Summer Scrap Book

But it has been so very hot! Not with the usual languid English summer heat, no. This has been searing, intense and almost intolerable. I know it made me intolerant! The grass is brown and scorched outside the kitchen. Roses, that were in their second flush, collapsed and withered in the course of an afternoon. Dahlias, that ordinarily would have taken their time to flower, are bursting all at once. I stare at their firework display with mixed emotions. In the midst of all these frighteningly strange climate shifts summer continues unabashed. I also, grudgingly, acknowledge that my body is undergoing a climate change of its own. Shall we push on? I hate to be melancholy and if you indulge me there may be a tear or two..

Let’s dive into the RHS Hampton Court Flower Show instead.

Alitex asked Helier Bowling aka “The Garden Goddess” to collaborate on their cutting garden at this year’s show. Alongside a team of enthusiastic amateur growers from their “Grow Club”and Lily from Alitex. Helier has created a glorious cutting patch. All the plants were grown from seed by growers based all over the country. It was a real patchwork of heavenly annuals and joyous colour. Inside the “Tatton” greenhouse, a gorgeous array of vintage treasures by the lovely Lamb & Newt team. Absolutely loved this pin board… Greenhouse interiors are amongst my most favourite of spaces. I was reminded of this…

The Potting Shed by Mary Ann Love

Down at the end, beside cold frame and hedgerow
There lies a fair haven of gardening grace
Much littered with tools, both tactile and time-worn
Old, paper-wrapped tubers and cobwebs like lace.

Spring brings a flurry of sewing and potting
All carried out gladly, while radio plays
Dreams of sweet flowers and fruit, soon to follow
Are dreamed as the sun sets on lengthening days.

Ah, wonderful smells of sage and spring onions
Are mingled with basil and thyme's lemon zest
Hot cups of coffee leave rings, on the workbench
While shabby old armchair provides welcome rest.

Now greenhouse gives birth, to first of the season
But here's where each new life is tended with care
Colours bring promise that sunshine approaching
Will soon put an end to the chill in the air.

This is my place, full of magic and secrets
Where spells of renewal and nurture are cast
Unsung in Winter, protecting in silence
Just waiting for Springtime to come round at last.

The idea of this plunge pool has become more and more alluring as the heatwave developed. Part of the RHS “Vitamin G” Garden designed by Alan Williams in collaboration with Jo Whiley, it recognises the power gardening has in nurturing our metal health. We have created a miniature lido for the four legged, velvet eared boy. And confess we have both ventured into its murky waters in moments of desperation! I was the one without a tennis ball clamped between my jaws.

My dear friend Selina loves roses. In fact, if she were a flower, she would almost certainly be a beautiful english rose. We were both dazzled by the incredible roses on the Eastcroft Roses stand. And the most delightful wiggly rose tea garden designed by Pollyanna Wilkinson.

I am a sucker for a flower truck…predictable I know! Now my guilt has kicked in and I must away to water my dahlias which will be featuring in the flower truck I will doubtless dream of tonight…I hope you and your flowers are faring well. Until next time I send you love x