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An Agreeable Place

28/10/2020

This picture for me , tells many a story ...

Treasure isn’t always something to have and to hold , but very often memories, that can be sustaining, nurturing and encouraging. This picture contains a lot of that for me. A rural Scottish cottage I have always loved and chose over city life.

We had a fine dwelling house in Edinburgh’s fashionable new town, which we decided to sell and head to the country to paint and create and live more simply. The inspiration to do this was largely this old cottage you see in the background, namely Dalbuie. In the Gaelic, meaning ‘An agreeable place’, and so it is. Another meaning is ‘Yellow field’ which I suppose back then (more than 250 years ago) would mean favourable pasture. This old treasure has been George’s family holiday home for 50 years this coming February.

In many ways it has been a constant for many of us. Other homes have come and gone for different reasons . But Dalbuie was always there. It is now time for it to pass to the care of another, for new treasured memories to be made. And we wish whoever that may be as much happiness as we have known .

Hydrangeas, I have known all of my life. My Grandparents' garden, parents' garden, never in mine because I found them too blowsy, and the most dreadful show offs. But the years have softened me, and probably mostly entering the flower world, where my eyes were opened to see beauty in a new way. Constance Spry always encouraged it. They are now a best flower friend and provide both Summer and Winter floral inspiration. These lace caps are a little less showy, and very lovely. Lots of cuttings being taken. And lots of the blowsy girls too!

A Beautiful September Wedding

13/10/2020

What a wonderful weekend it was ... my first and last wedding of the year ... and I could not have had a lovelier bride to work with. From the first time Amy and I spoke, I knew instantly that we were perfectly suited to create and style her beautiful wedding together.

Like so many couples this year, Amy and James had their disappointments with their wedding being cancelled in May. So, it was all the more special that this day be perfect for them, and it was; absolutely perfect.

Here is a little snippet of the flowers being created in our studio gallery. I had designed meadow boxes for the church windows , and here they are being created. My dear friend Carole took this dreamy picture. Not only is she a fabulous cook and stylist, but pretty nifty with a camera too. Carole has always loved photography, but she has taken her craft to a higher level. I so appreciate her discipline and dedication to perfecting her photography, through lots of practice and some tuition. I love what she is doing now. Carole came on board for this wedding to help. We had the best of fun playing with flowers and styling to our hearts content .

It was very important to me to make this wedding as beautiful as I could for Amy and James, and I am happy to say they were delighted. I felt my vision was realised, and both these things have made me very happy; but mostly Amy and James' delight ... and not forgetting Amy’s beautiful Mummy . One of the most stylish ladies I have met and a sheer delight.

Cosmos

10/9/2020

Cosmos at Dove Cottage, September 2020

Cosmos gently blowing in the breeze in early Autumn light always reminds me of being tucked up in the north of Mallorca, meandering through the market in the old square of Pollenca old town. A most delightful old town.

I would gather up fresh vegetables gently packed into a locally made basket and fill my arms with a flowing bunch of Cosmos in every shade of pink and creamy whites from the flower lady. All grown in her little yard. I would then stop and have a coffee and a slice of the the most delicious lemon tart, watching the world go by before wandering through the quaint narrow old streets to the villa we were staying at.
My vegetables neatly packed away to be used for some long and delicious lunches under the almond trees in the orchard, I would then place a beautiful pottery jug bought from a local ceramicist on the dining table and fill with the frondy, dreamy Cosmos.

Hoping for a warm afternoon soon, where I can set a table for lunch outside, and cut some of my own Cosmos for the table which will be placed into a beautiful jug made by Pauline of sea drift pottery.

And, I will be hoping for some lovely dappled light to photograph...

A New Old Garden Urn

10/9/2020

A lot of thought going on at the moment trying to decide what to plant in this lovely old hand carved urn ... and where to place it.

I recently created a new little area for a garden seat, but this urn is most definitely trying to claim the space. Once in it’s place and planted up, with the anticipation of a beautiful oversized floral bowl next Spring to sit by and enjoy in the first of the Spring sunshine ... I will post a photograph of it flowering in its new home.

It would also make a lovely drinks chiller for a small gathering - suggested by a friend. A little heavy to carry to gatherings though ...

Old Trunk, New Home

10/9/2020

Our old trunk in its new setting at Kilmartin Castle. [Click on photo to connect to the castle website]

This old trunk has found a lovely new home at kilmartin castle.
This trunk has been in my family for many a year. It has travelled to Africa and other continents back in the day when you travelled by liner.

I used to have the ship's menu, which is heavenly, but right at the moment I can’t lay my hands on it. Hopefully it will turn up in all the clearing out we are doing.

When thinking of a new home for this old friend, I thought of my friends Stef and Simon up at the little castle.They love things with a story too, and I have to say it looks better than it ever has in this fabulous setting.

I have used it as a coffee table and a prop for styling shoots and to fill with flowers for some floral theatre.

kilmartincastle
Oh the hand painted stripes and initials had us at hello! It’s not only beautiful and with a great story but SUPER USEFUL. It’s already full of our summer clothes to make way for winter jumpers in the closet. Thanks Gill

A Simple Little Jug ...

14/4/2020

Sometimes a simple little jug is enough to start the day with... Hope you all enjoy this beautiful sunny day...a time to be still.

Beyond The Garden Gate

11/4/2020

by GILL STEWART

Cherry blossom in the Dove Cottage garden

Beyond the garden gate, has taken on a new meaning for me and I am sure for many others. Whether it be a gate, a fence, a window, life has changed for all in a very short time. For some, it has been a time to breathe , to slow down and catch breath; an opportunity to tidy and reorganise, to garden, to plan. And for some just to be.

But not all are so fortunate as to have a house and a garden, or a rural location. Many are stuck in flats in city centres with children to entertain and the pressures of home schooling, made more difficult with the lack of opportunity to exercise, to run free ... get rid of steam. There are elderly in care homes with families unable to visit. Elderly and young alike living in isolation.

So, it is for all those in difficult circumstances that my thoughts and prayers are with this Easter. Easter is a time of hope, of new life , new beginnings. We look forward with hope to a brighter day when lockdown is a thing of the past and families and friends and school children re-united, when once again our doors can be flung open to welcome widely, or to step freely from our homes.
Wishing all a peaceful and blessed Easter 🐣.

Stay home, stay safe, save lives, look after our NHS , and other vital public services 👏

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An Agreeable Place

A Beautiful September Wedding

Cosmos

A New Old Garden Urn

Old Trunk, New Home

A Simple Little Jug ...

Beyond The Garden Gate

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