My Gardening Journal

My Gardening Journal is for all garden lovers: a beautifully illustrated personal organizer where you can gather information about your favourite plants and record developments in your garden month by month and year by year. Indispensable for anyone who cherishes their garden and wants to make notes and sketches about plants and garden projects. 144 pages, including 12 photo pages 6 tabbed sections with pockets.

Rose Bush Care- Enjoying Good Results With Many Varieties Of Roses

Rosebush care can be easy by finding the appropriate rose for the weather conditions in your area.  A lot of  backyard gardeners can be hesitant to grow roses reasoning that rose care is much too sophisticated and demanding.  In fact roses are generally among the easiest plants in the garden to grow for those who realize what things to look for.

A few parts in the U.S. have colder, wet winters with scorching, very arid summers.  The trick to appropriate rose bush care is to use rose plants that can tolerate these severe changes in the conditions.  As an example, in the event you happen to reside in the Pacific Northwest region, where there’s more rain rather than sun, consult your local gardening shop regarding disease resistant roses.  Examples of these roses have names which include “About Face”, “Crimson Bouquet”, “Gemini”, etc.

Additionally, in this area, experts would suggest that adequate rose care could consist of drenching the soil and showering the canes and any buds in early spring using compost tea.  This kind of rose bush care can compensate the owner with stunning blooms in late spring and continue on with perfect buds and roses almost all summer enduring well into October and November.

Should you be fortunate enough to reside in the middle to upper south where by locals enjoy mild, brief winters the gardening season usually lasts a lot longer.  Even though the summer’s might be quite hot and humid in this area, rose bush care and rose choice is easier.  The top selections for this area might be “Belinda’s Dream” and “Knock Out.”

East of the Sierra and Cascade Mountain ranges stretching to the High Plains rose bush care is considerably more difficult.  In these areas the winters are extremely windy and cold with almost no rainfall.  Summer gets there and the brutal hot temperature begins.  The sandydirt contains alkaline,  clay mixed with salt and boron.  One advantage to this place is the fact that there is minimal insect or disease troubles.

In this area it really is vital to search for roses that are robust and healthy.  Rose care really should entail consistent watering, adequately amended earth together with plenty of mulch.  Some rose titles to find may be “Carefree Delight”, “Crimson Bouquet”, “Eureka”, “Knock Out” and “Julia  Child.”

Bare root roses are popular and in many cases are purchased, grown and maintained without having much great outcomes.  The home gardener mustn’t be frustrated. Individuals looking to get a bare root rose bush discover it is quite difficult to know exactly how healthy it is.  They all appear to look deceased because there are no leaves on the shrub.  The plant’s roots are covered by the packaging process. Frankly, frequently the bare root rose is dead.  One way to check on its viability is to examine the bark.  The bark ought to be green and feel soft to the touch.  Keep clear of the bush which has stalks which are brown and dry along with fine lines, it’s usually dead or dying.

Roses, because of their beautiful blooms and pleasant smell, are often picked by home gardeners.  Proper rose bush care can offer many years of gratification and plenty of fresh cut flowers for your dining table. Ideally these pointers will allow you to purchase just the right rose for your garden.

A Dream Come True…

I was so thrilled to hear the September issue of Lancashire Life was on sale when I received a text from a friend saying she had seen the article that I ran to my local newsagents and bought 5 copies!  This month a special supplemented edition of Lakeland Life was include as a gift to its readers and as I quickly flicked through theses pages, I suddenly spotted a very familiar dining room and photographs. I was even more amazed when I realised that there wasn’t just one double page spread about me, my home and RedLadybird but two! ‘A dream come true’ what a great title, and it certainly was. I am absolutely delighted with the article and the images.

Thank you Lancashire Life for making one Lakeland’s girl dream come true.

Coming Soon – Rachael Taylor Designs.

