Before I launch into my witterings for today, I'd first like to gift you this beautiful bunch of sweet peas by way of a heart felt thank you. Thank you all so very much for your comments on my last post, for your unwavering kindness, empathy and understanding, I am unbelievably grateful. The morning after I'd written, I read back over my words and truthfully I was a microsecond away from deleting it all, feeling rather embarrassed to be honest. It's not my style to wallow, and I was kind of surprised by what had tumbled out of my head and into that blog post. I don't generally plan my posts, nor do I edit or mess around with my words - what you read is pretty much what spontaneously enters into my head at the time, it's my weird inner dialogue and you can be sure that it is honest and genuine. So.....I can't really find it in me to delete that entry, as much as it makes me cringe to read it. It is what it is. But thank you again, for taking time to gift me your thoughts and allow me to see things from a different perspective, and for lifting my spirits. I bet you wish you could lean in to your screen and smell those sweet peas, they smell soooooo good I can tell you!
On Saturday we took a trip to visit the RHS gardens at Harlow Carr in Harrogate. I realised last week that it was the annual Sweet Pea Society show, and remembering how much I had loved it last year I asked the fam if they fancied going. The Teens were both busy with work and friends, but Little B seems to have very vivid memories attached from his few visits to Harlow Carr and was mega keen on the idea of being back there. I don't know exactly what it is that he loves so much about it - oh hang on, why don't I ask him......? Well, he says that he can't really explain it, but he just likes the feeling of it there. He says he enjoys smelling the flowers (that is so true, we did a lot of sniffing!), and he likes the way it always feels fresh (not sure what he means, maybe the air smells fresh? There is a lot of open green space). It really is a lovely place to explore with lots of different areas within the gardens, and as you would expect from a top class RHS garden, it is immaculately kept.
The beautiful eco-building in the photo above is the Learning Centre (it has a living sedum roof, how cool is that?!) and is where the Sweet Pea show was held. I couldn't wait to get inside, and it was the first place we went to as soon as we were in the gardens (even before coffee, that's how excited I was).
You might remember me talking about this flower show when I introduced you to my Sweet Pea blanket last year? This year I knew what to expect so the shock of the rigid formality wasn't quite so great. J and Little B (who had waited for me outside last year) came in with me this time, and it was very funny to see their expressions - wide eyes and shocked faces!
Despite the seriousness of the show, it was still a breathtaking sight, and wowsers, the scent in this room was unreal. Being a warm, humid day they had a big fan blowing and the highly fragrant air wafting around was absolutely delightful.
It wasn't overly busy, but it was lovely seeing visitors enjoying the show and admiring the painstaking perfection of each little display of blooms. You could feel the passion in the air (the competitiveness too) - competition flower growing is such a weird and wonderful hobby.
I just had to show you these flowers, they looked as if they had been spray painted, aren't they amazing?
The thing I love best about visiting this show is the opportunity to buy flowers to take home. These are gorgeously large, blowsy sweet peas, a mixture of colours and varieties grown by experts and they are stunning. At only £2 a bunch I snaffled up three and donated a bit of extra money to the Sweet Pea society in gratitude for the inspiration and joy that they've given me.
I mean, just look at them - so, so beautiful, and the colours make me weak at the knees.
After the sweet pea excitement we continued to explore the gardens, following the many pathways past vast flower beds, around lily ponds, through modern show gardens and humble teaching gardens.
Being mid summer, the flowers were in abundance and absolutely stunning.
Even the pathways through the woodland areas were floral - I've no idea what these flowers are but the hot tropical mix of colours was really lovely.
Little B, nine and a half years old and possibly a tad too big for children's playgrounds these days. However, we spent an aaaaaage in the woodland visiting the various wooden play areas and waiting patiently while he clambered around. He really was the oldest child by far, but he didn't mind in the slightest. I have to say it was delicious being able to relax casually on a bench and wait for him to do his thing without having to hover around ready to rescue or offer assistance. I watched all the mummies and daddies with their toddlers and felt a deep sense of relief that those days are now behind me.
