Pink hydrangeas

Trying to de-pink the house a little, I get the feeling my husband feels like the florals and pretty pinks are caving in on him. So I re-jigged the linens and found some blues a little more wood. But somehow a bunch of pink hydrangeas made it in through the front door!

Flowers everywhere

Summers almost upon us and I am so happy to be placing flowers everywhere, some from the super market, some from a friend, some retrieved on a walk and some from my dad's garden. I layered them all up on the table for dinner with friends. Lamb, potato gratin, slow roasted tomato comfit and bitter chocolate cake for dessert. All recipes chosen from Bill Granger's delicious book Feed me now.

A walk today, while the sun was still out, took me past a whole host of new blossoms. Boughs draped in deep pinks, mauves and creamy pale blooms all frothy like just poured champagne. I have been think about flowers so much lately still craving a garden of my own, choosing a list of my favourite varieties to sew once we have an outside space. Top of my list anything pretty that can also be eaten, then lilacs, peonies, and I am feeling a slow rising jealousy at a huge patch of colourful snap dragons in one of my neighbours gardens. I remember how amazed I was as a child when my mum showed me how to pinch the petals and make their little floral mouths open and close.
I will put the envious feelings to a good use and draw up a garden wish list. Hope your long weekend turned out well and I am wondering if you have a favourite flower from your childhood ?

Volcanic ash

Still trapped in the UK, should fly out to Marrakech tomorrow instead, if the volcanic ash cloud moves away. On our round trip to the airport at 4am this morning I noticed all the lilacs are out. Saw so many all pretty in deep purple, lilac and white. Hope I don't miss my chance to collect a basket full from my Dads trees this year.


Painting by Brian Simons

Bathed in flowers

Was just searching for the perfect maxi dress to take on my holiday when I took a wrong but good turn and found the spring collection from Cabbages and Roses. I stayed too long and fell in love, I may have to buy the Cotton Delilah Tunic. I think it would look great over a pair of white churidar from toast. Perfect for lounging on floral cushions and eiderdowns on a sun drenched Summer lawn.

All images Cabbages and Roses.

flowers and wood grain.

I would be so much more psyched to be going to work this morning if I worked at the beautiful new saipua shop.

All images Saipua.

Ragged swags

The tiny Hydrangea posy that I picked on a walk with my sister the other evening has finally hung its tired little head. Also been making a little progress with some new garlands, though they are more like ragged swags. Yes ragged swags with a twinkle here and there.

PS. For those concerned, the neighbors cat did not get wet : )

in the pink

Morning! Where have I been? Sorry for my absence I just haven't had the posting bug lately, maybe I am still on vacation mode. What have you been upto? I hope your weekend was splendid. We have had a perfect two days, visiting family on Saturday and then stealing Sunday for ourselves, a long country drive and a delicious lunch.

Talking of vacations whilst in Ireland we visited some beautiful gardens with mum, I took so many pictures and my favorites were this little collection of pink blooms. I just adore the petal layers and ruffles in these poppies, roses and from my mums own garden a black elder.

I will use them as inspiration for some new garlands. Ruffles and May pole ribbons. Draped and pinned around to add some Summer cheer.

stocks and shares

I shared my Sunday with a lovely friend, visiting a pretty town. Got a gift for my table.

In love with lilacs

Vases of these wonderful flowers in every room. I am so in love with lilacs. Giddy with happiness the day I returned home with them, so glad such simple things complete my life. Already a little sad that their short life will be over before long, I still smile each time I walk in and see them. What are your favorite flowers?