It’s not too late to sow sweet peas - so easy to It’s not too late to sow sweet peas - so easy to grow and blissfully fragrant in the summer months. 
They were my mum’s favourite flower, so growing them now feels like a precious connection. Especially when I pick some and arrange them in her beautiful old blue and gold jug just as she used to do with the sweet peas my dad grew for her every year.
There are some really handy tips for growing success from founder of The Real Flower Company Rosebie Morton over on the blog (link in bio). Rosebie has a whole farm dedicated to sweet peas near Chichester so she knows a thing or two about the subject!
Main thing I’ve picked up from her is to allow lots of depth for root growth at this stage and to make my own supportive wigwams from twiggy branches when the plants are really starting to go for it and need a bit of direction. This photo is making me yearn slightly.
I love this image of my friend Jo - we were trying I love this image of my friend Jo - we were trying out tiny living for a feature I was writing - this was taken on our way to indulge in a spot of forest bathing. To be totally honest, we were both a little sceptical beforehand. But we were only saying the other day how taken aback we both were by the amazing effect it had. I’m working on some new ideas around the subject - will keep you posted. X
I’m currently working on a redesign of the whole I’m currently working on a redesign of the whole site - which has meant lots of photo editing and reorganising so much content. What’s been lovely (despite the claw hand from so much keyboard work!) is revisiting work and becoming engrossed all over again. I thought I’d share a few of the things I’ve been (re) loving - with links in the bio to the old site for now, but not for long…! X
This  image is from a feature about preserving garden roses. I’m going to give this a really good go this year, now I have a better idea what I’m doing. I know there’s nothing quite like a fragrant fresh rose in Summer but there’s a fragile beauty to dried and preserved flowers that I also love, don’t you?
Snowdrops 🌱🤍 . . . . . . #capturequiet #ins Snowdrops 🌱🤍 
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#capturequiet #instabritain #natureandnourish #thewildernesstonic #cornersofmyworld
Signed copies of Bex Partridge’s new book Flower Signed copies of Bex Partridge’s new book Flowers Forever to be won! My bio has the link to enter as well as to get a peek inside. Beautifully photographed by Laura Edwards, I really enjoyed escaping into the pages and making plans for my own garden - hope you do too! X
To the Moon and Back Hares KNITTING PATTERN by Cla To the Moon and Back Hares KNITTING PATTERN by Claire Garland aka @dotpebbles_knits has to be the perfect post Christmas craft project 😊 
If you fancy getting your needles out to make this adorable pair, the link to buy Claire’s pattern is in my bio. Happy knitting! X
Thank you so much to Sarah @floribundaroseflorists Thank you so much to Sarah @floribundaroseflorists for a wonderful wreath making workshop yesterday. Such a special and creative space to spend time. I loved making my wreath - I went for a mixture of greenery arranged quite randomly with red waxed fresh apples, dried hydrangea, dried flowers, poppy and nigella seed heads and a winter white velvet bow. 
There were so many wonderful ingredients to choose from we were really spoiled for choice. 
Sarah’s new studio is such a beautiful, creative space. Think fragrant botanical candles flickering everywhere, mulled wine and apple juice simmering on the stove and containers full of fragrant festive greenery, waxed fruit, dried flowers and oranges, pine cones, lichen covered branches and even tiny gold wax-dipped fresh crab apples. 
Thank you for being so patient with my lengthy ribbon choice deliberations Sarah - and for bagging up a second choice option (dusky pink) to take home! X.  #wreathmaking #wreath #wreathsofinstagram #sustainablewreaths #wreathdecor #christmaswreath #velvetribbon #christmasdecor #festiveflowers
I’ve loved Olga Prinku’s work for ages now - s I’ve loved Olga Prinku’s work for ages now - she came up with the genius idea of embroidering on tulle using nature as her thread - and the results are sublime - like this Autumn colours beauty from her latest book.
I’m delighted that Olga is offering a fantastic prize bundle to my readers. For a chance to win one of her beautiful new dried flower embroidery kits (in collaboration with @driedandfloral ) as well as a signed copy of her wonderful new book(published by @quadrillebooks , pop over to my blog (link in my bio). It’s easy to enter so why don’t you give yourself a chance of winning this very lovely prize? Good luck! 
#driedflowers #driedflowerembroidery #olgaprinku #embroideryhoop #flowerembroidery #competitiontime #signedbooks #embroideryart #flowersontulle #autumn #autumncolours #hoopart #allthingsbotanical #instacraft
This beautiful image is by Laura Pashby @circleofp This beautiful image is by Laura Pashby @circleofpines and is from her beautiful new book Little Stories of Your Life. 
It’s packed with inspiration and practical ideas to help you become a visual story teller. Because, as Laura says, it’s the little moments that make up the fabric of all of our lives - and those moments are worth capturing and sharing with others.
We have three signed copies of the book to give away - just click the link in my bio to find out more. There’s a peek inside and a lovely film by @xantheb to enjoy too! X 
#littlemoments #littlestoriesbook #alifeofwords #lostinwords #competition #booksarelife #mindfulphotography #bookstagram #booksmakemehappy #booksconnectus #igreads #whatareyoureading #signedbooks
Thanks to Lisa from @inthemaking_aprons who has sh Thanks to Lisa from @inthemaking_aprons who has shared her wonderfully creative ideas for visibly mending well-loved clothing in need of repair and a little TLC.
She had me at ‘sometimes I like to use giant sequins…’ 
Hope you like Lisa’s ideas as much as I do. The link to head over to my blog and get all her step by steps is in my bio x
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LIFESTYLE · January 19, 2010

