Crocheting flowers from my garden.

Hello, are you enjoying the weather? Have you had the sun that has been making everything grow? Our garden is so abundant, it feels very luxurious. We've still got a few Daffs and Narcissi strutting their stuff, and the first Tulips have made their appearance. This year I've promised Hugo to just let the garden be. I'm usually a bit too enthusiastic with the secateurs, resulting in bare patches, and a rather clipped, uptight feel to the garden. This year I'm hoping for a more relaxed feeling garden. Have you seen this book, '100 flowers to knit and crochet' by Lesley Stanfield? It's made a few appearances on peoples blogs, and the cover design alone sold it to me immediately, I just love it. I've only crocheted this one design from the book. It's project 59, on page 77, the Auricula. I'll definately be doing more, I really enjoyed crocheting it because I love Auriculas, and theses colours are beautiful. Can you see the Auriculas in the pot? They're perfect for crocheting, because the petals are so uniform. And the deep purple Violas? Can you see them? I really, really want to crochet Violas, and Pansies. The Primulas too! Theres's a pattern for a Tulip! So exciting! These lipstick red Tulips are so bright and cheery, aren't they? 'Queen of the Night' Tulip, might be my favourite colour of Tulip. That deep plum looks amazing against the greenery. And it looks so velvety and sumptuous, I never ever get bored of seeing it in my garden. There are even patterns for Daffodils and Narcissi, isn't that great?! I love this time of year in the garden. There's so much expectation with the bulbs flowering, the greenery getting its new shoots, that lime green contrasting with the darker green of the old growth. June time the Alliums will appear, their pom-pom shapes always look amazing on their long stems. Here you go, a more expansive view of the garden. And here's another look! The topiary is one thing I will allow myself to get the clippers to. I've been growing it all, slowly but surely, mostly from tiny plants that are sold in packs for hedging. It is a long slow process, but makes it more affordable. These great big Box balls were grown from little plants. Looking at them now, it seems amazing. Apparently the trick with Box is to feed it, it's very greedy I've been told. Once or twice a year I give the whole garden a good spray with organic seaweed feed, you know, with that container you attach to your hose? Last year the garden was very much left to its own devices, because we were doing building work to our basement, and the garden was chock-a-block with furniture, covered with plastic sheets. It's lovely to be able to sit in the garden this year.............. I'm imagining warm Summer nights, sitting with a drink in my hand, listening to the birds tweeting away. One can dream..................... In the mean time, back to crocheting flowers. And putting up quilts in the bedroom when Hugo gets home from work. The room is almost, almost there! And let me see, I fancy a cup of tea. No cup cakes today unfortunately, those store bought ones I photographed in yesterdays post looked very pretty, but weren't good, the sponge was dry and stale, and I haven't baked any myself. It's so quick to make them, I should make some tonight, after quilt hanging! See you tomorrow! Love Vanessa xxx

Comments

[Lyn]

Gosh what a beautiful garden, so pretty. I too love topiary and would like more in my garden. I have just sent off for the '100 flowers to..... book' so wait patiently but my crochet and knitting skills may not quite be up to standard.
Love
Lyn
xxx

[Beth P]

Oh my, Vanessa! What a lovely, lovely garden. I hope you do get to enjoy lots of wonderful summer garden evenings.

And that book looks wonderful. Thanks for the recommendation.

[kitschen pink]

Your garden is so elegant. I feel sure cocktails would be the most appropriate drink! Perfect. Love the topiary - any peacocks planned?
We were given some very large box and they are not at all happy, they were bought for hedging but never used so were pot bound. We're hoping a bit of t.l.c will bring them back to glory....but it might take a few years before we know if it worked! All tips welcome! t.x

[Karen]

What a pretty garden you have Vanessa a perfect place to sit and crochet flowers in the sunshine. I love that book but each time I check Amazon its out of stock also I have only just learned to crochet in the last two weeks so it may be a wee bit ambitious. I love violas and have a pot by our front door which makes me smile each time I see them. Looking forward to seeing a pic of your finished bedroom. Karenx

[Jennyff]

Your garden is fantastic, well done. Its the thought of hot sunny days and balmy evenings lazing around that keeps me working in mine at the moment, plus now the inspiration from your post.

[Hen]

I have the book, it even made it on holiday with me recently and I've been wanting to give the auricula a go. Love your garden, it's just beautiful and even more impressive that you have grown the box on yourself.
Hen x

[kat]

your garden is beautiful!

[driftwood]

your garden is looking gorgeous, and I love the thought of immortalizing all the flowers in crochet x

[cathleen]

I knew you would have a lovely garden, Vanessa...you are so multi-talented, it doesn't surprise me at all. Now I now where you get all your lovely water-color painting inspirations!

[graceful mice and gentle moons]

I've been thinking about getting thet book.
Your garden is blooming lovely x

[Term Paper]

Vanessa Your garden is so elegant.Having a small garden of fresh flowers, the fresh flowers in your backyard garden is a beautiful extension of you. I like it