Saturday 12 February 2011

First

There's a moutain of washing to do, the house is a tip and my kitchen floor doesn't bear describing but today there were more important priorities.  

With two little boys off  for a run over the fields with daddy, I knew where I would be. Thick jumper and wellies on and at last, the first gardening afternoon of the year. Leaves cleared, the last of the summer debris removed and a little bit of last minute hedge lopping have smartened things up no end.
When we return from our little break I'm hoping to see colour as well as shoots in the borders and my pots are stirring into life too. The air was mild and full of robin's song and I stayed out until the light faded and smoke began to rise from our neighbour's chimney. Time to go in.

It was so good to breathe fresh air, lose myself in my thoughts and look forward to Spring. And my first garden cuppa was rather smashing too.
Have a lovely weekend.

40 comments:

Trixie@ the vintage bothy said...

Mum and I did the same,after we dragged our millpond, we had cake with our tea, when we finished, having been sitting in the sun for over an hour, we gave up the gardening.
It was so lovely to be out in the garden in the lovely yellow stuff.
T x

Unknown said...

There was something gardeningish about the air today and wasn't it just so lovely to get out there? That tea looks good too.
I have been reading your blog for about a year now and really love popping into your life. Thank you so much for sharing. You have been someone who has really inspired me to start blogging myself. I can only hope that it can be half as good as yours.

Emma Bradshaw said...

Well done you! I thought about gardening - does that count? emma ;0)

Unknown said...

I've been having the same day, coat off, digging, clearing, mulching, listening to the birdsong and feeling the sun on my back - yay,Spring visited today!

KC'sCourt! said...

Would you like to join me with your mug of tea in my garden, you have inspired me to go out and garden - tomorrow.......
Julie xxxxxxx

bellaboo said...

Been meaning to get out in the garden..but it's been so wet and miserable and the ground is still so muddy.Well that's my excuse anyway! Today was so lovely we took Bella off to the beach.
Enjoy your Sunday! :0)

Kate FM said...

Your blog is perfection - the kind of life I'm aiming to lead one day! <3 x

Pipany said...

Yep, I love that first session too Steph; actually I am quite fond of the following ones come to that! Some sunshine here for a change...hurrah! x

VintageVicki said...

Have yet to manage that first gardening session - was too wet this morning and the rugby was on this afternoon.

Hoping it will happen next weekend if weather/rugby allow!!

Sophie - Chez Sophie said...

Oh lovely, what a great way to spend the afternoon.
That cuppa looks lovely too.
Luv Sophie xxx

Rebecca said...

You can't beat a cup of tea in the garden! We have yet to venture out in to the garden this year after the neighbours 20ft wall collapsed under the weight of snow in December and ruined every last inch of our lovely garden! We'll have to get round to sorting it out soon!! x

Tracy Glover said...

Hi, I am new to your blog. I am a Brit girl living in the Czech Republic and your pictures of Blighty are gorgeous.
It must be nice to get in the garden after all the cold.
I love your dresser. My dresser is now a bit envious.
Heres to more happy garden days,
Tracy

LandGirl1980 said...

Hey there Steph! Thanks for stopping by my blog and telling me about that book. I had not heard of it - but shall certainly check it out!

You blog is a pure delight! I long for a large farmhouse table with a glorious table cloth - and now I can look at yours!

**Anne** said...

What a lovely way to spend some time, outside. I hope you have more moments like this soon.
Anne xx

Tinyholder said...

My house is disgusting at the moment - I'm going to have to get up early tomorrow and clean the kictehn and bathroom, hoover and take the rubbish/recycling out. :-( Not to mention trying to squeeze in a run.

Allison said...

Ive just started reading and youve inspired me to start my own little blog and to start leading the kind of simple life I want to. The last two years have been a hard road but reading inspiring little posts from others has helped make my days happier! So thanks...alas Im in Nova Scotia, Canada and wont be doing any gardening until the four feet of growing snow we have clears but seeing some green grass makes me excited for Spring...so thanks! :)

Anonymous said...

The day screamed 'get out in the garden' here, too.
I guess you agree that all chores- especially ironing- can always wait!
Nothing better than a cup of tea or coffee for a tired yet content gardener!

Leisa said...

Your sweet writing and blog always bring a smile to my face. So glad you had a lovely day in the garden. Hope Spring comes quickly for you!

janjan said...

we are well into the cyclone season here and gardening for me this day as been moving all the trees that came down in the one last week, natures pruning.
Our wildlife consisted of cane-toads (horrible horrible creatures) jumping out of the way of me and my saw. But i had a welcome cup of tea with a friend after and we sat and watched the monsoon rains come down.

