In the garden

 Firstly, thank you for for all your thoughts about the weather, which I enjoyed reading. We all seem to enjoy all types of weather if we are dressed for it!  As the sun made an appearance this week, we enjoyed spending some time in our garden.


The cutting garden is bursting with flowers  - all of the flowers in the collage, I have successfully  grown from seed. It has made such a difference having a greenhouse and so far we haven't been visited on a daily basis by over a hundred slugs and snails on the lawn (as we were in our previous garden!). We haven't had to resort to slug pellets, which I hate using. The only protection we have given young plants is surrounding them with used ground coffee or clean cat litter. Like a popular restaurant I'm sure it won't be long before our plants are too good to resist!


From top right clockwise Cerinthe major Purpurascens, Malope trifida Vulcan. Cosmos Cranberries and Zinnia.

This is the first time I have grown this variety of cosmos and the ruffle flower heads are so pretty. It is so good too to have the house full of flowers too.......
 and also enjoy them in other parts of the garden. 

This beautiful rose that we inherited has been wonderful with a continuous mass of blooms.


From the vegetable garden we have been enjoying lettuce, rocket,spring onions, spinach and broad beans. Many of the tomatoes and peas haven't got much further than the garden before being eaten! This week we have also eaten our first potatoes, it is so good to eat so much fresh food, grown so close to home!



 The crop of cultivated blackberries are also looking so attractive at the moment.


As always some things in the garden don't go according to plan. The sweet peas that I grew from seeds collected from last year's plants have looked quite weedy. I failed to give them a good helping of well-rotted compost to get them started. 


And finally our new garden wouldn't be complete without daises, which reminds us of our dear dog Daisy. Which plant have you admired most in the last week?
Sarah x

Comments

  1. Leanne4 August 2015 at 08:56

    Hey Sarah,
    What a wonderful garden you and your husband have created. I do like your seating are very much. I have been admiring the Cosmos. I have grown lots of my flowers from seed, but only pick sparingly I love to see them wafting gently in the breeze. I have been blessed with self seeding, and now have more verbena boriensis than I know what to do with. I have re-sited and given some away. My Dahlias haven't been as successful unfortunately. I'm going to try and grow from seed next year and see if I get better results.
    Leanne xx

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    1. Down by the sea4 August 2015 at 09:17

      Verbena boriensis is so lovely too and seeds readily where it is happy, you obviously have a good spot. I have grown dahlias from seeds this year too and they have done well. Hopefully next time I do a post on the garden they will be in flower. Sarah x

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  2. Sigrun4 August 2015 at 09:00

    Sarah, your bench ist beautiful - selfmade ore baught? I allways think about having such a bench, but I do not know how to place it. You have a lot of beautiful grown anuals, in Germany it is so dry in my region, I can not have such flowers in this year. All day I go in the garden very early in the morning to water the plant, but a lot of are died.

    Sigrun

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    1. Down by the sea4 August 2015 at 09:20

      The bench was left here - it did have an arch on top which got damaged in the winter gales when the bench kept falling over. This is a much more sheltered spot for it. So sorry to here you are still have such dry weather and your plants aren't flourishing this year. Sarah x

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  3. Art and Sand4 August 2015 at 09:39

    Oh, my goodness! Your garden is spectacular.

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  4. Sarah 4 August 2015 at 09:49

    Your garden looks lovely. A real oasis of shelter and abundance after a day on the coast. I can see it gives you both much pleasure. Anything that is good to eat, looks beautiful or is good for wildlife gives me pleasure. But every year is so different and nothing is predictable in the garden so I try and go with the flow.,

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  5. Vintage Sheet Addict4 August 2015 at 09:54

    Sarah, your garden is looking fab! I'm determined to have many more flowers next year, one of my beds needs a good overall too, it was initially set up as a shade garden but since we lost the tree a few years ago it hasn't really worked...thinking cap on over winter! Fresh produce is always good, must grow some spinach next year too :) xxx

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    1. Down by the sea4 August 2015 at 21:10

      Have you tried perpetual spinanch? You can sow early autumn and you can pick it through the winter. We find it so versatile adding it to pasta and curries. Sarah x

