Monday 29 May 2017

Garden Notes

 A garden posy on my worktable to begin today's post..........after a week of sunshine and high temperatures, today we have had rain and the garden is glad of a nice cool drink.......
 ...............here is a view of our garden with the tree that my grandchildren love to climb in and sit on the low branches......
 .............this is my project in the new issue of crafts beautiful magazine out now....a decorated garden notebook and some pretty seed packets (below)....you can find out more here.............
 ..............for years we've had this beehive composter tucked into the cutting garden...i often show it on here as regular readers know.....and for years i've been telling people that no, it's not a real beehive and no, we don't have bees...........well we do now!!.............some wild honey bees have moved in and are busy buzzing in and out and round the garden gathering pollen from the flowers....quite an exciting and special thing to happen as we love to encourage wildlife in the garden..........
 ........(the bumblebee pincushion is from the tilda bumblebee blog hop in january........i am using it now in my sewing room ...)
 .................this is the new little arbour also called the sun downer seat as it catches the last rays of sunshine each evening so is the perfect place to sit for a cool drink at the end of the day.....the flower bed next to it has been replanted and is now beginning to grow and spread out...more pictures coming as it develops.....
 ..............and the flowery wreath quilt top is finished........i added butterflies to it.....
 .................lots of butterflies appliqued onto the blocks and fluttering around the borders...........
 ..............it is being long arm quilted at the moment so i hope to show you it finished very soon now.....below is my greenhouse this week, just to keep the pink theme.....
 ................the wisteria has been just gorgeous this year....we bought it only a few years ago and luckily we bought a scented variety (some of them aren't we have discovered)....the scent of this one is a bit like phlox and a bit like sweetpeas..........
 ...............one more garden picture.....the pink daisy pot and the iron bench..........
 ................and the roses......just beginning and i'm just picking a few each day......
.............thank you for visiting me here lovely readers and for your kind comments...........i will be taking a blogging break next week as we will be away.......staying in a grade II listed cottage deep in the countryside and visiting some beautiful well known gardens..........we are so looking forward to a nice rest and break but i will take lots of pictures to share when i get home..............have a happy time in the meantime everyone..............back soon xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

28 comments:

KC'sCourt! said...

What a pretty garden, I can see where your inspiration comes from. Absolutely gorgeous

Julie xxxxxx

Pam said...

Your garden is so inspirational!

my4lilgirls said...

Love your quilt top. Look forward to seeing the finished quilt xxx

my4lilgirls said...

Love your quilt top. Look forward to seeing the finished quilt xxx

greenrabbitdesigns said...

Well I know I always say I want to come and play with your bunnies and quilts but now I want to come and play in your garden!! That is a beautiful tree and I can see the attraction to little ones....AND you now have bees, how exciting!! Your flowers are all so pretty and that quilt is absolutely stunning!
Enjoy your little trip next week, we're off to France at the weekend too so happy holidays ahead for us both. :)
V x

Little Quiltsong said...

Such a beautiful garden - love, love that garden arbor and the wisteria - maybe that is why our weeping sweet pea tree doesn't smell - wonder if it gives scented and unscented in them too? We had sweet pea flowers in the garden one year - they were beautiful - as is your cute butterfly quilt! Lovely post!

Frances said...

It's been grand to catch up on your posts on a cloudy grey NYC day. Your garden is beautiful ...just like your quilts. No wonder those bees have finally discovered your paradise. xo

Jane said...

How beautiful your garden is looking Helen...and you have bees now too..brilliant. Your grandchildren must adore playing there. It is good the gardens got some welcome rain. Enjoy your break and I hope the sun shines there for you. Hugs xxx

Jayne Honnold said...

What a delight reading your blog and seeing not only your beautiful stitching, but also your lovely garden. I found you on Instagram and looked up your blog to follow - so glad I did! Have a great day!! -- Jayne

20 North Ora said...

Beautiful flowers. Your gardens look gorgeous. Love your arbour!

Have a wonderful trip and travel safe.

Judy

Teresa Kasner said...

Oh Helen, what a magical garden you have! Did Mr. P build your lovely new sun downer bench? It's fabulous! I enjoyed all your flowers and your crafty makes. Enjoy your vacation and I look forward to the photos when you return. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

Kate said...

Such a beautiful garden, Helen, and your garden notebook is a beauty.

Cindy said...

Love seeing your garden! That wisteria is so pretty. And so is your quilt. Have a great holiday and I hope you have pictures:)

Blondie's Journal said...

I'm so enjoying pictures of your garden...please keep posting them!

My wisteria hasn't bloomed yet but it looks like its ready to burst! Can't wait to see the lovely blooms!

Enjoy your time away, Helen. Its good for the soul!

Jane x

Salty Pumpkin Studio said...

Beautiful quilts. The arbor bench is lovely! The afternoon sunsets are especially nice in the summer around here. I hope they are there as well. Happy travels!

Rhona said...

Your garden looks delightful, and even the bees must agree since they have decided to move in with you :)
Enjoy your break!

Gracie Saylor said...

Happy Vacation, Helen! The first of our Joseph Coat roses just started opening yesterday and you have inspired me to bring at least one of them in to enjoy. Your climbing tree looks very inviting, and your Garden Notes are a clever idea to keep track of garden development. A friend who invited us for tea out in her garden showed us a notebook she has to track her garden development Your Wisteria is lovely...I have only admired others'. Wishing you a good rest. xx

Mickie said...

Helen,
What gorgeous pictures of your lovely garden!! I love the wreath quilt, can't wait to see it quilted.
Thank you for sharing.
Mickie, Indiana USA

marmarel said...

Your pics are a little party to look at, very beautiful!
Greetings from Marijke

Pom Pom said...

Hi Helen! My three books came and they really are a visual feast. I feel more inclined to stock up on fat quarters. Your colors are so pretty and your quilt magic is inspiring! Yay for a lovely garden growing, too!

Jacky H said...

Your garden is wonderful.
Have a lovely holiday.

Pat's Patch said...

So many beautiful things in your post Helen, your garden delights - wonderful tree, gorgeous wisteria,lovely arbour, pretty flowers. I do like your garden book design cover, fabulous quilt little bee sewings and in your garden - I am thrilled to have bees in my garden too! Have a lovely break. Love Pat XOX

Debbie - Mountain Mama said...

I love this peek into your beautiful garden! Enjoy your vacation, sounds heavenly!

Art and Sand said...

Every single post brings a huge grin to my face - such happy pics.

Thimbleanna said...

As always Helen, your photos are drool-worthy. Your garden is just gorgeous. I would love to have some bluebells and some of those sweet little pink daisies -- those are the colors I love best. Hope you have a wonderful break!

Ali said...

Gorgeous xxx love your garden notebook xx

Cream Linen said...

I love your beautiful and so green and colourful garden.Your new quilt is also fantastic,full of sweet colours and pretty paterns.I wish you happy holidays for next week and look forward to your photos of your destination in the country! Tina xxx

Cream Linen said...

I love your beautiful and so green and colourful garden.Your new quilt is also fantastic,full of sweet colours and pretty paterns.I wish you happy holidays for next week and look forward to your photos of your destination in the country! Tina xxx