Foxtail Lilly

2012-02-16T13:30:00.000-08:00

The other day I redecorated our 'office' (very small room under the stairs!)

We all feel more organised now -just hope it stays that way??

2012-02-16T04:47:00.000-08:00

My poor Poppy, has endless bad luck lately and now to top it off she has come down with a sick bug! A sweet, kind girl that's never been any trouble apart from being bullied at school, she's had hard time of it off late but works hard. I just hope she gets some good luck soon, she deserves it!

2012-02-15T01:19:00.002-08:00

Love my job - when customers email to say 'Thank you, you made my valentines!'

Several have sent pics of the bouquets at home -sweet! and RELAX ......

I can see my children now - well it is half term too! Take Ede for a walk -its been a while.

Hearts to you ...

2012-02-14T04:15:00.001-08:00

2012-02-14T03:48:00.002-08:00

Hope you all have lovely floral delights this Valentines?

2012-02-13T12:47:00.001-08:00

Hope you all have a happy Valentines

I would love a surprise trip to Paris or an exotic beach

A Deer hound-I adore them

But IL make do with a box of Lindt chocolates - Not fussed about getting flowers!!

Its been a long day ....one more to go!

Open Everyday next week!!

2012-02-11T03:54:00.000-08:00

We shall be open Monday and Tuesday - for Floral delights for your loved ones or maybe you just fancy coming in saying 'Hi' and checking out our goodies??

Open 10-5pm tel 01832 274593 or email me tracey@foxtail-lilly.co.uk

ordering would be strongly advisable !

Due to popular demand we are opening up our barn room with vintage/french style furniture and bits and bobs . We opened this room at Christmas and folk have been very keen for a peep in this year.

Any small groups out there wishing to hire the room for a sewing / art group please enquire.

Have a lovely weekend folks and keep warm!

Txx

Todays walk

2012-02-10T02:32:00.000-08:00

Beautiful and calming after the bad news yesterday!

grey

2012-02-09T09:10:00.000-08:00

Skies and feeling like all the stuffing has been sucked out off you day with bad news.

2012-02-07T10:27:00.000-08:00

LOL- I went to our local food store for some cider to make a pork and cider casserole-the check out lady asked me for ID!! '' Ha Ha, very funny-I'm serious she said I can't serve you!!

I'm 45 next month so I was rather flattered but I think she must be bonkers but hey made my evening!!

2012-02-07T02:11:00.000-08:00

I heard today that this winter weather will be with us for a month- PLEASE , NO!!!!!! I NEED Spring!! So hard getting out of a warm bed in the morning.

Ede woke me up at 1am barking-she never barks at night, so I jumped up to look out for intruders. OWLS -calling out, must of freaked her-I thought it was rather lovely (better than intruders!) So went back to sleep.

The snow arrived

2012-02-05T04:16:00.000-08:00

Ede loves the snow!
sledging
Friday, when the sun was shinning, we had a blazing bonfire and burnt all the garden waste, very satisfying! We wouldn't have had the bonfire if we still a recycling centre but not that's disbanded we have to think of alternatives. The only other alternative would involve driving a 20 mile round trip, so I think the bonfire was more Eco in the long run than 8 trips? We even had lunch in the garden, it was so warm in the sunshine!

Pink is the new Red!

2012-02-03T02:22:00.000-08:00

Foxtail Valentines - Hearts £75.00
Bouquets from £25.00- Order in advance -tell your chap what you would LOVE- like this Valentines!!!

Blue??

2012-02-02T09:30:00.000-08:00

I seem to be into the colour 'blue' at the moment!!

Glass bottles

Benches

Tables

Lamps

All new in for sale...

Spring flowers to cheer you up, if your feeling blue! Pretend it's Spring when its blooming freezing outside!!

Walk out to Winter

2012-01-31T07:14:00.000-08:00

I think we are getting our Winter finally? Kill off some bugs before Spring?

Photos from my daily walk-I love this view I never tire off it!

2012-01-30T11:19:00.000-08:00

Fancy a giggle? Tomorrow evening BBC 2 -Some of us Oundle folk will be on the TV prog, 'put your money where your mouth is.' I shall watch from behind the sofa!!

