A week ago, I was at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, which was awesome, obviously. Today, I’m super excited to tell you about a show garden that, although not as spectacular as any of the ones at Chelsea, is certainly a big deal for me. If you’re free on Sunday 4th June and in Norfolk, please try to make it to the… Read more →
Tag: flowers
Floral Perfection :: How To Make An Auricula Theatre
As soon as I saw the little auricula theatre at Sissinghurst Castle Garden last month, I just knew I had to have one. Auricula flowers are exquisite perfection. Their patterned, multicoloured petals are dusted with powdery farina, and held high, on long, straight stalks. And they are sweetly scented, especially en masse. The leaves are a silvery green, smooth and surprisingly tough and fleshy. Auriculas were… Read more →
G is for Gladioli :: A to Z of Gardening
Every year, I like to try a new plant in my garden. It’s a good way to learn, and stops me feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of different shrubs and perennials that are out there! This year, I’ve chosen gladioli. Why Grow Gladioli? Some of you reading this might be thinking, “Ugh, no, not gladioli. My granny used to… Read more →
It Lives!!! (My Garden Has Woken Up)
Before the epic rain showers and hail that descended on us this afternoon, I managed a cup of coffee outside, and a pootle around the garden to take a few photos. There have been brief moments this week, when the sun was out, and the birds were busy and singing loudly, when it’s really felt like spring. We’re not quite there yet. When… Read more →
Who Am I Kidding?
Ever have one of those days where all your self-confidence seems to have been sucked out of you? You suddenly feel like a total fraud, and wonder how you ever managed to kid yourself that you were capable of doing anything worthwhile. These days are the bane of any person prone to depression or anxiety. On these days, the depression lies… Read more →
F is for Frost :: A to Z of Gardens
If there’s one thing that redeems January for me, it’s stunning, sunny, frosty Norfolk mornings, like today’s. The air is crisp and sweet, and the sunrise so pink and pretty that my heart sings. Plants can look quite beautiful in the frost. Heucheras particularly suit their common name ‘Coral Bells’ when frosted. I like the the way the frost picks out the detailed… Read more →
A Bad Case Of Winter Denial
As usual, I’m finding the transition from autumn to winter a tricky one. The clocks went back but I’m struggling to accept that the growing season is over. I have not yet wrapped my banana tree up with fleece to protect it from the cold that is inevitably coming. I failed to plant garlic cloves and broad beans in the raised beds before… Read more →
My September Gardening Journal
The kids are back at school, and I can now turn my attention back to the garden. I did manage to do some gardening, here and there in August, but it was mainly watering and deadheading. Last week, I finally took down and plaited the garlic cloves that have been drying in my garage for the past two months. I lifted and divided… Read more →
One Year On…
I’m a little staggered to think it’s a year since I started this blog and embarked on a slightly scary but exciting career change. I’ve worked as a gardener, run my first class, and created garden designs for some lovely clients. I’m loving it. And I’m looking forward to getting stuck into a new horticulture course in September. My garden has changed… Read more →
Helmingham Hall Gardens
I was at Helmingham Hall Gardens, near Stowmarket in Suffolk, on Sunday. My mum and I went to their annual plant fair in May, but it’s such a magical place that I had to bring more of my family back to see it too. The day was gloriously hot and sunny, so we licked delicious ice creams, bought from the shop in… Read more →