We visit Hastings with Jeska from Lobster & Swan

We visit Hastings with Jeska from The Future Kept and Lobster & Swan

Our latest Great Escape is brought to you by Jeska Hearne, Hastings resident, talented designer-maker, photographer and author of style blog Lobster & Swan (see images below for a taste of what’s on offer). You can find Jeska’s beautiful handmade homewares, gifts and original photography in her shop The Future Kept (which is listed in our directory here). We visit Hastings with her and she shares her favourite local finds

love this seasonal autum plants and vintage terracotta plant pots shot from Lobster and Swan blog by Jeska who shares her favourite local findslove the reclaimed wood panelling and grey scandi influenced sofa and cushions inside Jeska Hearne's garden office workshop/ tea shedlove this vintage gilt frame noticeboard repurposed by Jeska of Lobster and Swan

Where in Britain is it?

Hastings is located in East Sussex on the South coast of England.

Why should I visit Hastings?

Hastings is such a diverse town with a rich and varied community – there are lots of artists in residence and creative types.

A short walk from Hastings town centre is the Old Town, steeped in history with many stories to tell. There are museums to learn about local history, pirates, smugglers and the ancient but still thriving fishing village. Amongst the warren of streets there are boutiques, vintage and antique stores, restaurants, cute seaside cafes, great pubs, and some of the finest fish and chips for miles. The whole area is surrounded by nature reserves and country parks.

The Hastings Old Town Open Gardens is not to be missed either – it’s a wonderful way to visit real gardens owned by people like you and me. How folks plant, what they choose, collections of one variety or patchworks of magical things. Here are a few images to give you a taste. Read more here.

visit hastings old town - open gardens and and favourite local shops and places to visit shared by Jeska Hearne of Lobster & Swan and The Future Kept #hastings #englandaesthetic #visitengland

visit hastings old town - open gardens and and favourite local shops and places to visit shared by Jeska Hearne of Lobster & Swan and The Future Kept #hastings #englandaesthetic #visitenglandvisit hastings old town - open gardens and and favourite local shops and places to visit shared by Jeska Hearne of Lobster & Swan and The Future Kept #hastings #englandaesthetic #visitengland

Head west for St Leonards on Sea and you’ll see more fabulous antique stores and new coffee shops, artist run boutiques and galleries. As you will see I am very passionate about my little town, there are so many hidden treasures, I often take time out and look at everything with new eyes.

penbuckles deli hastingsmade in hastings baby grows on washing line on. beachlove this vintage style beach painting at made in hastings beach paintinglove this snow scene painting with girl in red coat painted on a vintage suitcase. It's in Made in Hastings shoplove this vintage style shop with green 50s style tongue and groove walls and brightly coloured handmade craft at made in hastings shop door

Are there interesting local products to buy if I visit Hastings?

