To Russia on our first cruise

To Russia on our first cruise

St Basil’s, Moscow. I do not think of us as the cruising type, but a few years ago we could not resist the opportunity that presented itself. We flew to St Petersburg and joined our boat there, then spent two or three days exploring the city. It was a beautiful...
A Visit to Madeira

A Visit to Madeira

Tracing an intricate design on to fabric, ready for embroidering. Several years ago, Bill and I took a group of fellow stitchers on an Arena Travel holiday to visit the island of Madeira – it was a marvellous experience. Our hotel was up a very steep hill but the view...
Should I be inside or outside?

Should I be inside or outside?

Even the washing seems to look good in the garden! I am aware that some of you think that I am the luckiest woman alive… Well, I am, but that does come with quandaries! I have a work room that looks like a hurricane has passed through and dumped everything on...
My new potting corner

My new potting corner

A plant conspiracy in the un-loved corner.. I am working on the ghastly corner of the courtyard that has been bothering me for some time. Whatever I have planted there has never seemed quite right. I even tried adding a lovely feature mirror, but the plants decided to...
Heavens! Isn’t it a good year for roses?

Heavens! Isn’t it a good year for roses?

Looking up into ‘William Morris’ blooms on my front wall. I know that I am not very good at caring for my roses. This year I have tried to turn over a new leaf. We do have blackspot here and, even though I treat the roses systemically, they do still suffer...
A day of foraging for treasures

A day of foraging for treasures

Crazy goings on at Gardenalia! Last week, my esteemed Editor Jenny and I spent two days hunting for Treasures, both for you lovely lot and for my home here at Pinks Barn in the Cotswolds. Jenny and I have such similar taste and love playing house when there is time to...