Bonuses

Check out my stunning amaryllis. It’s got a bonus baby too, so I will have more stunning flowers. My amaryllis from last year is getting ready to bloom too. What a wonderful sight. And a wonderful Christmas present. For the past few years, my friend Jan has given me one. They seem to love this sunny spot.

Wish I could say the same about all of my plants. I was woken up by a loud thud this morning. It seemed one of the kittens had knocked a plant over in the conservatory. There was soil all over the place, in their bowl and on the mats.

So out came the hoover. And off went the kittens. Glaring at me through the doors in the rain.

As the hoover was out, I did the rest of the house. Then washed their bowls. Before feeding them (and me). All before coffee. An interesting way to start the day.

Camellia

This is such a welcome sign to me. Spring is on the way when my camellia starts to pop. Always makes me smile. It’s smothered in buds, so hoping for a good show.

It’s funny how we use flowers as indicators of the seasons. The minute the snowdrops arrive, I know we’ve broken the back of winter.

Not that I’m wishing my life away of course. There was lots of holiday talk at the Chiro’s today. I joked that others are jetting off to exotic climes and I get to look at the National Geographic magazines.

My turn will come again I’m sure. I’ve been very fortunate to have travelled a lot in my life. I can feel the Wanderlust stirring.

At least I know I’ve got a few horsey holidays in the diary. They’re like a relaxing holiday, only with more sweating. And I’m not just talking about Buddy.

Bee nice

It’s good to be home. Even if it means I have to fend for myself. I could get used to being catered for you know. It was lovely not to have to think what to eat. Just grab a plate and tuck in for the past few days.

Being back from camp, also means a mountain of washing, cleaning and tidying. Made a start on that. The glorious sunshine means the washing dries quickly.

While making one of many trips to the washing line, I stopped to admire this geranium. I love this one. Especially contrasting against the daisies. It was smothered in bees. So not only does it look good, it does good too.

My garden has exploded while I’ve been away. It was only 3 nights. Fingers crossed we get some rain soon as some bits are starting to look a bit sad. Looks like I will be getting the mower out this weekend. Cause I haven’t sweated enough this week…

Ferdinand

I thought I’d go and take a photo of the pretty hellebore in my garden. Hugo came to help. He kept getting in front of the flower and sniffing it. He so reminds me of Ferdinand the Bull. I often find him in the borders sniffing the flowers.

It was so lovely to be able to go out in the garden in the light when I got back from peopling. The nights are drawing out for sure. It’s amazing how much people’s moods have been lifted by the sunshine. Almost everyone who came in today commented on it.

We’re a bit like plants really. We need feeding, watering and a bit of sunshine. Simple really.

Hidden beauty

I’ve been asked to cover the next few Monday’s at the Chiro’s. It was a rather busy day with lots of changes to deal with. But got to have lots of good chats.

The main topic of conversation was the weather. Well we are British. It was a very lazy wind today. With some bite to it. So different from the mild days we’ve been having.

The other topic of conversation was at what point do you stop asking people about their Christmas. And saying Happy New Year! The jury is very much out on those. Lots of views given.

Spotted this little flower when I was opening up this morning. No idea what it is. But it was a very pretty way to start the day.

Roses are red

Took Katie over to Peter Beales Roses for a spot of lunch and a wander round the rose garden. Saw this sign hidden away. It’s very true for me. Roses are my favourite flowers.

They’re so versatile and give colour all years rounds. There were lots that had gone over but I still find the hips beautiful.

I’m an English Rose. And I’m pretty versatile. I’ll let you decide if I give colour all year round.

Pretty in pink

It shows that the weather has been a bit odd recently. This camellia flowers after my other one. Usually in late April. But this year, it’s very ahead of itself.

It always makes me smile as it’s so pretty. Perfect on a grey, cold day. I was fighting hibernation-mode today. After the glorious sunshine of the past few days, it was a bit of a shock to be cold again.

Blooming marvellous

It’s felt very Spring-like today. I was tempted to hang the laundry on the line, it was that nice. I started the day with a bit of Spring cleaning too. Always feels good.

Spotted this beauty in the border. Think it’s a hellibore, but not totally sure. Whatever it is, it’s a stunner.

Snow White

I spotted that this little rose is flowering again. It’s called Snow White. It’s tiny but the flowers are so pretty.

Not sure when it should be flowering as it seems to come and go all year. It could be cause it’s been so mild. Hope the frosts and cold weather don’t affect it.

It won’t be long till the snowdrops start popping their heads up. Mother Nature is simply amazing.

Hydrangeas

Over the years, my flower tastes have changed. I used to find hydrangeas ugly. Not sure why. Maybe it’s because I thought of them as old ladies flowers (careful!!). Now I love them. I have several in my garden and I will be adding more. This one has just started flowering. It’s so pretty.