The other garden

These are photos of plants and flowers at my new home. Most are in pots as the landscaping has to be done here yet. A very different style of house from my little cottage and the plants will have to match.



There will be lots of these.



and these.





My herb garden is all in pots but are doing well.





These more traditional flowers are growing over fences from neighbour's gardens.

Garden

I love my garden at this time of the year. It is really only the second spring I have spent in the house and the garden has taken a while to come to life. It just makes it harder to rent it out and let go.....





The roses are all about to bloom and I can't wait. Hopefully my pruning will pay off.







These plants are all out the front as the cottage has a small front edged garden and two square bits of lawn. It doesn't look great in winter, most of these plants die right back.

Out the back I am trying to plant natives and other plants that don't need a lot of care and are attractive all year round. Work in progress.....

Lino print class

I have signed up to do a lino print class in November at Megalo Print Studio in Canberra. I can't wait, but I am now looking for inspiration.

I have been collecting some images of other people's lovely lino prints here on Pinterest.

This is my last effort, made at home last Christmas.

I did a class in North Sydney years ago and a screen printing course in Melbourne a few years ago. I love prints.

New stuff

 

This is our new bedhead. I will have to buy new linen but I am quite happy with it. Made by Bednest.



Our caravan is back! It has had the metal work underneath (tow bar and stabilisers) replaced or strengthened and has been to the auto electrician so now the brake lights work.

Next is woodwork, it needs a bit of sealing and fixing and then a new coat of paint. We are thinking mint green and cream.







Inside the caravan. When we get it back next time I can start on the interior. New seats and beds, new curtains, paint and a good clean! So exciting.

Melbourne shopping morning

I tend to do the same things, visit the same places and shops and buy the same items each time I stay in Melbourne city. Usually a book, a coffee, some Haigh's chocolate, note books etc. Treats.

 

I have been good and haven't bought many, if any books, music or magazines this year. Today I reversed all of my good work. BUT I have been saving money since I changed jobs, so.....

Books from Book Grocer Elizabeth St. $10 or $12 each.

CD's from Basement Discs, in the Lane where I had coffee. Style Council, Covers and Leonard Cohen covers.

Then on to MagNation on Elizabeth St......

I used to buy these magazines in my late teens, early twenties when I was sewing clothes a lot. I love them, European style. There are some nice patterns in here I want to use.....

and more Crafty, handmade goodness (for inspiration, you see). Guilty pleasures.

Advice needed

This is the house that I have almost finished renovating (new picket fence going up at the moment). As I am moving in with my partner I have been tossing up whether to sell or rent it. I don't know if I can give my project and my little cottage up to strangers yet......

This week, I had an idea. Maybe I could rent the house as a kind of home-stay. My idea was to aim at crafters and sewers, a sort of creative retreat in the country (sort of). I will have to apply to council of course and look at regulations, insurance etc, in the mean time, I would love your thoughts.....

More info: could sleep 4 (sharing rooms), new kitchen, sewing and craft room, bathroom, close to shops and restaurants, magazines, books, craft books, craft kits or BYO projects.

About Yass: 50 minute drive from Canberra (galleries, Floriade, Canberra Handmade market), local wineries and restaurants, op shops, second hand shops, cafes).

Would you take a holiday like this (a crafty friends weekend or with family)?
What would you expect or like to have in the house (bath, enclosed garden, sewing machines)?
Any other ideas, advice, thoughts??