Nature in the Home - a series... (Week 16)

image by Claire from Just a little less

Hello!

Sorry I'm a little late (again) with today's post, but it was such a glorious day I felt I needed to be outside and  adventuring.  I will tell you all about it soon, it involved flowers and more flowers - perfect day!.

Last week's subject was 'favourite plant' and I really loved seeing roses, dandelions, grannies bonnets, and a spiky willy (yes you Annie, lowering the tone!).  My link up looks so pretty with all the different species that you dearly love.

I chose Claire's plant for my favourite of the week, because of the light and also because indoor plants don't necessary shine at this time of year as we are all focussing on our outside blooms.  Claire also tells us to try putting our indoor plants outside at this time of year.  Go see....

I am so looking forward to seeing how 'a gift' has been interpreted for this week - any birds eggs?  Feathers?  Gifts from Mother nature herself?

next week 'white'

Nature in the Home - a Series... (Week 15)

Image by Bethan of Decorators Notebook

Hi There!

Apologies for my lateness this morning, was listening to Rufus' class read.  Gosh they are a bright bunch of kids.  Level 5 in reception - mind blowing.

Anyway, how are we all doing?  Last week's hedgerow challenge was super sweet and super hard for those outside the UK.  I hadn't realised this when I set the task.  Sorry guys!  But, you all did rise to the challenge and nailed it.

Loved:  Karen's honeysuckle and cow parsley arrangement (English countryside at its best), Claudia's Miami take on hedgerow (the colour of those leaves!!), Sarah's lichen covered branches, Bee's blue jug of buttercups & clover and Jill's bountiful displays in gorgeous vases.

Thank you all for joining in.  I'd like to mention that anyone at any time can join us.  You can dip in and out each week too, this series is open to all, from all corners of the globe.  You are most welcome.

So, this weeks challenge was 'your favourite plant' - I'm really looking forward to this.  Talking to Lottie in her garden last week, she has many roses and peonies, these are her favourites, I wonder what she'll choose?  Mine will probably be Merlin... I feel an update coming on!

Next weeks challenge:

a gift

(clue:  for a friend, for yourself, from mother nature - something unexpected)

good luck!

Nature in the Home - a series... (Week 14)

Image via Floor Number Four

Hi there!  Last weeks challenge was green.  I thought it was going to be a little tricky for you, green flowers?!  But again you have all risen to it and surpassed yourself.  It was soo hard to choose an image for the week as all entries were brilliant.

I loved how Natalie chose to show the beauty of fresh young leaves, Charmaine cheekily added cowparsely to her herbs (which is a greeny/white flower), what I adored was the greenest of all green flowers the Euphorbia, hats off to Sarah, Polly,& Claudia for their contribution.

So this week you had the challenge of hedgerow, apologies if this was a little vague, I was thinking on my feet and surrounded by gorgeous hedgerows on holiday it is what came to me at the time.  I hope you all managed to find something?

Next weeks challenge:  Your favourite plant

Have a wonderful week, see you next Wednesday!

x

Nature in the Home - a series... (Week 13)

Image via Lapin Blu

Hi there!
Last theme for Nature in the Home was pink - and oh you totally excelled yourself! Such a delicious variety of plants.  It was beautiful.  Thank you!

So I set the challenge two weeks ago for GREEN!

How did you all do?
Exciting. x

edit:  I forgot to let you know the challenge for next week: HEDGEROW

Also to answer Maria's query - this series will carry on and on (if you want)... I am seeing richer colours like reds and yellow in the summer, oranges and deep plum in the autumn (why not show us your harvest), and on into winter when we bring in boughs of greenery for Christmas.  Why not?  It's fun isn't it?

Nature in the Home - a series (week 12)...

Image by Lisbeth of Smilrynker

I love this image.  Blooms foraged from the garden, gently laid out on a pretty vintage plate.  It is so delicate and the colours are so vivid.

Lisbeth's blog is one of my very favourites and we have followed each others lives for many years now. She lives in Denmark in a uniquely decorated home, living a waldorf inspired gentle life with her gorgeous family.  She has such great taste and I LOVE her sense of style, her wardrobe is to die for!. In Denmark, Spring has just arrived after the snow, what a wonderful time that must be.  Pop over and see what I mean!

So - I gave a theme of Pink for this week.  I am looking forward to seeing how this has developed.  Pink is such a happy colour, it helps with depression you know?  So lay it on me... bring on the pink.

