Located in the beautiful Derwent Valley, Tasmania



Thursday, November 4, 2010

antique finds and a visit to a Swiss Italian lavender farm

Here are the French spoon casts I found in Cote Provence that I mentioned in a previous post. They date to around 1900 and are very heavy, which makes them suitable as bookends. I once saw some in Queenstown, New Zealand but they were too heavy to bring home. It was delightful to find them again, they were meant to be (mine)! I also bought this large ball of string from Cote Provence. And this French fruitwood rolling pin on High Street. It is really long and heavy, perfect for pastry. This French wire glass or bottle holder was a great find as it fits French hand thrown pots in it perfectly, keeping them safe and making them easier to carry. We recently have had these pots come into store. They are a lovely soft colour and feel smooth. They are perfect for herbs and would make great Christmas gifts (with or without herbs).
Lavandula is a Swiss Italian farm near Hepburn Springs (above photos). It was a highlight of our visit to the Macedon area. I was expecting lavender, of course, but the real treat for me was the traditional potager. It gave me loads of inspiration for my own vegetable garden. I particularly loved the espaliered fruit tree.
I bought these willow pyramids at Lavandula. I had always wanted some since I saw some at Daylesford Organic in the Cotswolds. (see previous post). I can't wait to get peas growing up them. Or I may plant a tomato plant inside one - has anyone done this? I would love to know how it may work.

10 comments:

  1. What a lovely day you have had !!...nice to read you...happy day tomorrow....love Ria....

    ReplyDelete
  2. I am glad you found the spoon moulds again because they are fabulous. I love those willow pyramids too.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi there, yea had these in store a week ago and have now sold out....but i have had them with things growing on them ....they are great. Looks like you have had a great time Amanda.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hi Amanda, did you have the willow pyramids too? Least I will know where to get more of them locally if I need them or if someone asks...Thank you

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hi, I also love those willow pyramids, they look beautiful in gardens. I was in your store a week ago Tammy and purchased some of the printer's alphabets.
    I love your shop and only wish I had more money to spend!
    Carolyn, Hobart

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hi Carolyn, I am glad you loved our shop and that you bought some printer's letters. They are great! You can possibly get some of the willow pyramids at the Vintage Rose in Launceston.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I love those spoon casts! Gorgeous they look lovely as book ends. What a fabulous find.

    Hope you noted the sunshine today xox

    ReplyDelete
  8. I adore the spoon moulds...perfect bookends!!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Those spoon casts look beautiful - I can see why they caught your eye! I noticed you had 'at my french table' and was wondering if you'd tried anything from it yet?

    Hope you have a lovely next week!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Hi Katrina, thank you, I think the spoon casts are beautiful too. I cooked my first pear tarte tartin from this book a few years ago and it is a regular quick dessert in our house now. I tried the tart citron recipe too, but I found the filling a bit disappointing, I now have another recipe I use for lemon tart. And I have tried the stuffed tomatoes which were good. I don't think I have used much else from it, but I love the story and the beautiful images throughout! I will have a look through and cook something else from it this week!

    ReplyDelete