Visiting David Austin Rose Garden

When it comes to roses, David Austin are up there at the top.  I'm always amazed by their huge variety of roses, the colours, the scents, all so beautiful.  It's almost impossible to pick a favourite.  Last month I made the drive up to Worcestershire to explore their gardens and I was blown away.

At times it was difficult to know where to look.  There was so much beauty around every corner and the smell from the moment I stepped ono the footpath leading into the  gift shop can honestly not be described.  It was incredible.

I took so many photos.  Who knew you could take so many photos of rose bushes.

While there I was able to enjoy one of their delicious afternoon tea's on the cutest dinner sets.  The restaurant was gorgeous, I loved the décor and all the exposed beams.  The staff were really lovely and friendly too, it was just a shame that the service was ridiculously slow.

After lunch there wasn't all that long left to explore as they were soon to be closing, which was a real shame as I could have wandered round for a lot longer.  There was time for a few last photos before the long drive back home to Essex.

In hindsight I should have booked a hotel and stayed up there for the night, however I just look at this as an excuse to return someday, especially as the garden entrance is free.

~ Gem x

Hatching Butterflies

Without change there would be no butterflies - Wendy Mass

One of the things I had on my list of things to do before turning 30 was to hatch butterflies.  Having never done it before and rarely seeing butterflies around anymore it seemed a good thing to add it to the list and I can happily say that I am so glad I did.  I bloody loved it.  

I ordered my kit via Insect Lore and having received my butterfly house I was able to send off for my caterpillars online through their website.  

Once the caterpillars had been delivered I was astounded by how quickly they grew.  I knew the process that was involved in the caterpillars journey but I was really surprised at how quickly they grew.  I guess when they are in the wild you don't see them from start to finish.  

26th April

5th May

13th May

Of course the best part of the whole process had to be the butterflies themselves after they had emerged from their cocoons.  I was mesmerised and literally spent hours sat watching and photographing them.  They truly are beautiful creatures and it is amazing to think that they have grown from teeny, tiny, little caterpillars.

22nd May

Release day soon came along and it was mixed emotions on my part for sure.  I really didn't want to let them go but the thought of them flying around  in the wild was somewhat heart warming, besides it was also the right thing to do.  

I've not got a clue where the idea came from for me to add this to my list, it isn't particularly something I've had a desire to do before, but something in me must have known it would be a good thing to do.  If you are a lover of nature and all things pretty then I would definitely recommend giving this a go, especially if you have children as I'm certain they would love it too.  The exciting thing for me is that although these beauties have flown the nest, I currently have another four cocoons in my office at work that we are eagerly awaiting butterflies to emerge from.  I sense this becoming rather quite addictive.

~ Gem x  

Christmas at Kew

A couple of weeks back I was lucky enough to be invited along to Kew Gardens for the preview evening of their annual event Christmas at Kew.

It is an event I have wanted to visit for a good couple of years now, I've even added it to my list of 30 before 30.  Looking at the images on social media in the past, I have been blown away by it's beauty. I won't lie, I was a little worried that it wouldn't live up to my expectations and I would leave at the end of the evening feeling somewhat disappointed by it all.  I needn't have worried.

As soon as we reached the entrance gates the sound of carollers filled the air and the twinkling lights of the Christmas tree enticed us in to discover more of what Kew had to offer. 

I loved every second of the evening.  Around every corner we were graced with yet another beautiful display and endless twinkling lights.  I felt like a kid in a candy store, I am a sucker for twinkling lights.  

The trail flowed so well, you could tell a lot of thought, time and effort had been put into organising it all.  It really capsulates the Christmas spirit and walking around, hot spiced apple in hand, I felt so festive.  Now in it's fourth year, I'm not surprised it's an event they decided to bring back again and it's definitely an event I'd like to see back in the future. 

For anyone around the London area I would say it is a must see this Christmas.  It is just the ticket to get you in that festive spirit.

~ Gem x   

National Trust's Osterley Park

I made the most of my bank holiday Monday this past week by taking my Nan out for the afternoon.  We visited Osterley Park and House, a National Trust property in Isleworth, London

The weather wasn't fantastic but it didn't dampen the spirits.  We decided to check out the gardens to begin with (after tea and cake of course).  If there is one thing I can say about National Trust properties, it is that they know how to maintain incredible gardens.  It was stunning.  The colours were incredible, they seemed to jump out from all over the place.

I dream of one day owning my own garden like this, complete with a flower cutting patch, vegetable garden and standard flower garden that will be left to be admired.

From the gardens we stepped inside the house.  It was huge.  Imagining what it must have been like when it was being lived in, how life must have been like.  It also makes you look at how things in life have changed.

Wandering round it was so lovely spending quality time with my Nan and talking about all sorts of things.

I was really surprised to learn that she had never visited anywhere like this before, it really shocked me.  I guess because I had been to places like this on school trips and then myself and James have visited a fair few since we have been together.  I just assumed that everyone will have been to at least one stately home.  I'm pleased now though that it is something she can say she has done.

I'm already looking forward to the next property we can visit together.

~ Gem x