Saturday 8 February 2014

Sowing seeds, portable plants, moveable meadow, creating crocus!


Hello again 

Thank you so much for your kind comments - I do not know how anyone finds the time to visit I really, really don't.  I  finish work  late and then I am too tired to keep my eyes open yet I still only manage 5-6 hours of sleep (what the heck am I doing with all that time!): I am in a constant whir of things that need to be done for work and finding it very tricky to keep everything else going (those who I have met up with recently will know that only too well.....).   I also thought that children needed less support as they grew older but in fact they need us more.....tricky times those teenage years. 

I am grabbing moments of time when and where I can and find it increasingly difficult.  I take my hats off to you making, baking, blogging, working, working, working, making, baking.....I always thought that I worked quite hard and used time well but at the moment there is just not enough of it.

I realise that this blog is on its last legs and in a state of neglect so the fact that anyone visits at all is ruddy marvellous and I thank you very much for keeping it and myself buoyed up!.  This blog has always been a bit of escapement - a refuge from real life and real problems and real worries (I have plenty of those but tend not to burden this blog with them just because here I like to keep it 'worry free' and more of a tra la la)  and I will be sorry  to give it up altogether to be honest.  


Anway for a moment let us forget the weather, world politics, social difficulties and who might win The Voice (I have no idea....)


Instead let us make something that it is cheery and cheerful.


Step One: Plan ahead....this was started in November (in retrospect it would have been easier to dig out a piece of the lawn...)

Step Two: Source your tin (30p last summer's car boot - very rusty which of course  is fine)



Step Three: Fill base with gravel (gathered from the beach if need be) - no holes needed in base of tin (so can be used afterwards for something else)


Step Four: Go to Wilkinson and buy the 'end of season' sale bulbs (I bought LOADS of them in November - still not too late to be planted AND very cheap)


 Step Five: Hope that you didn't get rid of those last few grass seeds hidden in the back of the shed.....


 Step Six: Sow accordingly - TRY and spread evenly..........



 Step Seven: Use lolly sticks to prop up lid



Step Eight: Sprinkle a bit of water and add TIME


 Step Nine: As time elapses the grass begins to grow

Step Ten: After a while you may need to snip grass with scissors....it is worth it .......and you get to smell freshly cut grass in the depths of winter!


I had to snip the grass many times over the past few months.


 Step Eleven: Eventually weeds bulbs begin to peep through  and that makes you very happy because you know that Spring and light is on its way



 Step Twelve: Eventually bulbs flower and you get so excited you take photographs before they have all come out......
 

Step Thirteen - move moveable meadow around to different rooms BECAUSE YOU CAN






Step Fourteen - put your feet up and flick through the latest gardening magazines - moveable meadow to hand.



PS: Painted inside lid black so that I could emulate an auricula theatre - those Victorians knew what they were doing - it makes a difference to the 'showing off'ness'

Take good care and thank you again

79 comments:

  1. Jenny you are so clever they look beautiful, I have just spotted "my" pottery piggy eggcup in your previous post, it made me squeal I have not seen it for years and years,bless you! ( now whats all this about you giving up ) no no no I don't think so. I would miss so much about you and your Fabby blog
    Happy Weekend
    Thea xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. So glad that you liked your piggy Thea
      Best wishes
      Jenny

      Delete
  2. Oh please don't stop blogging! Gaps between blogs are fine. Weeping at the thought of no more Custards-Kathleen

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Bless your heart - many thanks Kathleen
      Best wishes
      Jenny

      Delete
  3. what a lovely idea - i love it - sorry to hear you are bogged down by life in general at the mo - hope it gets better soon as the days get longer - having enough sleep would help i'm sure - you take good care of yourself xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. hello again
      Not so blogged down as so many souls but feeling so much better with a bit of sun in the sky!
      I hope that all is well with yourself
      Best wishes
      Jenny

      Delete
  4. It doesn't matter if you have gaps in yer blog! Just do it when you can. I think of mine as a diary of sorts, but I certainly can't capture every moment. I like the idea of the bulbs and grass. I saw a picture recently (it was Pinterest-sorry!) of an Easter setting of wheat grass, bulbs and little bunnies.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The diary concept is a good analogy I think.
      Thank you for calling in
      Best wishes
      Jenny
      PS: I 'get' the pinterest thingy just not for me

