Still little chilly, but the sun is out more often and it does feel like spring at last!

We even get to sit outside with our coffee now and then and watch the blackbird feeding his young.

He isn't very happy for us being there, had the garden to himself until now. 

Trip to Lytes Cary Manor gardens (NT), our regular at this time of year, just to see the wonderful show of camassias and cowslips together, a couple of weeks earlier then usually, probably due to our mild winter this year.

 

At home I have been carrying on with same projects, Cherry Picker's Garden quilt is still being hand quilted and as for Crojo Retro blanket - is taking time to fill in all those gaps between flowers. 

I will be glad to see the end of that one - one day!

Wanting some new applique to sew,  I joined Katrina Hadjimichael's "Amelia Rose quilt" (pattern of the month). 

This is the first month, central panel.

And this where it ends for me; while I like Katrina's designs, as I was sewing it, 

I realised that this is not "me", too busy. 

I will probably border, back it and quilted it at some point and it will stay as a small quilt.

©pleasureinstitching.blogspot.co.uk 2010-2024

October break

in South Wales - part 1.

Last week we spent some time away, staying in a holiday cottage, 

overlooking Dunraven Bay .

The land in the distance is probably the coast of North Devon. 

Beautiful beach for walks, 

and exploring.

There in the woods, behind the cliffs, are the remains of Dunraven Castle; 

today there are only small remains of walls, but the walled garden is still maintained.

 

Despite the very bad weather forecast for the whole week, we had some dry, but dull days, which enabled us to explore (not so great for taking pictures);

we visited the small market town of Cowbridge,

where just behind the busy High Street you can find small oasis - 

 Physic Garden, full of medicinal plants.

Not far from Cardiff is a property owned by the National Trust -

Dyffryn Gardens.

Unfortunately the house is closed for repairs,

but we spent lots of time wondering around the gardens,

enjoyed lunch in the restaurant, and spent some money in the second hand book shop.

©pleasureinstitching.blogspot.co.uk 2010-2023

May Tuesday

A day too good to stay inside, making the most of a nice day.

Morning at Lytes Cary Manor (NT) gardens.

We try to come here at this time of year, to see this wonderful display of camassias in the orchard, 

and if we are lucky, like this time, the camassias flower at the same time as yellow buttercups and cowslips;  a wonderful sight!

You too can spend your holiday here, because you can rent a part of this very old house.

 Afternoon at Tintinhull Garden (NT).

Why not? These two properties are very close to each other and 

today has been such a wonderful bright day - 

lets explore more.

Only the gardens are open to public here.

Below - apple tree with mistletoe.

Mistletoe grows very freely in this part of England,

it is a parasitic plant, it has to grow on other trees to survive.

 

©pleasureinstitching.blogspot.co.uk 2010-2023