WARNING- Very cheesy indeed!!!

Winter joy

2012-01-29T09:50:00.000-08:00

Cold and frosty mornings are beautiful .

Cozy and warm an open fire and candles- one of the few joys of winter!

Smelly....

2012-01-27T13:38:00.000-08:00

Hyacinths are like Marmite -you either love or hate? I adore them , they are one of the few flowers that creep into the house. The scent is a true delight to my nostrils but not my other half"s -they make him sneeze . He is away climbing/camping in wet Wales . So the house is adorned with heady scents-ahhh!!

The shop smells delightful this time of year!

Spring is just around the corner???

2012-01-27T03:13:00.000-08:00

We can make it Spring!

Bring me sunshine!!

2012-01-25T03:14:00.000-08:00

First wedding of the year.......

2012-01-22T09:16:00.000-08:00

Dates ....

2012-01-18T12:31:00.000-08:00

We have just set up a I Mac to replace our old computer- I haven't got quite got round to installing photos ,so I'm afraid you have last years garden pics.

Great belly-aching laughter at the `photo both` Distorted faces ,me and the kids, AHHH, Did make my day.

I was driving around crazily looking for a house to deliver a bouquet today,got there in the end but driving home I vowed to give up deliveries forever, then the lady called when I got back and said the most lovely , kind comments about her bouquet , perhaps IL carry on?
Dreaming of Summer

Looking at seed catalogues

We will be selling Sweet Pea seeds this Spring

The garden will be open June 17th this year for NGS

Oh and we will be on TV next Tuesday -will be rather cheesy ,I fear on BBC "Put your money where your mouth is" 5.15 _ Be amusing????

While I was away.........

2012-01-14T11:24:00.000-08:00

Florist in Geneva.

I discovered when we were away- I hate the cold (I knew this !)

I love hot chocolate - they make amazing melted chocolate in the mountains!

I miss my children SO MUCH, when I'm not with them

I do love England (but wish it was warmer!!)

Switzerland is far too expensive and who really wants a Cartier watch ??? All that expensive STUFF I can live without ,give me a tatty ,vintage,peeling paint table/ chair etc... any day!!

I need to go away , do stuff not just work- Several people I know have died lately that have worked solidly ,no holiday etc ,then BANG GONE! Life is too short- So I close now the odd day-hey ,its better that than close for good!!

ENJOY LIFE . XXX

4 days , three countries.....

2012-01-12T13:06:00.000-08:00

We stayed with our lovely Italian friends ,who live in France just over the border from Switzerland. Lovely food consumed , sights to take your breath away and enough rest to recharge - I feel very motivated now I`m back!
Snow in Italy.
Frozen waterfall- to climb....
"Shall we???" well not me , I can tell you !! A long walk through the woods instead!
Mountains and a lake ..... Rick loves mountains , I love water .
One day - a house with shutters! dream house ( I must add , I am more than happy with our current abode but somewhere hot , with a boulangerie around the corner and a lake to dip into would be rather nice?)

Annecy , France.

We loved it here, a lovely lake ,the mountain backdrop, quaint little shops .

2012-01-07T12:15:00.000-08:00

We are off on our travels in the early hours , My father-in-law has come to look after Ede and all. I will report back on our return Thursday.

Have a lovely weekend .

2011 floral

2012-01-04T11:43:00.000-08:00

Getting away from it all.....

2012-01-02T11:31:00.000-08:00

A trip out was needed, some bracing sea air-away from THE TV , COMPUTERS,IPODS,MOBILES ,XBOX , etc etc ......SANITY ! Amazing ,to laugh and chill out (literally)

The winter sun on the wetlands was amazing.
`Yes, it`s cold outside!
Frizzby on the beach
All this technology and we don't really talk now do we ? Mess about without thinking `its not cool` What ever happened to `THE LETTER` OH, getting one in the post! I had a boyfriend along time ago who wrote me 8 page letters ,he had very nice handwriting !! The same cant be said for a text!

I love coming to this beach-we walk and talk and act silly , run with Ede and feel connected.

