Saturday 2 May 2020

Up the garden path

In the late hours of Friday before last, in their usual haphazard way, the Belgian government revealed their plans to relax the lockdown measures in three phases, starting 4 May. But while this should have resulted in a feeling of euphoria, I couldn't help but feel deflated, as I don't think we are quite there yet, and it's all a bit too much, too soon. I'm not going to go into any detail, but allowing all shops to re-open on 11 May does sound like madness to me, even if the necessary precautions are being taken. I might be wrong there, but I'm definitely not about to hit the shops any time soon!

In the meantime, we are still advised to stay at home as much as possible, so that's what we are doing!



For me, Thursday before last was the start of another balmy April weekend and, as you might recall from my last post, I had plans a-plenty! 

That's right, I was all ready for a spot of gardening! 

Selecting a dark green vintage skirt printed with a meadow of tiny white, beige and red flowers, my thoughts immediately went to this short-sleeved, Peter Pan-collared jumper I charity shopped earlier this year. But even gardening outfits need their accessories, so I pinned a green enamelled butterfly brooch to the jumper and added a funky red and white plastic necklace.


The sight of the box full of flowers I'd plonked on the garden table on Tuesday, with all their various colours, shapes and sizes, was making me all giddy, but there were a couple of other things I needed to do first.


I'd been thinking of ways to spruce up the "garden bathroom", which we can see from our kitchen window,  when I suddenly remembered the old washing powder drum full of marbles we'd brought back from the parental home. I put a generous layer of them into the washing bowl, and hey presto, instant colour!


Ready to pot up some of those plants, I gingerly opened the potting shed door to be met by ... utter chaos. 

What was once a neatly organized potting shed, with everything in its right place, had turned into a shed full of junk over the years. That needed to change before I could get started as I couldn't even access the stacks of terracotta pots on the shelves at the back.

So, while Jos was doing the weekly supermarket shop, I dragged out most of the shed's contents, and proceeded to recreate some kind of order.  I'm afraid I can't show you a photograph of all the mess, as I'd locked myself in with the mountain of stuff I'd created so that I couldn't go and get my camera.


I was just putting back the last of the things when Jos returned. After helping him put away all the shopping, it was time for a lunch of homemade soup.

By then, my hands were really itching to finally get planting!  I started by putting some shade-loving Busy Lizzies and Lobelias in the "garden bathroom", which is in the passageway next to our kitchen and hardly gets any sunshine. Some leftover Busy Lizzies were potted up separately and put in the safekeeping of the mossy white stone cat who lives on top of the corner shelf next to our dining room windowsill.

On the top right is the curry plant (Helichrysum italicum) which joined the lavender and Argyranthemum on the little table in a sunny spot at the back of the garden.

The little watering can on the bottom left is a plant marker!



We didn't alter the structure of Dove Cottage's garden after we moved in and it still has quite a few elements of the original rock garden it was before our time. At the back of the sunken area in the middle of the garden is a small circular platform, which is firmly cemented in place. When we moved in there was an ugly ornamental windmill on top of it and, while this was swiftly removed, the platform has come in handy for displaying potted plants.

This year, we opted for a big pot of butterfly lavender. After a brief inspection, Phoebe proceeded with more urgent matters.



Friday's job was planting up two wicker hanging baskets I'd unearthed from the potting shed.

They are hanging from the edge of the glass awning outside our back door. Both have Pelargoniums in them, which were joined respectively by Lobelia, Petunia and Calibrachoa or Million Bells.


And here's me in my gardening gear of the day, a short-sleeved frock in a Springlike green, blue and lilac watercolour print. There's the potting shed and the giant white currant behind me!

The box under the chair isn't just junk: it's Phoebe's refuge for when she's caught out in the rain!



I added a tan belt, a brooch with a green mottled stone, a necklace combining wooden and ceramic beads, and a stackful of bracelets and bangles. The middle one is one of those cheap things with various saintly images.

The hat served a double purpose, acting both as sun protection and camouflage for my unruly hair.

Apart from the new additions, there is plenty going on in our garden, including one or two surprises.



On the top left is one of the delicate dark purple blooms of Geranium phaeum, or dusky cranesbill. Originally planted in the border lining the paved garden path, it had now decided to move by self-seeding in a crack between the stones in front of our bench. Due to its rather precarious position, I added some protection in the form of two bricks and Venus, whom I found lurking beneath some plants.