      Delete
  5. Just because no one has said this yet..."Blooming marvellous". Blog gaps are perfectly acceptable, we all need to breathe and fit things in. Testify to teenagers and the time invested will be very important now, I look back and see them as their second toddlerhood years, a time of transition and they do need you around just as much, there is a LOT going in in their world. You will still need a bolt hole in which to come and enjoy some space of your own.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello and thank for your pearly wisdom and good alliterative sentences too! You are right - this is indeed a bolt hole
      Best wishes
      Jenny

      Delete
  6. Its divine...clap clap clap clapping and more clapping....finishing with a whistle.....well done glorious idea sourcing tin from garden as i type......love etc Daisy j x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I bow my head accordingly Miss Daisy

      xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

      Delete
  7. Jenny, your moveable meadow made my day! We have a very large meadow behind our house but at the moment it is under three feet of water so seeing this exquisite little meadow is a real treat. And you have given me some ideas for my tins too. They have been storing pencils for years but I see now that they need a better life (don't we all?) Dear Jenny, I think you are working too hard. Make More Meadows. That's a great slogan for 2014.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My dear Miss/Ms/Mz Seashell
      Thank you kindly for your kind words - today I walked barefoot across my meadow......
      MMM it is!
      Best wishes
      Jenny

      Delete
  8. oh that is the most beautiful thing ever!!!

    ReplyDelete
  9. How lovely , this would make a fabulous present if you had spares, especially for someone sick in hospital. But you would have to have one for yourself just for the sheer joy of it! Brava!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Sorry to hear life a bit hectic at the moment, but like so many here would miss your blog too.Long pauses between blogging is not a problem.My posts have slowed down tons, what with some new life changes.I find blogging a way to share the good the bad, the ups the downs and would miss this outlet x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for your supporting words. Worse things happen at sea and underneath it all I think that the gloom of winter has an affect - long live the sunshine!
      Best wishes
      Jenny

      Delete
  11. Oh I just love this post!! Such a fabulous and pretty idea! :) Simply lovely! Wishing you a lovely weekend! xo Holly

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you dear Holly
      I hope that it is sunny in your part of the world today
      Best wishes
      Jenny

      Delete
  12. Gorgeous! I love watching the grass grow!
    Oh my, you do need time for yourself. But please, please, please, try to blog every once in a while. It is always a joy to share a bit.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello
      That is very kind of you - that cheers me up no end
      Best wishes
      Jenny

      Delete
  13. So pretty. I planted crocus corms given me for Christmas, but they show no signs of life yet. Yours give me hope!! Sleep more, blog less- we all understand the need for a gap now and then.blessings xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Angela
      Oh for a good night's sleep....
      On the plus side the garden and pots are full of Spring flowers - goodness they gladden the heart!
      Thank you for calling in
      Best wishes
      Jenny

      Delete
  14. Hope you don't give up on blogging as I've only just discovered you. What a great use for a vintage tin. Spring is only just around the corner!
    Jacqui x x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear Jacqui
      thank you kindly - still here!
      Roll on sunshine
      best wishes
      Jenny

      Delete
  15. Dear Jenny, how on earth can you say that your blog is on its last legs, and come up with an amazing post like that! Don't ever leave, I'd miss you too much, you're one of my favourites!

    Lovely idea, I have a very similar tin ... hope i'm not too late!

    Love Claire xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dawwww Claire - how every kind of you

      We all keep each other going I think!
      Best wishes
      Jenny

      Delete
  16. Gosh no, don't stop. Your blog is one of my absolute favourites, your originally and integrity always shines through.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. How sweet and kind you are
      Best wishes
      Jenny

      Delete
  17. The meadow is a delight! Please don't think your blog is on its last legs, it is pure joy to read

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear Angie
      Thank you for your kindness - it really means a great deal to me
      Best wishes
      Jenny

      Delete
  18. LOVE your moveable meadow - perfect in execution and result! Love your blog and YOU - come up for air whenever you need to - we'll all be ready to join in the romp! Aloha with hugs, Ann

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear Ann
      You do make me laugh! Coming up for air today!

