A mermaid's tale, and some great planting

This might not be the post for a chillier day, but never mind, we can just imagine the sunshine can’t we? In fact when I saw this garden at Gardeners’ World Live in Birmingham earlier this year it wasn’t such a nice day either. But that didn’t stop me admiring the planting and pulling my cardy just a little bit tighter after the thought of being on the beach on a cooler day.

There’s nothing wrong with being on a beach on a chilly day, it can be just as nice to have the place more to yourself just as long as you’re dressed correctly. A bit like anything really, having the right clothes - or feeling that you do - makes a lot of things feel better.

It is the planting in this garden that I’m a fan of and the detail which really does give the feeling of being close to the beach. The wooden fence, the grasses swaying in the wind and the cool colour palette.

While the mermaid was billed as the star of the show, I wasn’t that taken by her, and personally I think the space would have worked just as well without her. I’m not much of a mermaid person (you might have already guessed that) but the rest of the space is calming and beautiful.

Even the treasure chest was fine by me, its planting helped continue the theme in what could have been an empty space. And those pebbles, with the chive-like flowers.

I was a fan of the wooden planks used as a path - a great way to add texture, especially surrounded by the pebbles. And saving walking too far on the pebbles too, which is always hard work isn’t it?

But overall what makes this garden work for me is the detailed and coordinated colours of the planting, from the purple sage, the chive-like flowers, the astrantias, grasses and sea holly. It just works, doesn’t it?

Post Comment Love 21-23 September

Hello there and welcome to this week’s PoCoLo, if you were here last week it was great to see you and if you’re new here, then it’s great to see you. I’m sure you’ll find some great posts to read, and you never know perhaps some new to you blogs as well.

Last week you’ll remember that I was expecting my work life to return to a less busy level now that the new building was finally open. But it seems that was just wishful thinking, it hasn’t been quite so busy, that’s true. But it is, and I am, still busy, which is rather disappointing. On the plus side though I did leave work at five on Monday, and I have had lunch a couple of days too. Don’t get me wrong, I always eat, but this week I’ve got better at getting away from my desk, and it’s true what they say, it is rather good for you.

Don’t feel too sorry for me though as it’s not been all work. On Tuesday I went along to a private viewing of In The City in Greenwich and it was easy to spot my favourite exhibit. I’m pretty sure you won’t be surprised either.

Blogger Showcase: Caroline from Caroo Makeup

Caroline is a beauty, fashion and lifestyle blogger who’s also studying Mental Health Nursing. Morgan is hosting Caroline’s full set of answers, but before you pop over there to find out more here’s a snippet. Caroline started blogging as a pastime, loves writing and sharing reviews and opinions, but finds taking pictures for her blog the most challenging. And the question you want to know about most - it’s coffee and cake!

Pop over and say hello to Caroline on her social channels: Twitter - Instagram - Pinterest

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For the love of wood

You’ve probably seen the contemporary concave shelving by Jointed & Jointed, but may not have known who it was by. You might not have seen some of their other designs though. They were at Grand Designs earlier this year and their stand was one that just encouraged you (or me at least) to walk around it ‘stroking’ the furniture, while trying not to of course.

I think it’s the grain on this bureau that makes it work and gives it its contemporary feel, and I think I’d definitely feel more organised. Perhaps momentarily, but I’m sure I would!

The shelving unit with its boxed ‘zones’ also appeals to me. For me it’s the irregularity that appeals, for MOH it’s the irregularity that he’s not so keen on. If I thought it was something that would work in our house, then I think this would be worth the work that would be required to pave the way for this one.

What I wasn’t expecting to see was a wooden desk lamp - well you wouldn’t would you? But after seeing it, I kind of wondered why not?

But the item that really captured my attention was this tower of wooden shoe boxes - I think the shoes could do with more work, but that’s by the bye. I spent a fair amount of time admiring this walnut tower of loveliness which was commissioned by Wallpaper* magazine for their Handmade series.

MOH could spot the signs and moved quickly, pointing out that I’d need several of these or have to have severe clear out. He needn’t have bothered though as I’d already spotted the £4k+ price tag, and yet it was still lovely.

There’s nothing else for it, I’ll need a dressing - or more appropriately - a shoe room, that makes perfect sense doesn’t it?