Embroidered minds and pretty tiles

This was one of the first Artisan gardens that I saw at this year’s Chelsea Flower Show and while it was stunning, and set the tone for the day, my overriding thought then and at the time was, how is she going to sit there for so long. Although on the plus side, at least she’s got a job where she can sit and read all day, but then again it was warm, and that dressed didn’t look the coolest.

I know that’s not what this garden is about, but that’s where my practical mind went. With that sorted, I could address the garden and its purpose, which was to raise the awareness of Epilepsy. And the more I saw, the more I learnt.

The garden is a collaboration between the arts and science to explore the effects of epilepsy, a neurological disorder that affected the eldest daughter of William Morris, and to raise awareness of how it remains a challenge today.

Now you can see where the tiles fit in can’t you?

The garden divides into three planting spaces representing the mind before, during and after an epileptic seizure, which each area having a different texture and atmosphere.

The teasels are one of the plants that represent the seizure, but even so it’s been a while since I’ve seen these in a garden. A family friend used to have a large bush in her garden in Carlisle and she would pick them, and dry them and decorate them as hedgehogs, and they really were quite cute. I’m sure, if I remember rightly, that clothes and spectacles were made for them too.

There’s two key plants in this garden too - valerian and artemisia, both calming to look at, because they’re used in the treatment of epilepsy. They’re in the pre-seizure area of the garden which is dominated by white flowers, whereas the post-seizure planting above, is full of colour and indicates the heightening of the senses which can follow.

It is a fascinating garden on many levels, but it’s also one I’d be happy to sit in with a good book too - what about you?

Apple and pear sculptures

Not stone roses, but slate apples and pears. And giant ones at that. But totally stunning.

I saw these at Chelsea and had to restrict myself to admiring their form and taking pictures for an emotional distance. The sculptures are by James Parker, who on his website says he enjoys taking unrefined materials like slate and creating something that captures the imagination of the viewer. These certainly captured mine, and not just for the largest fruit bowl ever.

I think the squirrels in our garden might be quite confused by them too, although they probably have the same level of ripeness. Even though this appears to have been our best year for pears for quite a while, we’re not holding out much hope for actually eating any. The squirrels have had a few bites, and I’m sure the birds have had a peck or two. There are some that remain untouched, but I think even cooking them so they soften would be a challenge.

Maybe it’s just an ornamental pear, but on the other hand they’re nowhere near as ornamental as these.

A luxe dining room

When I saw this dining room at the Ideal Home Show, I was struck by how one thing - or six of one thing - can make such an impact on a room. You’ve heard about having a statement piece, but these pastel pink chairs really are the eye-catching feature of the room, aren’t they?

The rest of the room is very “together” with its black, gilt and glass, even the table top looks to have a smoke feel to it. And with more normal, or traditional chairs I’m not sure you’d give the room much of a second look.  I mean, it’s still beautiful, but those chairs... 

When you looked more closely there was much to see.  This side table, which is beautifully presented and is how, in my head I arrange things (though in reality it’s not quite the same!) is stunning. I’m a fan of the table itself too, its simple and classic design is understated and is a good reminder that not everything needs to be fancy and ornate. 

The lights too work well as accent lighting, but it’s the paint effect that too is subtle but effective. It shows how how quite simply you can add “depth” to your space, and give the illusion of alcoves, or just add some interest to a plain space.   

It’s a simple idea and with patience should be achievable with a few toning pots of paint and some masking tape. 

Looking back over these photos, I realised this roomset may have influenced me more than I first realised, and the cake is a bit of a clue for you - and for once it’s not the actual cake! 

The drinks trolley, or as it’s styled here afternoon tea trolley is quite similar to the drinks trolley we bought back in the summer, and which I’ve yet to share here.  MOH is sneaking more and more drinks paraphernalia onto our trolley, and I’m making it look a little less”plonked” there, I hope.

But its first proper use for me was for a relaxing proper tea one afternoon, strange hey -and what’s worse I didn’t even have any cake, even though I’m not sure you’ll believe that.

So, what do you think - is it for you, or not?