Saturday 18 August 2012

Summer sunshine

What a glorious day today. It is now 30c in my sheltered back garden and after gardening all morning it is now time to sit in the shade.
This was the view that greeted me this morning. Just bliss.
My pots have done really well this year and the beauty of all the rain we had is that I have only started to water them this week.  I have saved hours of work.





I really like the colour of this mini dahlia, as my blog friend Vivienne would say...very zingy!











An interesting yellow gazania I grew this year with some white and blue lobelia.














Sweet mini petunia and my absolute favourites........................................




Fuchsia.............these have been spectacular this year....













This variety is called Blackie ;0)
And this is Billy ;0), which actually survived all winter in it's hanging basket. I went to tip out the basket and saw it had some green shoots so I waited. I am so pleased I did. And talking of Blackie and Billy here they are...
Billy obviously has his own cushion but he graciously allows little stray Blackie to be safe in his garden ;0)







and when Billy's back is turned, naughty Blackie likes to try out the cushion too!






OK so a card challenge for today...well it just has to be inspired by my sunny garden.




It's another of my fave Lili of the Valley  stamps called Love Grows which has been coloured with my Promarkers and highlighted with Prismacolor pencils. I love the strawberry backing paper. I used a fern MS punch for the edge and some gorgeous green gingham ribbon and red pearls.  This card really sums up today for me!
I would like to enter it into the following card challenges.


Lili's Little Fairies Oh so girlie
Sassy Cheryl's Digi stamp challenge #128 Favourite colour combination
2 Sister's In the garden #105
Party Time Tuesdays  #81 Garden delights
Crafting for all seasons Bright colours #33
Ribbon Girls Bingo challenge, my line is Ribbon, pearls, image Bingo!
Divas by Design Sketch #48


So it's now far too hot to do anything else than relax and soon it will be........
Pimm's  O'Clock of course. Yes I know there is martini glass there too! I took this photo last weekend and as you can see most had been enjoyed by then. I just love adding home grown mint to it and whatever else is at hand. Last weekend it was apple, cucumber and lemon but I spy some strawberries that have ripened so they are going in to today's.....
Happy weekend everyone, enjoy whatever you are doing. The Lovebirds fly home from LA today after nearly 3 weeks driving 3,000 miles to and from LA, visiting all the amazing sights en route. I can't wait to catch up with my darling daughter and my new Son In Law ;0)

Right,  it's time for the sun lounger for me!

Cheers!

Bye for now,

Jane x (and Billy ;0)

My 2nd Bloggerversary giveaway is still running here . If you would like to enter remember to leave a colour/theme request for the bag charm you would like me to create for you for the 2nd prize.The closing date is 31 August, good luck to all of those who have already entered.
******NB; You MUST mention the giveaway in your comment on that post for me to assume that you would like to be included in the draw******If you forgot to do this, do go back and add another comment. I do not use a random number thingy...it's just names in a hat for me!!

51 comments:

  1. Hi Jane, Love your garden blooms. Fuchsia's just love water so this year has been just right for them. I am liking the gazania/ lobelia combo too. Nice contrasts. Thanks for the word verification tip the other day. I managed to remove it and am enjoying my new blogging hobby, lou x

    ReplyDelete
  2. That's great Lou, blogging is such fun. The flowers certainly have loved the rain. Enjoy the sunshine and your blog.
    Jane x

    ReplyDelete
  3. Beautiful garden and blooms Jane. Love it!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thanks Sharon my tiny garden is my little piece of paradise :-)
    Jane x

    ReplyDelete
  5. wow your garden is really blooming! It looks wonderful xx

    ReplyDelete
  6. Thanks Katie and the Pimms is ready, cheers!
    Jane x

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hello Jane,

    It has been a tad warm today hasn't it, but we have to make the most of it because we never know how long it will last.

    Thank you so much for sharing all your beautiful flowers with us, despite the weather we've been having this year some of mine seem to be really struggling particularly Lobelia, which I really can't quite understand as they are all watered automatically.

    Your plans for this evening some pretty much the same as ours, someone mentioned firing up the barbie a few minutes ago, so something nicely chilled will be needed to wash it down. I'm not big on Pimms, although some the 'children' are, I prefer something with a few bubbles.

    Enjoy your evening.

    B x

    ReplyDelete
  8. Lovely, lovely pictures, Jane! Your flowers are amazing, and those two handsome furry-guys are just adorable! I wish you wonderful weekend and many happy and sunny Pimm's moments!

    Many greetings from sunny (oh yes!) Finland again!