Soon to appear on www.redladybird.co.uk is the lovely Rachael Taylor Designs, her work is colourful, creative and perfect for the home; specialising in cards, ceramics, soft furnishings and kitchen products. Rachael is well known in the design world, having featured in several pattern design books and also works for high profiled companies such as Paperchase, Marks and Spencer and WHSmiths. www.redladybird.co.uk is growing and I am very exciting at being able to feature some wonderful talent here, watch out for podcasts on Hannah Nunn, Rachael Lucie and newbie Rachael Taylor in the summer months.

Elizabeth x

Hannah Nunn at www.redladybird.co.uk

Its a pleasure to have such beautiful lamps by Hannah Nunn here at www.redladybird.co.uk and I LOVE their simplicity and beauty. Every style has been lovingly created and designed by Hannah, and each one takes you on a journey. My favourites are the allium, dandelion clocks and the cow parsley,  I am already thinking of wedding and birthday presents. But my first purchase will be for my home, I can’t wait to choose!

Let me know what your favourite Hannah Nunn Lamp is?

Elizabeth x

The perfect ‘house warming’ card

Moving into your new home is an exciting time for anyone and what better way to show your friends that you care, by sending them a lovely ‘house warming‘ card by ‘dots and spots’. Or if you want to have something more personlised, please contact me on elizabeth@redladybird.co.uk and let me know what you would like – I have just had a request ‘for a couple who are moving to Australia’ and their friends want to send them  a personalised card around this theme. To see more designs go to www.redladybird.co.uk

Elizabeth x

New range of cards here at www.redladybird.co.uk

Here is a selection of the new cards by ‘dots and spots’ available at www.redladybird.co.uk I love the illustrations and can already think of a few people to send them too. They are sold individually online, priced at £2.10.  Each card is a print of an image lovingly crafted by hand, created by the layering of different torn or cut papers to create contemporary, fresh, fun and vibrant designs. Each card comes with a quality red envelope and is sealed in a clear cellophane bag. To see more of the designs available go to www.redladybird.co.uk

Elizabeth x

Is Proud to Present …… Hannah Nunn Contemporary Table Lamps

A huge big RedLadybird welcome to Hannah Nunn…..

Though a city girl by birth, Hannah found great inspiration in the countryside when she studied ‘Crafts’ at Carmarthen college in West Wales. There she stayed for many years, raising her two small children, sketching and drawing in the fields and woodland and gathering her ideas.

When her children became of school age she moved back up North settling in Hebden Bridge, a buzzing creative town, between Manchester and her hometown of Leeds. The perfect mix! Close to the city but with an abundance of nature, moments from the front door!

Hannah offers you a range of contemporary table lamps, to bring the beautiful botanical world into your home and lifestyle.

The Hannah Nunn collection is a beautiful range of paper cut lighting inspired by the botanical world.

Hannah Nunn Cow Parsley Table Lamp available from www.redladybird.co.uk

Hannah designs and makes the lamps in her workshop within Radiance her lighting and craft boutique in Hebden Bridge, West.Yorkshire.

Hannah creates a fusion of elegance with a contemporary twist, her soft glowing lighting will bring a cosy ambience to any room.

Choose from Hannah Nunn’s collection of contemporary table lamps. Hannah may also be able to offer slight variations in size and design. Please contact us as she’ll be happy to talk about it with you.

The table lamps are freestanding and come with a white 2 metre cable with an inline switch. All lamps take a small screw candle bulb 40 watts maximum.  All lamps are CE marked.
Please Note: All lamps are hand made to order, the current lead time is 2-3 weeks, but please email us with your question we may be able to get it out to you before then.
30cm high, 13cm wide

Gift ideas you’ll love from RedLadybird

Looking for an inspirational and exciting gift idea? We at RedLadybird HQ are happy to help you with your choice of gift. Whether it’s a gift for a

gardener, or a gift for the home or even a gift for the kitchen, we’ve compiled a range of fresh and exciting products to suit your home and pocket.

