In a Vase on Monday – hellebore, half cup full, afternoon tea at Tatton Park

Some people see the glass half full. Others see the glass half empty. The enlightened are simply grateful to have a glass. Mark Desvaux – Life Coach at 4000Saturdays.

For my ‘In a Vase on Monday’ this week, I decided to pick some of the first flowers that appear in my garden – Hellebores.  There were a couple of reasons for this which I’ll explain – a trip to Tatton Park inspired me.

In a Vase on Monday – Hellebore and half cup cooking measure – 15 February 2016

Cathy hosts ‘In a vase on Monday’ at Rambling in the Garden; this week she has a collection of three vases with daffodils – a symbol of Spring and lovely, bright colours which lifted my mood.  Do have look and join in if you can.  I think my tête-à-têtes daffodils will be appearing in my vase soon.

Afternoon tea at the Gardener’s Cottage, Tatton Park

On Saturday, My Chap and I went to Tatton Park.   We go often, as it’s only about 45mins drive from our house, and there’s always something interesting to see. I love the Japanese Garden in particular, especially the colours of the acers in the Autumn.  Tatton Park, is owned by the National Trust and is, of course, home to the Royal Horticultuaral Society.

• Tatton Park – National Trust
• Tatton Park Flower Show in July (20-24 July 2016).

I wonder what will happen to the Tatton Park show when RHS Bridgewater garden opens in 2019? I am VERY excited about this garden coming to Salford – great for tourism, employment and encouraging horticultural and ecological knowledge for everyone .  It’s going to be 3 miles from my garden too!

We went for a stroll around the outside of the mansion, but it was cold and windy, so afternoon tea beckoned at the Gardener’s Cottage. In the courtyard there were some lovely hellebores, a different variety from the one I have in our garden.

As usual, My Chap ordered a huge pile of food – he can eat for Britain even though he’s really skinny.  He had a potato and leek soup, with a chicken and bacon sandwich on crusty granary bread.  I had a sumptuous afternoon tea including smoked salmon sandwiches, and warm, raisin scones with a very decent Earl Grey.

Carry on – Carrying on

We had a really lovely time. It was great to spend some time together and talk about our plans for 2016 – My Chap is often away for work and works long hours so we don’t get as much time together as we’d like.   We decided to book a holiday to Cornwall for May, and back to Scotland in the Summer too – I know it Scotland well but My Chap doesn’t, so there’s much to show him. We’ve not decided where to go on holiday to celebrate our birthday’s in October. Mine is a big one this year…how did that happen?

My hellebore is all white with pink dots at the moment but later in the season the flowers come through more pink than white.

I might be turning the corner with all the difficult times last year, so when I came  look for a receptacle for my hellebore, the American measuring cups jumped out of me from the display cabinet – especially the half cup :-). I knew it’s a lot easier to float hellebores in water, something I learned from one of the contributor’s to ‘In a Vase on Monday’ last year.   I’ve used the three cup measures for quite a few recipes too.

I showed my hellebores in April 2015 – which in turn reminded me of how much I learnt from my former boss. What would Bonnie do?

• In a Vase on Monday – thankful for hellebores

All this got me thinking about Spring being round the corner, more positive thoughts and plans for future.  My new medication has started working, so I wasn’t suffering nearly as much with back ache compared to usual and it’s helping me sleep better.

hellebore – Gardener’s Cottage, Tatton Park – 13 February 2106

How inviting is this courtyard? It’s even more beautiful in the Summer – a lot busier though so don’t forget to book.

Gardener’s Cottage – Tatton Park 13 February 2016

We will definitely be back for more tea and cake – I recommend it if you’re in the area.

Afternoon tea at Gardener’s Cottage – Tatton Park 13 February 2016

After such a difficult 2015, I am truly grateful that I have a ‘glass’, many ‘glasses’ in fact. These are, of course, my wonderful Chap, my friends, my family and the great outdoors, and especially my garden. They are helping replenish my resilience.   It was this blog’s first birthday last week, I wrote about ‘non resolutions’ earlier in January too. I don’t really do New Year Resolutions; I believe that a person can decide to make a change anytime – Just Do It.

• My 2016 Carry on (happiness and hope)
• Happy 1st Birthday – Views from my garden bench

I shall Carry on Carrying on in 2016… and see where my journey takes me… hoping more happiness is round the corner….

Carpe Diem

Love Bec xx