      I hope that it is a beautiful day for you today
      Best wishes
      Jenny

      Delete
  19. Ooh it's a little bit of 'spring' loveliness that can be transported to suit your place of residence....A cheery touch of happiness...Like YOU and your BLOG!
    From one of your many band of followers, Maria x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much as always Maria
      Best wishes to you and your family
      Jenny

      Delete
  20. Very ingenious and lovely. I am craving a glimpse of spring, and here it is!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Roll on spring indeed - I CANNOT wait!

      Thank you for calling in
      Best wishes
      Jenny

      Delete
  21. What a great idea you'll have us all growing our very own indoor garden's in a tin!! x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you kindly lemonade kitty
      Best wishes
      Jenny

      Delete
  22. Amazing Jenny. I wouldnt have thought of doing that! Your very own back yard in a tin!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Easy to do to!
      thank you for calling in
      Best wishes
      Jenny

      Delete
  23. That looks wonderful it's such a cheerful sight and a great way of recycling. Sarah x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you kindly Sarah
      I hope that the sea is less stormy today!
      Best wishes
      Jenny

      Delete
  24. This is a great idea, it looks amazing. So very jolly!

    ReplyDelete
  25. All that you've written about the shortage of free and loose time rings so very true to me. I feel the same way about never quite finding enough to do all the things that I love to do. Just keeping the laundry done, food gathered and meals prepared, apartment reasonable clean, and the commute to and from work (and that employment itself) take so many hours.

    Still, I do cherish my free time, whether it's given to seeing friends, talking on the phone, taking walks, drawing, painting, knitting, reading, even...blogging. Somehow I've come to realize just how much I actually like having lots of interest and don't mind the juggling act too much.

    Your posts are grand. I love the idea of your mini portable garden. I will try to remember this for next fall. xo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear Frances
      Thank you for thoughtful comment - having things to do is not a bad thing is it!
      I have a vision of a vast array of portable gardens for next year
      Best wishes
      Jenny

      Delete
  26. you are blinking brill love your blog . a breath of fresh green air.hx

    ReplyDelete
  27. I'm always so filled with admiration with people like you who who do and make things and then find the time to write and photograph them. I find it hard enough just to do my blog without all the craftyness. I sometimes have quite big gaps, the world just takes over and I haven't got the yearning to write.
    Please don't think of giving up, it makes me happy to visit you, as did seeing that lovely miniature lawn. Jane xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Daer Jane
      Real life has to be the priority doesn't.
      Thank you very much indeed for your kind words Jane
      Best wishes
      Jenny

      Delete
  28. love love love it - please don't give up, you so make me smile!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Bless your heart dear

      Thank you for calling in
      Best wishes
      Jenny

      Delete
  29. How pretty your spring crocus in a box are!!! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  30. I hope you dont give up blogging i love to read your posts and its a lovely place for me to come and distract my mind for a short time. And boy i need it today. Love planting idea that is so clever :-) dee x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear Delia
      thank you so much for calling in and I sincerely wish you all the happiness that can be for your good self
      Best wishes
      Jenny

      Delete
  31. How beautiful and simply refreshing to see bit of green with all the subzero temperatures and leafless trees. I always look forward to seeing a new posting. I know you are very busy but we do appreciate your sharing.
    Sheryl

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear Sheryl
      Thank you so much for calling in and your kind words
      Take care
      Best wishes
      Jenny

      Delete
  32. Please don't close, yours was one of the first blogs I came across when I had no idea what they were and I loved it, still do! Iv'e had a rest from the computer for a week and come back to find every one else out there also seems to have had enough, perhaps we've all spread ourselves too thin? It's very addictive, but you begin to feel guilty if you don't keep up or comment. OK that's weird, I have this tin! it was my fathers and I came across it after he died, it contained sentimental things. x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear the woolly dog
      How very kind of you - if only that thiness could spread to other aspects of myself!
      How lovely also that you have the same tin - a connection there.
      All the best with your move
      Best wishes
      Jenny

      Delete
  33. Dear Jenny,what a wonder you are, the portable meadow is a genius idea,I love love love it!!! Please can I copy your idea? I have a rusty old tin that would be perfect. I would try to put daisies in mine as I don't have a lawn where they could grow and I do love the innocent simplicity of them and memories of making daisy chains on a summer day.PLEASE do not give up your blog I would miss you SOOOO!!! much you've been an inspiration and I am so utterly pleased when you leave a comment on my blog,it's like rubbing shoulders with someone famous!! Besides what would poor old Arthur and Martha do with themselves!!! Very best regards Pam.

