It still feels very strange not to be opening up the shop in the mornings and seeing familiar faces who, if not coming in, are walking past with a smile and a wave. We had some lovely messages and cards and lots of good wishes which I thank you for.

Being a florist in a small community we became entwined in people’s lives we share; the happy days, the sad days and wedding days; a job I truly love. One thing I won’t miss is shivering through the long, cold winters and this last one has gone on for ever.

But summer is just around the corner… Now the gardens and countryside will burst into colour, the hedgerows into beautiful emerald green and there is a wonderful smell of freshness in the air as magnolias, lilacs and cherry trees bloom. We know that summer is on the way when swallows return chattering away like a playground full of children.

Two short-lived flowers which bloom in May: The anemone or windflower with such vibrant colours does not last long but is so beautiful. Legend says it got the name windflower because of its fragility and will wither if the wind blows over it . At night or before a shower, the petals will curl in; folklore says that fairies live in the centre of the flower and they pull the petals over them and cuddle down.

May is also when the bluebell blooms, turning woodlands into carpets of blue. My favourite place to visit is Coton Manor. The first time I saw it, I was spellbound by its beauty. I read this poem by Josie Whitbread:

Ladies dressed in gowns of blue
You’ve slept the winter season through
Wake and take your pride of place
As maids of honour, maids of grace
Spring the bride in gay array
Rejoices with the buds of May
Slender figures in the sun
Shows us that new life’s begun

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The Garden Room

 

The Garden Room

The Garden Room