Monday 11 June 2007

Everything's coming up roses..........

So how come I do all the hard work and these two get the deckchairs? Something's gone wrong somewhere!
I'm so excited, we finally have a nice rose in our garden. When we moved in this rose was covered in blackspot and had about three leaves so last year I hacked it down to the ground and a miracle has happened. It's come back so healthily and the roses are a much prettier pink than before, I love it!

Finally the garden seems to be taking off a bit. The children and I spent all day yesterday out there, them in the paddling pool and me grafting away, and I have to say it's starting to look pretty good. It's not a big space, about 50' by 20' and half of it is filled with climbing frames, scooters and various bits of "works in progress" (ie. tat), but it's enough for me. I have fantasies (hold on!) that I'd love to have acres of garden but in reality I'd never have time to dedicate to it and it'd just be another thing to get stressed about!

I have lots of ideas for my perfect garden but that will come when the children are older, for now we share it and they love it out there, although I think they preferred it as a building site when they could dig wherever they liked! Jack has his own little bit planted with delphiniums, stocks a clematis and the obligatory sunflower and he now loves "Gardeners World" - what have we done to him?


It's been a fantastic weekend. On Saturday I had a whole day child-free - yes, a WHOLE day! Andrea and I went to the open studios day in Stroud where artists open their houses for the weekend to the general public. The sun shone all day, we went to Nailsworth for lunch and a bit of shopping and then we wandered around the most amazing houses in the most amazing places all day. You know when you just love every minute of a day, we were like two schoolkids, I think the lack of children made us a bit giddy! Ian looked after the children all day and when I got back they were bathed and in bed - BLISS! It was something Andrea and I both needed, and my batteries are recharged, I'm inspired to create, now all I need is a studio - hmmmm!

Couldn't take any photos of the houses as I felt a bit awkward asking so the only one I got is of where we had lunch, and it's not a good one at that - never mind!

For some unknown reason, blogger has gone completely haywire tonight - has anyone else out there had problems?

11 comments:

a pink-bee said...

What a pretty garden, and a nice blog:)

Suzie Sews At DOTTY RED said...

That sounds like one great day
Suzie Sews
Once again thanks for the great comments you leave on my blog:-)

Ragged Roses said...

Your rose is beautiful. I'm often amazed when I'm hurtling round the garden how inactive everyone else is!!!! Glad that Jack likes to get his hands dirty though! Saturday sounds wonderful!
Kim x

Anonymous said...

Hello this is my first visit here, your garden is beautiful as is your blog.
Carolyn

Anonymous said...

Hello Julia,

What a beautiful rose. Your garden is looking good and your girlie day out sounds like a real tonic.

Marie x

Betty said...

That's a really pretty pink rose. When you have time, tell me how you graft your roses. I've never done that and want to try. Thanks for your sweet comments today!

Clare and Mike said...

Hi Julia

Thanks for your comment on my blog - I had to do a double-take when I saw the pink rose - I took an almost identical photo for my previous post!

It looks like you have a wonderful home and family!

Clare x

Anonymous said...

That rose is amazing with all the little buds around it. You must have greener fingers than you imagine!

AC said...

Sounds like the perfect day to go with the perfect rose:-)
Alison x

Sophie Honeysuckle said...

That does sound like a lovely day-pottering about looking at things!!Bet you had a few cups of tea along the way!! Your roses are gorgeous-I'm envious!!!

mollycupcakes said...

Hi Julia,
My first visit to your blog was a lovely one and I will be coming back again and again.
You have a beautiful home and garden.
My freind Tracy from Cupcakes at home recommened your blog, and ow Im hooked lol
Look forward to reading more.
Take care
Catherine x