Poppy Love

 

I was going through some of my old photos and wanted to put up a picture I took in Spitalfields, London, a few years ago — but I ended up coming across this instead. I took it in Provence, France one summer. I just love wild flowers, especially poppies. Speaking of which, I’ve never had much luck growing them in my own garden. Apparently they don’t like weeds, are quite particular about where they grow (yet are somehow also considered easy to grow!).

I realised the problem was probably the soil prep. Because the seeds are so tiny, whenever I watered them after planting, they would scatter everywhere — or at least that’s what I think happened. So I stopped bothering with clearing the soil and now simply put fresh compost where I want them, water the compost first, sprinkle the seeds, cover everything with a cloche, and then leave them alone. It works! I had loads of poppies in the garden this summer.

And after all that effort, I spotted a cluster of poppies growing happily in the pavement just a little further down the road… apparently they don’t mind concrete. :)

Poppy Love

Monday, 24 November 2025

Diary Entry: Where Winter Feels like Spring

 

A throwback to this poinsettia looking lust and beautiful in a quiet corner in Madeira, Portugal. Back home in the UK, these bright leaves live their brief lives in pots at Christmas — tidy, contained, and fleeting. But here, on this lush Atlantic island, they can be grown as trees. I saw them all over the place in different gardens.

Diary Entry: Where Winter Feels like Spring

Friday, 7 November 2025

Ciao Ciao Summer

 

I spent the afternoon clearing some of the leaves from the garden and trimming a few of my roses — not all, of course. Some are still in bloom, and the sparrows have made them their shelter, so I’ll leave those for now. It feels right to let them be.

I’ve never been much of an autumn person. I do love the changing leaf colours — those fleeting flashes of gold, rust, and amber — but they pass too quickly. With spring, there’s a steady build-up of joy: each day feels like a promise of more to come. Green returns, blossoms unfold, and birdsong fills the air like music.

Now, though, the garden is quieter. The birds aren’t singing as much — apart from the sparrows with their cheerful chirping, and the starlings chattering as they head off to feast on berries. The leaves drift down, the colours fade, and soon it’s a bare, resting landscape. Beautiful, perhaps, but in a muted, melancholy way.

The other day, a photo popped up on my phone — taken on a late-summer afternoon earlier this year. The sky was blue , the air still warm (and what a hot summer we had this year!) and I found myself longing for spring and summer all over again.



So long, summer — until next year.

Ciao Ciao Summer

Saturday, 18 October 2025

The perfect cottage garden of Alfriston Clergy House

 

The Garden of Alfriston Clergy House is a delightful retreat nestled in the heart of the quaint village of Alfriston in East Sussex, England. Managed by the National Trust, this historic property boasts a charming garden that dates back to the medieval period.

During my visit to the garden on a warm July afternoon, I was greeted by swathes of sweet peas, calendulas, and other summer blooms adorning its pathways and borders. Meandering pathways lead visitors past tranquil ponds and through leafy archways, providing a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. With its picturesque setting and timeless beauty, the Garden of Alfriston Clergy House offers a serene haven for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

The garden, though not meticulously pruned, exuded a natural charm that made it all the more inviting and authentic. The house, albeit small in size, holds its own unique appeal, making it a worthwhile stop for visitors to the area.

Alfriston itself is a picturesque village steeped in history and charm. Located in the South Downs National Park, it boasts a range of quaint shops, tearooms, and traditional pubs, making it a popular destination for visitors exploring the surrounding countryside. The village is also home to St. Andrew's Church, a stunning example of medieval architecture, and the Clergy House, one of the National Trust's earliest acquisitions. Whether you're admiring the views from the nearby Long Man of Wilmington or simply enjoying a leisurely stroll along the River Cuckmere, Alfriston offers a quintessentially English experience that's not to be missed.

The perfect cottage garden of Alfriston Clergy House

Wednesday, 15 October 2025

Rousham House & Garden

 

I love visiting Rousham Garden — it has what I can only describe as the perfect walled garden. It feels both intentional and effortlessly natural, as though the plants are allowed to be themselves while still part of a greater design.

The space hums with life. Butterflies flit between blooms, ladybirds crawl over leaves, and honey bees busily gather nectar from every available flower (though yes, there are also a few wasps who seem to have read the invitation too). If you pause for a moment, you’ll hear a variety of birds calling — some familiar, others mysterious, hidden in the greenery.

To me, this is the greatest compliment a garden can receive: when wildlife not only visits but thrives. If the bees, birds, and butterflies approve of how you're gardening, you must be doing something right. Rousham gets top marks from them — and from me, a humble admirer of nature’s quiet beauty.

I've shared a few photos below, but they only hint at the feeling of being there in person. If you ever have the chance to visit, do. It's the sort of place every gardening fan needs to visit. A time well spent.

Rousham House & Garden

Wednesday, 16 July 2025

Emily Brontë

I have a soft spot for roses named after literary authors or inspired by their works. So, naturally, I couldn’t resist buying this beautiful rose. It’s a stunning, trouble-free variety, and I bought it simply because I adore Emily Brontë. I also have roses named after works by Thomas Hardy, including Bathsheba and Jude the Obscure, as well as roses named in honour of William Shakespeare.

I took this photo a few summers ago at the David Austin Rose Garden. I walked in intending to browse but, of course, walked out with this rose. The tag claimed it could thrive in a pot, but it didn’t fare well there. I’ve since planted it in the ground, and it seems to be flourishing. I’ll report back later this summer with an update on how it’s doing.

Emily Brontë

Monday, 27 January 2025

A lock down memory

I came across this charming cottage during a walk in the first lockdown in England in 2020. It was spring, and restrictions were still in place. One positive aspect of that time was that visiting a garden felt more enjoyable; everything was timed, so there weren’t many people around, allowing you to truly appreciate the peace and quiet of nature.

This little cottage is close to where I live, and I absolutely loved its overgrown look – the way nature is meant to be! I think it looks stunning, and it was a lovely, warm late spring or early summer day. Whenever I look at this photo, I am reminded of that beautiful day.

A lock down memory

Tuesday, 14 January 2025