Splendid Spring

Here are some impressions of my Spring garden at the moment, the roses are still slowly starting to bloom; Let's take a leisurely walk through the garden so you can have a good look! The front garden often puts on its Spring flush earlier than the back, I think that's because each year I tend to do the Winter pruning in the front first; although the David Austin roses seem to be taking their time, even when they are in the front garden! These pink buds below are David Austin Rose "Heritage". I tried to get pictures from a different angle so that I'm not showing the same old same old each year, I hope you are not tired of my garden photos by now. I added two David Austin's Gertrude Jekylls to the front garden at the end of last Summer, they tend to naturally be more cane-y, so I'm training them up a "tripod" - rather three wooden stakes I put together; the "tripods" should look nice when they are covered. The back garden's roses mostly still look like these-- heaps of buds! So, I'm eagerly anticipating. Some of the roses which are in flower in the back garden.

Floribunda Golden Years Louise Odier And other non-roses

I hope you enjoyed this little walk with me in my garden, have a lovely day, my dear friends!

Change Again

Before

Remember this corner of our house? I talked about it in a previous post here. These are the walls I was painting! The reason I decided to paint them this colour called "Cream Stone" is I felt that the red was so strong and dark that roses and floral arrangements tended to look lost when photographed in front of them. I'm really happy with how they turned out, I think I still like softer colours deep down. The red was striking, but I prefer the soft cream now, it's much more soothing.

After

Spring Snapshots

We're having school holidays this week and next and visitors will come and visit and stay with us next week, so you can imagine it's going to be very busy but exciting time for us. I've also been painting some walls, Can you guess which walls in my house I've been painting? Will show you photos in the next post. I took some snapshots here and there while I'm waiting for the second coat of paint to dry. Some rosebuds have started to become flowers, it's that time of the year again!! We've been having lots of rain this last week and the aphids have been horrors, I can't spray them while it rains, so squishing them is my only good option, they are bad this year! I've killed so many that every time I shut my eyes, I see images of aphids!! Urg! Eek! Never mind, I think my perseverance might win yet! Have a dandy day, my lovely blogland pals, don't let those aphids scare you! Drop me a line if you haven't so I can come and visit you too. Note: To those of you who asked me if I have a name for the rose above - Yes, I do! It's called "Perfumed Perfection" and it's a Floribunda rose.

Dreamy Days of Spring

Spring is upon us gradually, and while I wait for my roses in the garden to turn from buds to blooms; and while I'm squishing aphids and spraying them with a natural extract from the Pyrethrum Daisy; and hoping they haven't done too much damage to the flowers; my heart is earnestly embracing the longer days, maybe afternoon tea in the courtyard with scones and jam and cream;maybe lazing on the bench with a few decorating mags; or simply watch some drama in the heavens at dusk. No kidding, these photos below except for the first one were taken all in one evening! on one side there was the rainbow, and on the other; this dramatic change in the sky taking place! There wasn't a fire either, just the sun setting in the west! From this............... to this.............. to this................ to this................. all happening in our backyard! These photos don't do the real thing justice. Sure it's not this dramatic everyday, still I feel privileged to have witnessed that. I love Spring for the new beginning and new life it implies, for the new promises it brings. Though Autumn is my all-time favourite season, Spring is perhaps the season you can dream a bit, plan a bit, and Spring clean a bit................. New beginnings are exciting! Many of you who are living in the Northern Hemisphere have mentioned to me that it's hard to believe our opposite seasons, yes, it is amazing, these Southern and Northern Hemispheric differences. Happy Spring and Happy Fall, my dear friends! Seasons come, seasons go. Enjoy your season!

Fun Floral and Herbs Arrangements

I painted this wooden tray a washed robin egg blue by adding water to acrylic paint. It was raw light wood colour. (Sorry I forgot to get a "Before" photo) I got it years ago from a craft store for something like $1. I thought it'd look great with all different jars or bottles in it. I could also use them for flowers and herbs from time to time, and have lots of fun playing with the endless different ways of arrangements.Also I'd like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Maryjane at The Beehive Cottage for featuring my blog on her blog. I've been able to discover so many other wonderful and beautiful blogs which I'd never have discovered otherwise. Thanks, Maryjane. Note: I keep the glass jars and bottles from food and drinks we've had, it's more like I'm unable to get myself to throw them out, so I have a cupboard full of them; all shapes and sizes; ready for "recycling". I like to use them as vases or for giving roses to my friends in. Jars with reasonably wide "mouths" are great for a decent bunch of roses arranged nicely, I tie a ribbon/bow around the "neck" of the jar to give it a nice little touch.

Spring Curtains Sneak Peek

I have been busy in the garden, but these last two days have been windy and rainy, so I decided to do something that's been on my "To Do" List for a while, indoors. I've been wanting to change the curtains in the kitchen! The old curtains look fine but they are just way too heavy for my liking, they make it difficult for laundry. So it's time for a change!

Before

Here's the sneak peeks of one side of the finished curtains, I opted for Blue and White Roses, the fabric is so much lighter and easier to manage, cheerier and happier and everything. I will have to go now so I can finish the other half! Hope everyone of you will have a beautiful weekend.

After

(20 Sept 2008) Note : Below are the finished curtains! Now I'll go and play with the different lengths with those adjustable ties!!