Another prolific self-seeder is Aquilegia Nora Barlow (bottom right), with its frilly double flowers. It was cultivated by its namesake, Lady Barlow (1885-1989), a British botanist and Charles Darwin's granddaughter. 

Oh, and we'll have a glut of gooseberries too this year, as our prickly bush is full of tiny striped berries!



Time to stop and smell the roses! Or rather, the delicious aroma of curry plant!

Such a timeless quality to this photo, I think. It reminds me of those quintessential photos of Victorian and Edwardian lady gardeners. 

A slow start to the day on Saturday, as it was after lunch before I made it into the garden. I had been procrastinating as I had a bit of a daunting task to do, preparing the area in front of our bench for planting and digging in a couple of buckets of homemade compost from our compost bin.




Our lilac tree used to live here, with a magnificent winter-flowering Clematis armandii growing through it, but both of them sadly died on us, the Lilac finally succumbing as a result of all the weight it had been carrying over the years.

After preparing the area, I planted the ground-covering perennials I'd bought, which included two types of hardy Geranium, Campanula and Lady's Mantle (Alchemilla mollis). I will be adding more plants later.

The wire obelisk, used for the initial training for the Clematis, was hiding beneath the remains of the Lilac, and all but forgotten. I put it at the back of the new border to provide some height, planting some climbing Nasturtium seeds around it. 

After a good watering, I covered the most vulnerable of the plants with wire thingies to deter Phoebe's enthusiastic investigations. I've only got two of these, so they need to be shared and switched around once or twice until the plants are settled.



Sitting on the bench admiring my handiwork, I mentioned to Jos that it would be nice to put some annuals inside the obelisk to provide more interest. Trying out several options, we couldn't find a suitable receptacle until we hit upon the idea of using an old metal colander we had lying around in the basement. It was an old charity shop find we once used as a hanging basket!


These two small lilac coloured tin buckets were also playing hide and seek in the basement and turned out be perfect to suspend pots of Million Bells and Sanvitalia from some bare branches.

Another bad hair day was made better by tying a scarf in it, securing it with two floral hair clips.



And that just leaves the rest of my outfit! 

The day having had quite a chilly start, I opted for long sleeves, which weren't really necessary as the day progressed. I combined the red flower sprinkled blouse with a black floral skirt, adding a black and white woven belt to unite them.

More flowers appeared in my brooch, a heavy thing which doubles as a pendant. Finally, a multi-coloured wooden necklace and a pink plastic ring completed my outfit.

The day still had a surprise up its sleeve, but that will be for my next post! Oh, the suspense!

Until then, I'll end with the usual salute for these days, which is to keep safe and sane!



34 comments:

  1. The last outfit of your blog is lovely, I love the hair scarf, the accessories and also the colours, it really suits you.
    I've enjoyed your garden, I wish my gooseberry bush was more health, it has more lichen than berries this year. I love the cranesbill and aquilegia, cottage garden favourites and natural beauties.
    I agree with you about wanting to avoid shops, I'm in no hurry to visit them, we don't know yet when they will reopen but when they do I'll be hesitant.
    As always, stay safe xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Sally! I must say that I was pleased with how that final outfit turned out. I love cottage garden plants! And like our white currant bush, our gooseberry bush has been going totally crazy this year! xxx

      Delete
  2. cliff hanger. ts!
    congrats - you managed a head scarf and look fabulous! it suits you!!!
    love your gardening looks and yes - very british lady gardener. your little patch will look fantastic comes summer, you bought some gorgeous plants and did the right mix of perennieals and annuals.
    germany its opening too on mai 4th - and i´m too not very keen to go shopping. ok - shopping is not my hobby anyway, but at the moment i´ll keep away from crowded places as long as i can.....
    big hugs! xxxxxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Beate! So pleased that you love the mix of perennials and annuals. I'm trying not to go too crazy though. I did that when first had our garden, but I think I've learned from my mistakes! xxx

      Delete
  3. Our state is also re-opening on 4 May, but with some restrictions about sizes of groups, etc. The malls have already re-opened and like you, I won't be heading out to shop soon.

    The garden is really looking great. So much colour. Of course you're dressed in flowery finery as well. The colander was a good idea-I'll have to remember that next time I'm at a loss for something to plant in.

