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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MEET · March 27, 2018

Hilary Lowe of Damson & Slate

Meet Hilary Lowe of Damson & Slate

I first met Hilary Lowe on a location shoot with photographer Yeshen Venema. She was the stylist and had come prepared – with a van packed to the gills with jugs, jars, blossom and all manner of wonderful props. As we chatted, it turned out we’d both worked for the M&S magazine around the same time in the 90s and had some similar stories to tell – of Christmas lunch shoots in sweltering summer heat and alfresco summer living shots in blizzard conditions at Camber Sands.

I instantly liked her and was impressed by how effortlessly styling clearly comes to her.  Not surprising really, when you consider that she has styled interiors for a wide range of titles including The Sunday Times, Elle Decoration, Coast, Livingetc and many more. When I discovered that Hilary had moved to rural Pembrokeshire and would soon be photographing her own collection of homeware made in Wales, I made a mental note to make sure I kept up to date.

I follow Hilary on Instagram and recently saw some lovely images Yeshen took of Hilary’s collection – Damson & Slate (listed in the FBWL directory here).  I decided the time was right to find out more so I asked Hilary to share some of her local loves, inspirations and passions.

I really like the fact that she never sets any goals, preferring to seize and enjoy the opportunities that come her way. I also love the image of her hauling a bench to the riverbank so she can listen to the water each day and would definitely enjoy sharing a good glass of red with her as we watched a Scandi noir on TV…

hilary lowe stylist damson and slatehilary lowe stylist damson and slate hilary lowe stylist damson and slate

Q&A with Hilary Lowe

Please describe what you do and a little bit about your journey there

I design, source and edit the collections sold through Damson & Slate and I also work as a stylist. Damson & Slate is a natural progression from selling products from around the world to selling those made in Wales as I have now lived in Pembrokeshire for 10 years.  I  appreciate the skills involved in the craftsmanship and like to then add my own colour palette and sell to the markets I know – interior designers and architects.

My journey started with my own business, supplying interior designers and stores with goods I sourced from around the world as well as objects I product designed and had had made in Vietnam and Cambodia. My clients included Selfridges in London, Designer’s Guild, Barneys New York, Browns and The Cross.  From there I went on to be interior stylist for the Style section of The Sunday Times, forecasting and styling interior trends, commissioning photographers, locations and models as well as putting together the weekly shopping page. I also renovated and interior designed many properties in London.

in 2003 I decided to take the plunge and went freelance as a stylist, working with glossy magazine titles including Livingetc, delicious, Coast, easy living and Elle Decoration alongside regular commissions from the Sunday Times and You magazine.

love this welsh farmhouse kitchen with painted green cupboard, flag stone floor and rustic furniture of interiors stylist Hilary Lowe of Damson & Slatelove this entrance hall of welsh country cottage farmhouse with grey walls, vintage wooden church bench, vintage finds and flag floors of Hilary Lowe, stylist and creator of Damson & Slate interiorslove this welsh farmhouse living room with stone floors in Pembrokeshire of Hilary Lowe, stylist and founder of Damson & Slate

In 2008 I moved to a rural farmhouse in Pembrokeshire (above) and continued with styling projects for companies such as Elanbach fabrics before setting up Damson & Slate in 2010.

love this grey and cream stripe welsh blanket by damson and slatestack of natural linen fabricdamson and slate waffle throws

Please tell us a little about what you make

I don’t actually make anything as I have no patience and am always rushing with a head full of ideas.  I can sew, knit, dye, upholster and work a potters wheel. But not for very long and not with any great end result!

wild garden cushion damson and slatepeony printed linen damson and slate

The latest editions to the collection are a Peony design printed linen fabric (above). The artwork being done by my late paternal grandmother who was a prolific artist and produced many watercolours in her life. Technology means these can be translated through a computer into a pattern repeat and make for original and gorgeous fabrics. Wild garden (above, top) is another of her watercolours available on linen…and more to come. Another new design on linen is ‘Stitch’ (below).  I use old welsh weaving patterns and quilts as inspiration.

