Hygge Nook

Garden flowers for brightness, butterflies and beauty

My own garden is somewhat of an accident. Several years ago I think it must have been really well taken care of but several years of renting to a succession of disinterested people has resulted in an overgrown mess. We've cut back, weeded out, pulled out bags of thorns and thistles, given flowers and shrubs room to grow again and even discovered paths. And we've been rewarded with orange and yellow lilies, roses of every colour, cornflower, poppies, ornamental grasses, what we think is a dwarf willow tree and delicious blackberries.

In the backgarden, I'd like to add in a buddleia to the mix for some bright structure that doesn't look too contrived. The beautiful cone-like purple blossoms are a mecca for butterflies.

The front garden has also been terribly neglected. I'm not sure I can actually call it a garden as half of it is pebbled for what will eventually be parking with a bed of lilies and roses under the living room window. The other half is the nastiest paving slabs (what were previous residents thinking?) We do have a very dissapointing border that is just ripe for pretty planting. Here, nearest to the house is a red peony and the rest is just a weedy mess (too horrid to picture). I'm thinking of either adding in something fast growing and structured such as buxus which will retain its greenness all year round (might need too much attention though) or adding in some bright colour with alliums, a bed full of lavender - I like this scented hidcote variety which will also attract butterflies and looks great as a border - or even bright busy lizzies - this stardust variety is cheap and good for borders too.

What do you think?

Anorak's animal print picnic blankets

I know we're pushing it a bit asking for some sun this summer but it would be nice, wouldn't it? To just this once have a properly sunny summer so that I could happily click purchase on one of these delightful animal print picnic blankets. The Kissing Animals blankets are by Anorak* for £36 each from Molenta Munro (I want the horse one). {source: Bright Bazaar}

*They of the Anorak jacket? Enlighten me?

Pretty tents for a staycation in your own garden

I've probably mentioned before that camping isn't quite my bag (rucksack?) but I do like the pretty tents that have given 'glamping' a surge of popularity. Whilst I'd love a Cath Kidston floral tent, I'm not sure I really want to pay £100 for one right now. If you're looking for something similar, check out the Celia Birtwell monkey puzzle tent which is similarly priced for £119 at Millets.

Or if you're on a budget, check out this pink floral teepee for a fifth of the price at just £19.99. I've just bought this fun teepee and think it's going to be a great summer play tent and hideaway for my children this summer.

All the pretty things at Laura Ashley

After writing the last post, I had to take a look through the rest of the online Laura Ashley store. Of course, I couldn't help but fall in love with many of the items, particularly these four. Aren't the blue tones of the glassware lovely and wouldn't this enamel butterfly windchime like beautiful dangling from a tree in a country garden? I'd certainly like to give my dresser an elegant update with these glass and mirrored trinkets.

Clockwise from top left: Cream enamel wind chime with butterfly details ~ small optic glass jar ~ set of two mirrored trinket boxes ~ Blue pressed wine glass.

If you like polka dots, butterflies and bunting, there are plenty of homewares with these themes and it certainly helps (my bank balance) that there is a sale on!

Bring colour to your garden with an Ikea Solig lantern

I'm really fond of lanterns. I think they're a terrific, not to mention atmospheric, way to light up the garden. However, I'm not so fond of anything that involves a naked flame due to the fire risk, especially if you have children. I snagged the orange Ikea Solig lantern to go in place of a long-dead hanging basket and I'm really thrilled with my choice. Not only does the solar panel ensures it stays lit all night but it's hardwearing (having lasted through this past weekend's storm) and the orange brings a brilliant pop of colour. Not only that but my garden has played natural co-ordinator with some newly bloomed orange lilies and pinky-orange roses right next to the lantern. Did I mention it was £6.99? Bargain.

Cheerful garden updates for under £10

We may hear about 'garden rooms' where your outdoor space becomes an extension of the indoors, but seriously... bit hopeful in England! Our summer is so on-off, sometimes we wonder if we actually have one. Take yesterday for instance; baking hot all day, thunder and lightening through the evening. Therefore, I wholly advocate only buying cheap and cheerful garden items that you don't mind getting rained on or only having out a few times. Here's a few pretty and colourful things that I have my eye on... and they're all under £10:

Large red spot windmill, £4.95 from the Dotcomgiftshop.com; solar-operated lanterns, £6.99 each Ikea; pink hanging planter £3.95 on sale Nettle Green; metal garden sign, £3.95 from the Dotcomgiftshop.com; red and green glass lanterns, £10 for two Next; citronella bucket £4.99 Dunelm Mill.

Cox and Cox's tealight chandelier

I'm not exactly sure how you would hang this tea light chandelier (from a tree? a parasol?) but I think it would look oh so pretty as the day moves towards dusk. It comes with eight coloured glass holders on a rust-effect metal frame for £35 from Cox & Cox.

Eames' children's elephant seat

 

I love it when children's furnishings goes beyond the pastel, staid designs. This elephant seat, derived from Eames' mid-century elephant cushion, is adorable and fun and made from polypropylene so it can be used indoors or out. It's pricey at £136 so you'll have to hope it becomes a heirloom piece, right? 

Want it? Find it at The Lollipop Shoppe.

Vintage children's ride-on cars from Habitat

Aren't these vintage cars so utterly charming? Plastic ride-ons don't have a patch on them (and I have two such models for my little ones). They're made from metal and the black version comes in at £75. However, if you want the pink you're in for a serious saving as it's up for £37.50, both from Habitat.

Panton S chairs

Did you know Vernor Panton was Danish? Really this is just another excuse for me to post the S chairs - following last week's series of Danish themed posts - that I love so much and still don't have. One day. I spotted the S chairs being used in a garden which I found quite inspiring (see it on p97 of Real Homes' June issue). They're £49 each here and I'm wondering if I could sneak in one for the desk I also don't yet have?