    Yours,
    Mia

    ReplyDelete
  9. It's still scorching Brenda. Next to Pimms in the summer I also enjoy something with bubbles and we drank plenty of that at the wedding! I can't believe that it is already 3 weeks ago. Keep cool and enjoy your BBQ.
    Jane x

    ReplyDelete
  10. Your garden is looking gorgeous Jane! Ooh think I might just join you in a pimms, just the ticket in this glorious weather!
    Victoria xx

    ReplyDelete
  11. Those 2 furry boys are laid out in the shade. It is officially the hottest day today of 2012 here Mia, my garden got up to 34c! Have a lovely evening enjoy your sunshine too,
    Jane x

    ReplyDelete
  12. We still have some of the jug to drink with our dinner out in the garden Victoria. Cheers!
    Jane x

    ReplyDelete
  13. I love the Union Jack windmill and the zingy dahlia! :)
    Your garden is looking great, my fuchsia is doing well this year too, they definitely must like rain!!! ;)
    Love the photos of the kits, Blackie is the spitting image of our Polly! It's nice that Billy allows her/him to visit.
    We had lovely weather here today too, not quite 34 deg but certainly a whole lot better than mid week!
    I do like those little ferns on your card.
    Hope you haven't drank all the Pimms, I think I'll call round! :)
    Enjoy the rest of the weekend,
    V xxxxxxxxxxxxx

    ReplyDelete
  14. We are are still undecided about Blackie's gender Vivienne but he..is a sweet little cat and Billy is very kind. You are always welcome for a Pimms...cheers.
    Jane x

    ReplyDelete
  15. Hello Jane, I have two brown thumbs so I'm a little envious seeing your gorgeous garden, but realistically I KNOW I can't do it! LOL Beautiful to sit admiring all your handiwork though, Enjoy!

    Your card is super cute with that lovely image.

    Cheers,
    Kasey ~ in Oz

    ReplyDelete
  16. Good Sunday morning, Jane! I'm so happy to hear that you have warm and sunshine! Your garden looks beautiful with those amazing flowers! Nice to see Billy enjoying himsels.
    I'm sure you are looking forward to see the young couple and hear about their honeymoon!
    Happy Sunday to you! x Teje

    ReplyDelete
  17. Thanks Kasey I really do enjoy gardening but I am glad my garden is small as I would not have the time for anything bigger! Thanks for liking my card.
    Jane x

    ReplyDelete
  18. Good morning Teje and it is another scorcher here. Billy is already out in the garden and we will be joining him later. The happy couple land in 4 hours :-)
    Jane x

    ReplyDelete
  19. Stunning card....great colouring of that lovely image...thanks for playing with the Divas!
    Great pics of your garden!
    xxx Margreet

    ReplyDelete
  20. Jane your garden is beautiful, those fuchsias are stunning. Mine have done well this year and the roses seem to have survived the battering from the winds and rain too. A bit jealous of your sunshine, we didn't have any sunshine until late yesterday afternoon, when I managed to cut the grass, and this morning is slightly overcast, but the humidity is almost over powering, still must not moan, its not raining!! I love the card, strawbs...yum...and thank you for the donation to Beads of Courage, I hope we can reach our target, its very humbling to meet a child whom has been through the programme. Lx

    ReplyDelete
  21. Morning Laney my fuchsias are stunning this year. I think they liked the rain and cooler temperatures. It's another scorcher today. You are most welcome to my donation, the Beads of courage programme is such a worthy cause.
    Jane x

    ReplyDelete
  22. Hi hunnie, again I have had a lovely travel through your photos, and they are beautiful too , your fuschisas are exceptional we had one which I put into the garden and it flourised every year, it was a basket fuschia and it hasnt changed at all being put into the garden, The card is perfect to match your pics, I bet you cant wait to see your daughter again and your son in law, enjoy hunnie big huggies June xxxx

    ReplyDelete
  23. Hi Jane,
    What a lovely area you have and all the flowers are so colorful and so many blossoms. So happy you got some sun and what a pretty day it was too. Your studio looked so nice down the walkway, what a lovely spot for you!! Billy is being so nice to tolerate Blackie. Your beverage looks so yummy but I was wondering, actually for a long time now, What is Pimm's?
    So nice visiting, xoRobin❤

    ReplyDelete
  24. Love your gardening theme, Jane. I have some miniature petunias growing here, too. (in pink and pink/white stripes)
    Very sweet gardening card. Here's to the returning newlyweds.