Stitch linen damson and slatelove these welsh blanket bedspreads woven in wales for Damson & Slatelove these modern welsh blankets by damson and slate wool blankets and bedspreads woven in wales

I also have a new colour range in the bedspreads woven for me in West Wales, 30 of which recently went to a boutique hotel in Spain via a London Interior designer.

love this meadow weed in the frost

Favourite way to start the day? 

I always start the day, come rain or shine, with a walk around my lovely grassy meadow accompanied by the dog. The area of meadow that borders the tributary off the river Cleddau is designated SSSI and is partly ancient woodland with wonderful flora. I managed to haul a bench down to the meadow and always sit and listen for a while before heading back to emails and Instagram.

damson slate meadow walesdamson and slate river in wales

What’s your morning routine?

My morning routine is dictated by two early school runs – one to the bus for secondary school at the top of the long farm track and then hot footing it by car  to the local village primary school. This is then followed by my meadow walk and then I cross the yard to my studio, housed in the old farm cottage opposite the farm house. I renovated the old cottage about four years ago. Just the upstairs, enough to house my computer, desk, piles of fabrics, blankets and a plethora of props and stuff I like . Twigs with lichen..haha. It’s a fabulous work space with a corrugated roof that lends itself to listening to the rain and feeling cosy. Or the new stable door open to let sunshine flood in.

love this damson and slate welsh studio with blue stable doordamson and slate

Please describe your typical working day for us

Every day is different – orders to pack, images to edit, colours to play with, coffee with friends, gardening. I love my work and also love stopping and switching hats when the kids come home. I love cooking and plan our suppers two weeks in advance. So by 3pm I am sorting school bags and cooking.

pact coffee

What keeps you going through the day?

Radio 4 is a must in the background during the day and I have just the one coffee. I use specialist ground coffee sent fortnightly by Pact. They source coffee from very small growers around the world.

I love the excitement of new products and ideas coming together so I keep going regardless!

dusty pink corrugated metal sheethydrangea with striped linenlove these blue vintage painted gypsy pegsdamson and slate tea towels and cushions made in wales

Top tips for enabling creativity? 

Go out and about and look around to get inspired. Walks, museums, shops. Get off Instagram and put away your camera – a little notebook will do. Or just your memory…

plumo wrap linen dungarees

Your simple pleasures? 

A good walk, Netflix, The Wine Society, Plumo (above and below, bottom) and Toast (below), and a really good dinner out.

toast indigo safari shirtlove these rustic ceramic vases in dark blue and green in modern rustic interior with painted white walls by Plumo

What is your approach to setting and achieving your goals? 

I don’t ..and never have. What I have achieved and done just happens… rather randomly.

What do you like best about your neighbourhood? 

A short drive each way and you are on fabulous coast. Or on top of the Preseli Hills which are just amazing. My old farmhouse is hidden away and surrounded by fields and woodland.

Please share a local hidden gem with us

Well you won’t find my meadow and ancient woodland in a guidebook. It’s a real hidden gem.

Best place to watch the world go by?

I am addicted to open top city tour buses. Love to watch the world go by from above.

Favourite way to spend an evening? 

I just don’t go out anymore – too far to get anywhere and three kids in bed so I am blissfully happy with a glass of red and a Scandi noir on the telly with a log fire burning.

Favourite shop? 

Asian supermarkets and kitchenware shops. Heaven! And also stationery stores. All those pens and notebooks and clips…

Most treasured possession? 

A stunning hand embroidered silk piece from China in a huge frame inherited from my paternal grandmother who was born and lived in China from 1905 to the 30’s.

aberffraw beach anglesey

Image: courtesy of Stay in Wales

Favourite walk?

Apart from my meadow I love Newborough Sands on Angelesey though it has become very popular. Aberfawr beach nearby is less busy and also a good walk but Newborough has the stunning views over Snowdonia. A good windy romp across the Presili Hills also a favourite.

What are you passionate about right now? 

