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The Secret Garden



Ever since moving into an apartment with no form of a garden I have found myself indulging in house plants. Since February I have acquired: two japanese peace lilies, three orchids, a cactus, a venus fly trap, a rose bush and a fern named Frances. I'm no expert on plant's and educating myself on their upkeep has been really interesting. I think my pining of a garden to sit in has meant I've surrounded myself with the colours and smells of these lovely plant's and flowers. I've found the Orchid's -which are apparently Britain's most popular house plant?- have been the most confusing to a new owner. When in full blossom, all flowered they are beautiful, but after a period of time the heads drop off and you wake up one morning to find the sad sight of a long green stem and four green leaves but no flowers. Apparently this is the time to cut down to the nodules of the stem and continue to feed and water until they grow and re-flower. Mine are currently all at this stage! *fingers crossed*

The maintenance of the lilies are fairly simple, cut of lime green dying stems back to the opening nodule, water so soil is moist, don't feed every time you water, prefers to be out of direct sunlight. [or is that just my lilies?] they let of no smell and apparently are meant to relax and inspire? 
As for the venus fly trap and cactus, I use rainwater if possible, which usually involves me hanging out of the window with a pint glass aha. Distilled water also does the trick and thankfully my step mother warned me not to put your fingers in the fly traps mouths -for amusement and "ooo's" and "aaa's" because this kills them! they only close to absorb the nutrients from the things they catch. 
having plant's and pet's are two of my favourite thing's about my home. Any of you guys into your house plant's? or have a bug for gardening? 


Any of you recognise these two? Phil spencer and Kirstie Allsopp on the "Kirstie and Phil's Perfect Christmas" three-parter which was broadcast last year. I really enjoyed it, I didn't have the 'perfect' christmas as planned, but watching these two show you how to make home-made Christmas crackers and iced presents [above] was something really lovely. Yes I know we are five month's off from Christmas season but I'm really thinking about hand-making my presents this year. I'm sure I could buy my mother some perfume or dvd's and my partner games and gadgets. But the idea of something I have made unique for them both seem's special and something to be encouraged!
Kirstie Allsopp who is personally my craft goddess- has her own series called "Kirstie's handmade Britain" the shows feature a series of craft conquering skills to master with that competitive edge as Kirstie enter's into craft competitions around the country. These competitions vary from food & drink,  mosaics, WI themed pieces, Flower arranging,  needlework and many more! 
The Series is still on 4od and I must have seen it three time's over since winter last year aha, http://www.channel4.com/programmes/kirsties-handmade-britain/4od#3276655
Her books are in stores and show more comprehensively the "How to's" of the crafts featured in the shows.  Check out her shows and Books! they are very inspiring and great for those of us who like to get creative!

19 comments:

  1. Laura THANK YOU for intorducing kirstie's books to me. I've just researched her books and they seem very good! I am now going to purchase one :) I've been buying various textile books off amazon only to be disappointed. so thanks again!

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  2. Those plants are beautiful! I have so much fun gardening in the summertime! House plants or outside plants it is always nice to watch them bloom & take care of them xo

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  3. @Hannanah awh no problem! Shes amazing, shes over on twitter too https://twitter.com/KirstieMAllsopp I've been watching her shows for month's now and the christmas one's like I mentioned are really gorgeous and festive to watch! I hope you enjoy your books! :) :)
    @Kaylee :) thanks! it really is, really makes a house feel more welcome and pretty too!

    xoxox

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  4. I'm getting an apartment in September and will need to get some plants for my room. The plants your a keeping are quite lovely and the flowers are so vibrant. I hope your Orchid's bloom again!

    thefittedframe

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  5. Hey did you watch the Kirstie's homemade home series she did years ago I think it was the first one she did, ever since then I have been addicted to them and the Christmas ones are my favourite perfect thing to watch to get you in the christmas spirit xxx

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  6. @Ally Oh really? yeah the one's I have are very vibrant and add a subtle level of colour :)

    @Rebecca Yeah the home-made home series is really lovely, don't think it's still on 4od though :( the book is on amazon and in WHSmith though as I found out earlier with all the features customisations from the programme! The Christmas additions were really lovely yeah I know what you mean, I felt the festive spirit returned when I saw the episodes :) hopefully she'll do another this year too!

    xxx

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  7. I love house plants but i have a tendency to either over water or not water enough, so they die.. :(

    yuliconversations.blogspot.com

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  8. Hi there! :) I'm following you via Social Media Monday hop. Look forward to reading more! Come on by and check out my blog! I would appreciate the follow back! Have a great day!
    -Kat

    http://mom-uncensored.blogspot.com

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  9. Hi followed you through bbu blog hop, great blog. Xx

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  10. Hey! I found your blog through the BBU blog hop and followed! Lovely blog :) Your really pretty! xx

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  11. I found you on BBU Blog Hop, gorgeous blog!!! So so pretty xxx

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  12. Awh thanks girlies :) @Shona thats really kind of you :) *blush* :)
    xx

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  13. Love your blog, its so cute :)
    Cant wait to read future posts.
    Anna

    http://opshopaholic.blogspot.co.nz/

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  14. Love your blog! Found it on BBU Blog Hop <3 xxx

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  15. Oh Laura, your gorgeous posts make me so happy to have you part of the Life of a Digital Girl team. SUCH a talent! xx

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  16. This is really fun. Got some of my favorite bloggers on the list. Got my eye on your blog.

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  17. :) awh thank you guys @Hollie Anne, thank you! :D xxxx

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  18. I also love house plants.
    When I don't have to work, I would like to spend nearly the whole day on my flowers and other plants. :)

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  19. Your blog is seriously so lovely! I can't believe you only have 200 followers! - i mean that in a nice way!! All your posts are so beautiful and so readable, i am now following and cant wait to see more!
    Anna

    http://opshopaholic.blogspot.co.nz/

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