zaterdag 16 juni 2012

Sissinghurst castle gardens & Michelham priory














































Somehow it always rains when I visit Sissinghurst castle and gardens in the south of England. This year was no exception. No gentle rain, mist like drops or short downpours, but a constant rain that, in combination with low temperatures and wind, makes you feel really uncomfortable. We strolled through the garden, enjoying it's beauty, while seeking shelter under our umbrella's.

At the same time we realised that we probably should have visited the garden two or three weeks later. There was not that much in bloom yet. The part I liked best was the white garden and the orchard, with the curled up fern leaves, first roses, white syringa and blossoms.

Michelham Priory was one of the places my friends and I visited as well. The gardens are not large, but well maintained and created with care around the priory. There is an orchard garden, a kitchen garden a medieval garden and even a physic garden, but there was not really that much in bloom here either. However, the forget-me-nots were enchanting!

The photo's above were taken at Sissinghurst, the photo's below at Michelham Priory. A great advantage of the rain is that it makes the colours very intense!

Wish you all a happy weekend!

Madelief x










woensdag 13 juni 2012

Vintage treasures












































On request, some of the vintage treasures I brought home with me from England and Hungary, mixed with Dutch flea market and thrift store finds.

To me collecting porcelain is about mix and match. Combining Wedgwood with Royal Albert, Huttl Tivadar, Gainsborough, Colclough, Herend and Royal Stafford. I think combining patterns and colours, in a certain colour scheme, add to the beauty of the cups and plates. I have to admit that I only do this in my garden :-). When at home it's mostly blue & white.

The flowers on the mantelpiece come from my garden: Lady's Mantle, tiny wild white roses, Nepeta six hill giant, digitalis & pink wallflower.

Have a lovely day!

Madelief x





 








zaterdag 9 juni 2012

With love to Budapest











































When we set off for Budapest more than a week ago, my husband and I didn't know what to expect. Leaving comments on a blog and sending occasional emails does say something about the people we were to meet at Ferihegy airport, but nevertheless they could have been as mad as a hatter! Several scenario's crossed our minds. Our daughters even contemplated giving us the number of the Dutch embassy in Hungary. Just in case!

After lingering at baggage claims just a little bit too long, we finally gained enough courage to set foot in the arrivals hall, where we were enveloped in a big hug by our dear friends. At that moment we knew 'all was well'.

We had four delightful days, full of talking & sightseeing. We didn't see Buda, nor one of the major museums and we only caught a glimpse of the Danube, but what we did see exceeded our expectations: Bruce Willis in action for his latest Die hard film ;-)!

In this post some photo's of the amazing buildings we passed when discovering the city. From Jugendstil apartments to Gothic cathedrals.

In one of my next posts I will take you for a coffee to one of Budapest's many coffee houses, show you an amazing antique shop, have a look at the Szechenyi Bath and see how one of Hungary's famous poets lived!


For now I wish you a Happy Sunday! 


Love from a rainy Rotterdam. With a special kiss and hug to our friends in Hungary.


Madelief x














dinsdag 5 juni 2012

Early June garden








Just came home from four lovely days in Budapest. I spent them in the company of two dear friends, who made us feel very welcome and showed us all the interesting, sometimes slightly quirky places that Budapest has to offer :-). No photo's yet, so I hope you don't mind showing you some of my early June garden.

Fat buds on the roses & peonies,
clematis and irises in full bloom,
terracotta pots with colourful annuals,
blackberries and gooseberries almost ready to be picked,
and a little bowl by Clarice Cliff, I found at Snoopers Paradise in Brighton. The bowl is a bit chipped, but It looks great on the garden table with a little bunch of flowers.

The enamel jug on the first photo and the Clarice Cliff bowl contain violets, Star of Bethlehem, aquilegia, plox and geranium.

Have a lovely day.

A big hug & kisses to J & L!

Love

Madelief x