Garden Flowers

Friday has come round more quickly this week with May Bank Holiday Monday. I seem to have been a day behind all week. It has been chilly here, as we have been mostly under cloudy skies with a brisk easterly wind, so time spent in the garden has been shorter than usual at this time of year. There is still much to do, but the ground is so dry it is impossible to get on with some jobs. It is remarkable how most things are flourishing despite the lack of rain.  When the sun has been out I have taken the opportunity to snap some of the growth and early blooms.

The flower beds are filling out.

The climbers are reaching for the sky and the fence that was repaired last year is beginning to be clothed in plants again.

The shady area at the top of the garden is springing into life

Even in the darkest corner the ferns are beginning to unfurl.

The Ranunculus are simply beautiful in colour and in form.

It may not have been as warm as I would have liked and certainly not warm enough to sit out but every trip into the garden has brought pleasure so that cannot be all bad can it?

I hope you have had a good week. 

Joining with Tricky and Carly at FAST blog for Five on Friday.

Five on Friday - Late!

I am rather late to the party with Five on Friday or should that be Five on Sunday? It has been an odd week when my 'get up and go' seems to have 'got up and gone' leaving me tired and trying to catch up all the time. April has gone by so quickly, it is difficult to comprehend that May is upon us. So a little last minute I am joining with Tricky and Carly at Fastblog for the Friday round up.

Earlier this week I suddenly realised the workshop I was attending at the end of the month was actually this Saturday. Mild panic as I was not even sure where the venue was and if I had all the requirements necessary. Fortunately the tutor Nicola Jarvis brought packs for all the students and all we needed was an embroidery hoop, a sharp pair of scissors and lunch. Easily do-able so panic over and after pouring over Google maps I worked out my route to the Community Centre where the workshop was held. I do not have a Sat-Nav but I'm seriously thinking about getting one. The workshop was great, creating one of Nicola's Bijou Bird designs in hand stitch. It is such a luxury to sit and sew for a day and not think about all the domestic tasks that would be trying to take priority at home. You can see more of Nicola's beautiful work here. 

Here is a peek at my progress so far. There is still a lot to do but I am looking forward to finishing it and I shall write a separate post about the day later.

There has been some other stitching this week too as I have been creating some new Project books for a my Etsy shop and prizes for other projects. More about those later.

My poor sewing machine is looking rather dusty in this close up. I do clean it before every sewing session, honest, but working with a felt base does throw a lot of fibres up.

The rainbow blanket I shared last week is continuing to grow slowly although is in competition with a new CAL that I could not resist. It is the Hotel of Bees CAL organised by Sandra at Cherryheart and Sam at BetsyMakes. The pattern is by Christina Hadderingh at a Spoonful of Yarn. It is a lovely pattern that is very addictive, although requires some concentration. There has been some ripping back when I have been too busy looking a the TV instead of my crochet.

I am on the third and final section and will reveal all when it is complete.

The garden is looking lush despite having very little rain for many weeks now. I cannot remember such a dry April in a long time. It has been cold too this week and not conducive to pottering in the garden.

The blossom has been beautiful and the miniature apple tree is still wreathed in pretty flowers despite the cold and a few frosty nights. 

Well, reading through I seem to have promised three future posts so had better get myself organised, projects completed and writing done. Perhaps having a target will help me focus.

I hope you have all had a good week and are enjoying the long weekend if you live here in the UK.

Technology Aaaaaaggggghhhhh

Hello, it is good to be back after a few technological hiccups. Thank you everyone who commented on my last post, I really enjoyed reading your comments but apologies for not replying. There has been quite a lot of frustration and gnashing of teeth going on trying to sort out the laptop. Before sharing these problems I will share some relaxing pictures of the garden, which has kept me sane.

1. Blossom

Last weekend brought glorious sunshine and the cherry tree blossom looked wonderful against the blue sky.

2. Viburnum

The viburnum has been covered in blossom this year and the scent is wonderful. Perfect for sitting by with a restorative drink.

3.Primroses

The primroses love the dappled shade at the back of the garden and are increasing in number year after year. I think a primrose must have crossed with a garden centre primula to create the pink one. It is such a pretty delicate colour. Nature is very clever!

4. Clematis and Honeysuckle

On the fence the clematis and honeysuckle have burst back into life. The alpine clematis always flowers first and as it fades the honeysuckle starts to open. I cut the honeysuckle back quite severely last year as it was beginning to invade my neighbours garden but I am pleased to see there are flowers forming.

5. Groundcover

A couple of years ago I planted some periwinkle at the side of the garden that borders the Parks Trust open ground beyond my fence to try and blanket out the weeds that were constantly coming through. When I first moved into the bungalow the open ground was beautifully kept and managed but with years of cut backs the lovely plants that were there have been taken over by weeds and brambles, which I am always battling to keep out. The periwinkle has done a great job and is a nice thick mat with lots of flowers this year. The grape hyacinths have not been put off and are still flowering and the forget-me-nots provide there own ground cover - all over the garden.

After looking through the garden photos from last weekend I feel much more relaxed so will keep the saga of the laptop short. After spending days backing up the laptop, (it took ages because it kept closing down on me for no reason rather than there being lots to save) I took it to a local repair shop that had been recommended to me. They mend, update, sell reconditioned models as well as new ones so I asked for their advice what would be most appropriate considering my needs. The laptop was left with them and they promised to telephone with advice after they had a look at it. I was very surprised to get a call 5 days later telling me it was fixed. Wires must have got crossed somewhere because that had not been the original plan. Yes, the laptop no longer closed down on me and the touch pad no longer jumped but the processor was still too old and slow to achieve what I wanted. Big sigh and rethink.

