Reasons to be Cheerful 2016

[Darren]

Thank you both 

Currently making plans to take things further. At least as far as the day job will let me. Lots of garden jobs to catch up with first though!

[Tristan_He]

Beautiful Darren, especially the Iris. Don't think you planted it deep enough though! 

[Darren]

Well spotted! Came from a garden centre pot

[annew]

Excellent paintings, Darren.

[Darren]

Thank you Anne. I have seen your own lovely work at the Kendal show last year and on your website so your compliment is greatly appreciated.

I swore I would take a month off after finishing my final diploma piece but have started drawing again already. I did pick up a guitar today for the first time in months, but my left hand and arm are smarting after I cut the hand with secateurs on Saturday and had a resulting tetanus jab in that arm yesterday. Honestly , I take a week off to work in the garden and hurt myself 5 minutes into the first day! Luckily it is not my drawing hand so am still cheerful

[Dave M]

Wow Darren they are fantastic! Congratulations to both of you on finally finishing. Look forward to seeing the plot developing, if you need a hand give me a shout. Having put up 3 greenhouses last year I've got into the swing of it!

[ChrisB]

After netting three firsts at Edinburgh last Saturday, got home to find my flutter on the Grand National had resulted in a win of £65.  If I'd known I'd have bought one or two more plants!

[Darren]

After netting three firsts at Edinburgh last Saturday, got home to find my flutter on the Grand National had resulted in a win of £65.  If I'd known I'd have bought one or two more plants!

Good luck comes in threes Chris. Buy a lottery ticket!

Nice to hear about your success at Edinburgh. We must try to get to a show in Scotland soon, it has been a few years.

[Darren]

Wow Darren they are fantastic! Congratulations to both of you on finally finishing. Look forward to seeing the plot developing, if you need a hand give me a shout. Having put up 3 greenhouses last year I've got into the swing of it!

Thank you Dave 

We might yet take you up on the offer of help.....

[Maggi Young]

Well now,  have I got some really lovely, happy news?!! Yes I do!

Lawrence Peet  - doubtless flushed with his successes  with his  plants this year at the shows has  clearly decided that this is his lucky year - and indeed it is! Lawrence and his adored Helen have become engaged!
 


How nice it is to have good news - I'm sure you'll join me in wishing Helen and Lawrence a long and happy life together.

[annew]

Congratulations!

[Brian Ellis]

A group of sassenachs from Norfolk are having a wonderful long weekend up here.  We have been to Branklyn and admired the blue poppies, to Glendoick all too fleetingly with only time for the walled garden and the house garden, to the lovely Henry and Margaret Taylor's immaculate garden where we were all just amazed at their plants. Today to the Explorers Garden at Pitlochry and to the lovely garden at Cluny House (I want to move in!) and the icing on the cake to see a red squirrel leap from one tree to another just as we are leaving.  Tomorrow we are at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh, what a wonderful trip this is!  Thanks to all who have been so welcoming to our little group of foreigners

[Maggi Young]

Delightful - but no surprise - to learn you are experiencing the traditional Scottish welcome to "furrin folks", Brian.
It's a whirlwind visit you're having - such a shame you hadn't longer to enjoy Glendoick, which is a  super  place altogether.

[Brian Ellis]

Yes a whirlwind tour indeed, just back to the hotel this afternoon. We had two excellent guides, Rosemary and Margaret, to begin with for the rock garden, and then Elspeth showed us the Alpine department and we had a wonderful behind the scenes visit.  Thanks to all three particularly Elspeth for giving us so much of her valuable time, it was a real treat.  We have all picked up excellent tips whether beginners or seasoned growers.  We head back home in the morning after an excellent taster.  I think we all plan to return again for longer visits

[Brian Ellis]

Forgot to say the 'Norfolk Eye' has been hard at work taking more than 700 photos so will have his work load somewhat added to when we return home.  No doubt some may find their way here later.