2012-01-01T07:55:00.000-08:00

Out with the old and in with the new and all that who ha.... I`m NOT going to make resolutions as I either forget or say `What the heck!` Don't believe in diets in grey dark January -we need stodge to get us through the dark nights?? This time next week we will be off on hols (cant believe it!) Iv been feeling rather groggy all festive season . Iv had a dizzy feeling virus (something to do with my ears not booze!) I feel rather tip top today (as I didn't drink much last night!!) I feel ready to move on to SPRING NOW! I know we have a while but something lovely to think its just round the corner.

Iv removed Christmas from the shop-All pastels and buds now-refreshing! Sold 5 pieces of furniture yesterday! I find that people take down the Dec's and feel bare . We sell allot of furniture in the New year. I'm itching to get my hands on some paint and refresh the house ,it does get rather neglected!

And relax!!

2011-12-26T11:33:00.000-08:00

What a relief to close the shop door ,Christmas eve and relax.

Had the best present I could wish for- Dad came home from hospital (he had to return today,but at least he got to spend Christmas here) They didn't discover anything too serious ,so a sigh of relief.

Another lovely surprise gift,our friend who lives near Geneva has invited us to stay and booked us flights as our prezzies . I have never been to Switzerland before so I'm very excited!!

We had such a lovely relaxing time much appreciated after all the stress of late and the hectic last few weeks in the shop.

Ede wore her red bow
We all had dinner in the Barn, So cozy.
She just needs them for the TV!
"Well it is Christmas!"
Never too old for bubbles!

The shop will open for New Years eve -then close for a rest and a revamp .

Seasons Greetings to you all. Warm wishes. xxx

Festive lights

2011-12-19T09:41:00.000-08:00

We finally got our Dec's up -we have a very titchy ,living tree this year.

We don't feel very festive with my Dad still in hospital! You don't realise the dire straits the NHS is in ,till someone you now is in their care. We think he will be in for Christmas ,as it is taking them so long to sort tests etc out??

Meanwhile ,I'm burning the midnight oil getting orders out- The workroom is full of candles, berries and foliage.

10 days to go......

2011-12-15T03:38:00.001-08:00

We are featured on Jordans cereals blog.

10 days to go......

2011-12-15T03:38:00.000-08:00

2011-12-13T10:58:00.000-08:00

My Dad was admitted to hospital today- We feared the worst , but things are looking better than we thought, fingers crossed. I wished Christmas was behind us and I could close the shop-I felt torn. Orders piled high , have to keep on.

A day in Cambridge

2011-12-12T12:44:00.000-08:00

Today , we had a lovely moch around the shops, had a yummy lunch. Very civilized.

I purchased some rather expensive clothing. I know i shall wear them tirelessly ,so an investment? Oh, and some Christmas shopping . No piped ` do they know it`s Christmas time again` PHEW ... I worked in the Body shop once at Christmas, they had it on loop from Oct-NOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!

Bit chilly , for a punt?
Lovely buildings
I love all the bicycles .

To be featured in ...

2011-12-08T00:41:00.000-08:00

New Country Living book coming out Jan 9`th called` Turning your talent into a business`

Article from last years Country Living magazine.

Artists to look out for

2011-12-07T05:30:00.000-08:00

Carry Akroyd www.carryakroyd.co.uk

These two artists are good friends and produce fantastic work - exhibitions are a sell out .

We sell their cards and Carry has produced a calender - we have been selling like hot cakes.

Check out their websites and work

Mary Sumner www.marysumner.com

We stayed at Mary`s House in the Summer-Colourful just like her work.

Winter weddings...

2011-12-06T08:51:00.000-08:00

Must be rather chilly getting married in December?? Fur coat , maybe or thermals???

I wouldn't be brave enough -have to wear my thermals and winter boats. Then I did wear boats when I got married -old Victorian skating boats -in June! Loved them,I just don`t do heels!!

2011-12-04T08:56:00.000-08:00

I'm feeling very chilled about Christmas this year. I heard a saying ,I found very apt for this time of year -

" What screws us up the most in life

is the picture in our head of how its

suppose to be"

So I shall not worry on how to decorate my home for Christmas or how to have the ideal Christmas dinner as all the magazines are full of this time of year.