Ceramics, toys, clothing, and homewares – all handmade and of a fantastic quality – can be bought from Made in Hastings (above), a store run by six local female artists. On the same street buy an exquisite hand tied bouquet to enjoy in your room for the duration of your stay from Shimizu Flowers.

love these silver and gold handmade longhorn necklaces by pearl and queenie

There are lots of galleries selling local artwork. Visit Pearl & Queenie and browse their collection of contemporary jewellery for something original. The Lilac Room stocks pretty clothes and accessories and just across the street is Odd selling a mixture of beautiful antique and new gifts and home accents. Next door new store Warp & Weft (images below) has a charming mixture of clothing and other articles for person and home.

love these rustic baskets, large rustic wooden bowls and vessets at Warp and Weft Hastingslove this beautiful wool kaftan and kimono coat from warp and weft hastings

Where can I eat locally sourced food?

judges bakery hastings

First stop on an early morning is Judge’s Bakery (above) for an organic treat, such as  pretty whipped meringues, delicious bread, rolls, cakes and organic groceries. Next you’ll need something to accompany that bread, so on to Penbuckle’s for locally sourced speciality cheeses, condiments, wine, beer and cider. There is a wealth of restaurants with of course great freshly caught fish on the menu. For the best lunchtime fish and chips book a table at Maggie’s multi award winning café.

For atmosphere, clinking glasses, lively conversation and platters of varied Spanish fare, Harris’s Tapas Bar makes for a cosy evening. The Dragon Bar is another favourite of mine with its miss matched furniture and amazing food served on old fashioned crockery, I always love to sit at the table with the antique Eiffel tower lamp.

If you are heading to St Leonards by day take a break from antiquing and pop in toAardvark Tearoom and Gallery for yummy cloudy lemonade or fresh coffee in vintage teacups with a side of local artwork. For lunch or dinner head to St. Clements where the menu and reviews are so good it is hard to settle on a choice, I am eager to try every dish.

 swan house b & b hastings

Can I stay somewhere with a bit of character?

Around the area there are so many lovely places to stay all with an individual style. So I will share just a few, the first being Swan House. (above) This is a five star award winning bed and breakfast that is stylishly decorated in calming coastal colours.

Lavender & Lace bed and breakfast is traditional old town accommodation on a street of ancient houses with welcoming hosts and homemade yoghurt and preserves on the menu.

the white house hotel hastings

The White House is a grand Victorian house, where each room has been distinctively decorated. Most have sweeping views over Hastings (pictured). They also have two self-catering options, a garden flat and a pretty New England style lodge.

Situated closer to Hastings town centre is Black Rock House boutique guesthouse, an elegant Victorian villa in a quiet leafy street.

During the day visit some of the local museums with stories about the history of the area. If it’s raining, a walk in the underground caves where smugglers used to hide their rum is always fun.

Take a stroll up the East Hill and find yourself in the sprawling country park. With breathtaking views, green valleys and cliffs down to the beach, most seasons the hills are alight with yellow gorse. Look over to the west and you will see the ancient ruins of Hastings castle.

electric palace cinema electric palace cinema

On weekends why not try your hand at pot throwing in the Old Hastings Pottery? Or take in a film with a glass of wine at the Electric Palace. It’s an independently owned cinema that shows a great selection of more offbeat modern and classic old movies.

Not strictly Hastings, but a little along the coast there is The De La Warr Pavilion. You can explore this fascinating building or visit one of the many contemporary art exhibitions. I like to drink tea on a rainy day and watch the rough sea from the café windows.

When is the best time of year to go?

There is usually something going on most weekends. The hustle and bustle officially starts with the Jack in the Green Festival on the first weekend of each May. Morris dancers come from all over to celebrate the release of the Spirit of Summer.