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  6. CJ4 August 2015 at 10:18

    How beautiful it's all looking, you've obviously been working really hard, and it's paid off well. I've been enjoying masses of blueberries this year, and also some self-seeded cosmos. It's always a pleasure when things self-seed, pretty flowers with no work, love it. I haven't been down to the allotment for a week and a half though, so good knows what horrors await me there. And a few giant courgettes no doubt. CJ xx

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    1. Down by the sea4 August 2015 at 21:19

      I didn't realise cosmos would self seed those slugs must have got there first! Hop your corgette wasn't huge! Sarah x

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  7. Amy at love made my home4 August 2015 at 10:23

    Your garden is incredible and very beautiful!!! You have done so much already!!! I hope that the sluggies keep away! xx

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  8. Louisette4 August 2015 at 10:33

    Wonderfull garden and flowers, wonderfull fotos
    Greeting from Mons Belgium
    Blog ma ville my city Mons Be http://louisette.eklablog.com

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  9. Janneke 4 August 2015 at 11:41

    I love all your self sown annuals. I never had these ruffled Cosmeas, they look spectacular. I am a bit melancholic when I see the beauties like Cerinthe and Malope, I used to sow lots of annuals but due to the many perennials in my garden I have not enough space available for many annuals.
    And so nice to be able to have vegetables from own garden.

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  10. Louise4 August 2015 at 11:42

    Hi Sarah

    To answer your questions about the tent and Himalayan Balsam ... we bought the tent almost two years ago but this is the first time we've actually used it so it is effectively new!

    Once you've pulled the balsam, I was shown to snap the root off near bottom and then you just leave it on the ground to decompose. I was taught that if you snap the root, it can't grow again. Here are links to a couple of balsam pulling videos for you (though in those they don't snap it so perhaps that's not necessary, I'm not sure). It's really easy to pull up as it has such a small root.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFquFY3ESeI

    http://himalayanbalsam.cabi.org/how-to-pull-late-season-flowering-himalayan-balsam/


    Your garden is looking lovely - especially in that sunshine and it's great that you've not had to use an slug pellets. Personally I think they should be banned for the damage they do further up the food chain!

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    1. Down by the sea4 August 2015 at 21:21

      Thanks for those links I will have a look at them. Good to know you can just leave it to decompose. Sarah x

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  11. Attila4 August 2015 at 11:58

    As we are about to have a new shed (DH is laying slabs for the base as I type) and we have a lot of re-planting to do when its up, I was glad to see your shed and seating area. Can you tell me the make and colour of the paint you used to paint your garden furniture? I keep looking at tins and swatches but they don't seem to show up accurately and your furniture is the colour I want! Please let me know if you can remember!

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    1. Down by the sea4 August 2015 at 21:03

      The shed is painted in Cuprinol Ducksback silver corpse. We have only recently discovered the Ducksback range they seem to cover much better than anything else we have used and claim to look good for 5 years. I applied 2 coats over autumn gold colour. The table and chairs were painted in Cuprinol garden shades willow.Good luck with the painting,how this helps. Sarah x

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  12. Castles Crowns and Cottages4 August 2015 at 12:18

    SARAH!!!!!!!!!!!

    I love your garden! That bunting is such a nice feature to add to your potting shed! I had told myself that I was going to make one for myself, but never got around to it. I still could make one during the cold winter months and save it for next year!

    Your flowers are sensational. This has been such an adventurous summer of photography and discovering new plants. The flowers that have won my heart this season are SUNFLOWERS and now, the phlox. In the sunshine, these towering beauties can't be beat!

    And the daisies....yes, thinking of the little Daisy dog is a sweet memory. Have another sensational day! Anita

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  13. Claire4 August 2015 at 12:20

    I would love a cutting garden, i just love them and I'd fill my house with pretties :) x

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  14. ANNE4 August 2015 at 13:42

    Oh so beautiful! Lovely photos. My red bee balm is thriving this year. Except when the hummingbirds are at it and the cats are after the hummingbirds and the bee balm is crushed to the ground... Pets!!!!

    xo

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  15. Rosemary4 August 2015 at 13:54

    Love your little sitting area behind the shed - isn't wonderful the way your garden has so quickly become your own. However, you must have put in plenty of time and work to make is look so lovely.

