Days are spent ‘odling’ (toiling the soil and growing flowers, fruit and vegetables) – the results of which include a beautiful array of sunflowers, sweet peas, peonies, dahlia and other blooms as well as great gluts homegrown tomatoes, courgettes, beans and squash. Whatever the family have left over is preserved for the winter or sold through their honesty store and ‘pick your own’ farm. Fresh eggs and honey are also available to buy.Â
Inside, evidence of the recent harvest can be seen overflowing in the kitchen and as a centre piece on the dining table and brightening up windowsills throughout the home. Here’s a peek into Alva’s beautiful world in the Swedish countryside.Â
In September the forests and fields are ripe with edible delicacies. Swedes love to pickle and preserve whatever they have leftover and savour pickled cucumber, beetroot and other preserves on sandwiches or as a side dish throughout winter. Alva has a larder full of homemade jars – many of which she lists in her book.Â
Do you preserve fruit and vegetables too? If so, I’d love to hear about some of your favourites!
Alva’s home is a wonderful, warm, eclectic mix of vintage and antique finds, books, plants, pattern and prints.Â
Yellow kitchen cabinets and a kilim rug in reds and blues bring warmth and cosiness to the kitchen.Â
Anders built the outdoor kitchen and table, now laden with homegrown produce. Flowers and other produce are also sold through their farm shop (below).Â
What a lovely life!
Does it make anyone else want to move to the countryside? There’s nothing quite like a little dreaming on a Monday!
Stor kram!Â
Niki
Credits:Â
Shared with kind permission.Â