Next week - Green.... foliage and green flowers (hard one eh?!).

Good luck.

x

Nature in the Home - a series... (Week 11)

Sorry I am a little late today for the link up.  These weeks are seeming to fly by at the moment.

Last Wednesday it was May Day.  So, following the Pagan tradition I filled some tiny jam jars of small blooms from the garden, Cowslips, Forget me Knots & Primroses.  Tied some garden twine around the neck of the jar to make a handle and hung them on my friends doors as a surprise.

Partly to welcome in May and more so to let them know I appreciate their friendship.  One friend said I was like a May Day fairy... I liked that!!  I think it is a tradition I am going to keep and would love to see it spread across the globe.  It made me happy to do it and my friends felt happy too.  A small gesture of flowers... that's all.

So how did we do?  I am loving the foraging, you guys are great at finding some beautiful things.  This week.... I've been thinking on a theme.  Shall we have a colour?  So for next weeks image - PINK!!

Go for it.... what will you find.

See you next week.

x

Nature in the Home - a series...

Image by Lynne of Papermash

Oh wow!  Last weeks link up was incredible, thank you so so much for joining in and foraging.  I loved everyone of your posts.  Each one bought a great feeling of joy.

This weeks image is by Lynne of Papermash.  She really went for it.  Secateurs in hand off she went and snipped some of the prettiest blooms.  So beautifully displayed, what do you expect from a super stylist.  Lynne owns the best shop Papermash - if it's beautiful stationery you are after, this is your shop!

I wish I could have everyone's image up here from last week. I could have picked all of them - you are talented bunch!  I loved Polly's bright yellow and foraged arrangements, Nell's (Phiney's) hand picked delicate flowers, Doris' Fuscias, Milina's warm autumn display, Lisbeths little cup of Violets.  Heck I loved them all!!!  I am sure you must have your favourites.  Do tell?

Ok - last week we agreed that theme's were a good thing.  I am going to think on that.  But this week... I think another Forage.  Lets really go for it.  Something we don't normally gravitate to.  A bunch of interesting leaves, a fir cone, if you head to the beach what will you find?

Also - today is the 1st of May - May Day!  I recently read this article from Darling Magazine - about giving gifts to your friends and neighbours on May Day.  So maybe our foraged treats could be given to your nearest and dearest?  Just a thought. It really is a lovely idea.

Can't wait.  Thank you all for playing along, it really is the highlight of my week!

Foraged, a gift for a friend...

This week I foraged for my Nature in the Home series. All of these beautiful blooms I found in my back yard.  I was astonished when I actually trained my eye past the plastic toys that lay discarded from a boy game.

Tiny yellow flowers of the Cow Slip and the bluest of blue of the Forget me Knot and Muscari, pushing up through the soil.  I think these two colours are Spring; Yellow and Blue.  I picked some foliage, long curly fronds of the Honeysuckle and the Winter Flowering Jasmine, it adds to the bouquet, giving it height and interest.  

Tied with a simple twine bow I gave it to my dear friend who has been feeling under the weather.  I love that small pickings foraged from my yard bought her joy.

Flowers always make people better, happier, and more helpful; 

they are sunshine, food and medicine for the soul.

Botanist Luther Burbank

I will be back tomorrow with this weeks link up...

Nature in the Home - a series... (Week 9)

Image via Caroline of Scraps of Us

Hello!

This weeks image is a beauty! This creative display is by Caroline of Scraps of Us and is of  her inspiration wall in her studio. I love that she has a pink hyacinth in a test tube tied to the wall and a couple of pretty seed heads taped up alongside paint swatches & scraps of fabric.  It is truly beautiful.  I've been on ebay to look for a test tube of my own.  Imagine a row of them lining the hall way - wouldn't that be gorgeous with a simple tulip stem in each?

So, how did we all get on with my foraging challenge?  I am excited to see some really creative and unusual plants gathered from all corners of the globe.  I can't wait!  I am looking forward to showing you what I've found.. later in the week for that.

Did you like a challenge?  Shall we do more?

I was thinking we could pick a colour and show that... or would that be too limiting?  What do you think?

Let me know - I am open to suggestions.

Nature in the Home - a series... (Week 8)

Image via Paisley Summer

It's week 8 of our Nature in the Home link up.  Week 8!  Two months have flown by and we have seen some beautiful arrangements in some beautiful homes by beautiful people!!  Thank you for joining in.

