Gardening Therapy - I Talk To My Plants

On the Sunday of the May Bank Holiday weekend, I'd written over a thousand words, and although it was a tad windy, the sun was out, so I thought I best get out in the garden in the afternoon.

Dad had picked me up some extra plants and I knew I needed to get them into the beds. Next week, the weather forecast wasn't looking so bright, plus I'd be working, and gardening is obviously done best in the sunshine. 

Pre-lockdown I would leave the gardening mostly to Dad. I potted up the hanging baskets, but that was about my forte. Then, in 2020, when my gardener wasn't allowed into the house, I had to stand on my two feet, roll up my green sleeves and just get on with it. 

Dad does still do a lot of the hard work, like cutting back the roses early spring etc. And my garden would not look so lovely if it wasn't for his hard work in it too. But I've got better at gardening. And I love it.

my favourite rose bush

I came in Sunday after getting all the bedding plants into my beds in the front and back garden, and I felt good. My mental health had had a boost. I'd been in the sunshine with the bees, busily working. I mean, literally, I had a bee on a plant right by my ear, and they weren't bothered by me. And I wasn't bothered by them. 

I even enjoy mowing the lawn. I do try to get the boys to do it - more to make them do a chore. And Dad sometimes cuts the lawn for me, if I'm at work and rain is due the next few following days.

My pond

All these people with their plastic grass (that's another subject where I could get on my soapbox on how bad that is for the planet and wildlife) - you're missing out on helping your mental health. Just get out in the garden, prune the plants, talk to the birds, the bees  - and the plants, like I do.

If you're struggling with your mental health, seriously, get out in your garden. It'll boost your mental and physical health. 

Lockdown Gardener

We're into our eleventh week, lockdown is easing and I thought I'd share what I have taken from these past few months.

As some of you may know, my dad is also my gardener.

When I moved into this house, seven years ago, the garden wasn't really looking up to much. He removed all the membrane that was covering the beds, and it's had some transitional phases - the beds have got bigger in places!

All my Facebook friends have complimented me on my garden, and I've always said I can't take the credit.

In some ways, even this year, I still can't It is what is is due to the past years of gardening.

Entering its eight summer, as we went into lockdown, I had to take over the garden. Dad left me jobs to do, that he would usually have done, maybe more for my sanity than anything, still calling in occasionally on a Friday when I was at work to do the bigger jobs.

Because we didn't have a cold winter, I rescued some bedding plants in case I couldn't get hold of any.

Between me and my son we've been mowing the lawns (front and back). I actually like mowing the lawn!

During Easter we painted the fences, without Grandad to rally us!

Then, we've had these freakishly lovely days of summer sunshine! So I've been watering and keeping on top of the pots.


Anyway, I've come to find time to tend my garden. Before or after dinner I've pottered; to cut back dead heads, plant up any plants, etc. and water them! I especially make time at the weekend, too.

I've purchased new patio furniture I desperately needed and treated myself to a new chimnea - which I built all by myself!

I've always appreciated my garden, (and gardens generally) but I've  never been too involved in the actual gardening. This year I've had to, and I've loved it.

Not only has it probably helped with my fitness, because you're walking about the garden, grabbing lots of vitamin D from the sunshine, it's actually helped with my mental wellbeing too.

So, I'm going to try to take more responsibility for my garden from now on, (with Dad to assist when I need him.)

Wisteria Season

I love this time of year. Spring bulbs and flowers, all bursting out and making us forget the winter dreariness. (I should really share the photos of our visit to Knightshayes in the Easter holidays... the flowers!)

And the birds are nesting and feeding their young like crazy. I'm such a twitcher!

I'm so excited, because for the first time this year, I have birds nesting in one of the bird boxes the gardener, aka Dad, has put in the garden. I thought it was Sparrows, but they are Great Tits. (I know, I know, the jokes I get...)

It's also that time of year again, where the Wisteria is out in full bloom. Unfortunately I don't have this growing in my garden though.

I was driving from Knaphill to Egham at the weekend, and I just wished I could have stopped the car and taken some photos of some beautiful buildings covered in Wisteria.

The flower is one of my favourite colours, and the house I grew up in was called Wisteria. Even though we didn't have the plant growing up it, I imagine once upon a time in its era, it would have done.