    Stay well.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Goody! Our shops will be re-opening tomorrow and although I haven't got any plans to go shopping, I will have to pass through some shopping streets after work to where Jos is picking me up. I've got my mask at the ready! xxx

      Delete
  4. Love your red top and maxi skirt combo. Lovely accessories as well. You have a lovely collection of brooches, you know. The watercolour print dress is stunning as well. Your garden looks amazing.
    As for shopping, I don't really feel I have a need for anything. I'm fortunate to have a husband who is willing to take the grocery shopping onto himself. I'm on immune suppressant medications so I don't plan to do any shopping any time soon, perhaps not at all. My brother told me that parents have started shopping clothes for their kids and justified it with the fact that kids grown up quickly but even if that is certainly true I think shopping online is a safer option right now. I'm really not in the mood for shopping online or not. I'm too tired for it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Ivana! My husband does the grocery shopping too. Apart from the garden centre, I don't feel the need to go shopping either, but unfortunately I'll be faced with some crowded streets when I go home after work! xxx

      Delete
  5. I love hanging baskets because, obviously, they are so British. You're garden made me think of a b&b in 2020 in Somerset. They had all hanging baskets and it looked so pretty. It was also a lovely b&b. With lots of cats everywhere and a sign that said that children were not allowed, they would eat them. Fabulous hey. Even when you work in your garden you look stylish as always!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They are indeed a very British thing! That B&B sounds delightful! xxx

      Delete
  6. Wow I love all your wonderful gardening outfits! You look amazing Ann. Great you have so many nice plants. I love lavender❤️ It's one of my favorites.
    A very huge hug Tina

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Tina! I love lavender too and would love to visit a lavender farm some day. We just bought some white lavender too! xxx

      Delete
  7. It's so interesting to see what containers can be used for planters and the variety seems to be endless. You have some lovely ones and I loved the marbles in the bowl.

    Your garden is really pretty and you have so many interesting plants; I love the dusky cranesbill and the aquilegia; I wish some would wend their way to my garden!

    Gorgeous outfits as always, I loved the last one especially the fab bangles you wore in the penultimate outfit photo.

    We're hoping to have some information about our lockdown easing measures by the end of the week. It won't come soon enough for me but the one thing I won't be doing is travelling by public transport or flying!

    Take care and stay safe
    xxxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Vronni! I do love using unusual containers for planting. The idea with the marbles was to make a kind of bee bath, something I'd seen on another blog. Our shops are re-opening tomorrow, with restrictions. We will have to wear masks in some, and only a limited number of people will be allowed at once. That's OK by me, but like you, I'm not about to used public transport any time soon! xxx

      Delete
  8. Hello Ann. Thankyou for the sticky beak around your garden. It's looking lovely. I have a fondness for nasturtiums, geraniums and lavender too, as they thrive in my garden. Your hanging baskets look great and what a great idea to use the metal colander. I might try that myself.

    I too am concerned about the rush to end lockdown restrictions. I feel like people are loosing their minds wanting business-as-usual so soon. So far here, there is no set date for restrictions to ease and I am grateful for that.

    Your outfits are beautifully playing matchy-matchy with your garden. One can never have enough floral, I say! Love your hair accessories too. I, unfortunately, took to the scissors, trying to add layers to my hair. Big mistake! Won't be doing that again anytime soon. Have a great week.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Suzy, and I totally agree that you can never have enough floral! I'm very concerned about people wanting to go back to normal too soon. I'd rather do without shopping for the foreseeable future! Oops about the hair. I cut my own hair when I was 18 and have learned my lesson! xxx

      Delete
  9. I love your first and last outfit, Ann! That first skirt is gorgeous and as always your accessories are fabulous! I love that necklace and butterfly brooch! That last outfit is so joyful, Ann! I love the mix of colours and prints and that scarf with clips looks fantastic! Your garden is looking beautiful, as is Phoebe, of course! Hope you have a wonderful week ahead, Ann. Take care! :) XXX

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much Sasha! I'm trying to make some new combinations, now that I have the time to do so. I love standing in front of my wardrobe and choosing my outfit at leisure! xxx

      Delete
  10. You've been busy in the garden, Ann! It's all looking fantastic. I especially love the lavender photo.

