Reconnecting in lock down.

Oh, hello! My goodness me, it’s been a 'little' while since I sat at the laptop to pour out some words about gardening and share some lovely thoughts with you all. So why now?

Well it is no secret that there is a big thing going on right now across the globe where many countries are implementing a lock down to slow and stop the spread of COVID-19. It is a very scary time for everyone and no doubt difficult. So many people are so used to busying around going about their daily routines, suddenly must stop and stay at home be that through having to self-isolate or because workplaces are closing down to keep everyone as safe as possible. Myself, I fall into the latter as well as caring for my two children. 

It has been a challenging few weeks to adjust to a new 'norm'. Keeping up with schoolwork, panicking over food shopping and getting used to not just popping out here and there and not visiting loved ones.

I have had moments of terrible anxiety, panicking about the what ifs? and hearing the awful rise in numbers just added to it. That is difficult to get away from as it's constantly in the news or across social media. I've taken to not having TV on at all during the day and only having the radio on.

Something positive that is coming out of this situation is the power of nature.

We as a family have always loved being out in nature be that walks in the woods or visits to the local seaside and even enjoying the gardens at home, but I have to be honest that has occurred a lot less long before the lock down came into force. Now though I have lots of time to look closer to home and appreciate the small but great things about it.

We have been super excited to watch lots of lovely birds visiting the lilac tree including the new goldfinches who have found the feeders!

Lots of lovely bugs and critters have been found creeping around thanks to some improvised school activities and it has been lovely to see so many plants springing back to life or popping up through the soil.

I’ve been using the greenhouse to escape to a little bit more recently and it’s been very medicinal to just potter. All these carry the same common theme. Have you worked it out? It is to completely slow down or stop and reconnect with nature. Going back to that point made earlier about us all milling around on our hamster wheels that it all becomes too easy to forget to stop and notice what is right in front of us and spend quality time together.

On the days its been warmer we have spent time in our garden to have fun and plan our new veg beds. We miss having the allotment and this time has given us the push to bite the bullet and begin the process of growing veg at home.

Just sitting with cups of tea, rifling through packets of seed and dipping our hands into compost has been very therapeutical not just for me but for the kids too. Not to mention that it's educating them at the same time! We are very fortunate to have a garden and can only imagine how harder it must be for those who don’t have access to green space but if there is a sunny windowsill having a small pot of flowers, herbs or even veg will absolutely lift spirits.

If there is one thing that I would encourage anybody to do it is this. 

To stop and be present and maybe give gardening a go. 

There is a wonderful quote I will leave you all with and in this current situation which I think it is very apt.

To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow ~ Audrey Hepburn

Until next time

xNx

Gardeners World Live 50th Birthday

My First ever gardening show of any kind!

Wow, what a day and experience it turned out to be! The 3 hour journey (starting at 6am) was so worth it. I wasn't sure what to expect when I arrived, but what greeted me as I entered through the gates completely overwhelmed me. Once me and mum studied the map and got our bearings we headed over to the show gardens. I literally gasped! I had seen them on telly and social media leading up to Sunday but you cant help but feel in awe of the skills and thought processes that go into creating these wonderful gardens that put a huge smile on everyone's faces. There was inspiration for everyone whether you wanted something peaceful & tranquil, practical & space savvy to bold & vibrant or wildlife friendly.

Show Gardens

I had 2 favourites. The 1st was the Anniversary Gardens(By Prof.David Stevens)

The gardens were a real walk down memory lane.I remember some parts of my Nanna & Grandads garden being very similar as well as the garden from my childhood days. They were real family gardens that brought back fond memories.



My second favourite had to be the beautiful 'Romance in the Ruins' (Claudia de Yong for Wyevale Garden Centres).

This really did take my breath away! I loved how it was all so soft not just to the eyes but touch too. It was so natural. No harsh structures or industrial materials. The gentle trickle of water coming down the ruin was a perfect song to guide you under the romantic rustic arches that were surrounded by gentle kisses of pink & purple hues. The whole garden just flowed so peacefully allowing you to take in everything it had to offer. The little benches that were tucked into gorgeous spots offered beautiful angles to gaze upon & spot the hidden creatures. A truly lovely heart warming piece of paradise.


One thing I loved about all the gardens was how relatable they were. They could easily be recaptured back home in our very own gardens. There wasnt anything that was too over the top. They were real homely gardens, exactly how they should be.


