"Blossoming Beauty: A Journey Through My Garden and Franschhoek Open Gardens 2023 - Update"

Hello again, dear garden enthusiasts! If you haven't had the chance to read my first blog about my garden and the Franschhoek Open Gardens 2023, I'd suggest pausing right here, giving it a read, and then returning to dive into this exciting update. For those who've already joined me on this gardening adventure, welcome back! I hope you have a refreshing beverage in hand as we explore the latest developments in my green haven and get ready to secure your tickets for this year's Franschhoek Open Gardens.

It's been a while since my last blog, and let me tell you, we've had quite an eventful time in my garden. From preparing the soil, sowing seeds, planting tubers and bulbs, to facing floods, enduring heatwaves, enduring ice-cold days and nights, braving storms, and witnessing the first blooms of flowers – it's been nothing short of an adventure. Yes, eventful, and I must admit, a tad bit stressful at times. But amid all the chaos, I've discovered a profound life lesson: one must adapt to change, no matter how unpredictable it may be.

Now, let's get to the good stuff! I can't wait to share with you all the love, experiments, and floral wonders that have been blossoming in my garden. Picture a small countryside paradise adorned with a variety of plants, flowers, pots, and beds, each bursting with seasonal and annual delights. My garden truly reflects my passion and what I love to work with in my flower arrangements.

A few weeks ago, I must confess, I was a tad worried when I glanced at my garden and saw it looking a bit bare and far from my envisioned paradise. But thanks to a few rays of sunshine and a burst of warmth, the spring returned to my garden, giving it that lush, full-of-life look and feel that I cherish. I've lovingly added topsoil and compost to the lawn, enriched my flower beds, and the most exciting part: rejuvenated our vegetable boxes with fresh compost. We've nurtured various tomato varieties from seeds to seedlings and finally potted them into the boxes and pots at the back. Let me tell you, growing veggies is no walk in the park – kudos to our hardworking farmers!

Walking and working in my garden has been a sheer delight, watching sweetpeas unfurl, Dutch irises show their colors, hybrid delphiniums bloom, and my beloved ranunculus grace us with their presence. Many of these plants I've gathered over the years, patiently waiting to be potted out into their own space. Over time, I've also cared for a diverse collection of succulents, some gifted by my neighbor, others propagated from my garden, and some purchased. All of them will soon find their place in a delightful collage of succulent pots, perfect for an outdoor table centerpiece.

Personally, I adore the natural, untamed look in my garden. I embrace the variety of textures in foliage, the medley of plants, and the harmonious blend of colors. And here and there, a plant stands out, daring to be different – a testament to the ever-changing beauty of nature.

But wait, there's more! I'm thrilled to introduce you to a new addition in my garden – a pincushion in a stunning shade of PINK! Yes, you read that right. I'm fortunate to showcase this exquisite flower, generously provided by Future Fynbos, specialists in fynbos. Stay tuned to hear more about the incredible work they do.

I've included a few pictures to capture the progress of my garden, but as we all know, no photograph can truly do justice to the magic of a living landscape. I'm beyond excited to invite you into my creative playground, where I grow, learn, and connect with nature.

In addition to my garden, I have another exciting announcement – we'll be moving into a new space soon, our very own shop! Here, you can grab a bunch of fresh flowers, enjoy a quick coffee, and savor freshly baked sourdough bread from Motherdough. Be sure to secure your tickets on Webtickets, as all proceeds will go to our local Fleur de Lis home for the aged and medical services.

Until next time, dear readers, keep your green thumbs ready, and let's continue this beautiful journey together through the world of gardening and natural beauty.