Make sure you click on our ‘what’s hot’ tab to find this season must have gift loving selected for you by Elizabeth at RedLadybird find this season must have gift loving selected for you by Elizabeth at RedLadybird

RedLadybird – Tried and Tested Strawberry Eton Mess

If you are anything like us in the summer months we like to eat outside in the garden most evenings and what perfect way to end a summers evening with Strawberry Eton Mess, This easy dessert is one of the quickest and most simple ways to enjoy meringue. A delicious combination of whipped cream, meringue, strawberry jam and strawberries.

Ingredients

1 punnet of strawberries

2 tbsp strawberry jam

300ml whipping cream

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 heaped tsp icing suger

4 meringue nests, roughly crushed

How to make it…….

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk the cream with the vanilla and icing sugar until it makes soft peaks.

2. Fold in the strawberry jam, meringue and 3 quarters of the strawberries.

3. Divide the mixture between serving glasses and top with the remaining strawberries and chill until you are ready to serve.

Relax, sit back, pour yourself another glass of Pimms and enjoy……

Elizabeth x

Woke up this morning and feeling great……

Last night I spent the evening on Lake Windermere with my family and friends celebrating my husbands and close friend Claire’s birthday. I am so lucky to live in such a beautiful place, that this morning when I woke up I jumped out of bed and celebrated that today is Sunday. A day I can spend with my family in the garden having fun. Already this morning Ive been out in the garden watering and hanging the washing out, it looks like its going to be yet another promising sunny day.

No doubt later in the day the girls will be shouting for the sprinklers to go on, and a mad dash for towels and swimsuits will be heard.

But just for a few moments while their all still in bed, I can sit back and enjoy a welcome cup of morning tea in my bone china Queen of Everything Mug, 5 minutes peace and quiet…..Bliss

The best way to make Jam

This is an ideal Thermometer to measure the temperature of jams and boiling sugars precisely and easily – this thermometer simply clamps to the side of the pan.

This is a wonderful product from redladybird.co.uk that is perfect for taking optimum temperatures for making jam, marmalade, fudge, toffee and caramel are clearly marked.

Recipe for Strawberry Jam

Ingredients

900g (2 lb) fresh strawberries, hulled

800g (1 3/4 lb) caster sugar

4 tablespoons lemon juice

Preparation method

In a heavy bottomed saucepan, crush the strawberries with a potato masher.

Add sugar and lemon juice. Stir over low heat until the sugar is dissolved. Increase heat to high, and bring the mixture to the boil. Boil, stirring often, using your jam and sugar thermometer until the mixture reaches 105 C..

Transfer to hot sterile jars, leaving 1cm (1/2 in) headspace, and seal. Process any unsealed jars in a water bath. If the jam is going to be eaten right away just refrigerate.

Perfect with scones and cream. And tea for two!

Elizabeth x

Happy Fathers Day – Sunday 20th June

This fantastic Allotment Tool and Tuck Box is a great Father’s Day gift, and you obviously think so too as much to our delight, this Fathers Day we’ve sold out in the last few hours!

But don’t panic as we’ve lots of other wonderful gardening gadgets to treat Dad, this Sunday. How about a Seed Packet Organiser Tin another favorite gem of the gardening world.

• Organiser measures 27.6cm L x 19.7cm W x 15.7cm D
• Monthly dividers help you organise your seeds to your planting plan
• 5 Seed Storage envelopes
• Pencil
• Finished in the same style as the Allotment Tool and Tuck Box – a great pair of gardening gifts!

What the experts say…..

Gardeners Diary – Early Summer

Camellia 'Claire Hannah' Large coral red semi double flower with gold stamen.

Dry spells may occur from early June onwards and can cause all sorts of problems. Newly planted shrubs are particularly vulnerable, so take care to keep watering if we are lucky enough to have a long period without rain. Danger of frosts should have passed and gardening takes on a new aspect

There’s still time to feed and weed your lawn with a combined fertilizer and weedkiller treatment if you haven’t already done so, and remember between now and October regulate the height of your mower blades according to the weather. During drought raise the blades and cut without the box and leave the  clippings as these will help to retain the moisture. Soak your lawn thoroughly once a fortnight rather than giving small drinks frequently.

