Category: Garden
Le weekend x
With the lockdown starting to fray, we wanted the kids to experience the stillness of London before it’s officially bubbling again, so we biked through the virtually empty roads all the way to Trafalgar Square, a 20 km round route (I have saddle arse to prove it). The only thing to interrupt our peace were the all the gear, no fear mamil brigade, the blinkers of self-interest firmly down. I saw three almost accidents, their speed seemingly taking precedent over a slower decision maker ahead. Given the freedom of the roads, the nature of the situation, it felt greedy and uncalled for.
Trafalgar Square felt like a movie set from a post apocalyptical film. It wasn’t just that there were no people there, the pigeons had left as well.
The weather wasn’t great, so I painted inside. Since completing Carla Sonheim’s online class on flower portraits, I’ve become obsessed with painting all things plant.
I think I want to do a proper painting, a large one: The dark filtered light down below, the open sky above.
Can’t for the life of me think what it represents…
Laters, Kate x
Layabout 2!
So Monday’s post was about soft, squishy, adaptable garden chairs and this photo made the prime slot. But there’s no pattern. But I don’t think it would be too hard to deconstruct: Two box cushions for the seat, make first. Two side cushions, once done will give measurements for back cushion. Finish with leather buckles at side and back. I’m sure those with more skill than me can even pipe the edges…I may give that a go!
This looks like a piece of foam cut to size, versus bean bag beads for stuffing or foam bits. In many ways it’s is a simpler design, but possibly harder on the sewing? Again, I would replace the velcro with the leather straps.
And then there are variations on a theme!
As and When I make, I will post again!
Laters, Kate x
Layabout x
I’ve been exploring garden living, the sort that is lush, soft and forgiving, but then also thinking beyond just summer use to multi-functional, multi-family use…
What’s interesting is the prices – we’re talking generally from £500 upwards..the same price as armchairs with the wooden structure inside.
The set above? £1499 from Maison Du Mode. I’ve seen the Sewing Bee…this is not hard sewing.
So I’m thinking maybe I’ll make my own. And combine the best of what I see.
I love this design, lay it out and it’s a large, lounging cushion, close the leather straps and it’s a chair.
Imagine in ticking…
(All pics Pinterest)
Or a striking Peruvian weave….
And repurposed in the Children’s rooms during the winter months….
Food for thought.
Laters, Kate x
Yin and Yang x
The good news is my window boxes are the best they’ve ever been….It’s amazing what watering every day will do…
The bad news is I should’ve taken the picture before I watered them.
The good news is my climbing rose is chocka with an abundance of buds.
The bad news: Because of the mild winter, they’re covered in aphids…sad face emoji
Good news: Charlie and I planted a whole load of seeds.
Bad news: Three weeks later and I think we’re cultivating weeds.
Or they’ve died.
The good news: My plant delivery finally arrived!
Bad news: Why are they always so much smaller in reality?
Good news: Finally got the wall painted black.
Which is a good thing….as it distracts from the newly christened ‘Comb-over’ Tree.
Bad news: The husband ‘pruned’ it..it once was the luscious twin to this one climbing the wall..
The good news: It has a bud!
Bad news: It’s sorely needed…
The good news: The garden is becoming a haven.
The bad news: The barbecue has just collapsed.
But the good news? It’s a job for the husband…and might just keep him away from my plants….
Laters, Kate x
Be Prepared x
The news here in London is that the kids are still going to school, but things are very quiet; it’s like the calm before the storm. Time button down the hatches and prepare. I’m going to see what garden centres are still open, find seeds, little things that can grow into big things and be nurtured, things that will mark the passing of time in a positive way.
The other thing on my list is art supplies: For those already stuck indoors, Carla Sondheim does a series of brilliant art courses that work if you want to invigorate your creative juices, or you’ve never painted or drawn before. There are both pay for options and free, for adult and children alike.
Where I can, I’ll be getting all my supplies from independent shops, not Amazon: If we don’t use them, we’ll lose them.
Laters, Kate x
Blooming Marvellous x
I never like this time of year; the glitter and sparkle of Christmas has been packed away, the weather is cold, grey, rain, the garden is sleeping, the shops are full of unwanted crap, and Netflix has been over eaten to the point of explosion. But there is a little silver lining, a sliver of what’s to come, the turning of the tide: Indoor bulbs. Now is the time to raid charity shops, find big bowls and fill with your hearts delight.
(All pics Pinterest)
The second wave of wonder is, once they’re over, they can be planted in the garden. And the bowls are ready for giant summer salads…
Laters, Kate x
Leaves, left, gone..
First came the stone art post, little gems of time and love, nestled in their creative blankets. Now it’s leaves with crochet. Moments of change caught forever; the turning of the tide from summer to autumn, the passing of another year. Less decoration, more frosting, ice crystals made permanent. Delicate representations of fragility and tenderness.
(All pics Susanna Bauer and Pinterest)
Because why does purpose always have to lead?
Laters, Kate x
Garden Pod Planning..
In moments of lull I return to the task of designing the pod for the garden: This summer is on it’s downward slide, which should be the siren call to have it planned and built all ready for next so I wonder why I haven’t yet done it. Is it because there’s an acceptance that the journey is the richest bit? In my mind, the excuse I’m offering up is that I’m tussling between two strong statements – modern and boho. I don’t know if it can be both. I take each element on it’s own and turn it round, looking at it from every side, weighing up the pros and cons. Do they cancel each other out? I know I want two thirds to be a seated pergola with a covered roof but with walls that would filter the light, to provide respite and privacy. Is the choice modern simplicity that’s kind on the purse? Or is this a last hurrah that requires something a little more?
(All pics Pinterest)
Laters, Kate x
Patios x
(Still away – another re-post – because the summer should be about creativity)
Saw this on Pinterest and thought, what a brilliant idea for a Garden Patio, particularly when the budget doesn’t stretch to tiles, but even when it does – because tiles crack and fashions change but paint is cheap and cheerful.
Particularly like the white on dark..
And you can even make your own..
Laters, Kate x
Midsummer x
Midsummer’s day on Friday and the weather finely got the message, though looking out of the window now, the air is thick enough to slice and grey storm clouds are gathering. Which probably explains the English fascination with tents and gazebos: a place to escape from life and rain, somewhere full of hope and nostalgia that remains a little bit of summer no matter what.
(All pics Pinterest)
These are all from the Raj Tent Club – the creme de la creme of canopies, but I’ve always had the urge to create my own…
Laters, Kate x
Maison Bentley Style 