This weeks image is by Penny from Paisley Summer.  She picked these blooms from her garden (UK people, Penny lives in Australia this is why she has roses in bloom - we will be there soon!).  Her hand picked flowers has really inspired me, such juicy hues... 

This week, I am determined not to buy cut flowers and forage for something from my own back yard.  Or even cut some blossom from a tree in the park (at the dead of night so I won't get told off!).   Nature in the Home was never meant to be about spending money, more about finding something natural be it a leaf, feather, a branch of blossom, or giving a neglected house plant a chance to shine!  

So this weeks challenge:  Go forage!  Will you join me?

Nature in the Home, a series... (Week 7)

Image by Andrea - Little Buckles

I loved seeing all the posts of last week.  Such happiness in every image.  Thank you all of you for joining in, and giving such positive support to all.  It is fun isn't it?

The image above is by Andrea from Little Buckles (and the minty colour is inspired from her blackboard wall, go see it's lovely).  I adore her image of the broken Cherry Blossom, as blossom is a rare sight around these parts.  Spring being so late arriving.  

This week I noticed several other places mentioning the plant trend - (did we start it?  I like to think so!).  Holly Becker over on Decor8 recently blogged about her obsession with indoor plants.  Holly, please join us!

Also Toast posted about their recent Spring launch using flowers from the Flower Appreciation Society.  Those arrangements are truly breathtaking.

And - Kinfolk.  Beautiful Kinfolk, are holding gatherings around the world called Flower Potluck - workshops on flower arranging and food - oh I wish I was going to the London one.

So, lovely friends we are in great company!  I hope this inspires you all to keep going and finding new ways to arrange, to forage and choose your blooms and fall in love with house plants.  I cannot wait to see next week.

Have a lovely week.

on my mantle...

There is a lot going on in this image.

Merlin the Pilea - waving.
The deepest red tulips in my mid-century teapot.
Postcard from Flora, a picture of her succulents.
Quartz and Amethyst crystals from my travels in India.
Fir cone from walks with my sons.
Number plate from here.
Vintage rose coloured tea glass and broken bloom from last week.
Shell from my travels around the South Pacific.
Star fish from a shop in Padstow.

All natural (not the sign or crockery) - but the others are.
Just different ways to have Nature in the home.
Will you join me?

Nature in the Home - a series...(Week 6)

Image via Lemonstale

I suppose it's not really a surprise that I chose Janie's gorgeous Pilea image.  They really are the most beautiful little plants, I love them.
I am so sorry I didn't get round to visiting everyone's blog this week to see your contribution... being ill was rubbish for that!  But I will make it my mission this week.
So, will you have Easter displays or are you over it?  What new plant do you have at home?  Any flowers growing in your garden that you've bought in?

I cannot wait to see!!

healing yellow buds & tea...

This past week I have been feeling unwell.  An eye infection, that caused my face to swell, terrible headaches - then strong tablets, not sleeping and weeping eyes.

It has been horrible.

But with the help of Dan, his constant care, cooking healing foods, big hugs, taking me for slow walks in the watery sunshine, being the main parent with the care of the boys - I am now on the slow mend.  This weekend he came home with the best healing gift a girl could wish for - bright yellow tulips and soothing smoky Da Hong Pao tea.

I am feeling much better now.

Thank you Dan.

This is my contribution to Nature in the Home.
Tea Cup is by my friend Laetitia and you can find it in her shop: Mamzelle Titoo
Traditional Chinese Gaiwan Teapot from here.

Nature in the Home - a series...(week 5)

Hello!

How are you doing?  I'm enjoying my little blog break, but I am popping in today with Nature in the Home.

This weeks image is by my lovely friend Lottie of Oyster & Pearl blog.  I love this image, I can smell those Freesias from here.  The way black background really makes these pretty flowers stand out.  Gorgeous!

Last week there was an amazing 32 contributors!  I am overwhelmed by the support and the beauty you guys are bringing into your home at this time of the year.  Please do keep them coming, it has been wonderful.

If you'd like to join in this week please click on the button below, I can't wait to see what you have been up to.  Oh and if you would like a Nature in the Home button on your blog, please click and save the button over there on the right and add it to your layout.

x

Nature in the Home - a series... (week 4)

Hello!
My love of Tulips will never fade.  Even when the blooms are open and about to crash they are still gorgeous to me.
This past week 24 people contributed to Nature in the Home.  We saw gorgeous vibrant displays from down under from Milina of Little Red Vikings, Imogen and Allison of Just Underneath showed us that leaves can be just as bright and showy as flowers - that pink!