Hugs

Rowan said...

I would have loved to garden yesterday but had to wait in for someone to call and collect something - someone who didn't turn up! A whole lovely gardening day gone to waste and this morning it's raining!

Naturally Carol said...

What a change in the season has taken place from your last post to this..the atmosphere looks brighter and much more spring-like! Looks like a lovely cuppa too.

Christals Creations said...

My house sounds like yours! Unfortunately Dad is away until end May so no boys disapperaing for walks. I have a pile of garden rubbish to get rid of and that was my pre christmas burst of energy I haven't begun this yrs. Though I did plant out some snow drops my son was given last weekend.

Krawuggl said...

How much I would enjoy to work again in my garden as you did. But unfortunately we still have some snow here in Bavaria. Hopefully the next weeke will get warmer and I could follow your steps, it´s always the best thing to prepare the ground and soil for the first flowers to sprout, the tiny little first sign of leaves on the roses, with all the expectations and wishes and hopes for a wonderful spring and summer to come.
Have a lovely time,
with best wishes,
Suzi

sarah-jane down the lane said...

Have to tell you how good the blog looks Steph, love the new look. I keep planning a similar exercise and then chickening! Maybe I will now I have seen how great yours looks!

Happy Sunday,

Sarah x

Vintage Tea Time said...

Sounds like you had a good day in the garden - I did the same yesterday, but today's it's grey a nd rainy :( But quite a few bulbs coming through, crocuses, snowdrops, winter honeysuckle, lenten roses, etc - so uplifting! Off for a cuppa now! Enjoy your week!

...Nina Nixon... said...

That was me on Tuesday - it was bliss.

Unfortunately we've had nothing but grey, grey and more grey since then.

Hey ho - there is always this week.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend,

Nina xxx

Nic said...

I'm new to your blog - I love the cup you're using there! :)

Pink Feather Paradise said...

Last Sunday saw Daniel and I clearing shrubs at hte bottom of the garden.. and as he's a big boy of 5 now he had his own gloves and a pair of snips.. lol
Then we grabbed the incinerator and loaded it up for a burning session... Les was dragged from the house to get it going ...bbqs and garden fires are after all mans domain! ;D
Yesterday I cleared the garden and tidied up while the chickens flapped and scurried about.. they are starting to realise the merit of being less flappy when I am turning over the borders... such gormet treats as billy bakers, snails and worms should surely not be missed! ;D
very much looking forward to spring! x

Bobo Bun said...

Still thinking about it Steph, although it sounds as if you had a wonderful time and probably feel great for it.

Thought you looked gorgeous in the hat by the way.

Lisa x

Margarida said...

Inspiring!

Manya said...

You don't know how much I love your blog. You are such an inspiration!

Tea with Prudence said...

One of my favourite activities is to have a cup of tea in the garden and to contemplate.

I found myself lost in your photographs, sharing the moment with you.

Theres nothing quite like the promise of Spring.

Cheers
Fi

Joanne said...

Such a lovely post!
Sigh....you make me long for Spring, and earth and gardens and fresh air and sunshine etc.
Hope to share your cosy soon...too busy:)
Joanne

James. said...

Same here. I finally got the apple tree pruned, so a hearty well done to all fellow gardener's, your garden looks lovely by the way.

Anonymous said...

Your blog is even prettier than it used to be, if that's possible, and so cheering to visit. Both the imagery and your attitudes are very inspiring. You have a real gift. I'll shut up before I make you blush, but just to say, thank you for sharing it!

Anja said...

It sounds great! No garden days for me, here in the apartment on the 3rd floor, but maybe some new flowers in the windowsill... Love the new look of the blog!

Laura said...

Okay, me again... I'm addicted to your blog... much to the hubby's annoyance (he just had to change my little ones diaper).. I'm working my way back to the beginning. I was originally from Nottinghamshire, so reading about Beeley Moor (my car once broke down there and we ended up in the Devonshire Arms) and Chatsworth is making me smile... I think we would have a good old chin wag over tea if I were back in Blighty! Lx

Fixing My Thoughts said...

Sounds like a lovely/perfect day! Bess

- said...

Hope your weekend is lovley too!

The Curious Cat said...

Sounds like a lovely day and a well deserved moment!!! Could do with some fresh air now rather than this stuffy office! xxx