    ReplyDelete
  34. I just love your movable meadow Jenny - I hope you don't give up your blog as it's such a joy - so full of colour and wonderful things for us to see :) x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear Barbara
      As always your comments are greatly appreciated
      Very kind of you
      best wishes
      Jenny

      Delete
  35. Good idea !
    The great thing about growing crocuses indoors is that they won't get flattened by the rain. I have to admit, though, that the grass reminds me of an old episode of Changing Rooms when one of the designers built an indoor grass seat. An idea which I don't think was properly thought through !
    One thing does puzzle me - where did the weed come from ?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear Mr Elfgoblin
      Apologies for the delay in reply - I too recall that very episode of Changing Rooms...and the one where the woman hated the makeover! I think that the weed seeds blew in on the wind!
      Thank you for calling in and for your kind comments on the Talwin Morris post - I have a few others!
      Best wishes
      Jenny

      Delete
  36. P.S to my previous comment,I did ask if I could copy your idea and before you had even read the comment probably,I rushed ti wilko at lunchtime and bought a small amount of rye grass seed(Hope this will be suitable) IT only cost me 9p!!!(Yes I knew you'd be pleased that I didn't buy the box that I grabbed first at £1!) I also got a bag of compost for £1 too!! And my bad back is only moderately painful after I struggled back to work with it!! Yes dear Jenny I am all set to plant,just not sure where I will get the daisies,I'll probably have a little stroll through the park fairly soon!! Just waiting for you to give me the green light to copy your marvellous idea!!TTFN PAM.

    ReplyDelete
  37. P.P.S Dear Jenny green light given and away I go.Planted as per instructions,but just the grass seed for now,will probably add Daisies at a later date! Just checked on your blog to make sure I followed instructions to the letter as I have a tendancy to rather rush things,hence lots of water over kitchen table,due to leaky watering can.I did get distracted by visiting your vintage garden in Spring post,how delightful to be reminded of a sunny day and to see again your BEAUTIFUL garden.Just popped out to feed the birds and I have mini Iris coming through, simply delightful,can't wait to get going in my garden again,definitely inspired by yours.Very best regards Pam.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear Pam
      Very well done and I hope that all comes up roses.
      It is GLORIOUS to have the sun back isn't it - it makes a world of difference to how we all feel. The winter has been very long and gloomy. Sunshine full steam ahead
      Best wishes
      Jenny

      Delete
  38. Oh, drool! How this makes me ache for Spring in the midst of our worst ever winter! I just had a Valentine's party and bought bunches of red tulips for decorations around the house. Why do fresh flowers feel so good? :)

    ReplyDelete
  39. PS i understand the truth of being needed more by teens than when they were younger. The truth is, you will always find times when your children need their Mum, even afterthey are very grown up. I started myown blog during one such very stressful times. It helped me focus on the positive. Blogging is such good therapy, especially during overwhelming times. Just do it when you can, with no pressures or expectations. Friends do understand.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear Linda
      Thank you for your kind words - it is a tricky time indeed for the children, there is so much pressure on them in life I think.
      Thank you for your kind supportive words
      Best wishes
      Jenny

      Delete
  40. Time deprived you may be, but I see your genius hasn't suffered. Bloomin brilliant m'dear!

    (See how short of time I am, only just getting to this ... you are not alone ;) )

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear Annie
      Time is just the most precious of things isn't it - time to spend with others and time to spend alone...I am constantly chasing time and that is not good really.
      Thank you for calling in Annie - we are the time chasers!
      Best wishes
      Jenny

      Delete
  41. Pleeease ... don't stop!
    Love your Auricula theatre ... will add to my list of things I want to do, but don't always have time for!
    M x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear Vintage Jane
      That is very kind of you - as a person with very little confidence I am always on the brink of giving up sadly!
      Thank you for your kind words
      Best wishes
      Jenny

      Delete