Christmas Greenery

My dear friend Deborah is visiting Lowfields this week and yesterday we gathered greens on the farm.  We were able to pick cypress, pine, holly and osmanthus - all off of our property!  

Deborah and her dog Simon in the "Christmas-mobile"! 

We arranged all of our findings in outdoor urns, boxes and some indoor containers.  The cute plaid tin was one of my birthday presents from Deborah.    She will also be able to load up the car and take some back to Raleigh with her!   

Finished urns with greenery

Up close! 

It's the Holiday Season...Go BIG or go home.

We don't take Christmas lightly here at Lowfields.  As with anyone, we hang a wreath on the front of our home.  However,  I am not talking just about any ol' holiday wreath.  I was fortunate to find a huge wreath that was formally used at a department store and it's what I hang on the front of the Cold Comfort Hall every year.  It should be it's own special project as it takes a bit of effort to get it hung! 

The wreath being transported from the barn to the Hall via tractor

The placing of the wreath -
who says John Deere tractors are just for farming? 

Wreath - 2011

Here is the picture of the wreath from Christmas 2010 - we even had snow!  

Cutty's Toy Tree

We are anxiously awaiting Cutty's arrival for Christmas at the farm and with that, we have to start putting up the decorations!  


When Sister was here at Thanksgiving, we started with the Toy Tree.  This tree is on the island in the kitchen and is there mainly to delight my great nephew, but also the child within us all during this magical Christmas time.  I have done this tree in the past but never for an actual little one to enjoy (it's been more for my own enjoyment!).  

Sister decorating the tree for her grandson

It has old fashioned lights and millions of odd things on it!   A large majority of the ornaments are items that Nanny gave us on our packages at Christmas time.  She not only wrapped packages in beautiful ribbons and papers, but there was always a toy on the package as well.  I feel Nanny was far ahead of her time in coordinating beautiful wrappings and decorations!    I kept almost all of mine since I was in grammar school so they definitely have some meaning.    Over the years, I have also collected vintage angels and toys from all over the world so those are included as well.  There are dutch shoes from Holland, Storks from Alsace and bears from Germany & Australia.  The tree is topped off with an angel that was on one of Nanny's presents when I was in the fifth grade.   I can't wait to see Cutty's face when he sees it! 

  Those of you from New Orleans will recognize this guest on the tree - Mr. Bingle!  

I added a picket fence below the tree as a place for even more toys!

Cutty's Toy Tree

One last calf...

The last calf of the season was just born at Lowfields - Miss Eleanor Dashwood.  Miss Dashwood will be residing in the new creche for her confinement!  

Miss Eleanor Dashwood & her mum - 1 minute old

Miss Dashwood's temporary residence at the Creche