One of my most favourite areas of Harlow Carr (well of any garden really) is the kitchen garden. This one is large and immaculately kept with lots of different shaped raised beds and neat, bark covered paths. The beds were made from recycled plastic instead of wood which I thought was brilliant, and something I would love to investigate for our allotment. The mixture of vegetables, fruit and flowers was so visually appealing and very inspiring....
...you can guess where I was drawn to can't you?
..
..
..
...of course, how predictable! These towers of sweet peas were gloriously unruly and in such contrast to the stiffness of the formal Sweet Pea show.
I found it hard to tear myself away from sniffing them. Beautiful.
We took a fragrant stroll around the scented garden which was mostly roses, honeysuckle and lavender....
....we loved this secluded rustic bench which was designed with a lavender back rest. Little B was enchanted by it, in fact his delight in all the flowers was unexpected and really made the day extra special somehow.
As well as the floral abundance, Harlow Carr has a pleasing amount of open green space and when you have children this really comes into it's own. Little B has a massive amount of energy fizzing inside his little nine year old body and the lure of the grass could not be ignored. After much running, he threw himself to the ground and rolled his whole body length down the grassy slopes, squealing as he went. It was joyful to watch!
In fact, I think Harlow Carr manages to very successfully mix formal, adult appeal with a wonderful childlike delight and I love it for that. I love the super-neat formal flower beds, but I also love the wilder more natural areas and the playful willow sculptures dotted around. It was such a lovely day out and if you're ever in the area here in North Yorkshire I can highly recommend it.
I was so thrilled to be coming home with my big bunch of sweet peas, gosh they did make me swoon.
I knew they would probably be at their best for just a few short days, so I decided to put them to good use........
.....awwwww!!!! Just look at how good the colours look!!
I couldn't resist taking some photos of my Sweet Pea blanket with the flowers that inspired its creation.
This photo makes me so happy!!!
The above photo was taken exactly a year ago, on the 17th July 2018 when I was finalising the colours for my Sweet Pea blanket. I remember the day so clearly, and how excited I was when the yarn palette finally came together and I just stood and stared at it and felt like I wanted to cry. That's usually how I know that I've got it right - colour-filled emotion is quite extreme for me! It means that every blanket of mine has ALL the feels right from the very beginning. There is heart and soul and passion in my yarny colour palettes and creating them brings me so much joy.
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Very best wishes to Trudi and husband.
I don't know you, but having lost my husband to cancer in Feb (diagnosed in Sept) my thoughts are with you both and your family too.
Keep being You Lucy. It's what makes your blog stand alone.
I'm making a coat from your "Dune blanket" to wear in August when I take my late husbands ashes to Scotland to place them in the sea of the Island of Canna
Posted by: Lucy Caitlyn W | July 19, 2019 at 11:20 PM
Thanks for a lovely post & although I don't comment often I read every post & love the photos of places I know well from when we visit. In 2016 I spent my birthday at Harlow Carr with hubby & it is a place we always visit. Is that pavilion where you saw the Sweet Pea display new? It just doesn't seem to ring a bell. Now I think I want to purchase the sweet pea pack of yarn.....whoops! Take care.
Posted by: Susan Smith | July 19, 2019 at 10:58 PM
Candelabra primulas, Harlow Carr hybrids (the plants in exotic colours you were not sure of the name of). They were featured on this week's Gardener's World as well if you want to feast your eyes on them again. They were stunning this year - it's a lovely garden and one we love to visit when we can.
Posted by: Tricia F | July 19, 2019 at 09:11 PM
Oh my goodness!!! Those sweet peas. That is absolutely beautiful.