Closer to home I loved Beth's images of her Mother's Day bouquet and Caroline's (Patchwork Harmony) DIY tutorial on giving a simple teapot a geometric twist. She then filled it with pink tea roses.  Heaven.

Image by Caroline of Patchwork Harmony

Thank you to everyone who has been playing along, and for your lovely encouraging comments.  I am loving this series and it seems you are too!  So - are you playing along this week?

x

meet the newest member of my home..

Here he is, meet Merlin.  Merlin because he's a bit magic. (I could have gone with Derren or Paul!! (not) god am I going mad!?)

I think my little plant is rather cute, it looks like he's waving at me.  Hi!

In the bottom image is my succulent called Blue - Merlin and Blue together on the sideboard (with the dust).

Ok I'll shut up now.  

My new plant was given to me by my neighbour after she saw I had pinned one of these plants on Pinterest.  She took a cutting from a plant she had lovingly cared for, for many years.  Isn't she kind?  Nice to have such friendly neighbours isn't it?

This is my contribution to this weeks  Nature in the Home.  Hop over and see what everyone is doing.

x

Nature in the home- a series...

Image via Laura of Circle of Pine Trees

What is going on with this weather?!  Here in the UK we thought Winter had disappeared, this week it has returned with vengeance, biting our hands and whipping our faces with blustery snow blizzards.

It's the poor spring flowers I feel sorry for.  Last week primroses and daffs opened their yellow faces to the sun, now they are bowing their heads against the ice.  brrrr.

Thank you to everyone who took part in last weeks link up.  It was an absolute pleasure hopping over to see your homes, plants and bouquets.

I love everything in Pippa's house EVERYTHING!  Her macrame, whoooo! And Andrea peeping her little growing babe into the shot, so precious.  To be honest, I just love seeing everyone's entry, it makes me so happy!

What did you love to see when you visited?  The image above is by Laura of Circle of Pine Trees.  Those tiny little yellow flowers in that stunning vintage blue bottle, it just sums up spring, Primroses and daffs.

So, what will you add this week?  I have a new plant in the house.  My kind neighbour has just given me a cutting from her plant which has had since she was at Uni.  Such a lovely gift, I must really look after it.  I will take a photo and post about it when we get some decent light.

For some inspiration please have a look at my Nature in the Home pinterest board.

So over to you.... have fun!  I am really looking forward to seeing yours.

Weekend...

Hello!

How you doing? Good I hope.

Yesterday whilst walking home from a day out, Lottie spotted these Violets growing in the garden of a run down house (squat) - pretty aren't they.  So we each picked a few to take home.  The glass I found in a skip a couple of years ago it's 1950's I think.  (I've just realised this makes me sound like I frequent squats and skips - I don't honest!).

This image is my entry for this weeks Nature in the Home.  I look forward to seeing yours.

So, it's Saturday, I love Saturday mornings, slowness takes over the house, hanging around in pyjamas listening to music, drawing dragons and drinking coffee - what's not to love.

But the lure of family fun will soon drag us outside.  I think as the weather is grey, wet and cold we are going here, and then soon after I am going here (I wish!).

Tomorrow it's Mothers Day... so we will be visiting grandparents to take flowers and homemade cards.  And then I am having some quality ME time (whatever that means?!)

So whatever your plans are - do have a lovely weekend.  And if you get some pretty booms take a photo, blog about it and add them to my Nature in the Home link up on Wednesday... I can't wait to see what you come up with.

x

Nature in the home - a series...

Image via Georgie of Violet & Green

Hello!

How are you all this Wednesday?  Good I hope.  It is time once again for Nature in the Home link up.  Last week we hopped over to see some gorgeous homes and pretty spectacular plants and flowers.  

The image above is by Georgie, I love how she has arranged these beautiful orange tulips against that grey wall and by doing so highlighting the orange in the print above - simple yet really effective.  Isn't it wonderful!?

I have really enjoyed seeing everyone's posts, and thank you so much for joining in with me.  Each week I am going to pick one image (and with your permission) have it as the image for the next week's post.  Won't that be wonderful!!?  I am really excited.  So get your thinking caps on and get snapping.

So will you be joining me again this week?  I really hope you do.  If you would like to grab a button for your blog you can copy and paste the HTML coding over there on the right and simply insert in to the layout of your blog.  (if you need some help just email me).

So over to you!

Have a lovely week.

x