Thursday 15 May 2014

LOOKING FORWARD TO...
...OUTDOOR LIVING!

ALL PHOTOS: SOPHIA HOME


Sunshine, blue skies and temperatures set to be pretty good here in the UK this weekend….could this be the start of summer?  After a busy week so far, I am looking forward to a relaxed and sociable weekend ahead, and spending as much time as possible outside. 

 The last week has flown by (sorry to my regular readers for lack of blog posts!) with a fabulous 30 year school reunion in London last Saturday night….a very special evening being reunited with some great friends from the past, many of whom I hadn't seen for all this time.  It is funny how a common bond can bring friendships back together again, and the years just disappear and you pick up where you left off?  A happy event!
In amongst design projects, it was back up to town yesterday for the 'Spirit of Summer Fair' at Olympia, for some fantastic design inspiration and of course, a little retail therapy with a daughter who has great stamina for these things!  Phew….always love and need my regular London fixes, but after a long day on the hoof, I am always pleased to get back to the clean, calm, peace of our little slice of rural Kent and relax!





So, outdoor living….is that something you long for, as days get sunnier and evenings get warmer?




With pictures taken in the garden this morning, I leave you with some of the 'outdoor living' here at home that I am enjoying…







On the deck...




The first gorgeous scent of Lavender…





Overlooking the annual 'maternity ward' beyond the garden…




Anticipating some meals 'al fresco'…



And drinks under the shade of the new pergola we back breakingly constructed the other weekend!






Edible violas….ready for summer salads.

ALL PHOTOS: SOPHIA HOME

The kitchen garden underway….looking forward to the season's fresh, new produce.







Longing for the scent and sight of the first pink Roses…beautiful 'Sweet Hermione'.



Enjoying the last of the tulips…



 While busily planting up new pots and hanging baskets…





Yes, summer could finally be here…
time to clean up that bar-b-q I think!

Wishing you a happy and sunny few days,
wherever you may be?

Sophia xx

12 comments:

  1. Wow your lavender is flowering already! We just have the first buds.
    What a fabulous garden you have created too, so peaceful and relaxing.
    Enjoy your weekend in that gorgeous space...
    Julie x

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    1. Hi Julie,

      Thank you so much….that particular Lavender is exceptionally early…not sure of the variety though!

      Sophia x

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  2. It all looks so beautiful Sophia! I hope you have a lovely weekend enjoying the outdoors :-)

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    1. Very kind Debbie! Hope all well with you in Australia?

      Sophia x

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  3. Your garden looks wonderful, I love how you have lots of seating areas dotted about for that well earned rest! Xx

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    1. Thank you! Sadly we don't get to spend much time sitting in those areas! Hopefully soon!

      Sophia x

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  4. Stunning photographs Sophia. The gardens are looking so vibrant and lush. I am a very outdoorsy type and am always either in the garden or off in the wilds on the weekend. Your outdoor lounge area looks so inviting. We are trying to find some really deep faux wicker seating with rolled arms for the conservatory at the moment. Looking forward to seeing what tasty treats emerge from the potager this year. Roll on Summer:)

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    1. So kind Paul…thank you. You always seem to be off on some adventure! As for the faux wicker furniture, which I researched endlessly, it comes from an English company called Bridgeman….highly recommended and very hardy, even in a harsh winter.

      Happy Gardening!

      Sophia x

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  5. Beautiful photo's of your house and garden Sophia! Hope the weather will stay as lovely as on your photo's!

    Happy week,

    Madelief x

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    1. Thank you Madelief! Your garden too always looks so colourful and pretty! Sadly the weather this week hasn't lasted quite so well here in the UK…hope it is better with you in the Netherlands?

      Sophia x

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  6. I can't keep using the word stunning to describe your garden,but that's what it is.
    You obviously work very hard on it.
    Hope you have a lovely week and the sun keeps shining,
    Liz x

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    1. So kind of you Liz! Thank you. Yes, it is a lot of work,, but we absolutely love the creative side of it, so well worth the hard work…..apart from the dreaded weeding! What happened to the weather since our lovely weekend here in the UK?

      Hope you are having a lovely week too!

      Sophia x

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