June sees Open Studios from many local artists and crafters. Wonderful Coastal Currents is a multi media art festival that takes place at the end of August through September. Another favourite event never to be missed is the annual Hastings Seafood & Wine Festival, held around the third weekend of September, where local restaurants have stalls specialising in fish and seafood dishes, then in October there is the annual bonfire.

To make your trip truly all yours I will leave the rest for you to discover for yourself.

the future kept shop jeska hearne lobster and swan

Jeska’s online shop The Future Kept is listed in the From Britain with Love directory

Get all the contact info you need to connect – and shop – with Jeska at The Future Kept from the listing here

Here’s a taste of some of the hand-picked loveliness you’ll find over there:

love this natural Idan all purpose beauty oil by cult UK natural beauty brand Liha, with roots in africa and products all handmade in the UK. click through to discover more hand-picked loveliness in The Future Kept online shop as well as founder, Jeska Hearne's, local Hastings loves and simple pleasureslove this natural soy candle in Grove lemony spring natural fragrance handmade in the UK. click through to discover more hand-picked loveliness in The Future Kept online shop as well as founder, Jeska Hearne's, local Hastings loves and simple pleasureslove this simple ceramic bud vase by The Future Kept. click through to discover more hand-picked loveliness in The Future Kept online shop as well as founder, Jeska Hearne's, local Hastings loves and simple pleasureslove this natural soy eco aromatherapy refillable candle by Essence + Alchemy from The Future Kept. click through to discover more hand-picked loveliness in The Future Kept online shop as well as founder, Jeska Hearne's, local Hastings loves and simple pleasureslove this Roam camera bag specially made for The Future Kept by Rural Kind, hand crafting beautiful bags to last a lifetime in Wales. click through to discover more hand-picked loveliness in The Future Kept online shop as well as founder, Jeska Hearne's, local Hastings loves and simple pleasureslove this natural exfoliating face scrub from The Future Kept made with natural ingredients. Just one of the lovely eco friendly and handmade gift ideas from beautiful online shop The Future Kept by Jeska Hearne of Lobster and Swan. Click through to discover Jeska's local loves in Hastings as well as more beautiful ideas from her shoplove this black spice hand poured natural soy candle handmade from the future kept. Click through to discover other special handmade and ethical gift ideas from Jeska Hearne's lovely online shop as well as her local loves in Hastings. love these wax fabric food covers from The Future Kept made in a pretty yellow flower design to help reduce plastic waste. Eco friendly, zero waste, plastic free kitchen ideas. Just one of the lovely eco friendly and handmade gift ideas from beautiful online shop The Future Kept by Jeska Hearne of Lobster and Swan. Click through to discover Jeska's local loves in Hastings as well as more beautiful ideas from her shoplove this beautiful handmade natural textural ceramic mug from The Future Kept. Just one of the lovely eco friendly and handmade gift ideas from beautiful online shop The Future Kept by Jeska Hearne of Lobster and Swan. Click through to discover Jeska's local loves in Hastings as well as more beautiful ideas from her shoplove these dusky pink and soft dove grey wool blanket throws from The Future Kept. Just one of the lovely eco friendly and handmade gift ideas from beautiful online shop The Future Kept by Jeska Hearne of Lobster and Swan. Click through to discover Jeska's local loves in Hastings as well as more beautiful ideas from her shoplove these dusky pink wool blanket throws from The Future Kept. Just one of the lovely eco friendly and handmade gift ideas from beautiful online shop The Future Kept by Jeska Hearne of Lobster and Swan. Click through to discover Jeska's local loves in Hastings as well as more beautiful ideas from her shoplove this beautiful handmade natural textural ceramic bowl or tea cup from The Future Kept. Just one of the lovely eco friendly and handmade gift ideas from beautiful online shop The Future Kept by Jeska Hearne of Lobster and Swan. Click through to discover Jeska's local loves in Hastings as well as more beautiful ideas from her shop

Resources:

We love this Steller Story by Lobster & Swan


For more information about visiting Hastings, check out the Visit 1066 Country website.
Map of Hastings
View Larger Map
Would you like to write a Great Escapes feature? If you’d like to share your address book secrets with our readers, we’d love to hear from you. Just send an email to editor@www.frombritainwithlove.com.

