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!

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