A weekend of escapism for the Gypsy Roses, daring feasts courtesy of captain upon fine vintage lace and some fabulous floral finds.

Waiting for the rain and reports on leeks, lovage and lavender to come. xx

And having good flower friends round for an afternoon tea.

Sujets du jour: Tussy mussy’s, vintage fairs, white weddings, italian eggs, stroppy brides. Gypsy Roses, Primrose Hill walks, Sweet William, John Torrode, Crazy horses, opal rings, sage green cello and tying the knot.

… co-starring a whole lot of hats, Kate’s lemon drizzle…an elderflower sponge and strawberry sandwiches. Fun.

xxx

A photo by my dearest friend Tim which sums up my gypsyrose gardening efforts today.

Ce jour la, we’ve been preparing god daughter teas, sowing sweet peas, carrot seeds and planning a cottage garden.

Wednesday’s woes
Lizzyanthus (texaco garage fleur)
Lack of lily of the valley at market
Rainy port holes
No Arsenal at Rome – O’s moan
Womans hour not working on 4

Wednesday’s heroes
Silver shoes
Discovering wild roses on the towpath
Reasonable Routemasters
Getting to spend tomorow with Elfin
Chantily lace bustles

Wednesday brings you a magical picture taken by my sailing friend Inness.

A distinguished wall of picture frames is one of my favourite things ever…

…that and fabulous emporiums. Shrimps cooked by O after a Goldbourne Fishery visit, our scented terrace and fading roses.

The Gypsy Rose garden and the boat have been invited to star in a chic coffee table book so we’re dead excited, hoping our courgettes grow in time and frantically pruning…

Today we’re sniffing back the tears as we watch peonies fade and sharing plates with mates…

It’s Candlelight, camera and action in Fulham Palace and a stolen silhouette.

Having giggled in changing rooms with an excited bride at Temperley, to this…

Lily of the valley, yup. Seas of Blossom, for sure. Gale force winds and a beautiful day, yes siree. Petals in my hair? Hell yeah.

After months of planning, chortling with camp caterers and running around rooms of Fulham Palace to discuss lighting and sets we arrived at Mrs B to be’s big day.

Movie stars, decadence, a dash of britishness and a dollop of glamour.

Starring:
A Hog Roast.
Bacarra roses.
Dishy ushers.
Lots of girls in Laboutin.
Mabel.
Me in a ripped petticoat.
Peonies a plenty.
Mr and Mrs B.

* Please note at no point was a church hoover hurt in the making… x

This weekend the Gypsy Rose camp went to Chelsea with Nelsea.

We got a crush on Ulf of the Telegraph garden, bought stephanosis to twirl…and went in search of le Titchmarsh for a bit of a tickle, (no joy my friends, no joy).

Bertie to me, Albert William Maynard to you. A proper gent.

Today we’re wearing silly shoes to garden in, planting runner beans, listening to Count Basie and sowing our Chelsea wares…will report back with piceroonies. xx

Should I, would I, could I …wed in red?

A week of announcements, operatic societies and the chelsea flower show.

The bicycle made for two, planning a show stopping autumn affair and pining a pretty frock matched with dads wellies.

Today we are being of the gentle palette, going giddy for geraniums, waltzing to wild roses in milk jugs, and pontificating peonies, cow parsley and…anything white. Parmesan biscuits a la Goop, a cheeky Chablis and white cats called Cholet.

Even milk white lie down shoes that are v. pretty but impossible to walk in.

Working and writing in the garden in inappropriate footwear ‘n frills. White.

and thinking that….after a month of chaotic weddings and prop jobs in every colour in the rainbow it’s time to start plotting a white wedding in Portmerion, Wales. Bring on the bunting, blooms and Bombay Saphire. A feast of white pompoms in roses and hydrangea awaits.

Will the blooms survive in the cab? Can I leave town without searching for Prisoner or going giddy over the ganache? Will let you know en juin.

Flowers are delicious, tea dresses are divine and Dusty Springfield moments really shake the cobwebs away. But oh for the love of a good cuppa and a lemon slice, a mix of all is a must. Tea parties being all the rage apparently. Are you game?

It can get boring but I’ve not discovered a food and flower loving blog that hasn’t featured a Laduree macaroon and the mention of twee tea yet… oh and dancing.

I recently got to do a fantastic wedding with oodles of pots of tea, cake stands wonky vintage china and quirky champagne coups. Teacups blooming with roses and peonies, tumbling crazy horses, rose petal jams and hydrangeas too.

This summer a pal and I are planning a tea club night, free tea and cake, a babysham and a battenburg – it will be sweetpeas ahoy and any excuse to wear a fancy pink frock, silk stockings, haul out an old gramaphone and kick off our sunday shoes.

Any suggestions for toe tapping teatime tracks, much appreciated…
xxx

… Blossom Dearie lyrics ever, but Guns ‘n roses, apologies for promises of a rose garden and thorns in my sides I’ll give a miss. This friday I love these tunes and will be kicking off my wellies and thinking of you.

Songs to write, arrange flowers and cook lasagne with pistachio to…

Yester Me, Yester You, Yesterday– Stevie Wonder
Into the Groove – Madonna
Cherchez la femme – Dr Buzzard
Can You Feel It – The Jacksons
Sunday Girl – Blondie
Bat out of Hell – Meatloaf ( this one’s for my friend Sam Pow)
Tiny Dancer – Elton John
Who Loves the Sun – Velvet Underground

Over the weekend a wedding at the ICA, More Tea Vicar and Winchester in Apple Blossom Time.
xxxxxxxxxxx