The Dominators

I noticed how dominant grasses were in many of the displays. There were so many varieties used that either added softness and height or broke up bolder plants and added texture. I fell in love badly with them and bought two fabulous Stipa Ponytails. Also featured just about everywhere(even in little posies on tables) was the beautiful Astrantia. With plenty of shades to pick from I opted for 'Moulin Rouge' a gentle nod to one of mine & Hubby's favourite love film.


So much Choice!



The Floral Marquee was very dangerous territory! I was like a child in a sweetshop. A massive variety of plants on very impressive displays and also to purchase too. I only wish I had bought the rose that caught my eye when I first saw it. Sadly I missed out when we went back round again, but I am sure we will cross paths again. I did however pick up the beautiful Salvia 'Love&Wishes' used in the 'Romance in the Ruins' garden in the hope to have a little reminder of its beauty.




Beautiful Borders & Barrows





We had a wander outside were we went around the fantastic 'Meal in a Barrow' displays. What an amazing idea and inspired way to get children involved with growing from scratch & learning essential skills that should be compulsory! We then marvelled at the Beautiful Borders. They were definitely a collection of celebrations that were all delightful in their own way. You could really see and feel the past & present throughout. A lovely tribute to celebrate 50 wonderful years of Gardeners world.

An unexpected surprise!

The day was so hot we had to head inside to cool off. We couldn't have timed it any better as we noticed a big gathering around the Potting Shed stage. To my delight & surprise out stepped Monty Don!! I had to pick my jaw up off the floor. I got completely star struck. I couldn't believe that little old me was stood watching him in the flesh. He was so honest with how he feels about stepping into such a prestigious role, but I think he definitely holds his own and is a pleasure to watch along with Nigel and Nellie of course! I even got to watch the Skinny Jean Gardener in action on the Vegtrug stage being fabulously energetic and getting the children involved from the audience!


Sad Goodbye but....

After such an amazing day being swept along in the atmosphere and even meeting some lovely guys from Twitter & Gardentags ( Annabelle @Lifeatno27 and Kim Johnson aka Jonners73) it was sadly time to make the journey back home. As sad as I felt about leaving, my heart was full of happiness and ignited with more passion and inspiration! Gardening truly is my therapy and makes me so happy. I hope that others will feel inspired to get into their gardens and embrace everything it has to offer!

Until next time

N x

A Busy time

A busy time for gardeners

Well the sunshine finally arrived in Middlesbrough and it's been non stop since. The summer months bring some of the biggest rewards for gardeners of all levels, reaping the benefits of hard work on the lead up from sowing seeds,buying plugs,organising/planning borders,baskets and pots. BUT it's not quite time to sit back and relax(too much). A few important jobs that become part of my routine begin. The hotter weather means we have to feed feed feed those wonderful plants. Watering my plants has become a daily ritual which I prioritise at the top. Some days life takes over & I did forget once to get out which proved a bit costly! My fabulous baskets succumbed to the heat(you have never seen me run so quick to fastly grab the watering can to save them!!) thankfully they bounced back and look as radiant as ever and nothing stops me from forgetting again!! I also give them a liquid feed once a week (Miracle Gro all purpose soluble feed) that gives them the nutrients needed & helps flower growth.

Another top job to do (and I find this one super therapeutic) is dead heading. I knew it was a job that had to be done before I began gardening seriously but I fully understand why it is done. Not only does it stop your plants looking a little scruffy and drab, it encourages new growth which prolongs the plants giving you more time to enjoy them. There is something calming about pottering around checking on the plants picking up on any little issues or simply being proud of successfully  nurturing such a wonderful part of nature that brings extra lovely benefits to wildlife. Another little added benefit is being able to collect all of the fabulous seeds for future growing & possible gifting if you happen to run out of room!! 

         

 

I quickly want to show you some gorgeous plants I have managed to keep alive and are thriving(despite an ongoing war with slugs!) I can quickly become disheartened but having read tweets & posts on Facebook groups I've kept up with removing as many of the little critters as I can each night which is paying off. My little garden is becoming an abundance of colours and sweet smells. 

                                

            

I have a Gazania Hybrid, Crocosmia Monbretia, Verbena(compact variety) and the gorgeous 'Blacky' Fuchsia.

I shall let you enjoy them and hopefully anyone just starting out gardening like me can see how rewarding it is!!

Until next time 

N xx