The Beth Chatto Gardens

So, Chelsea Flower Show is almost upon us  - I don't have a ticket for the show this year but I will be spending every night next week glued to the television to soak up the atmosphere & note anything that can be applied to my own small garden.

On a gardening note, a few weeks ago we went to a wedding in Essex & had the following day free to explore.  The obvious choice was to head to the coast but then I discovered we were very close to The Beth Chatto Gardens.  I knew my husband wouldn't be too keen to visit yet another garden but I managed to persuade him with the prospect of fantastic cake in the coffee shop.

I had heard alot of the award winning Chelsea designer over the years so it was a privilege to final visit her garden.  She started it in 1960 & has developed it over the years from overgrown wasteland into a gardeners paradise.  You won't find manicured borders here - everything had a very naturalised planting scheme that seems to have evolved from a very organic thought process.  There are four clearly defined areas to the garden - the famous gravel garden, a woodland area, a water garden formed of natural ponds & a scree garden.  I was very pleased as I walked around that quite a few of the key plants are ones that I already have in my own garden.  That certainly didn't stop me from spending in the nursery afterwards!  We took the opportunity to take lots of photographs for future inspiration.  If you are heading in that direction & like gardens then it is well worth a visit - or you could just go for the carrot & banana cake - it didn't disappoint either.

 Ajuga reptans

 rhododendron

 primula japonica

 bergenia

Myosotis 'forget-me-not'

Jocelyn Brown at The St John Sessions

Last week I went out for the first time by myself since my baby was born - quite a milestone!  Jocelyn Brown was playing locally so I seized the opportunity to see the diva sing.  It was quite a surreal night for many reasons - the concert was in a church, the alcohol was flowing freely & the vicar was dancing in the pulpit!  Anyway the lady could sing & she belted out some classics that had everyone dancing.  A friend of my husband was there too & took these amazing photos.

Photographs by Cristian Vargas

Sleepless night

I couldn't get to sleep last night as I was so excited about creating my new blog & the images I want to share with you.  It's silly really as I need to take advantage of all the sleep I can get - I'm a new mum & I'm usually up a few times in the night.  Anyway I have just been creating my new title while my baby is having a quick nap - quite pleased with it so far.

Blog virgin

Welcome to my new blog.  I'm currently sifting through images & inspirations to share with you in the future - there will be a mix of everyday items & snaps from my travels.  I hope to have something to inspire you soon.