A month in photos...

This last month has flown by in a whirlwind of visits, visiting, DIY and work.  The combination of all of this makes for a lazy blogger.  My solution is an update in photos.

Learning to bake bread.

Enjoying evening walks.

Taking in the carpet of bluebells in our local wood.

Celebrating my sister's birthday with a cocktail.

Marvelling at the porcelain flowers at the Chelsea Flower Show.

Wild flower envy at the Chelsea Flower Show.

Flower garlands decorate a stand at Chelsea.

A Mexican feast courtesy of Mr E.

Basking in the glorious glow of the gorse on the beach at my parents.

Orchids and an old pot...

There isn't really much to this post to be honest but I thought I'd share my latest addition to our sitting room. The pot is an old copper planter that my parents have had for years.  They've had it in their house for as long as I can remember, housing a variety of plants through the years.

As our new house is still looking a little sparse (we've moved from a modest two-up-two-down to a 5 bedroom house complete with sitting room, dining room and study) I asked if I might lay claim to the planter. I've seen lots of similar displays in florist's windows and for sale and fancied recreating it myself.  At the moment Marks & Spencer have their orchids on sale so I took the opportunity and bought three.  They are a perfect fit for the pot and the shape of it hides their plastic tubs perfectly.  It is by pure chance that the individual heights of the plants work so well together.

I'm so pleased with this that my next project will be to plant up some of my vintage china.  I have a lovely blue and white tureen that would rather suit some daffodils.

Remains of the bouquet...

As my sister was heading straight off on honeymoon I was lucky enough to take her bouquet home along with my own.  I now have a beautiful collection of peonies, yellow roses and fresias adorning my mock-mantlepiece.

I love the random collection of vases that I have had to use to accommodate them all and the mellow colours look wonderful against the dark wood.

Magnolia and more magnolia...

Each morning I cycle through a street in Teddington that by design, or beautiful coincidence, is lined with Magnolia trees.  They go from pure white to bright pink but are always elegant and somehow regal.

There are so many that I imagine at one time they must have been very much in fashion and anyone who was anyone had one planted in the front garden.  Whatever the reason I very much enjoy my trip though Magnolia Lane every morning.

A little bit of spring...

It feels like Spring is almost with us, there are blue skies, leaves on the trees and crocus and daffodils popping up all around.

To help Spring along I like to bring a little of what it has to offer inside.  I love to have flowers in every room and own an assortment of vessels to house them in; I have everything from the traditional vase, multi-purpose jug and humble jam jar.  

These beautiful blooms are currently cheering up my Teddington flat.