Kevin volunteered to come out to the plot with me today,it was misting rain as we left home but the sun had come out by the time we got to the allotment.Kevin filling pots for the strawberry runners, as the strawberries were on the work list for today.Some flowers on the plot first, this is borage which I grew from seed last year but I pulled most of it up as it was a bit of a thug taking up too much room. It is great for attracting bees and is a good companion plant to have in an out of the way area.It has reseeded around the plot, this is one I have left to grow.Nasturtiums from last year also reseeded around the plots, this one is a lovely delicate colour on the pumpkin bed.The original ones were red and orange but this one seems undecided which colour to go for.The bees were out... Similar posts

Hello Hermia’s lovely readers. My name is Emma from kisses and cross stitches. One of the things that I love to write about on my own blog is the photographers that entice and influence me. So I thought that for my guest post on my friend Hermia’s blog, I would share some of my all-time favourite photographers with you. Lina Scheynius has been a favourite of mine for a long time now. I love the dramatic use of light in her photos, and how much detail there is in every picture, especially in the background. I only recently discovered Mary Robinson’s photography. When I look at her photos, I find myself transported away to the beautiful locations she uses. I love the photos that Maja from polkadots and vodkashots posted on her blog. Such shame that she has chosen to... Similar posts

Gardening questions from around the peninsula The mailbox is bulging with questions from intrepid Inishowen gardeners. The garden always gives us something to think about and this year is no exception. Watering and drought in the vegetable patch has been the biggest issue this year, with many of us opting to collect rainwater in barrels from the roof to water the beds and borders. Let’s see what else is on our minds. Shrubs for a north-facing doorwayQ. I have some planters to put either side of our front door. The wall is north facing so they would never get any sun and it would be very dry. I don't like conifers, dwarf or otherwise. Any ideas what shrubs might be up to the job? A. Try pyracantha, rhodos, pieris (forest flame) and ivies. You could also try hydrangea petiolaris,... Similar posts

these beauties are growing on a busy roadside in dublin 4, the highlights are a little blown in these shots but i still like them.  i love how the bushes are brimming with pink petals and flourishing blooms :) ... Similar posts

tangled webs of summer flowers, i love this time of year... Similar posts

No this is not a hippy movement, it's a more sophisticated take on flowers. Pretty dresses and tops in pastels and bright summer colours. Flower accessories, bags, scarves. This fashion trend can be added to an outfit in any way you feel. Accessories are the best way to give the nod to any trend and keep up with the fashion pages without bursting your recession pockets! Just add flowery, chiffon scarf for that floaty, girly look or use the scarf as a headband for an extra edge to the girlyness. Pin a flower to your jacket or cardie or even your shoes and you're sorted!If you want to hit the ground running with this trend then a floaty feminine dress is the way to go. This season's colours range from pastel ice-cream colours to bright blocks of colour so you can pick and choose from a wide... Similar posts

Rowena and Ronan were married in June and had a gorgeous day for their wedding. This pair look so relaxed and happy! No wedding jitters here...Rowena chose a Rangoli beaded hairwire. She wanted something elegant, yet understated and I think this headpiece really complements her beautiful lace gown.It's great to be asked to design accessories for some of the bridal party too. On this occasion I made jewellery for Rowena, her Mum as well as her bridesmaids. I wrote about this bracelet commission recently. It was fun to customise my gold crochet bracelets for Rowena's bridesmaids. The stunning green dresses are by Alvina Valenta and were purchased in White Orchid.See and read more about my recent bridal commissions ~The wedding was photographed by Michael... Similar posts

a couple of weekends ago i took a photowalk over to airfield house while the sun was shining (you have to take advantage of it while you can here in ireland!).  i found these treasures in the beautiful walled garden there.  i love the deeper coloured peonies, these ones were like little rubies sparkling in the morning light... Similar posts

Please someone organise a mini party like this for me! I'm throwing out the hints today. I'm open to any theme...come on my lovely friends.I've been meaning to tell you about The bridal Lounge; a Dublin based company offering something a bit different. Would you like a bit of help coming up with your wedding concept? How can you reflect both of your personalities? How can you make it fun to plan and do?Aoife and Deirdre are established in the bridal industry as a make-up artist and florist & event planner. They decided to come together to share their knowledge and expertise in another way. The Bridal Lounge offer lots of different tailored services from inspiration consultations to sourcing of unique products or services to suit your style.Aoife and Deirdre planned a bridal shower for... Similar posts

