Freezing, but so pretty!

It's the time of year to start thinking of spring and which bulbs to plant in the garden. I am late. The thing is: I haven't got a clue. My mind is blank, my inspiration zero. This doesn't happen to me often. It's all the 'fault' of a kind and gentle man I met a few weeks ago, who fills my head with dreams and takes up a lot of my time ;-). It's still early days, but there is the promise of something good!

As I do want my garden to look lovely in spring, I thought I would be a good idea to have a look at the photo's of the spring gardens I visited over the years. I hoped they would stir up my grey cells a little, and they did!

This years visit to Sissinghurst, on a freezing day at the end of April, proved to be a source of inspiration. The garden looked absolutely enchanting. Although we still have autumn and winter to enjoy, the photo's make me wish it was spring already :-) It's all so pretty. Hope they will inspire you too!

Have a lovely week ahead!

Love,

Madelief x

Can I please move in?

The girls and I visited Scotney castle, a National Trust property in East Sussex (England) many times before, but this time we were able to enter the Victorian country mansion on top of the hill. What a surprise it was! As if the lady who once lived here, Elizabeth Hussey, had just left the house to do some shopping. It felt warm and cosy, and was filled to the brink with vintage treasures.  We were all impressed by the quirkiness and authenticity of the place.  As Elizabeth Hussey was a cat lover, you can see prints and other sort of treasures, with images of cats on it, all over the place. The house is even said to have a cat in residence, called 'Puss Puss'. Unfortunately we did not have the joy to meet her/him  :-)!


Anyway, we spent far more than the half hour we were allowed to, inside the house. Afterwards we had a walk through the garden, which looked green and lush. There were not many borders, but the ones we saw looked bright and colourful. The ponds around the castle, with the water lilies in full bloom, made the castle look like one out of a fairy tale.

Before I wish you a Happy weekend, I have to apologise for not popping over to yours blogs as often as I liked to. I am enjoying the last days of the summer holiday. Although I started work again, I take days off now and then, to have lunch or dinner with friends and family and do fun things with my daughters. Next week I will spend a few days in Limburg (in the south of our country) with my parents, visiting relatives. Will you keep your fingers crossed it will be dry for a few days? Last week felt like autumn in Rotterdam. I am already wearing my boots and scarf. It's crazy weather in The Netherlands :-)

Have a Happy week ahead!

Love,

Madelief x