Saturday 18 July 2015

... And Relax

Well, we've made it to the end of term here at The House With The Blue Door. Phew. D has finished her school year and so have I. I'm not sure who's more tired - the students or the staff! Ahead of us lie six whole weeks of summer holidays - hooray! It always takes me a few days to get into our new routine as the last days of term are so busy, so it takes a while to slow down and breathe. Yesterday evening's glass of wine in the garden was a good start.


We're at that time of year when the evenings are long and warm on a fine day, and despite some very humid and overcast weather this week, there's been some sunshine here and there. This morning was beautiful, warm with blue skies, and as I went into the garden to hang out the washing I felt very happy indeed.


I picked some raspberries and lavender while I was out there. My shed is calling to me. I'm planning on spending a good deal of creative time out there this summer.


I gave the flower beds a much-needed weed and then put some cosy blankets on the bench and sat under the apple tree for a while with a bit of crochet. I'll show you what I've been up to a bit later.


Our back garden is set apart and we can't see it from the house. We have a small paved area by the back door and as well as a small table and chairs, there are pots and containers which make a sort of little garden area. I pop out to pick the herbs for cooking, but there are also some colourful annuals too. Here are a few of them. The pelargoniums are at their best, as are the nasturtiums. I do love those round leaves.


This petunia couldn't be much more cheerful with its fabulous lilac trumpets.


And I'm really enjoying the deep, rich red of this pelargonium.


Best of all is this little passion flower 'Violacea'. I bought it in a supermarket in the spring for under £2, and am thrilled with its fabulous purple flower. I plan to put it in the garden, but it's tender so I'll have to think about where to put it over the winter. At the moment it's very happy in its pot.


Indoors on our dining table a bunch of Sweet Williams is filling the room with summer. I love to buy these gorgeous flowers every year. Relations of pinks and carnations, they have a faint clove-like scent and make me think of traditional cottage gardens.


Finally I shall share with you these rather lovely traditional 'British pudding' sweets. I'm not generally a fan of sweets, but these are so pretty they caught my eye. They come in three flavours: Eton Mess, Cherry Bakewell and Lemon Meringue, and have a bit of a 'retro' feel. They taste nice too.


Now I plan to put my feet up and spend a while catching up on blogs, and replying to all your lovely comments. See you soon x

20 comments:

  1. Phew indeed - it's so nice to be on a summer break now, isn't it? The passion flower is beautiful; I used to have one at the old house we lived at but haven't been able to keep one alive at this house. I really must try again as I miss having one in the garden! xx

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  2. Hurray for the end of term and a glass of wine in your lovely garden sounds like the perfect way to start the holiday. I love all your pot plants - we have a passion flower growing up the side of the house - it's taking over at the moment and could do with a good prune but I'll wait until it finishes flowering. Can't wait to see what you get up to in your shed! Enjoy your well earned break. xx

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  3. Enjoy your summer holidays, the last few weeks at school are usually crazy busy so sit back among the flowers and soak up the sun. Karen x

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  4. Your garden looks lovely, and it's pleasing to see you have time to relax in it.

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  5. I hope you have a wonderfully restful summer break. Spending it in your shed sounds just lovely, lots of crafting time x

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  6. The garden is looking gorgeous, a perfect place to relax and be a little creative. I love sweet williams as well, pretty summer flowers. Enjoy the rest of the weekend. CJ xx

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  7. Your garden is looking lovely and I hope you have many relaxing days in it during the Summer holiday. We have 3 more days to go at school yet but I am already getting that holiday feeling, bring it on! I have had a very busy month so am only just getting back into blog reading so I apologise for lack of comments on your recent posts, I intend to catch up over the next few days. xx

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    1. Don't worry Jan, life gets very busy sometimes and blogging has to take a back seat for a bit, especially in the summer when there' so much to see and do :)
      Cathy x

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  8. The long summer time is one of the only things I miss about being a teacher... I hope you get a lot of relaxing time and regain lots of energy. Your garden place looks a very good place for some quite hours!

    Take care
    Anne
    Crochet Between Worlds

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  9. I hope you have a wonderful summer, your garden looks as though it is all ready and will be a wonderful way to while away the summery days! xx

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  10. Crocheting in the garden in a lazy summer day. Heaven!
    Amalia
    xo

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  11. Lots of pretty summer flowers and a cosy bench to crochet on, what a fab start to your hols. Looking forward to seeing what you are making. Hx

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  12. We have 3 days left of school , I can't wait, it will be so lovely not to be rushing about to deadlines all the time. 6 weeks is too short though!
    Live your bench with blankets, very comfy looking. I hope you had a large glass of Pimms too :)
    Jillxoj

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  13. You have our patio table. Except ours has a fine green sheen caused by our Summer of Rain.
    It's warm enough chez vous to sit outside in the shade????
    Enjoy your hols - as the support team it's always good to get to the end of the school year.

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    1. Yes, we've only had it a couple of months - I'm waiting to see how well it wears. We've had some very warm weather lately and enough rain to keep the garden fairly well-watered. Sorry to hear about all your rain - wish I could send some sunshine your way!
      Cathy x

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  14. How lovely to sit on your bench with your blankets and your crochet. I think I shall have to emulate you.

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    1. Thank you for dropping by - it's lovely to meet you. Sounds like a good way to while away the summer!
      Cathy x

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  15. What a lovely post :) The garden looks so beautiful and peaceful, as soon as I step in ours I get stressed by the weeds at the moment! There is one nearly as tall as me... we are not keeping on top this summer! Enjoy the gentler summer routine, those last few weeks are always rather manic. Looking forward to seeing the crochet :) xx

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  16. What a lovely post! Glad you are enjoying the summer. We are three weeks in to the holidays over here and I love the later get-ups and the relaxed feeling in the house. No homework, no chasing, no running about! Love you patio pots and especially love the spotty jug!

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  17. I hope you're enjoying your summer break. I love the jug you put your flowers in.

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