On reflection, I think it’s why seasoned professionals always encourage us to start with Sweet Peas. Unlike so many aspects of gardening – a hobby that demands patience and foresight – sweet peas offer (almost) instant gratification and glory, which in turn provides confidence for the months ahead. I certainly feel that way whenever I see my seedlings for the first time! It makes me so giddy and determined to do everything I possibly can to help them grow strong roots that can be planted out in due course… once any likelihood of frost is long gone, that is! I’ve ordered more sweet pea/bean frames with that in mind.
In other news, we’ve also been blessed with two beautiful and bright weekends this month which have served to remind me of all the joy that’s coming our way! Though I spent one just walking (and drinking!) with friends, the other was spent in the greenhouse preparing old pots and loo rolls ready for seeds and (finally) potting bulbs. It’s quite funny, we’re clearly surrounded by fellow garden lovers because it’s like my whole neighbourhood left our winter nests *cough homes* and ventured outdoors to tend to our gardens at once. Personally, I had fun potting up muscari bulbs in beautiful terracotta pots courtesy of Hello Petals’s DIY spring pot kits. In my opinion, it’s the ultimate Sunday afternoon activity: Therapeutic, grounding and so rewarding! Lined with gravel, soil, moss and twigs, they now take pride of place on our dining table and will stay there for the foreseeable future.
The downside of having dry and Spring-like Sundays so soon however, is that there hasn’t been much rain of late. For that reason, along with tending to my sweet peas, I’ve been making a conscious effort to water the bulbs that I planted around the garden at the start of the month. Truth be told, though I know the hard work will pay off eventually, planting bulbs definitely tests my patience! You spend hours digging, planting and filling in the holes only to finish and it look no different!
That is until everything starts to bloom, of course!
On the bright side, as I mentioned in this vlog last Monday, one of the best things about gardening is that you’re forever learning… then implementing said learnings the following year. With that in mind, my final task for this month was to clear the raised beds (back breaking work!) so that I can sow more seeds in a few weeks’ time. I put too many carrot seeds in last year so I won’t be quite so enthusiastic this time round! Fresh horse manure was delivered a few days ago too so the team at Nicholson’s will be adding that to the beds, which in turn enriches the soil.
Finally, though it’s technically wardrobe related, I’ve started to think about adding to my ‘quintessential garden dress’ collection. Aka. The dresses that I wear when I’m gardening! For me, whether I’m off to a meeting in London or gardening in my greenhouse, dressing the part fills me with so much confidence and in this case, boils down to ‘what do I feel best in when I’m gardening?’ Anything that resembles a comfortable sundress that you’re not afraid to get muddy does the trick. Bonus points if it has sturdy straps / lets you soak up the vitamin D in months to come! I’ll share my favourites this Spring, if you’re interested?
PS. Interested in what I got up to in the garden last month? Take a look here…
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I had so many messages about my work from home outfit last week I thought I’d share it complete with accessories
Ad Outfit
Jumper @goelia_official
Trousers @lkbennettlondon
Shoes @emmylondonofficial
Jacket @marcelalondon_
Fragrance @diorbeauty La Colle Noire
Can you guess where I’m off to for afternoon tea?
Ad Outfit
Coat @lkbennettlondon
Dress @aavelleofficial
Hat & boots @hollandcooperclothing
Fragrance @penhaligons_london
Tights @wolford
The Autumn Equinox has arrived and as the nights draw in there’s so many opportunities to reconnect with nature.
Hosting a very special breakfast for my girls in honour of @princestrust and @thebrilliantbreakfast to raise money to help young women turn their lives around through work, education and training. A donation of £5 can enable a woman to simply travel to an interview which could go on to change her life forever so I would absolutely love it if you would join me in hosting your own Brilliant Breakfast between the 9th and 15th October, whether it’s simply coffee with a close friend, or encouraging your entire office to get involved, the funds raised will go towards helping young women, aged 11-30 create better futures for themselves.
And thank you to my angel @hello.petal.flowers for giving her time and creative flare to bring my vision for the breakfast to life, of course you don’t have to go with florals like me, but if that’s something you enjoy this is the perfect opportunity to throw a lovely breakfast with your girlfriends with a cause that will help so many other women, front and centre!
Ad Because being old fashioned is always fashionable
Such an honour to drive to @goodwoodrevival with the @astonmartin team in the iconic DB5 to celebrate 110 years of the brand and 60 years of the DB5.
Outfit
Dress @dior
Hat @aavelleofficial
Gloves @cornelia_james
Jewellery @garrard