Not having any savvy teenagers or a technically minded partner it is difficult to know where to go for advice. Friends were helpful but are not much more knowledgeable than me - i.e. "umm don't know"! None of the family are technologically minded and live too far away to be any practical help. I decided  a new laptop was to be the best option and with a bit of research, decided on my basic requirements. All I needed now was the confidence to do some laptop shopping. Is it just me or do others find technology stores daunting? The first one I went in, which will remain nameless, the gentleman 'helping' me was much more interested in selling me multiple add ons rather than showing me the couple of laptops I expressed an interest in. Needless to say I walked out. 

Eventually I ended up at a well known department store where I know they offer good after sales service. I had put off going in there as it is usually populated with earnest men asking lots of technical questions, which makes me feel totally out of place and inadequate. Fortunately a young women came to help and advise and did not try to sell me the most expensive item in the shop. So I am now the owner of a new laptop and slowly, slowly trying to get to grips with the set up and all it's features. I know it is going to take time, practice and patience but the reality is I would much rather be sewing, knitting or crocheting. Well, at least I have not wanted to throw this one out of the window - just yet.

Apologies, as this shortened version is still rather rambling. 

Thank goodness there is escape in the garden. 

Joining with Tricky and Carly at FAST blog for Five on Friday.

Five on Friday - Spring has Sprung in the Garden

Friday has come round quickly again and it is time for Five on Friday with Amy at Love Made my Home and Tricky and Carly at Fast. This is Amy's last week of hosting F on F and I would like to thank her for all her hard work and introducing me to many new blog friends. Good luck and best wishes for the future and I hope you will still join the party some Friday's Amy so we can catch up on what you are doing.

  

It has been busy week and at last there have been a few sunny days that have made a real difference to the garden. Spring bulbs have been pushing through the cold soil for some time but with sunshine and warmth earlier in the week there is more and more colour to enjoy every day.

The daffodils are now in full flower and are bright and sunny despite the overcast sky this morning.

Every day there are new treasures to be found either hiding in the undergrowth or shouting 'look at me'. 

The Camellia is definitely in the 'look at me' category. 

I do not think I have seen it with so many buds and blossom before.

The Pulmonaria is shy and hiding in the undergrowth of the shady part of the garden.

I pulled back some old stems of the ferns yesterday and there is was all velvety with its pretty blue and pink flowers.

At the front of the house the crocus were in full bloom and the daffodils were just coming through last week.

Today the daffodils are out and the crocus are beginning to go over.

Sadly there is no evidence of life on the potted hydrangea although the hydrangeas in the back garden are full of buds. Perhaps it has had enough and will need to be replaced.

The potted Pieris is full of life and has got it's frothy new clothes on.

 The flowers are almost weighing the branches down and remind me of big powder puffs.

Finally the primroses

They come up every year and spread themselves about cheerfully. The flowers look so delicate but the plants must be robust as they never fail to appear each year. 

We are fortunate to have had a mild winter, so far at least, as it is only the middle of March and Mother Nature may have more in store for us. It is good to see more sunshine after grey skies and the garden is definitely waking up. I am really looking forward to sunnier, warmer days and being able to spend more time outside with the plants. 

Five on Friday - Spring Flowers

Welcome this week's Five on Friday hosted by Amy at Love Made my Home.
Yesterday I woke to a second bout of sinusitis (once was enough, thank you) and felt rather sorry for myself. Storm Doris was doing her worst and threatening to take the roof off the conservatory. Things were flying around the garden but fortunately no serious damage was done.  I decided to cheer myself up by looking at some Spring flower pictures taken earlier in the week and share them with you for Five on Friday.

1. Violas

I am not sure if Violas can really be described as Spring flowers as they have flowered throughout the winter. They are so brave and pretty, ignoring all the weather can throw at them I had to include them. They have been such a welcome sight flowering constantly by the front door since they were planted back in October.

2. Snowdrops

As soon as the snowdrops begin to appear I feel the days must be getting longer and Spring is on it's way. They were being jangled about in the wind yesterday but are still standing proud today.

3. Helebores

There are a number of pink and stripy helebores in the garden but the white ones are always the first to flower. The strong waxy flowers stand out beautifully even on the dullest day.

4. Primulas

These primulas were planted three years ago in my mother's garden and despite being nibbled by various creatures and generally neglected they have flowered every year. They create pin cushions of colour among the shrubs. I think they must have seeded themselves about too as they are appearing in all kinds of odd places.

5. Daffodils

Spring is not Spring without daffodils.

The Tete a Tete (my favorites) are just starting to flower in the garden. There are lots of buds so should be a riot of colour this weekend as the sun has returned today after the storm. There have been lots of bunches of daffs in the shops for the last few weeks and so easy to slip in with the shopping.

There are an extravagant two bunches here on the table in the conservatory. A kind friend give me a bunch on the same day I had been shopping. I love the rogue cream flower among the yellow ones! Probably because I always have had a sneaky admiration for a rebel.

Nature is amazing how the cycle continues year after year. Temperature and length of daylight making things happen deep under the dark, cold soil. Nature can be cruel too with storms like Doris bringing damage and devastation to peoples lives. The bright sky and sunshine today have brought calm after the storm and hopefully time for those who were affected to recover and make repairs. I hope all is calm where you are and a few flowers are brightening your day.