But its name was the inspiration behind calling the cottage in my book, Wisteria.

Anyway, this time of year reminds me Meet Me At Wisteria Cottage was launched. Two years old now... but still a great summer read.

I have 98 reviews on Amazon... could just do with a couple more!

Meet Me At Wisteria Cottage:

"Picture perfect scenery, a self-possessed and feisty heroine and a brooding, handsome hero in the form of one Harry Tudor all combine to make this the perfect holiday read."

Amazon UK Ebook / Amazon UK paperback

Grateful For The Little Things

Friends keep asking me how the dating is going, and I have to reply, it's not, basically.

I've disabled/hidden my online dating profiles - again! I've been finding the whole thing rather depressing... on the whole, I've been thinking is that the best I can do? Some like the DIYDaveys just insult my intelligence, and have quite clearly not read my profile.

A couple of weeks ago, tulips in full bloom.

I don't want to sound like I have my head up my arse, or anything like that, and I don't like hurting people's feelings, but some of these guys really are punching above their weight. I'm fairly attractive, and intelligent, and I need someone like-minded on health and fitness sides of things... and some of these guys are not fitting into that criteria, at all!

"How R U finding this sight?" 

Hmmm... my vision is great thanks.

Taken a couple of weeks ago

And to be honest, I'm so happy with my life at the moment. It would be nice to share it with someone, but I'm not settling, and I'm actually rather busy. I have found so much more time to exercise, write... and catch up with friends for coffee.

I know life likes to send a curve ball, I'm waiting patiently for mine, however at the moment everything is great. I've got a hot holiday booked in the summer with a friend and I can't wait for that! I love my house, I love it so much, and this time of year, I'm reminded how fabulous my garden is...

I have truly fantastic friends -  online and ones who live locally. Life is going well... for now. I even have officially signed with an agent, and will be working on Book 3 to get it published.

Yeah, so I'm grateful for the little things. I do wonder if Mr Right is really out there for me... what if he isn't? I think I just need to live my life, and what will be, will be...

To All The Awesome Dads Out There

Dad's Truck!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY

Last summer

As you know, if you follow me regularly, especially via Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, I have an awesome dad.

When I separated from my ex-husband, he was tremendously supportive in helping me with my new home. He built me a utility room inside my garage, my garden looks awesome - it's its third summer this year! Where did the time go?

Polzeath Holiday 2015

He does so much with me and the boys. We love our walks, and our talks, our bike rides and our steam trains. My dad is the reason I love cars and driving - he taught me as soon as my feet could reach the pedals.

I think it's rather lovely that today is the longest day too. My dad loves the summer and the sunshine. The longer the days, the longer he gets to be outside doing his favourite things. Today we're off to a garden centre to look at plants and have a coffee.

Polzeath Holiday 2015

Unfortunately, there are some men out there who don't deserve the title of Dad. They don't take on the responsibility to support their children when the relationship breaks down with the mother. This makes me so sad for those children who don't have a good relationship with their dad like I have.

I feel really blessed that my Dad is not one of those imbeciles. I am even grateful that my boys have their own fantastic dad, too.

Another steam train trip (Easter 2015)

So if you have an awesome Dad out there, or he is sadly no longer with us, this blog post is dedicated to them! Have a happy Father's Day.

I'm Having One of *Those* Days

At least I have a gardener who helps me out :)

I'm having one of those 'I've got too much to do but all I want to do is write' moments.

And so it's another one of 'those' blog posts.

The house needs cleaning. Again.
The summerhouse needs its yearly lick of paint.
I need to paint my garage door at some point.
I still need to finish my lounge by finding something to hang on the back wall.
I would really like to do some baking too...
At some point, one weekend, I need to do a car boot to get rid of the crap I've accumulated over another year and clear my garage.

And maybe I'm a bit hermit like, but Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays I find myself quite happily holed-up in my house - writing.

I don't write for the whole six hours the kids are at school. I fit a run/exercise in, and do some housework, like the washing, around the writing to break up the time I'm at my desk. I'd be crippled otherwise. But generally, I don't like moving from my house. I feel guilty if I do. Even a quick trip to a shop that I need to do feels time consuming.

