The Green Bedroom

At long last, the Green Bedroom is up and running (since the beginning of July).

I've had a couple of families with young-ish children (aged about 8 - 14) stay in the Green Bedroom, with their parents staying in the Red Bedroom, and it has worked very well as the bedrooms are just along the corridor from each other.

Both the Red Bedroom and the Green Bedroom have working shutters (rather than curtains) which gives a crisp look to the rooms, and the Green Bedroom has window seats which are a nice place to sit and read a book (or the electronic equivalent).

 

The best things in life are Orange

I'm very fond of this nasturtium, which appeared a few years ago, and is looking particularly nice this year.  It clashes with everything around it, but somehow I rather like that.

Another nice orange thing around the place, is sometimes to be found having a quick look at guests as they walk through the garden upon arrival.  She just quietly looks through the cat flap - her window onto the world - then goes back to sleep in the snug (guests use a different door, so don't worry - you won't need to step over the dog on your way in!)

Summer Evenings

It is so nice to potter around the garden in the evening, with the sunlight adding a soft glow to the proceedings.

One of my favourite plants at the moment is a total freebie - a self-seeded snapdragon, with lovely 2-tone orange/yellow flowers.

Another of my favourites is a rambling rose which we bought about 5 years ago, and it has just settled in and grown year by year.  This year, it needed serious support, as it is nearly as high as the wall.  It is gradually taking over the back of the border, in a quite delightful way.

The evening ends with a little light watering of the tomato and chilli plants in the greenhouse, and recently planted seedlings in the garden (with lots of slug pellets required, unfortunately, as slugs and snails seem to be rampant this year, possibly the result of the mild winter).

Turquoise Photos

I'm looking for more photos to illustrate the Turquoise Suite.  The Red Bedroom is more dramatic, but the Turquoise Suite is a lovely calm relaxing space, so I want the photos to give the impression of space, serenity, style and comfort.

First Cut of Spring

Just cut the lawn - first cut of this Spring.  Instantly the garden looks a bit spruced up, and somehow greener.

Tulips are getting going (not quite soon enough for last weekend's guests), the magnolias are flourishing and the aubretia is looking very fine (must plant more).  Lovely weather for sitting out in the garden and enjoying a cup of coffee.

Breakfast for Five

Five people for breakfast today!  Quite a logistical exercise, which I did OK, but could definitely do better.  I think (yet another) checklist is on the way.

Another first - I had to turn away a request for B&B with "I'm sorry, but I'm fully booked".  Shame, because they were a nice couple who had stayed before.  At least I didn't frighten them off last time.

I thought I might put a photo of the fully-laid table onto the web site, and will probably include one of the following photos - one has a better view of the herb garden (and shows off the flowering quince) the other is a bit lighter, shows the rug, and gives a glimpse of the rest of the garden.

I will also include a photo of the other side of the room, which is much lighter, so you can see things a bit more clearly.  You can't really see the things on the shelves, but, then again, does that matter?

And finally, one of the sideboard, with lots of healthy (and delicious) things on top.  At least it looks as though it's been polished - nice little reflections showing.

Springtime Strolls

I love going into the garden on a sunny Spring day.  There is a little corner where some miniature daffodils and primulas are thriving.  This is my coffee-time bench, which is when it catches the sun.

The quince is just coming out - I think it will be at its best in a few days, but it catches my eye every time I walk past.

The copper beech will come into its own in a month or so, but even without any leaves, the little blue scillas look great alongside the daffodils.

And finally, my favourite bit of the garden in spring is the Apple Tree Walk.  Old gnarled apple trees covered with lichen and the pretty primulas flourishing beneath.