As long as we are all together and well ,is all I shall want this Christmas. Iv felt this since Poppy was in hospital for her first ever Christmas . Enjoy ,what really matters.

Wreath time is upon us....

2011-12-01T04:32:00.000-08:00

Full time production has commenced. Red ones,white ones, feathered ones, traditional ones (yet,not so many of these ,so far..I'm pleased to say-do get bored of the same thing!) Iv had a request for a Pink one too!! Bring it on the more unusual the better!!

Orders taken tel 01832 274593 www.foxtail-lilly.co.uk

Vintage glass

2011-11-29T14:07:00.000-08:00

Sparkles at Christmas

Trifle bowls, pale blue bottles and jelly moulds- all for sale .

Were a few of the finds on our hunt this week. My Hubie ,Rick, came with me and drove the van we hired . He was a great help lugging all the tables etc. When you get up at 5 .am and drive in the dark ,wait in the cold ,you wonder `why are we doing this??` Rummaging around discovering treasures always makes up for it. Beats the crowds in shopping centres any day!!

Advent

2011-11-26T02:04:00.000-08:00

Advent starts tomorrow. Light your candles.

Have a jolly weekend pips.

I'm excited hired a van off to buy bucket loads of vintage-my kinda shopping.

As the sun is setting..

2011-11-25T06:39:00.000-08:00

I took these shots on my walk last night ,with my ipod.

Hidden treasures...

2011-11-24T09:46:00.000-08:00

I found this old scrapbook in our barn today-I had wondered where it was for a long time. I loved looking at it as a child. My Dad and his sisters made it when they were young .

I feel the need....

2011-11-23T01:15:00.000-08:00

For some sunshine ,we have had grey skies for days now. I'm not very good in Winter,think I have SAD? I'm dreaming of sunnier climates. Last January we went to Marrakesh, we may return? Need something to get me through winter. Id go now but I think I may need to be in the shop ?? I shall have to wait till January ,maybe???

This Noel lets....

2011-11-22T02:52:00.000-08:00

Lets all try and shop locally. Buy handmade . Recycle with vintage goodies.

cosy..

2011-11-21T04:48:00.000-08:00

Ahh, nothing like it, sitting by a roaring fire. The fog stayed with us all day yesterday,so put paid to plans of a merry day pottering in the garden. I have two sick children , Flynn is off school with a persistent cough . Poppy is feeling very grotty but has her drama GCSE exam today ,so she has to solider on. Ede just has an easy life!!

Never too old to love these cuties..

2011-11-19T08:57:00.000-08:00

Pop up Christmas barn shop

2011-11-18T07:13:00.001-08:00

We have opened up a room in the barn till Christmas-do pop along for a peep.

metal stars
Christmas hare cards by Sam Purcell.

Birdies

2011-11-16T11:39:00.000-08:00

Cards that fly! By Mark Hearld

Flat to send
Handmade owls by the lovely Ali ,who works in the shop on Saturdays

Christmas workshops

2011-11-14T06:43:00.000-08:00

Wreath making workshop - Monday 5 th Dec

10- 12.30

Learn how to make traditional mossed wreaths , no experience necessary

Small groups for individual attention in our barn workshop

@ 41, South Road , Oundle PE84BP

Taking home a wreath to adorn your front door

Coffee and cake with mulled wine to boot

The shop will be open for Christmas shopping

Booking essential .

To the sum of.. £55.00 pp

email me tracey@foxtail-lilly.co.uk

Christmas at Foxtail ...

2011-11-12T02:31:00.000-08:00

Pictures say more than words.

Merry and bright ..

2011-11-10T08:55:00.000-08:00

A peep of Christmas arriving here at the shop Tomorrow 4-9pm

Come for a wee tipple and one of Flynn`s mince pies.

Lots of pic`s tomorrow
Back in stock by popular demand!!

Come and walk with me and Ede ......

2011-11-06T11:16:00.000-08:00

Down by the river- We never tire of this walk we do daily.

Cool and calm

2011-11-02T14:02:00.000-07:00

As we walk into Winter.....

Rich jewel colours..

2011-11-01T12:00:00.000-07:00

Soon there will be berries and holly and pine cones everywhere!

How lucky are we!!