    It's scary to think that many places will be open. I'm hesitant for it all to go back to the way it was too quickly. X

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Jess, and I'm not looking forward to going back the way it was. But it'll be a long time coming, I think! xxx

      Delete
  11. You're definitely channeling the lady gardeners of past times! You always blend in with the beautiful blooms in your garden.
    I confess we also have a shed that has become a junk room. Much work to be done, though I hope not to lock myself in as it's full of spiders!!

    I think you're very sensible planning to keep away from shops for a while longer.

    Xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! I'm afraid we have another shed at the back of the garden which is even worse! xxx

      Delete
  12. Remember that book, garden people, I shared on my blog last year? I think you need a chaper all of your own. Your gardening outfits are fabulous, giving those gorgeous blooms a run for their money!
    Well done for tacking that shed, I'd not have been brave enough - sheds equal spiders!
    Love Phoebe's cute face as she has a wash and nice to Jos pop up, I've missed him!
    Can you believe we have the same stone cat? Mine was my grandma's. What are the chances?
    I don't blame you for avoiding the shops, we've done without them this long, what's the rush? Much better to stay safe and away from the non-distancing idiots.
    Stay safe and fabulous, dear Ann! xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh yes, I do remember that lovely book! I'm honoured that you think I should have my own chapter! I did approach tackling that shed with trepidation, I should add. I'd gladly stay away from the shops, if only I didn't work right at the edge of Antwerp's main shopping street! xxx

      Delete
  13. I think many people will stay at home, even when the shops open. People will be cautious, or at least some people will be, and it'll be those people who remain safe.
    It's lovely to see what you've been planting, and I have to say, you're very well dressed for a spot of gardening!
    xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Hazel! I do hope that people will be cautious and sensible. The shops have certainly made the necessary preparations to keep it as safe as possible. Still not planning to go on any shopping trips, though! xxx

      Delete
  14. They are starting to talk about things opening up here too - we have been VERY fortunate so far in that the COVID seems to have missed much of the population here. I'm actually planning on going shopping tomorrow, so stay tuned for an adventure!

    I loved reading of your garden adventures! I'm also admiring how you dressed up for gardening every single day! Well done, my dear! And you're successfully camouflaging your hair very well! I just booked a haircut for late June, so fingers crossed that will happen!

    I laughed at Phoebe's pink tongue. What a dear little princess she is!

    Your garden is looking wonderful - I love how cozy and welcoming it is!

    Hugs to you, my dear!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I loved your safe shopping trip. How I would love to do the same at Think Twice! We have made our garden even more welcoming in the meantime and have been sitting out in it for most of the weekend! xxx

      Delete
  15. such a lovely post!, love to see your gardening and all those flowers blooming around, the hanging baskets, the marbles, the metal colander and the tin buckets! your garden looks delightful!
    And love your outfits, love your red top and floral skirt with the cute green butterfly brooch, love your green and lilac dress (and you totally look like one of those Victorian ladies gardening in your cute hat!). And totally love your red shirt and how well it goes with your floral skirt, and your headscarf looks Fabulous. I do love that you added those floral hair clips, they add volume and look stunning!. Great idea!
    besos

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much Monica! At the moment, our garden is one of the things that are keeping me sane. Adding the floral hair clips prevents the scarf from slipping and sliding all over my hair. xxx

      Delete
  16. I really like that second outfit, it's such a pretty dress! It's impressive your stores are reopening so quickly! A lot were given the opportunity to open last week here but I haven't been out of the house to see how many that means! We have been taking advantage of online grocery deliveries opening up to avoid leaving!

    Hope that your week is off to a good start! :) We are on week 6 of staying at home but they have started to lift some restrictions which is nice! :)

    Away From Blue

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. At one hand, I'm glad that some kind of normality is being reinstated, but at the same time, it all depends on how sensible people act. To be honest, when looking around, I'm not sure I have too much faith in that! xxx

      Delete
  17. ALL the shops!?!?!? It seems that a lot of governments are putting the economy before safety!
    Your garden really does look gorgeous and I do like your Aqualegia!! Yours is so much prettier than mine!
    That's a nice hat!!! I do like to see hats being worn!!x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm afraid so! I didn't feel comfortable at all going home on Monday, the first day they were open. My Aquilegia is a special cultivar, and a double-flowered one, but I do love all kinds of Aquilegia! xxx

      Delete