I have been so busy that I have not had time to turn on my computer or TV or even read newspaper for days! Why you may well ask,Son Billy is getting married next Friday to his partner Janice.I have the dress and shoes but I must still find a hat and bag!!Our allotment Open Day is tomorrow Sat and it has been manic getting the plots in order ,painting etc and I have to say it does not look just ship shape but stunning! Lots of pics of that over the weekend. Zwena was invited to feature an allotment at the forthcoming Mallow Homes and Gardens festival which also takes place next weekend. We went out and planted up beds of veg and herbs for that.In the midst of all that I was invited to attend the launch of Peter Dowdall's first book, I went along to that on Wed night with my sister... Similar posts

a couple of shots from the cupcakes i baked for my dad on father's day.  they were vanilla with lemon curd on the inside (i kind of cheated by buying the lemon curd instead of making it, but next time i'll try making it myself!!).  we scoffed them down with some tea, it was a lovely way to spend an afternoon with my parents :) what did you all do with your dad for fathers day?? ... Similar posts

I was supposed to work on my website today. Write something about massage, something about myself, set prices etc.It's not my fault, Gabrielle aka The Green Gal is so damn crafty and inspiring. It's not my fault she has such lovely scraps of fabric at home and plenty of unused, empty jam jars. The results of her craftiness (is this a word?) can be found here.The result of my attempt to avoid work is this:And once the vases were done I had to go out and find some flowers to put in them, of course. My roses aren't in bloom yet.I hope you found some excuse to avoid work today!(On the risk of sounding repetitive, but you might have missed it before: The Green Gal is opening her brand new shop The Green Gables this weekend. Don't miss the grand... Similar posts

i love this time of year when everything is suddenly in flower and soaking up the sunlight!    i thought i'd share a small collection of flowers shot in dublin, kerry & paris.  tomorrow morning i'm visiting dublin's airfield house to take advantage of their beautiful roses and wildflower meadow while the sun is shining, so hopefully i will have something to share from there soon :)  happy weekend... Similar posts

I love looking up to this....and napping next to... Similar posts

Sometimes cakes can nearly be too beautiful to eat! How about floral displays that will get your mouth watering?Helen Powell is a Warwickshire wedding and event florist and she created these dreamy floral confections. I love the idea of these as centre-pieces for a table setting. You could have different 'desserts' on each table.Helen's company is the beautifully named Lilac and Lily and you can see more of her designs on her website and blog.Some of you may know that my sister Tara owns her own cupcake company, Cupcake Me! Below are some of her flower-inspired cupcakes. You can also follow her recent news on her Facebook... Similar posts

would you believe i took these photos in the middle of london city!?  we were lucky enough to stumble across a lush patch of wildflowers in green park which was close to our hotel, so i gleefully pulled out the camera for a few shots.  my favourite time of year is when the hawthorn is in bloom and the soft, sweet smell of the blossoms is everywhere.  it was lovely to find such a serene space in the city centre, we had a wonderful in london but i think this park was my favourite place as it reminded me of being at home in the country when i was young :)  ... Similar posts

Recently an amazing opportunity presented itself to have the chance to work with Arizona photographer Stephanie Fay. Stephanie was due to visit Ireland with her husband and in-laws and always loves to shoot a couple when she visits different countries. She put the word out via WeddingsOnline.ie that she was looking for a cool loved-up couple to photograph!The lucky couple Deirdre and John, got to spend an afternoon with Stephanie in Killruddery Estate in Wicklow. Deirdre happens to be a talented florist - check out her beautiful floral arrangements, and is also one of the partners in The Bridal Lounge. Make-up artist Aoife Callaghan who worked on this shoot, runs this exciting new venture with her. (I should probably explain here that a couple of our 'real' engaged couples were... Similar posts

Share this on del.icio.us Digg this! Stumble upon something good? Share it on StumbleUpon Share this on Technorati Submit this to DesignFloat Share this on Facebook Tweet This! Subscribe to the comments for this post?... Similar posts

Last Thursday I was given an opportunity to take part in a photowalk at the Bloom 2010 show, I expected a lot of flowers, gardens and green fingers and I was not disappointed in that regard, but there was also amazing food and even better exhibitors there too. The sun was shining and the show gardens looked stunning. This is a shot from on of the show gardens that really grabbed my fancy. Many thanks to Bord Bia who organise the Bloom Garden Festival, Photowalk.ie and mainly Klara Golez for the chance to photograph such a wonderful event.... Similar posts