Posted by: Karen | July 19, 2019 at 04:42 PM
Aaah, jeg elsker denne type indlæg. :)
Posted by: Val | July 19, 2019 at 12:01 PM
Really relish Little B playing like that! My 10 year old girl, my youngest still revels completely in all outside play ( inside too). Play is so important ! And 1 day it will change.. although we should all play, shouldn’t we!
With love and thoughts from another fan ( of blog)/ friend in heart.
Sending warm wishes to Trudi and husband too!! ( earlier comment)
Posted by: Claire | July 19, 2019 at 07:15 AM
There are many times while reading your blog that I wished I lived in England and this is one of them. The English gardens just are the most beautiful in the world, in my opinion. Thank you for sharing your trip to the flower show. And Little B seems to be bitten by the flower bug.
Posted by: Kate | July 18, 2019 at 11:56 PM
Those mystery flowers are a kind of primula, primula
candelabra that i think you can grow from seed. I love your post and as a sweet pea lover I always grow them in my veg garden around the edges of my raised beds. At the moment I am cutting them every other day and have a permanent vase full on my kitchen windowsill. Oh the scent!!!
Posted by: Mrs Jane Halvey | July 18, 2019 at 09:51 PM
Your musings are one of your many charms.
You've inspired me to get out my double yarn pack, re-read the instructions and perhaps get started on my sweet pea. I'd paused not sure which version to do, but in my heart its always been the posy one!
Posted by: Toni | July 18, 2019 at 08:52 PM
Lucy, I'm glad when you speak frankly to us. That's what real friends do. And I do consider you a real and true friend. I enjoyed seeing that garden and especially the varied colors of the sweet peas.. my sweet pea blanket is my favorite of all those I've made of your designs.
((hugs)), Teresa :-)
Posted by: Teresa Kasner | July 18, 2019 at 08:20 PM
awww lucy, its so hard through a blog when people through the screen only see the snippets of life, quick snap shots and not really understanding the pressure and juggling act between motherhood and business matters...it can sometimes feel too much!
and with the last week of the School term I completely get it...Be proud of everything you have achieved and also the time it takes to make, create and put a blog post together as well as everything else!...its good to take time out, step away from it all and just enjoy some simple pleasures to blow away the stresses and strains...a good walk is always much needed when i feel pressure building. Absolutely l~o~v~e Sweetpea! rays of beautiful Colour!... Im growing a mixed Variety and they come up in pinks, purples and very pale pink. I grow them in a big pot now as for years i wasnt havent much luck with them. Where i grew up on an island we had wild sweetpea there and they were a mass of purple neverending blooms through the summer months ;) Jolly happy a posy of those. Enjoy your summer holidays with the little ones ;) x (instagram: Kazzyloves, blog: Country rabbit)
Posted by: kazzy | July 18, 2019 at 02:51 PM
What a beautiful day! Never apologize for being yourself. We all need to express the good and the not so good.
Posted by: Charlotte. | July 18, 2019 at 01:22 PM
I'm going to plant sweet peas this coming Spring/Summer. I missed planting Sweet Peas the last two years. The wire netting is still there for them. Can see them while still in bed. You may ask while I haven't planted them, I was busy nursing my darling husband.
What a lovely display on show. So pleased you enjoyed your day out.
Big thanks for sharing your post with us.
Enjoy your summer.
Cheers.Edith
Posted by: Edith | July 18, 2019 at 01:16 PM
Such a lovely post, thank you. I love looking at all the flowers and the green space, and remembering how close cropped your lawns are. I think I would’ve like to join Little B with rolling down the hill too. I’m sitting here looking out at the river in middle America wanting some sweet peas. I don’t think scented candles will help. Keep on being your lovely spontaneous self, we love you from afar.
Posted by: Hedy | July 18, 2019 at 12:53 PM
Thank you sooo much for sharing All of the flowers goodness and beauty . ABSOLUTELY STUNNING ! Glad little B was able to enjoy it so , he might become a great horticulturalist ( possibly a new word ). I had forgotten how beautiful the sweet pea blanket is , would love to make it but can't afford the yarn. Have a blessed weekend.