I now try to limit meeting one friend a week. That way, I'm not eating to all of my three days. And I do need to get out - this is of course, research. :) And of course, I love catching up with my fabulous friends. But I still feel guilty that I'm not writing, and working towards finishing my book.

I'm trying to use my evenings more productively around the after-school clubs, but I'm also trying to make myself relax so that I sleep better - if you call ironing in front of the television watching Glee relaxing. (I am loving Glee - just slip that in!)

So, I suppose I can't hang around on this blog too long, spending a million hours making sure it reads right, the picture fits etc. I need to get on! I just feel overwhelmed :'(

Is this a writer thing? Or is it me, my personality, something I really am going to have to learn to deal with?

Anyone else out there feeling like the walls are closing in?

Today is just one of those days.

Watering Cans and Sprinklers

In the beginning... 

I've been meaning to post on my blog about my garden for like ALL Summer!

Now it's a miserable November, and we are gearing ourselves up for Christmas, I thought I'd cheer us up with some summer sunshine!

Dad has been out there planting bulbs which my garden sorely missed in Spring, so I thought I'd (finally) share the transition of my small garden.

My ever helpful eldest (sometimes)

Can't leave Dad for 5 mins...

I'm still trying to encourage the birds to come in to my garden. I don't know if it's because it's small, or the season is just all wrong this year with the birds... but I will persevere.

I have a thing for watering cans...

Anyway, here is some of the photos I took of my garden as Summer took hold. I would love to share all of the photos I have taken, but I think the post would go on for too long. :)

Apologies for the higgledy-piggledy way the pictures have posted. This is a pet hate of mine on Blogger at times!

Plants!

Summer House still standing... 

Summer House and new paving. 

Summer sprinklers and garden fun!

View from Summer House. 

View from kitchen door, with washing out!

What a difference the sun makes, too. It will be interesting next Spring to see what bulbs pop up. I have to thank my Dad for this garden. I really can't take the credit.

How Quick Does A Week Go?

It feels faster than seven days, that's for sure!

I don't know if it's my house and garden taking up my time amongst the day to day routines of getting kids too/from school, and work, and the housework (I only do the bare minimal!), but here it is again, Thursday! Friday tomorrow - eek!

So, I have printed off my manuscript, The Wedding Favour, and it's Synopsis. I just need to fill in the forms and buy a jiffy envelope. (Forgot to do that this morning, dammit!). Then, I can send it off to the RNA New Writers' Scheme. Yay!

It will take some pressure off me trying to write and edit another novel by August, and the feedback I get back might be useful. Or will make me give up and throw in the towel! (No never! I'll write till I die!)

I have written a couple of short pieces which I do need to consider extending... or looking for a place to send. But at the moment, finding time for writing is proving really difficult.

However, my garden is coming along nicely, and if you've been following me on Facebook or Twitter you'll have seen the transformation. I will do a blog post shortly to show you it. But for now, it being Thursday, it means it's Shirtless Thursday...

Makes us wish summer would arrive and we can all hit the beach... if only it was filled with men looking like this!

My Reading Zone

About time I blogged, don't you think?

I thought I'd blog about my reading zone. I can't read with the TV on - I'm so easily distracted! - and after having a bad back last year, I avoid reading in bed.  So, usually have to check with hubby when he doesn't want to watch something on the TV, so that I can go in the lounge and sit comfortably.

I've been wanting to post this picture for a while now, but other blog posts have got in the way.

In the summer, my dad finished off a corner of our garden behind the pond. For nearly nine years it has been a waste of space! Well, look at it now.

The arbour was bought about 3 years ago, and never erected. This is what happens with having kids, and a husband who works full time, and it doesn't help then that I work weekends so he's left to entertain them.

Anyway, this area quickly became my reading space in the garden. The arbour is actually very comfortable!

The only down side I can see about being a writer is that when it's glorious sunshine, you can be stuck inside bashing away words at your PC. So, in the summer, as soon as this was finished (and it was a nice day), I tried to sit out for an hour a day (or a chapter or a quick coffee) reading.

I'm not sure I'm going to get out there again this year but it's a great zone for reading, letting the sound of trickling water from the pond soothe you, and I can be supervising the boys playing in the garden too.