The almost white garden

 




The middle part of our garden has always been difficult. It's dark and wet. A huge pine tree takes away lots of sunlight. 

I never really knew what to do with it. As our garden is quite large for a Dutch allotment garden (about 350 square meters) and we had more than enough space left, we kept it mostly the way it was, with lots of  yellow nettles, pink and blue wood hyacinths, Salomon's seal and the little white flowers of the gallium odoratum.

This year I decided to make it more interesting and continue with the white theme. I planted Salvia Schneehugel, white foxgloves and Campanula white bells. Last weekend I added some Lilly-of-the-valley, which I bought at the plant fair from a fellow allotment holder.

The white flowers lighten up the garden and make it more pleasing to the eye. I still have a few bare patches left, so if you have any suggestions.......they are much appreciated!

Enjoy the rest of your week!

Love,

Madelief x

 

Source of inspiration

About a year ago my friend Ilse picked up her crochet needle, after more than twenty years. It wasn't long before she made her first dog. Next an amazing blanket, followed by a rug, more dogs, cats, bears and lots and lost of colourful bunting and pillow cases. 

Together we roam haberdashery stores and thrift stores, in search of yarn and vintage and contemporary textiles, which she uses for her creations. She is not only a sweet friend, but a source of inspiration to me as well. Below you can see some of the pillow cases she made for my garden house.

Ilse opened up an Etsy shop recently. Please have a look at the lovely things she makes! Her shop is called 'Eigenhandig'.

Wishing you all a happy weekend! We have a plant fair at our allotment complex tomorrow, with a cookery workshop (garden produce only), music and several stalls. Hope it will be dry and fun!

Love,

Madelief x

Eye candy

 

 

 

After a week of rain, we had our first dry and relatively sunny day yesterday. I couldn't wait to get on my bike, for a 10 minute ride to our little piece of paradise. When walking the last few meters, I am always full of anticipation. How will the garden look like? Will the roses have buds, the grass be soaked and the aliums in bloom already? The garden never disappoints me. In fact, I think that after five years of gardening, it's looking more and more the way I want too. After planting, lots of replanting, considering the soil and the light, I finally get the hang of it.

The plants that are in bloom, like Dicentra, Aquilegia, Wallflower Bowles Mauve and several varieties of geraniums, are eye candy for the garden. Others are waiting for their finest moment, with their buds opening a little. Full of promise.

I got rid of two baskets full of weeds too and even found some time in between to plant annuals in containers and have a cup of tea, enjoying the view. Hope you had a lovely day too yesterday?!

A Happy Pentecost Monday!

Madelief x

Crochet skills

 

With a blog meeting coming up in Amsterdam soon, at which the ladies behind the top of the Dutch crochet blogs are present, I try hard to improve my skills. I don't want it to be too obvious that I will be the one with the least experience, if it comes to crochet. Oh yes, I know how to make a granny square, a blanket, flowers and necklaces, but that's about it. This week I started on doilies, but oh my, it's more difficult than I thought it would be. I am fine until I get to the fifth or sixth row, but then things start going seriously wrong.

This weekend I will ask the help of a friend, who makes the prettiest things, so that at least I know what those ladies at the meeting are talking about ;-)! By the way, I will show you some of my friends work next week. She just opened an Etsy shop and can use some encouragement.

The pastel coloured bowls above were a present to myself. They match perfectly with a modern white dinner service, that I use when having guests. The bowls are made by Royal Doulton and part of the 1815 collection. Aren't they pretty?!

Have a lovely Wednesday!

Love,

Madelief x