Nothing to do with my design work. I’m passionate about fostering and better outcomes for looked after children. Also how awful education has become. It’s all about exams and not learning to love learning.

narberth antiques and interiors

Best local place for rummaging vintage finds? 

Carmarthen Flea Fair throughout the year is good.  Local store Narberth Antiques & Interiors run by Zara has fabulous vintage welsh blankets, vintage furniture and antiques and wonderful window displays.

Favourite British design icon?

Kenneth Grange, an industrial designer. My father was part of his design team, working on many of his projects: Intercity 125, Duracel Torch, the Kenwood mixer, Kodak instamatic and more. I was always very inspired by the old blue print industrial drawings my father produced. So much nicer than computers. And also Elisabeth Frink, Hepworth and Frank Dobson. All stunning sculptors.

Favourite UK makers?

Eleanor Pritchard, Coed Y Dwrgi, Ochre, Olicana, Roger Oates. All just beautifully thought out… weaving, wood, furniture, linen, rugs.

I’m also organising my first Damson & Slate collective pop-up shop for April and am really excited to be collaborating with some wonderful makers including: Rosebud and Violet (pretty vintage finds), Jules Hogan (soft and luxurious knitwear), Tuffet.co (handmade velvet pouffes), 1819 gallery (well-curated antique furniture & accessories) and FARMERS’ (blissful body products made using welsh lavender and other natural ingredients).

damson and slate pop up shoplove this green velvet pouffe love this green velvet pouffe by tuffet.co, farmers' calm balm and damson and slate welsh blanket love this lavender hand cream made in wales by FARMERS' click though for more beautiful welsh blankets accessories and more you'll lovelove this FARMERS' lavender lip balm made in Wales love this pink velvet handmade pouffe by tuffet.co love this vintage floral oil painting from Rosebud and Violet. Click through to discover other vintage and handmade finds you'll loveVintage floral by Rosebud & Violet, farmers' EDT, Waffle throw by Damson & Slatejpg love this farmers' lavender water made in wales

How important is making in the UK to you?

Saves on shipping! It’s good that we are now promoting UK made. But I still love products from around the world as well. Objects that we just can’t produce or make here. I focus on UK made but will also add in global craft.

love this traditional white welsh stone cottage - harp cottage in radnorlove this simple modern rustic welsh farmhouse bedroom with white painted stone walls, wild flowers and vintage furniture.love these white wild flowers on rustic windowsill with shutters at traditional white welsh farmhouse Harp Cottage at Radnor, Wales

Best place to unwind/escape to? 

I recently stayed in Harp Cottage in Old Radnor and am going back to do a photo shoot there. It was just lovely. Understated, stylish yet cosy and hidden away. And next door to a super foody pub. What more do you need?

Best piece of advice you could share?

Don’t ask for too many opinions. Trust yours. And if it doesn’t work then it’s not meant to be. I think you are born an entrepreneur or designer or artist and no matter how many seminars or lectures you go on if it’s not in your blood it’s hard to succeed. If it goes wrong, so what. Try something else…

What are you listening to/reading/watching right now?

Haha… Billions and The Assassination of Gianni Versace…both fabulous for all the wrong reasons..

Secret to being happy?

Am always happy. I really don’t care about anything unless it’s important to me and my family. Remind yourself we will all drop dead one day so really live each day well. For you – not Instagram! Keep a check on reality and do things for others. I am happiest, not selling a cushion, but caring for the kids.

Goals for the future? 

Make sure the children are happy and somehow work out how to finance my old age.

 

INFORMATION


Damson & Slate is listed in the From Britain with Love directory here >>

Are you a maker or creative course provider? Like to benefit from joining our supportive community? We’d love to hear from you. Check out the packages we offer on our Join Us page and get more details from our Information pack here


A PIN TO SAVE TO PINTEREST

love these welsh blankets woven in Wales for Damson & Slate in blues, greys and heather purple shades. click through to discover more of this beautiful range of homeware made in wales that you'll love 

In: MEET

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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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.
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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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