Chelsea magic.

This early part of Autumn always finds me feeling rather nostalgic. I think of it as having one foot in the new season, but my head is still being turned by the chance of some late summer sunshine.

Todays school run was a stark reminder of the change coming though. Rather than being drenched in sunshine I was utterly drenched by the rain! Rain aside, I find Autumn a rather cathartic season, more so than Spring and especially where the garden is concerned. Having been pre warned by my weather app about the imminent arrival of a week of rain, I rushed around cutting the lavender and collecting seeds from the Honesty and Sweet Pea plants. If these darker nights are good for anything it has to be planning, especially where seeds and sowing are concerned. I can’t quite believe how many seeds I have collected. Look out for seed envelopes as presents come Christmas time!

Visiting @the_rhs Chelsea flower show 2021 for the first time this September has helped immensely to get me in the Autumnal mood. The celebration of muted colours alongside vibrant oranges and reds, dried flowers, plus highly styled but effortless garden spaces means on what can normally be the quieter months outside, I will be kept busy. I especially fell for the @alitex greenhouses styled by the amazingly talented @selinalake . Selina used items from @projektityyny @studioblackwell.uk and @lambandnewt which I adored, along with all the basket bags which goes without saying!

We have been building a new outdoor space in our family garden for eating and entertaining in. It is an oak structure with an outdoor fireplace, combined with a  bbq and pizza oven on the side. I plan to add old terracotta pots with herbs, vintage cherry cans and classic table ware that I am able to style up for the different seasons. And of course there will be flowers!!! Lots of seasonal home grown varieties. If Chelsea gave me anything it was a new found love of Dahali’s. Mind you, it may have something to do with @dahliabeach and Andie’s contagious enthusiasm!

I like to think of it as having had some of Chelsea’s magic rub off on me.

Until the next time, wishing you and your families a wonderfully happy and healthy Autumn together.