2011-11-01T03:02:00.000-07:00

November - so many flowers still blooming ,as its so mild.

My mate in the states has 12inches of snow in his back yard. They have had dreadful storms-so we are very lucky indeed!!

A wee break...

2011-10-31T06:01:00.000-07:00

A trip to sunny Norfolk -just what I needed . Ede loved it too!

Had some time off at Half term to recharge the batteries.

I shall be getting back into the swing of things . I'm busy sorting through all the Christmas goodies ,to put out for the preview.

Save the date...

2011-10-19T11:16:00.000-07:00

11th November - Foxtail Lilly`s Annual Christmas preview evening. 4-9pm

Pop along for Christmas inspiration. Wreaths and table decorations on display

Vintage goodies for a unique prezzie.

Cards and lots of gorgeous decorations and gifts.

Free drink and mincepies!!
visit our` Pop up `Christmas shop in new barn workshop.

I shall be running Seasonal workshops here too from the end of November- details will be on the blog later this week.

Lots of `pop up ` shops and courses in 2012.

What would you like to see more off? Let me know and I will try and plan for 2012!

2011-10-16T12:47:00.000-07:00

The garden still soldiering on ,grasses are the star performers .
Alas the Dahlias have succumbed to the cold evenings -I will miss them dearly.

Today I`v been mostly....

2011-10-13T14:45:00.000-07:00

Some would say `I don`t get out enough ,Well ,I say that too at times. On the whole I rather like pottering (sorry,working) Doesn't really feel like work really if you love it??

Iv been at the cauldron (well,washing machine) dying a rather tatty old linen sheet-French lavender . Came out more grey,but hey ,I like! In an attempt at watching less winter telly . I'm trying to get busy of a dark eve. I'm go going to make a few bits and bobs.
A lot of people have aversions to Chrysanths but I'm getting rather fond of some of the little devils!
Pokeweed-

Scary looking beast but beautiful non the less. Highly poisonous I'm guessing ,I don't think I will try it?? The birds self seed it around the garden,doesn't bother them.

2011-10-12T11:17:00.001-07:00

Dusky pinks and cherry pinks . Berried Ivy and blue/mauve Hydrangeas.

I'm busy in the garden planting bulbs ,moving areas-making the most of this glorious weather-3,000 bulbs gone in so far...

2011-10-08T12:40:00.000-07:00

Oh ,I love Hydrangeas - To dry them , just leave a smidgen of water in the base of a vase ,don't add any more and they will crisp up nicely and remain colourful all winter and beyond.
Couldnt resit this stray Donkey.
I picked the last ever bunch of Sweet Peas in 2011- sniff,sniff... but So enjoyed them .

Sadly the World Conker championships ,held near here have been cancelled .The first time in 68 years by health and safety- Kill joys.

Dont know much about art but I know what I like -kinda thing!

2011-10-07T10:56:00.000-07:00

I do I didn't come across all pretentious in my last post? I can't stick it when we are told what we `should` all be wearing etc this season even worse `so over that /so last year blar ,blar..

We can all do as we please . Who am I to tell others!! I just get bored of the same things , I like a change.

Enjoy the weekend pips ...

All change

2011-10-07T05:50:00.000-07:00

I had a sudden urge to remove everything out of the shop on Tuesday-clean and repaint.

Then have a move around of furniture .Out with the old in with the new/old antique finds .I went to several antique fairs last week and this week. Luckily my Hubie was off so we went in his car ,as mine was poorly ,so its been fixed (I really missed it-I know how much I can fit in it)

When I have a move around people always want what you removed or say `you have less in-no we have paired down or sold it!

We are less Floral (apart from flowers!) I'm not a huge chintz fan myself , I'm all greys and muted colours in the house -Iv had all sorts of shades over the years!!

I will have some floral in of course - if demand is there.

What do you prefer floral or pale and interesting??

Lot of gentlemen have been keen on floral chintz finds of late-interesting.

2011-10-02T11:59:00.000-07:00

2011-09-29T12:34:00.000-07:00

Pastels ,flip flops,eating super outside ,listening to the owls ,magical.

Iv been reliably informed we will have snow in 2 weeks-shut up!!