    Happy Sunday,
    Anne
    PlumCreek22

    ReplyDelete
  25. Love your flowers! And love your pretty card! Thank you for playing with us @ 2 Sisters this week.
    Hugs,
    Jill

    ReplyDelete
  26. Lovely pictures of all your bright and colourful flowers, Jane you certainly do have a zingy garden!! I love the idea of sipping Pimms there too :) Am just catching up after my trip to the seaside, so must go back and enter your giveaway now!
    Have a happy week.
    Helen x

    ReplyDelete
  27. Oh, I'm loving all the pics and your card is simply beautiful. LOVE the sweet little image and what great details.
    Thanks for playing in the FAVORITE COLOR COMBO challenge this week at Sassy Cheryl's.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Beautiful photos! I especially love fuchsias too. Your card makes me smile. So cute :) I hope the honeymoon was everything the lovebirds could've wished for!

    ReplyDelete
  29. Hi June they are such pretty flowers aren't they. I spoke to my daughter last night and we will be catching up with them on bank holiday Monday, I can't wait ;0)
    Jane x

    ReplyDelete
  30. My Studio has such a pretty outlook Robin and Billy really is such a tolerant boy to Blackie. Pimms is very English, it is my favourite summer drink.It is a secret recipe which is a gin based cordial and served with lemonade and any fruit at hand. Fresh mint is fab too!!mmmmm!
    Jane x

    ReplyDelete
  31. Hi Anne, they are safely home and had such a fantastic time ;0)
    Jane x

    ReplyDelete
  32. Good to see you back Helen and do go back and enter my giveaway..2 years goes SO quickly ;0)
    Jane x

    ReplyDelete
  33. Hi Cheryl, lovely to see you here in person, your stamps are SO cute! Thanks for liking my card,
    Jane x

    ReplyDelete
  34. We all seem to be fans of these showy flowers Linda. The newlyweds are home after the very best honeymoon. I am hoping to see lots of photos on Monday.I can't wait. Thanks for your sweet comments about my cards, from such an artist as you that is fine praise indeed!
    Jane x

    ReplyDelete
  35. A gorgeous card, love the papers and your garden looks beautiful...thanks for joining us at Divas!
    Helen x

    ReplyDelete
  36. Hi Jane, oh what wonderful flowers you have, and especially the fuchsias! I am off to join your giveaway, you posted it while I was off on our lake camping trip, glad I got home in time! ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

    ReplyDelete
  37. Good to see you back Teresa. Do join in with my giveaway it is running until 31 August.
    Jane x

    ReplyDelete
  38. Thank you for joining us for this week’s ‘Oh So Girlie’ challenge at Lili’s Little Fairies with such a gorgeous card. Hope to see you again next week. Hugs Christine x

    ReplyDelete
  39. Hello Jane...Your garden is looking beautiful and how gracious of Billy to allow Blackie to share his space...he always lives up to my expectations!
    Oh yes, we've been enjoying the Pimms too...with lots of fresh fruit and ice...darling daughters have reintroduced me to it!
    You must be so looking forward to the newly weds returning home Jane!
    Susan x
    P.S Love your latest card..the colours are lovely.

    ReplyDelete
  40. Billy is such a gentle boy Susan. Pimms is my favourite summer tipple, glad you have been reintroduced. We can't wait to see the newleyweds on Monday :-)
    Jane x

    ReplyDelete
  41. What a wonderful backyard! Love your card, too - it's do darling!

    ReplyDelete
  42. Hello Jane! I do love this sweet card, especially the color combo and the strawberries are a natural, being Pimm's o'clock! I'm sure Blackie and Billy are enjoying the wonderful weather among those lovely flowers in your garden. Hope you've had lots of fun catching up as the newlyweds returned from their honeymoon here in the US. Have a great weekend! :o)

    ReplyDelete
  43. Hi Michele it's a sweet image isn't it ;0) We will have a lovely weekend and we are so much looking forward to seeing the newleyweds. Enjoy your weekend too,
    jane x

    ReplyDelete
  44. Gorgeous card Jane, love the stamp and the gorgeous strawberry paper :0
    How sweet are your 2 cats and those fab flowers in your garden :)

    Thanks for joining us at 2Sisters Challenge :)

    Hugs Mandy xxx

    ReplyDelete
  45. Thanks Mandy, little Blackie is a little stray who visits us every day and our Billy is such a gentle boy to him/her ;0) Lovely to see you here,
    Jane x

    ReplyDelete
  46. I love ur flowers pictures! Here in denmark fall is starting and the leafs are starting to turn brown so ur pics was a step back to summertime!

    Feel free to join my international giveaway!

    ReplyDelete

Thanks so much for leaving a comment; I really enjoy reading every single one of them.

To comply with the new Data Protection legislation (GDPR) May 2018 I wish to state that any comments left here are with your consent that your name & comment are visible to anyone who visits my blog and that you accept that your personal information is being used for that specific purpose.

Jane x