In: LIFESTYLE · Tagged: travel

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I'm so glad you're here. I'm Laura - national women's magazine editor and journalist now sharing my passion for sustainable and creative living here. Hope you find something to enjoy and inspire! X

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It’s not too late to sow sweet peas - so easy to It’s not too late to sow sweet peas - so easy to grow and blissfully fragrant in the summer months. 
They were my mum’s favourite flower, so growing them now feels like a precious connection. Especially when I pick some and arrange them in her beautiful old blue and gold jug just as she used to do with the sweet peas my dad grew for her every year.
There are some really handy tips for growing success from founder of The Real Flower Company Rosebie Morton over on the blog (link in bio). Rosebie has a whole farm dedicated to sweet peas near Chichester so she knows a thing or two about the subject!
Main thing I’ve picked up from her is to allow lots of depth for root growth at this stage and to make my own supportive wigwams from twiggy branches when the plants are really starting to go for it and need a bit of direction. This photo is making me yearn slightly.
I love this image of my friend Jo - we were trying I love this image of my friend Jo - we were trying out tiny living for a feature I was writing - this was taken on our way to indulge in a spot of forest bathing. To be totally honest, we were both a little sceptical beforehand. But we were only saying the other day how taken aback we both were by the amazing effect it had. I’m working on some new ideas around the subject - will keep you posted. X
I’m currently working on a redesign of the whole I’m currently working on a redesign of the whole site - which has meant lots of photo editing and reorganising so much content. What’s been lovely (despite the claw hand from so much keyboard work!) is revisiting work and becoming engrossed all over again. I thought I’d share a few of the things I’ve been (re) loving - with links in the bio to the old site for now, but not for long…! X
This  image is from a feature about preserving garden roses. I’m going to give this a really good go this year, now I have a better idea what I’m doing. I know there’s nothing quite like a fragrant fresh rose in Summer but there’s a fragile beauty to dried and preserved flowers that I also love, don’t you?
Snowdrops 🌱🤍 . . . . . . #capturequiet #ins Snowdrops 🌱🤍 
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#capturequiet #instabritain #natureandnourish #thewildernesstonic #cornersofmyworld
Signed copies of Bex Partridge’s new book Flower Signed copies of Bex Partridge’s new book Flowers Forever to be won! My bio has the link to enter as well as to get a peek inside. Beautifully photographed by Laura Edwards, I really enjoyed escaping into the pages and making plans for my own garden - hope you do too! X
To the Moon and Back Hares KNITTING PATTERN by Cla To the Moon and Back Hares KNITTING PATTERN by Claire Garland aka @dotpebbles_knits has to be the perfect post Christmas craft project 😊 
If you fancy getting your needles out to make this adorable pair, the link to buy Claire’s pattern is in my bio. Happy knitting! X
Thank you so much to Sarah @floribundaroseflorists Thank you so much to Sarah @floribundaroseflorists for a wonderful wreath making workshop yesterday. Such a special and creative space to spend time. I loved making my wreath - I went for a mixture of greenery arranged quite randomly with red waxed fresh apples, dried hydrangea, dried flowers, poppy and nigella seed heads and a winter white velvet bow. 
There were so many wonderful ingredients to choose from we were really spoiled for choice. 
Sarah’s new studio is such a beautiful, creative space. Think fragrant botanical candles flickering everywhere, mulled wine and apple juice simmering on the stove and containers full of fragrant festive greenery, waxed fruit, dried flowers and oranges, pine cones, lichen covered branches and even tiny gold wax-dipped fresh crab apples. 
Thank you for being so patient with my lengthy ribbon choice deliberations Sarah - and for bagging up a second choice option (dusky pink) to take home! X.  #wreathmaking #wreath #wreathsofinstagram #sustainablewreaths #wreathdecor #christmaswreath #velvetribbon #christmasdecor #festiveflowers