Enjoying the garden -end of September !!

2011-09-29T03:12:00.000-07:00

Misty mornings ,then hot sunny days-bliss!!

Sunsets and warm evenings. The seasons are Topsy turvey.

Dreaming of a hot sunshine Christmas....

2011-09-28T11:34:00.000-07:00

So hot today!! Tried to plant some bulbs but gave up. Not that I'm complaining-Love this weather!! Enjoying it while it lasts.

Planning the Christmas preview-hard to think of Christmas in the sunshine (I think Id enjoy it more if we could have Christmas dinner in the Garden or a picnic??

The preview will be Nov 11 th -in case you were wondering??

Holding on to Summer flowers...

2011-09-28T02:14:00.000-07:00

The last of the old Roses and Delphinium from the field-Want to hold onto them , no more till next year!!

Word of warning- I got an email from a fellow blogger/friend-well her email address but someone pretending to be her asking for money. I could tell it was most definitely not her !!

Summer has arrived -for one week only????

2011-09-27T00:34:00.000-07:00

The last garden group of the year coming to visit today-lots of cake baking last night!

They will be lucky with the weather -Summer in September!

Home is where the heart is...

2011-09-25T10:59:00.000-07:00

Glad to be at home after hospital ordeal-relived its done !

Dahlia delights...

2011-09-24T10:56:00.000-07:00

Orfeo
Purple gem
Franz Kafka

Radiant -till the first frosts. I leave them in the ground ,with a substantial mulch.

plans...

2011-09-22T04:56:00.000-07:00

Making lots of plans at the moment..

Workshops will Finely be happening!!

I must get my house how I would like it-its always on the bottom of the list!

I found this beautiful silk curtain at an antiques fair and wondered what I should do with it? Had an idea I might put it up in my bedroom by the doors that go into the garden.

2011-09-21T07:20:00.000-07:00

Thank you for your kind words of support . I'm looking into solutions ,to my recycling dilemma-I do have lots of compost bins-finding room for more.

I'm feeling more upbeat today-delivering flowers to smiling faces,makes me realise I do love my job!

Feeling rather glum...

2011-09-20T03:35:00.000-07:00

I have a hospital appointment that Iv not been looking forward to for a while now. So I will have to close on Friday . I`m trying to put it to the back of my mind(don`t think its working!)

I'm changing things around in the shop-I tend to do that when I'm worried about something, A control thing I guess??

Heard some bad news the other day- our recycling centre is stopping collecting green waste along with all the other items its stopping! The town has had a petition for sometime ,we even got Alan Titchmarsh to sign it for us when he was here. Thousands of signatures !! The council in their short sighted wisdom , keep cutting back on the real needed facilities like public toilets etc. I don't know how I will manage,I have so much green waste with my garden,let alone the shop! I have even questioned if I shall carry on doing flowers and concentrate on vintage-

Answers on a postcard please!!

Ede has taken a shine to the Ottomans we have been selling lately!

Flowers by Foxtail-Photos by Annie Welton

2011-09-18T11:32:00.000-07:00

Annie and I have worked on several weddings -and she LOVES vintage !

www.anniewelton.co.uk.

Happy Birthday ...

2011-09-18T01:27:00.000-07:00

16!! Where does the time go?? I wont go all mushy ...

Bulbs now in ..

2011-09-16T05:37:00.000-07:00

Get planting now -for a great display next year!

pre packs-
Loose bulbs -for sale...

A grand day!!

2011-09-12T11:26:00.001-07:00

Thank you to all of you that came to visit on Sunday. Lovely to see so many friendly folk.
The most talked about plant-An Annual , Love-lies-bleeding. Amaranthus.

The question on everyones lips `whats Alan like?`
Yes, it was windy BUT THE SUN SHONE-YIPEEE AND NO RAIN!!
Teas and cakes went well-people keep asking for a cafe / tea shop here-any thoughts??
I did not bake these,I hassen to add-I get a bit claustraphobic in the kitchen,too much to do of greater inportance in the garden!

I have super friends that love to bake (much,much better than me anyday!!) I strongly believe in letting people get on with what they do best!

Garden open..This Sunday 11-5pm £3.00 pp. Children free.