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  16. Castles Crowns and Cottages4 August 2015 at 13:56

    SWEET SARAH! I just saw that you visited my post. Those roses, aren't they a dream? I got them and immediately photographed them. They are sitting in my studio, making me happy.

    Go out onto the shore today and send me a wish across the sea....

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  17. Julie4 August 2015 at 15:42

    The garden looks like it is thriving (except for the poor sweetpeas!). I love all the colours and the veg looks delicious. We have just enjoyed our first raspberries from the 18 canes we planted in January. I didn't expect so many this year so am very happy indeed! Juliex

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  18. Unknown4 August 2015 at 15:56

    Sarah, your garden is stunning, I am so envious of your talents in creating a beautiful place. xx

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  19. Jennifer Hays4 August 2015 at 18:18

    Oh my goodness, your garden is really lush. I can't believe the variety of flowers and produce you're been able to grow. Wow, what a bounty. I really love the look of your shed too.

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  20. Cathy4 August 2015 at 18:39

    I've not had very good success with growing flowers from seed. Do you start everything in your greenhouse? Your garden looks lovely! I wish I had more flowers that I could cut and bring into the house. I hate to remove them from my garden! Having a cutting garden is a good idea.

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  21. Forever The Adventurer4 August 2015 at 21:35

    Your garden is beautiful! I'm in awe of your rose bush.

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  22. flowersandhome4 August 2015 at 23:40

    If you have a look at my latest blog you will see I have admired the white echinacea blooming in container most. It steals the show on our terrace right now. It enjoys the recent sun, just as I do! ;)
    How I love, love, love your garden Sarah! O so pretty and thriving. It is my dream, a garden like this, full of light and sun and with a lot of flowers from which I can cut to put inside as well. Flowerheaven!

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  23. Seawashed5 August 2015 at 05:23

    Your Cottage Garden is so lovely. I just love your new home. I am just beginning to plant a flower garden. We have always had raised beds for herbs and vegetables and a rose garden but never just a flower garden. But I have been so inspired by all the flower gardens on Instagram, especially the ones in England. So thank you for inspiring me. ox Kerrie

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  24. Freda5 August 2015 at 08:24

    Your garden is looking wonderful Sarah and isn't it great having a greenhouse? Ours has produced thousands of plants from seed - love it!

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  25. Margaret5 August 2015 at 10:08

    Your garden is looking lovely, Sarah. It's good that you have been able to enjoy the sunshine. Up here in the north we've had a lot of rain recently, I'm so wanting a spell of sunny weather. I love the cosmos in your garden. I'm growing a new one this year on the allotment called Pied Piper, it's just produced its first flower and it's a very pretty two coloured variety. Another new cutting flower for me is Malope. In the garden the crocosmia lucifer is looking very bright and splendid, although it takes over the border and I really must dig some of it out. Another flower I'm loving in the garden is veronicastrum. It's tall with lovely pale pink graceful flower spears and it doesn't flop over and get messy like some taller flowers.

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  26. kristieinbc5 August 2015 at 13:58

    Such a wonderful garden, Sarah! You must love spending time sitting out amongst the flowers. And being able to enjoy them inside your home as well. I hope your garden remains a closely guarded secret, and the snails and slugs don't find out about it.

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  27. Unknown5 August 2015 at 18:34

    Oh I love your garden Sarah, it looks lovely, especially the dark painted garden shed and the little seating area, so beautiful! Happy Gardening! Sharon

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  28. Min plats i solen5 August 2015 at 19:53

    Dear Sarah!