I’ve loved Olga Prinku’s work for ages now - s I’ve loved Olga Prinku’s work for ages now - she came up with the genius idea of embroidering on tulle using nature as her thread - and the results are sublime - like this Autumn colours beauty from her latest book.
I’m delighted that Olga is offering a fantastic prize bundle to my readers. For a chance to win one of her beautiful new dried flower embroidery kits (in collaboration with @driedandfloral ) as well as a signed copy of her wonderful new book(published by @quadrillebooks , pop over to my blog (link in my bio). It’s easy to enter so why don’t you give yourself a chance of winning this very lovely prize? Good luck! 
#driedflowers #driedflowerembroidery #olgaprinku #embroideryhoop #flowerembroidery #competitiontime #signedbooks #embroideryart #flowersontulle #autumn #autumncolours #hoopart #allthingsbotanical #instacraft
This beautiful image is by Laura Pashby @circleofp This beautiful image is by Laura Pashby @circleofpines and is from her beautiful new book Little Stories of Your Life. 
It’s packed with inspiration and practical ideas to help you become a visual story teller. Because, as Laura says, it’s the little moments that make up the fabric of all of our lives - and those moments are worth capturing and sharing with others.
We have three signed copies of the book to give away - just click the link in my bio to find out more. There’s a peek inside and a lovely film by @xantheb to enjoy too! X 
#littlemoments #littlestoriesbook #alifeofwords #lostinwords #competition #booksarelife #mindfulphotography #bookstagram #booksmakemehappy #booksconnectus #igreads #whatareyoureading #signedbooks
Thanks to Lisa from @inthemaking_aprons who has sh Thanks to Lisa from @inthemaking_aprons who has shared her wonderfully creative ideas for visibly mending well-loved clothing in need of repair and a little TLC.
She had me at ‘sometimes I like to use giant sequins…’ 
Hope you like Lisa’s ideas as much as I do. The link to head over to my blog and get all her step by steps is in my bio x
Thank you @therealflowerco for these heavenly swee Thank you @therealflowerco for these heavenly sweet peas - the perfect way to celebrate #britishflowersweek 
I just wish I could share the blissful fragrance with you too 💕🌸
#locallygrownflowers #flowersofinstagram #supportlocal #britishflowersweek2021 #britishseasonalflowers #flowersfromthefarm #sweetpeas
This heavenly knitted lamb is by Claire Garland ak This heavenly knitted lamb is by Claire Garland aka @dotpebbles_knits and just one of the creative spring projects you might enjoy immersing yourself in right now. To discover other inspirational ideas and to get all the info you need - including this free pattern by Claire - click the link in my bio. Hope you find something that brings you a little seasonal joy x
Thanks to Erin at @floretflower for sending me a s Thanks to Erin at @floretflower for sending me a surprise signed copy of her dreamy new book Discovering Dahlias - and another signed copy to share with one of you. 
To enjoy a peek inside - and for a chance to win - click the link in my bio. 
The truly beautiful photographs (including this one) are all by Erin’s husband Chris Benzakein #discoveringdahlias #floretflowerfarm #dahliasofinstagram #flowersgivemepower #giveawayuk
Thanks to @sarahravenperchhill for sharing a beaut Thanks to @sarahravenperchhill for sharing a beautifully simple way to arrange snowdrops and other early spring flowers over on the blog (link is in my bio). I’ve already made my own simple flower grid using foraged twigs and it works brilliantly! 
As well as sharing her simple step by steps, there’s also a video tutorial where Sarah shares more inspiring ideas for creating with early spring flowers. The beautiful photographs are by @jonathanbuckleyphotography - hope you enjoy! X
Last call to enter our Pippa Greenwood Grow Your O Last call to enter our Pippa Greenwood Grow Your Own gift bundle competition!
My favourite #gardenersquestiontime panellist @pippa.greenwood offers a range of totally brilliant Grow Your Own gift bundles - which include garden-ready veg plants sent out at the right time for planting, email growing advice, tips and recipes from Pippa herself as well as signed copies of The Gardener’s Year. It’s the perfect gift for anyone interested in growing their own fresh produce - and comes with the best expert advice!