2011-09-09T00:10:00.000-07:00

Tea and cakes in the garden (under cover, of course it will rain!!) Gardeners are a hardy breed,so brave the weather!)

Plants for sale.

Advice given

Come have a gander and a chat.

The shop is open-lots of vintage goodies too.

Possibly the best holiday,ever!

2011-09-06T05:12:00.000-07:00

Unique,little shops in Kas

sunken city of Kekova

view from villa
Hot but with a lovely cool breeze.

Endless swimming

Boat trips, sea kayaking,canyoning.

Lots of good food

Warm evenings

Walking around barefoot/flip flops

Great food-too much!!

Everyone got on and had a laugh

We all felt relaxed-what more could you ask for?

Back home to wind and rain

But lots of cuddles from Ede

Back to school-I miss them,it was a wonderful Summer.

Summer hoilday

2011-08-27T13:29:00.000-07:00

I'm leaving all this behind for hot,hot sunshine-Cannot quite get my head round the fact we are actually going after all the are we aren't we`s . Luckily my father -in-law will be holding fort and looking after Ede.

On return ,back to school for my two-We have had a wonderful Summer ,been lovely to have them at home ,they seem to be closer and getting on like a house on fire.

My daughter did rather well at her first lot of GCSE`s so Flynn made Poppy her favourite cake,so sweet!

Back to the packing.

Shop open - 8th Sept.

Ta-tar, for now.

Txx

2011-08-26T12:41:00.000-07:00

Late Summer ,does not have to mean burnt oranges ,bronzes and dark reds.. August ,rich pickings from the garden and then the rain came and wouldn't go away.

Happy..

2011-08-23T01:46:00.000-07:00

Lots of lovely Dahlias
The Sun shone

Ede had her stiches out-Yippee... She ran and ran,with no cone on!

The van passed its MOT-PHEW!

Happy.

Back home...

2011-08-22T05:10:00.000-07:00

We stayed at a friends house,cat sitting while they were away in France. Being artists it was host of paintings and artifacts. The house was so roomy compared to ours. The weather was typically British Summer!! We have re booked our flights to Turkey,so we know we will get some sun there!!

So shop open Wed 24th-27th then off to Turkey,can't wait!!

I would love a garden /greenhouse like the one attached to the house we stayed in-all those tender plants you could over winter.Lovely to sit reading ,listerning to the rain.

Lots of interesting bits and bobs in house.
I took a shine to this pretty pink house in Lyme Regis
Good to spend time together.

A wee break...

2011-08-14T09:09:00.000-07:00

On holiday -off to Devon.

Shop closed back open on 24th

Folk coming to stay here to water/look after Ede (as she has vets appointments) She is so much better .

See you all soon. XXX

Shock

2011-08-09T04:59:00.000-07:00

Ede was attached yesterday by a dog-just ran up to her and went for her-I picked her up but the dog jumped up and torn into her! Such a shock-bitten in 4 places . She has a cone on her now to stop her licking them. So scary-why do people not put aggressive dogs on leads? Why have them at all??? I'm worried she may be nervous or defensive to other dogs??

This Summer is not going according to plan. There is one joy my two children have not had a cross word and didn't make a fuss at all when we lost the Holiday-an education!!

2011-08-08T05:18:00.000-07:00

I had a some highs and some real lows last week-The Internet went down for several days

We found out we lost our flights for our holiday to Turkey (happened last year too-But we just cant justify ridiculous expensive flights-so we have lost the lovely villa !!

But on the other hand we put up this gem from Soul pad-the service from them was super.

We love it!!

So cozy-I'm not a tent / camping lover-But I can handle it with this beauty .

Some trips may have to be taken-but not to Turkey!

2011-07-30T00:36:00.000-07:00

I want to soak up this time of year-breath in the Summer Jasmine ,take stock and capture it all.

I'm ready and desperate for our holiday-its been a full season what with one thing and another.Don't get me wrong I'm not complaining -just worn out I think!

I need to rest and think .

We shall go away for 2 weeks,not just yet ... Aug 17th-Spet 3rd we will close.

