Hanami

or 'flower viewing' is the traditional Japanese custom of viewing flowers, namely cherry blossom.  The blossom forecast, a little like the weather forecast begins in February and aims to forecast the optimum day for wiewing the cherry blossom (sakura), which depends on the weather conditions.  Blossoms peak only for around one or two weeks.  Outdoor parties  where special food and drink (particularly sake) are served, are held in celebration either in the daytime or night (a night time hanami is called yozakura, literally 'night sakura').  Lanterns are also hung to light up and decorate the parties.  It must be wonderful to see huge numbers of people celebrating the natural world.  Literally thousands of people fill the parks to view the blossom. 

Elder people prefer the plum blossom parties as they are less crowded and noisy than hanami.

I've been receiving regular updates from a Japanese woman living in Tokyo.  She's been sending daily reports about life in Japan after the earthquake - the numbers of lives that have been lost, the people living in gymnasiums or schools because they have lost their homes, the levels of radioactivity in the tap water and she paints a bleak picture of the aftermath although what does come shining through is the spirit of the Japanese people, their stoicism and ability to get on with life under terrible conditions.

Here's wishing all the survivors of this terrible disaster some peace and a chance to enjoy the cherry blossom again sometime.

This was taken in Parc du Bercy.

Garden Furniture II

It's SO exciting in the shops at the moment; all the new garden furniture and accessories are out on sale.  I'm such a sucker; every table set with lovely glasses and jugs makes me think of idyllic warm evenings lounging in the garden, chatting and laughing with friends.  No mosquitos, no rain, of course! 

I was a bit disappointed with the selection at Habitat but I think maybe their full range is not out yet.  Did spot a few nice things though like this cute cat cushion called 'Moggy', the 'Exmouth' cushion, both at 15 Euros, these low chairs in two colours and at a reasonable price of 32 Euros.  The fruity and aqua colours are joyful and a great contrast in a green garden.  The sturdy white table and chairs are 164 Euros I think.  The illuminated pots are pretty and make a lovely effect but they need to be plugged in so they're not really suitable for outside.

National Museum of Ceramics, Sevres

I quickly passed by the National Museum of Ceramics in Sevres and impressed by the sheer formal nature of the gardens and the super protected roses.  Slightly 'cold' and a bit too formal for me though I love the huge ceramic pots at the door and in reality the topiary looks more welcoming.  Also liked this strange sculpture in the gardens.

Water your plants! Happy Globe

There are more and more methods of self watering for plants in the shops.  I've decided to test some of them.  I was tempted to buy these pretty glass globes for my larger houseplants.  The form is pleasing, the material is glass and it looks like an ornament rather than a practical device wigh a long stem.  Two globes cost just under 9 Euros.  So far, one is working well.  The other emptied two weeks' of water into the plant almost immediately.  They are very easy to fill and use and can be used outside as well as indoors.

So, 50% effectiveness, 4/5 for attractiveness 4/5 ease of use.  2.5/5 for value for money.

I purchased mine in Bricorama.

New pots from IKEA (zinc and otherwise)

Passing through IKEA, I noticed some pretty affordable garden cheer ups from brightly coloured deep orange and vivid blue, through pastel greens, pinks and blues, lacy off white, large zinc effect, elegant modern ceramic in black or white.  Great choice, great prices!  Use them repeatedly in threes, fives, sevens in clusters, on stairwells, in a row, on a windowsill.............

how do you know spring has arrived?

Two pics that sum up the arrival of Spring for me:- a gorgeous beaming forsythia in its golden prime.  I walk past this every day on the way to school and it cheers me up so much.  This garden doesn't get much direct sunlight but this plant gives a real ray of sunshine.

And just the previous week we had had hail and really cold temperatures but here's the Jardins du Luxembourg hoaching with people catching some sun at lunchtime.  Today I even had to queue to get into the gate I use normally.  It was lovely sitting on a Luxembourg Chair (see Fermob website) and overhearing passionate debates amongst students from the Sorbonne and Ecole des Mines whilst eating my sandwiches.

And the last clue is the smell, the smell of the ground warming up, the leaves opening, the fresh air and a certain change in the atmosphere.  Spring is sprung!

Ps Reason # 4 - the first blossom has arrived on our cherry tree, hurray!

Arley Hall, Cheshire, UK

Someone very special to me has just got a job here.  I know that they are really going to love working in such an amazing place, being surrounded by all this green beauty and history.  I wanted to show you the glorious gardens, just some lovely pictures....go on, have a look at the website!  A real slice of England.  Visit if you can of course. 

 http://www.arleyhallandgardens.com/gardens.html