We have two Pippa Greenwood GYO gift bundles to be won - the link to enter the competition, and to find out more is in my bio - Good luck!
Last call for anyone who’d like to enter our Cla Last call for anyone who’d like to enter our Claire Garland Christmas Mouse knitting pattern competition. The link to enter is the top one in my bio. Good luck!
If you’re finding the world a somewhat shouty an If you’re finding the world a somewhat shouty and overwhelming place right now, you might like to get behind Sarah Corbett @craftivists new project - she’s crowdfunding to create the final part of her Craftivism trilogy: the Craftivist Collective Handbook. It will be a beautiful hardback with 20 gentle protest Craftivist projects and tools to help readers become positive and effective change makers. Because slow and gentle can be more effective in the long run than fast and loud. I am 100% behind Sarah’s project and have no doubt that those of us in the crafty, creative community have plenty to contribute when it comes to making a better, fairer world. 
Stitching a powerful message can be  more effective than shouting it at someone who’s not listening to you. If you’d like to get involved or find out more, follow the top link in my bio.
Thanks to @botanical_tales for sharing beautiful d Thanks to @botanical_tales for sharing beautiful dried flower wreath ideas over on the blog - link in bio. I love this dried mini wreath as natural gift wrapping decoration (you can buy ready-made too) - all the links are in the post.
Thanks too to Kirsten @henthorn_farm_flowers for sharing her step by steps for creating a stunning giant foraged dried flower wreath as well as her beautiful simple wreath in silvery winter whites. 
I’m increasingly obsessed with the idea of growing my own flowers for drying and creating lovely things with them. Watch this space for more dried flower inspiration coming soon... X
One of the joyful things about this time of year f One of the joyful things about this time of year for me is making plans for next spring and summer in my flower cutting garden. After two years of growing cut flowers, I’m ready for some fresh ideas and to raise my game a little more. I would like to fill some gaps in shape and colour and to extend the flowering season in particular. I’d also like to start drying and preserving my flowers... so I am thrilled that Kirsten of @henthorn_farm_flowers has shared a beautiful glimpse into her seasonal and sustainable flowery world as well as lots of fantastic expert tips and ideas over on the blog - the link is in my bio. I hope you find some inspiration too. Kirsten lives in a very beautiful part of the world - the Ribble Valley in Lancashire. It’s an area very close to my heart as I grew up not far away. Loved spending a little virtual time there again, thanks to Kirsten - and I am yearning to go back in person one day soon and breathe it all in again.
To be honest, I’m still clinging on to the last To be honest, I’m still clinging on to the last moments of Summer. I do always eventually embrace Autumn but, this year in particular, I’m wanting to hold on for as long as possible to the quiet bliss of the last few months. 
I do really worry about what lies ahead for us all, but spending time outdoors, connecting, really up close, to what’s going on in the garden definitely helps. I still have roses, sweet peas, snapdragons, zinnias, asters and LOTS of dahlias blooming so there are always jars and jugs of flowers on every available surface. Rose geranium leaves have been a revelation for adding a fragrant green frilliness - and now I’m full of love for abelia. 
This beautiful photo is by @gandgorgeousflowers and captures the between-seasons beauty in the flower garden right now. I am inspired to create something similar as I have many of the same colours. 
I do realise that it’s silly (and utterly pointless 😂) to resist Autumn as it’s actually one of the most beautiful times of year. As soon as the leaves really turn, and everywhere starts to smell like Autumn, I’m sure I’ll be fully on board. 
With that in mind, I’ve shared lots of inspiring Autumn Flowers ideas over on the blog (link in my bio) from some of my favourite flower creatives including @gandgorgeousflowers @simplybyarrangement @therealflowerco @wildbunchflowers @floribundaroseflorists @thesussexflowerschool @electricdaisyflowerfarm 

Hope you enjoy - and find a little bit of creative inspiration too. X

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