Devon one week ,cat sitting in a friends house then Turkey back to our old haunt. We didn't intend to go this year but we felt the urge-why go somewhere else when you love a place? (We got a great deal to,that helps) I'm ready to go today!!

We started a new project in the garden-ready for a new arrival-It should come today-I will let you know if it does-Happy weekend.

Summer Lovin..

2011-07-27T13:54:00.000-07:00

Anyone remember tv prog (and book) Dan Pearson -Garden at Homefarm. The best garden programme ever. I loved this Barn garden-Lush!

Summer flowers

2011-07-26T01:56:00.000-07:00

Aghh Summer...

2011-07-25T03:51:00.000-07:00

2011-07-23T13:15:00.000-07:00

Have a flower filled ,chirpy weekend Txx

The final part of the guided tour..The shop

2011-07-23T06:41:00.000-07:00

The shop
Courtyard area
Ede is taking it easy for the holidays!!

Cutting field today...

2011-07-22T03:42:00.000-07:00

These shots were taken this morning-the sun appeared-hurrah!

These are some of my favourite flowers for picking.

Scabious and Wild Carrot
The Sweet peas are flowering their little socks off!
Nigela hispenica-lovely seed heads,lasts ages cut,doesnt drop its petals .

Panicum grass-my favourite grass,dances.
Zinnias-half hardy Annuals . They have been fantastic this year!
Dahlias-I adore (when they send you the right ones!!)
Cosmos-self seeded from last year-good for late summer colour.

Garden photos no3...The cutting field

2011-07-20T03:24:00.000-07:00

The area for growing cut flowers is only in its second year. This year has been more of a challenge. Tulip blight,I have never had that problem before ,so no Tulip planting now for 3 years! Greenfly and then the drought early on. The hardy Annuals sown (a lot self sow themselves happily) in Autumn did so well but Spring sowing has been a dead loss-too dry.

I think its the hardest area to deal with ,perhaps because I don't like straight lines!! Mainly because I'm so busy ,but been under no illusions its very hard work. Hard to make it look attractive when you actually have to pick the flowers or leave them to seed!

I wanted to take some photos today but its so dark. I shall take some more and post them when it brightens up??

Someone emailed and asked if I had a gardener-No ,I don't I love doing myself ,but I do have lots of help with heavy stuff from my Husband. I have a young boy that comes and waters the plants in pots and his Dad kindly takes my green waste to recycling centre. Amazing how much waste it creates. We are Organic (hence the Greenfly)

I shall post what works for me and what I wont be growing tomorrow.

Garden photos no2...The Front Garden

2011-07-19T07:34:00.000-07:00

May time- Alliums

Garden photos no1.. The back garden

2011-07-18T06:40:00.000-07:00

Come on in... As requested - More garden photos. All this week I shall do a series of Garden photos

Today . The Back garden ...

Potted History-

I grew up here ,born here in fact. My mum died when I was 7 and so I was brought up by my father. I keep moving but returning and came back to look after him when he got ill . I worked at a Herb farm and became hooked on plants . I started to bring the garden back to life -20 odd years ago now. There have been a lot of changes , mistakes and money spent! Lots of lessons learned over the years and a natural style has evolved. The garden is an eclectic mix of perennials,grasses and structural plants . Scent is very involved too . All the paths are brick edged (using them from the old walls that used to surround the perimeter. Pea gravel under foot and no grass whatsoever-no moving! Lots of grass paths and a huge lawn have been culled over the years and I have never regretted it-I love gravel it shows up the plants and maintenance free . I try to have interest and colour all year round. The colour scheme sutle pinks ,silvers etc. I shall talk about colour and plants another day.

Please feel free to ask me any questions.

The sail...

2011-07-16T11:16:00.000-07:00

Did you like it???

Lady called me half way through the programme to tell me I was on TV!!

People are strange-people who once ignored me ,have become a close chum??

Evening with wonderful friends ,we had a hoot!

I shall shut up about it now -show you flowers in my next blog - or vintage or the garden or random stuff- Any requests ??

weekend

2011-07-15T07:05:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow we will have a stall at Oundle Food Festival-Lots of yummy stalls of local produce and demonstrations . Do pop along and say`Hello` .

Have a good weekend (weather doesn't look to promising!!)