Posted by: Miss Daisy | July 18, 2019 at 12:41 PM
Thank you for the lovely photos the sweet peas are beautiful, I hope you are feeling better now I love your blog and your blankets you have kept me going through some difficult health issues over the last 2 years as every one else has said tackle the small jobs when you can so you feel you are moving forward you are at a very busy time of your life enjoy it.My husband and I are now retired but look back on our busy life juggling all the things we had to do, enjoy it Lucy time goes so quickly. Thank you for your blog sharing your life with us all you are so much appreciated
Love Marjorie
Posted by: Marjorie Sanderson | July 18, 2019 at 11:58 AM
Lucy, can I just say, it’s because you type how your brain is thinking/feeling at the time, that your blogs are so appealing, heart felt, full of heart, soul & passion... (as your colour palettes). Keep it up.. fab, so are the sweet peas. x
Posted by: Pam | July 18, 2019 at 11:11 AM
The unknown tropical coloured flowers are Primulas, specifically the Harlow Carr Hybrids, absolutely gorgeous!
Posted by: Jen K | July 18, 2019 at 10:11 AM
Hi Lucy
What a lovely gift..sweet peas..beautiful..makes me want to start my Sweet Pea blanket..
Really enjoyed your photos again...with all the gorgeous colours..must have been heaven when seeing them in reality!
Looks a beautiful place..so many thanks again for sharing..
Hope your days are lighter again
Take care
Nora x
Posted by: NORA McGRANN | July 18, 2019 at 09:31 AM
Here in sunny Devon we are close to RHS Rosemoor which I have seen develop since it was first acquired in the late 1980s. The RHS gardens make a wonderful day out and, like Harlow Carr there is always plenty for children to see and do. I would strongly recommend it. But do you know what I find most comforting in all its RHS splendour? It is that they can grow exactly the same weeds that I can!! Love your blog Lucy.
Posted by: Diane Smith | July 18, 2019 at 09:10 AM
Never apologise for being you I loved your last blog because of its genuine humanness which is what brings us to your blog again and again.
You inspired me to grow sweet peas I got 2 different types and I must say last year they were pathetic this year they are slightly better and hopefully next year will be better he he My sweetpea blanket might come in useful today we have a grey rainy day which is a bit of a shock as yesterday it was roasting.
Harlow Carr will be added to my list for when one day I get to Yorkshire.Beautiful blog as ever. Thankyou
Posted by: Jacqui | July 18, 2019 at 08:30 AM
What a beautiful post! I love all the photos, a lovely way to start my day. Thank you so muck for your creativity and inspiration. I have made one lap size sweet pea blanket in the colour repeat pattern. Now contemplating my second one in random stripe.
Posted by: Rosie Rogers | July 18, 2019 at 07:39 AM
Thank you Lucy for such an inspiring post. I usually grow sweet peas but didn’t this year for various reasons so appreciate the photos so much. I have just completed my sweet peas blanket started in January. I am delighted with it and will be giving it to my dear sister for her birthday soon.
Posted by: AnnieS | July 18, 2019 at 07:19 AM
So many gorgeous flowers! I love sweet peas too. Your sweet pea afghan is lovely! You really captured the right colors.
Posted by: Michelle | July 18, 2019 at 03:26 AM
Thank you Lucy. I have always followed your blog and your tutorials which I love. A few weeks ago my husband and I were both diagnosed with cancer in the same week. We r getting over the shock and Into treatment.Words cannot express enough how much your sweet pea article has cheered me up, even tho I feel tears at the same time. Sweet peas have always been my favourite flower too, and to see them there in all their glory has lifted my spirits so much today.just wanted to let you know how much it has helped. So thank you, you are truly inspiring.
Posted by: Trudi carter | July 18, 2019 at 01:47 AM