Peony picking

 One of the best parts of this time of year is the abundance of flowers appearing in the garden.  The spring bulbs have died down and the borders are gradually showing signs of colour. The weigela in our garden is particularly beautiful this year.  It seems to be one of those shrubs that gets bigger and better the longer you have it.  

The television is full of programmes about the Chelsea Flower Show and you realise how much time and effort goes into ensuring the plants are at their peak at exactly the right time.  Not that I am comparing my garden with the Chelsea Flower Show!

Yesterday we popped over to a Flower Farm for a walk amongst the blooms.  They are a 'pick your own' farm, specialising in peonies, one of my favourite flowers.  I couldn't resist picking some to bring home, hopefully we chose buds which will open out beautifully as the days unfold.  One is showing its colours beautifully already.

As much as I loved the peonies, I was so pleased to see that they were also picking ranunculus.  These are such gorgeous plants and I am thrilled with the bunch we picked.

I tried growing them from bulbs one year but after much anticipation, the slugs got to enjoy them before I did.

Now, apparently the weather here is about to change for the better.  Mid to high 20s in the next few days 😎  If you're looking for me, you may find me in the garden!

What happened to April?

 I am the epitome of a bad blogger!  I read other people's blogs, fully intending to leave a comment when I have more time and then fail to return, or write a post of my own.  A school report would definitely say 'must try harder'!

So let me entice you back to my blog with a little taste of where I went at the end of April.  Benvenuto in Italia!  I had a city break to Venice.  It was absolutely magical and I would say to anyone that has the chance to go, that they must get on that plane/train/boat and visit.  What a beautiful city

We were transferred from the airport by Vaporetta which was a little scary at first as the water was pretty choppy around the airport but as we reached the lagoon and found ourselves sailing down the Grand Canal, it was eye wateringly beautiful.

The quirkiest place we visited was what is advertised as the most beautiful book shop in the world.  Acqua Alta.  Maybe not the most beautiful, but definitely unique!  At the rear of the shop are piles of old books which have been damaged by floods which have been built to make steps.  The books are displayed in imaginative ways; the central display is in an old gondola.

Since we came home we have had solar panels fitted to our roof.  It was my husband's project, he is very environmentally aware and keen to do all he can to help minimise our carbon footprint.  Bearing in mind that we live in a part of the world which is not known for a sunny climate I did wonder how effective they would be but I am amazed by how much solar energy we are capturing.   In the last two days we have not had to draw any electricity from the grid, it is all being generated by the panels.  It does make you very aware of how many electrical products you use on a daily basis!  

Right, time for me to pop and visit a few blogs that I’ve neglected to visit in the last few weeks.

Ciao!