christmas festive spirit

T'was the night before christmas and all through the house.....

Well, finally it is almost upon us...only how many sleeps to go???

I have bought the sparkling (a christmas essential!!)  and am dying for work to finish so I can open it. 

I almost have the presents organised and just the wrapping, cooking, finalising business, staff party, dog toys, biscuits and stuffed turkey to go.  Have I missed anything?

I have even managed to do the Christmas decorations and get the house in order....

Its been a busy few weeks with lots of people in the garden store to buy presents, trees and generally share some bon ami.  It's lovely to catch up with so many people.  I hope everyone has a great Christmas and wonderful New Year.....and lots of rest and lovely family or friends to enjoy celebrations with. 
 

Thankyou to everyone who has supported us for the last 4 years and especially for this past year.  We have had another great year with lots of fun, great gardens and the nicest people....many of who I am pleased to say have become friends.

I thought I would share some of the lovely things we managed to do in the house this year to decorate for christmas...much of it thanks to my wonderful children.....well done girls.

this is the most beautiful fresh wreath that a rather clever friend of mine made for me...thankyou...maybe we will talk her into doing them for the store next year...

....and these are all the other things I thought were great but never got time to do.....maybe next year but great ideas......

Merry Christmas to All and to All....a good night!  Bon noel!

christmas tree inspiration

With those fresh cut Killicrankie Farm christmas trees due to arrive Friday next week, I suddenly realised I might need a little inspiration for the decoration for the tree this year.

Definitely lots and lots of tiny christmas tree lights....always ....because of their of  little firefly glow and twinkle that is irresistable and never fails to give a definite warm and fuzzy feeling.

But then should I have a colour theme.....or just do a lovely mix and match of the things I have tucked away.  These range from expensive porcelin hand painted ornaments -very exquisite- right through to the rather crushed and tattered precious daughters makings from a long time ago in year 1 at primary school.

So here goes....a few ideas and inspirations....baubles, colours, gingerbread, cottonwool balls!!, candles, real and dried fruit,  urns and tubs, stars and sparkles.....something for everyone.

snap snow fresh peas

At this time of year I am trying to remember to sow my snap peas, snow peas and varieties of beans every 3-4 weeks to get a continuing supply throughout my summer months.

Its a bit of a struggle this year as one of my main antagonists is the black birds, which love ferretting out those juicy succulent pea and bean seeds once they are planted and have had a few days absorbing moisture and are just starting to uncurl their dicots sprouts......aaahhhhhgggggg.
So late one night struggling to think up a good looking effective remedy,  I remembered how impressed I was with the garden growing structures last time I was in England and France.  That has to be my solution.  Construct a fabulous looking growing frame, temporarily swath it in netting to keep those birdies at bay, whisk it off when the seeds are well sprouted...like unswathing a fabulous sculpture....and then enjoy the growing produce....sounds easy at least.

I was then lucky enough to be offered some freshly cut poles from a local that are perfect for building wonderful classic structures with....voila.  
Under construction in my back yard!!!
Although I think we will be employing the KISS principle for starters.

We have excess poles in the store if anyone is wanting some of them for their own creations.  Straight, long, beautiful, textured and interesting.  Get to it.....now is the time to create something fabulous, french and tres practical at the same time...
In the meantime, here is some inspiration for just how to go about it all.....

If anyone comes up with something fabulous ...would love to see the pictures.
Happy framing and enjoy all those yummy peas and beans.