Journal

My Mother’s Garden

Today is my Mum’s birthday.  I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to give her the kudos she deserves by sharing a little bit about her.  One of my favourite photos from childhood is me sitting in amongst a beautiful bed of Dahlias on Mum’s knee.  We are both looking very pleased with ourselves and have […]

Once in a Blue Moon

There are so many beautiful blue and purple flowers around at this time of year.  Yesterday, I picked a bouquet from Betty’s garden which was brimming with blues – lavender, love-in-the-mist, scabiosa, bride gladiola, campanula.  While working, I drunk in the sight and scent of lots of other spring flowers that, while fleeting, are truly lovely.  The […]

Knight in Shining Armour

Spring is here again and, as I am every year, I’m captivated by the emerging flowers of the spectacular Poor Knights lily. Rugged, adaptable, tolerant and good looking heroes of the human variety may be few and far between, but this plant fits all these criteria and more. Planted in a very free draining soil, […]

A Kind of Magic

What a glorious scene at the Greenwood Medical Centre today. The display of Prunus campanulata enthralls passers-by, staff, and locals, year after year. I’ve found the blossom particularly beautiful this year, and with a week of fine weather coming up it can only get better. Tuis swoop from tree to tree, daffodils and polyanthus flower […]

Australian Idol

There are so many great gardens, designers, and styles. From ancient times people have utilised outdoor spaces to relax, connect with nature, and express their individuality and culture. Yesterday evening I was indulging in one of my favourite guilty pleasures – I checked out a selection of international magazines, always available at the wonderful Auckland […]