Despite the heat wave that was heralded for May, the weather seems as damp and grey as autumn. So to cheer yourself up, why not brighten up your home with some garden-inspired treasures and create the feeling of the Chelsea Flower Show in your own home?
Polly Floral Cushion Taupe
The sun will always seem to shine with this beautiful oversize floral cushion. It features a pretty pink Ragged Rose design on both sides complemented taupe piping and definitely has a yesteryear feel to it. This cushion would add glamour to any space be it a country cottage, contemporary barn or boutique hotel.
It costs £25 from http://www.raggedrose.com/product/polly-floral-cushion-taupe/
SeedCell
This is a simple, innovative and easy way to grow herbs and plants on your windowsill all year round.
There’s a range of SeedCell herbs to choose from together with tomatoes, peppers and even sunflowers. The latter might be a little big for a windowsill, but they’re great for planting outside with the kids.
You get a round disc with eight individual seed cells. Simply tear one off and plant in an individual pot or planter without the need to remove it from the 100% biodegradable packaging. The packaging helps to protect the seed and water flow in the early stages, ensuring a better survival rate.
Just water and watch it grow.
Each SeedCell has an RRP of £2.95 and is available from all good garden centres. Find out more on www.seedcell.co.uk
Artist Sally Mackness
You may think that owning a piece of original artwork means spending hundreds of pounds. The beauty of work by Sally Mackness is that it makes a one-off painting accessible to anyone.
Sally is a contemporary British artist living on the South Coast. Her energetic style and confident use of colour is as expression of the surroundings in which she lives.
For just £45.00 we were particularly taken with Pink Roses which fitted in to any room we took it. Find out more are www.sallymackness.co.uk
Beards & Daisies
There’s nothing like fresh flowers to bring the sunshine into any room. ‘Beards & Daisies – The Letterbox Florist’ offer a fuss free way to buy locally sourced, fresh flowers online. Prepared by a florist and beautifully wrapped in luxury packaging and delivered through your letterbox, it’s as easy as receiving a letter and no need for someone to be at home!
We were skeptical at first – and the flowers looked a little sorry for themselves on opening. But after an hour in water, they revived spectacularly and lasted a lot longer than florist-bought bouquets. Very impressed.
These ‘bouquets in a box’ can be bought as either a single flowerbox or a subscription and make a perfect gift, ideal for any occasion! Take a look at www.beardsanddaisies.co.uk
Pret A Pousser
Grow you own oyster mushrooms with this great little kit from French company Pret A Pousser. It was amazing to see how quickly they grew and how great they tasted when we harvested
There are a choice of three types, and each kit should provide two mushroom harvests. Everything you need is in the kit so all you need to do is open the box, spray on water et voila.
Kits range in price from £17.00 to £18.00 from www.pretapousser.co.uk where you can also find some great recipes to make the most of your crop.
