpoonJuly 20, 2016 at 9:16 PM

    Such an amazing place Monique. During the winter when we are in Phoenix there is a botanical garden that I go to. Last time I went by myself just so I could stare at some of the exhibits as long as I wanted.

    You are so right this place would be a wonderful place to work, a dream job. Take care!

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    1. La Table De NanaJuly 21, 2016 at 8:28 AM

      I like doing things like this on my own:)There's no one you have to talk to:)Just be :)

      Delete
  15. Tricia BuiceJuly 20, 2016 at 10:00 PM

    I found myself taking a big deep breath when I looked at those fields of lavender, almost as if I could smell their intoxicating aroma. What an awesome movie - I think I've seen it 20 times. The gardens and sculptures are wonderful!

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  16. JacquelineJuly 21, 2016 at 12:43 AM

    What a place!!! The fields, the sculptures from sand, the topiaries ....wow!

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    1. La Table De NanaJuly 21, 2016 at 8:30 AM

      Such hard work..you know our climate..Applause applause:)

      Delete
  17. ParisbreakfastsJuly 21, 2016 at 8:17 AM

    Your Lav is really beautiful!
    Can't wait to see it again in august hopefully upclose and personal in Provence.

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  18. TerrykJuly 21, 2016 at 8:32 AM

    I would be back each week to walk those lavender fields. Arlene posted on Facebook a trip earlier this year to a lavender farm her way. There is a grower not far from here but I don't think they are open to the public. The sculptures are wild! Something about the sower fariies reminds me of your angel on your bench. Flowing hair? I can't believe you have your parents shears, we have Jerry's parents shears. They used to use them to trim the privet hedges planted in the front of the house. Sorry the cake did not work out well it looks like it was one of those easy delicious cakes. Maybe the frozen blueberries gave off to much moisture the first time you baked it?

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    1. La Table De NanaJuly 21, 2016 at 12:26 PM

      I think so..what an observant eye you have Terry..so observant..re the angel on my bench:)
      My parents used those to cut our hedge..not sure if it was privet or honeysuckle..prob privet..it was a house..we lived in Mtl until I was 10..a duplex kind of building..at 10..our neigbours bought a house..in Pierrefonds..my mother loved it..my father drove out..walked into the sales office and said I want a house across the street where the foundation hole is..and so we moved to a tidy bungalow..in front of Joanne's house.. my mom had it for 9 yrs..my dad also..and then they were gone.
      :(
      I used frozen the second time too..stubborn I am:) LOL

      you know when you have a feeling somethings off? Even w/ fresh..can't see it working..although I had a feeling this AM w/ muffins and they were fine:)
      Miss Doesn't Know it All..aka Monique.
      So many memories!!

      Delete
    2. TerrykJuly 21, 2016 at 12:45 PM

      I know, especially some recipes that I find on Pinterest. And then if they are in a foreign language!

      Delete
    3. La Table De NanaJuly 21, 2016 at 3:16 PM

      Then it' s a big risk for me!

      Delete
  19. handmade by amaliaJuly 21, 2016 at 10:44 AM

    This post is magic, Monique. So many lovely things, though you had me at lavender :-)
    Amalia
    xo

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    1. La Table De NanaJuly 21, 2016 at 12:28 PM

      Oh..me too♥When I read about this..I knew I would go..Jacques said..:you are sure you don't want me to come? I'm sure:)

      Not his cup of tea..and I wanted to dawdle..and take pics..In Paris he was always 10 steps ahead of me:)
      I had my head in the clouds ..w/ my camera:)
      He filmed though..and did well:)

      Delete
  20. Cathy at Wives with KnivesJuly 21, 2016 at 12:24 PM

    Oh my, what a beautiful place. I love the fragrance of lavender - it reminds me of my grandmother. I'm enjoying your posts my friend even though I haven't left many comments recently. Wedding festivities for my son start tomorrow and I have barely left my kitchen in the last week. This will be a joyous event in my family. Have a good weekend.

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    1. La Table De NanaJuly 21, 2016 at 12:32 PM

      I hope you will send me pics:)
      I know how busy you have been..I am sure everything is beautiful and you will be a lovely MOTG in your new outfit.
      Enjoy..I find those are moments in time..that you keep reliving:)

      Delete
  21. martinealisonJuly 22, 2016 at 7:06 AM

    Bonjour ma chère Nana,

    Je t'envoie un petit coucou de Ramatuelle accompagné d'un grand rayon de soleil...
    J'ai fait un petit retour en arrière pour admirer l'ensemble de toutes les belles photos de Paris que tu as partagées. Un véritable régal !
    Je suis également aujourd'hui éblouie par les fleurs de lavande !... Lorsque tu te trouves à Nions en période de floraison, c'est féerique ! Les fleurs dansent dans le vent... de belles ondulations...
    Ton gâteau semble délicieux et à cette heure de la journée ouvre mes papilles !

    Je te fais de gros bisous

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  22. IwonaJuly 22, 2016 at 8:56 AM

    I watched your blog with pleasure.
    With best wishes from Polish :-)

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  23. Linda @ Life and LindaJuly 22, 2016 at 6:48 PM

    What a magical place. I could spend hours and days there, exploring every nook and cranny. Lavender is so lovely. Our very special to have your parent's cutting shears. Lots of history and memories there. Thanks for sharing this wonderful tour.

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    1. La Table De NanaJuly 25, 2016 at 10:57 PM

      It really is magical..like your gardens:)All you need are a few mosaic cultures!

      Delete
  24. Marie RaynerJuly 24, 2016 at 2:30 AM

    Ohh, I thought I had commented on this one, but I guess I didn't! Either that or I forgot to press publish, which is me to a "T." Thanks so much for sharing your gorgeous photographs of this fascinating place! You have such a beautiful eye. Stunning and I don't just mean the lavender and the cake! Love, LOVE all that you share. Bon Weekend! xoxo

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    1. La Table De NanaJuly 25, 2016 at 10:55 PM

      Marie it had your name on the sign:)
      On Instagram I have seen a few gorgeous ones inEngland..wonder if there is one near you?:)

      Delete
  25. Karen (Back Road Journal)July 24, 2016 at 5:30 PM

    How very delightful…it would be hard for me to leave.

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  26. JeanieJuly 29, 2016 at 9:45 AM

    I, too, love lavender. Every photo is a treasure! And I can only imagine the fragrance!

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  27. JeanieJuly 29, 2016 at 9:47 AM

    P.S. Where is this, Monique? Is it within striking distance from Michigan?

    ReplyDelete

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