    Your garden is so beautiful and I'm so glad you've settled in nicely in your new home and made it yours in every way. Even daises to remind you of sweet Daisy. And I do hope the snails and slugs won't find their way to your lovely garden. Ours have been totally invaded this summer and I'm fed up with it. ;)

    Thank you so very much for your kindness and sweet words on my blog. Words of both comfort and warmth and I know that you and your husband have an idea of what our family is going through at the moment. How earth shaking life can be. Thank you sweet Sarah.♥

    Take care and have lovely summer days in your beautiful garden.♥

    Charlie
    xx

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  29. Anonymous5 August 2015 at 22:55

    Gorgeous flowers and produce, Sarah. I particularly like the look of those ruffly cosmos - I haven't seen those before. Your veggies look really healthy -obviously the result of care and attention. I hope you have plenty of sunshine to enjoy sitting in that lovely looking spot by your shed :-). Sam x

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  30. Mary Anne's Alaska6 August 2015 at 01:56

    So many pretty flowers! And I agree that eating fresh vegetables grown at home is the BEST! I've been nibbling on raspberries all week, which are prevalent here in Alaska!

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  31. Lowcarb team member6 August 2015 at 23:41

    So many lovely flowers Sarah, so lovely to see. I do like the ruffle flower head !

    You've done well with your fruits and vegetables too ... home grown are lovely.

    Hope you've had a good week.

    All the best Jan

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  32. artistfriend7 August 2015 at 10:13

    Your garden is looking wonderful - especially your 'sittooterie' !

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  33. Caro7 August 2015 at 11:13

    It's so nice to see how other gardeners are faring at this time of year, Sarah - your garden is doing enviously well. I'm still waiting for tomatoes to ripen although I've had a few cherriette tomatoes from the balcony and the first of the larger toms from the garden last night. My climbing beans are only just starting to produce so there's lots to look forward to. I love your flowers - malope and cerinthe are my favourite (cerinthe helpfully seeds around every year so I'm never without it). I've been picking a few blackberries to taste from the hedgerows but they're quite bitter so I like your idea of growing cultivated blackberries. My next purchase for the garden I think! Have a lovely weekend! Caro xx

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  34. Anonymous7 August 2015 at 11:23

    Your garden is looking wonderful, Sarah. You clearly have green fingers xx

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  35. elaine 7 August 2015 at 22:21

    What a gorgeous selection of flowers in your garden - I particularly like that ruffled Cosmos - so unusual. My sweet peas look the same as yours they haven't done well at all this year - I am still managing to pick a few though but certainly not such a good show as last year. And look at your runner beans already - mine are only just starting to produce and have suffered from black fly infestation but I did see ladybirds running up and down the stems hopefully getting rid of them for me.

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  36. handmade by amalia8 August 2015 at 04:15

    The garden looks amazing! And to have your own flowers and produce in the house, nothing better.
    Amalia
    xo

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  37. SeagullSuzie8 August 2015 at 14:16

    Oh you have a beautiful garden...it inspires me that one day this tiny plot might look nice too....although the front garden is a real challenge. The plant that I love at the moment is Rosa Saint Boniface (the one I rescued from an old pot) it's looking beautiful and full of blooms.

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  38. Draffin Bears9 August 2015 at 06:25

    Dear Sarah,

    Oh my your garden is so beautiful and all the flowers in the collage you have grown from seeds - that is amazing.
    Your roses are putting on a pretty show and the vegetables are wonderful. I have never seen so many tomatoes on the vine. Must be nice having the sweet daisies growing to remind you of sweet Daisy.
    Enjoy your Sunday
    hugs
    Carolyn

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  39. Ela9 August 2015 at 18:13

    Your garden is beautiful !! I see that is lovely place to relax !!
    Greetings

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  40. Connie9 August 2015 at 20:26

    Hi Sarah, your garden is beautiful!

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  41. Louisette11 August 2015 at 07:50

    Wonderfull garden and flowers;greeting from Belgium

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  42. grams ramblings12 August 2015 at 15:25

    Some beautiful pictures of your garden. We have recently moved and for the first time in our 43 years together have the means to do what we want with the garden - a prospect both terrifyingly scary and liberating at the same time. We have made a start and have great plans but it is hard to spend money on something that seems so frivolous when you have been on a tight budget for so long...
    See my words at:
    gramswisewords.blogspot.com

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