Check Roses and Gooseberries for early signs of greenfly and other pests and diseases. You will be able to pick off early offenders or maybe removed with soapy water, but be prepared to spray later with a systemic insecticide if the infestation is well established. Also may be an idea to spray against black spot, mildew and rust. Roses are at their best in the garden from now onwards, so to keep them in full bloom add some mulch or well rotted manure or compost. This will help reduce water loss as well as suppressing weeds.

I was given this Camellia by my husband this time last year, so I have been patiently tending to her every need in the hope she would repay me with some fabulous flowers. I am pleased to say I wasn’t disappointed she rewarded me just a few weeks ago with the most beautiful blooms shown here captured for me to share with you.

I love her nearly as much as I love him!  Thank you darling x

Elizabeth

RedLadybird features ‘The Pearl Wedding Collection’ by Rachel Lucie

Sing the song of love, my sweetheart, my love, my wife.

It was a beautiful day here in the Lakes yesterday and two of my friends got married. Congratulations Sarah and Scott! So today I am spending the day updating our wedding jewellery pages on our RedLadybird website: The Pearl Collection featured on RedLadybird includes necklaces, earrings and bracelets and is perfect for the bride to be or anyone who loves the simplicity, purity and romance that the pearl has come to symbolise.

‘A circle of pearls is traditionally considered to represent eternal love as it’s circular form has no beginning and no end‘.

Rachel Lucie has always been a lover of all things that sparkle, and draws inspiration from Art Deco design, architecture, nature, her childhood and her home in beautiful Hebden Bridge, in the Pennine Hills of West Yorkshire, UK.

Rachel feels blessed to have finally found her true vocation.”I was drawn to jewels and glittery things as a child. I used to spend hours playing with my Grandma’s sandalwood bead box, threading up old beads from her beautiful Art Deco jewellery. She owned a string of pearls since her 21st birthday and wore them every week – they became part of her”.

You’ll find Rachel Lucie’s jewellery very wearable, and it’s distinctive vintage-style glamour is perfect for your Wedding day, a special loved one, or for treating yourself to something unique to treasure and jazz up your daytime wardrobe.

Rachel Lucie’s jewellery is simple and elegant in design, that offers something for everyone. RedLadybird are delighted to feature her work please Go to www.redladybird.co.uk to discover more….

Elizabeth x

Father’s Day treats here at www.redladybird.co.uk

Father’s day is looming and finding the right present is difficult. Most men love to wash their car, here at Redladybird we have found you  the perfect gift. It is this fantastic bucket in a bag, it is multi-functional and comes in many different colours, plus it is flat packed  so good for storage! Everyone is happy!

Or if your Dad likes a nice cuppa, this fantastic mug tells him how much you care everyday! Aw!

We all like a hug and I am sure your Dad does too, but when your not there, monkey can keep him warm!

This fantastic tool box is a great Father’s day gift and it is handy for all his tools! For more gift ideas go to www.redladybird.co.uk

Elizabeth x

Make your own!

Choosing to recycle and make your own compost, not only helps the environment but it is economical and feeds your plants too. There are several things you can put into your compost tin; they include egg shells, vegetable peelings, straw, old bedding plants – if you are unsure on what you can’t put in, follow this link http://www.recyclenow.com and this will help you.

Happy Recycling!

Elizabeth x

Chelsea Flower Show

As we have come to the end of the ‘Chelsea Flower Show’  there is only one place I want to be this summer and that is in my garden. Inspired by the amazing gardens seen this year http://www.bbc.co.uk/chelsea/video/ here at www.redladybird.co.uk we have some fantastic quality products to help you create an award winning garden. For more gardening products, go to www.redladybird.co.uk

Elizabeth x

If your confused about who is running the country – look no further than yourself!!!

Yes in our own little or big world’s, there is only one person who can tell us what to do and how to do it  - and that is ourselves!!! So as the government decides how they are going to run the country  - is it conservelib or Libconserve – who knows? Just open a packet of your favourite biscuits, pop the kettle on and have a moment in your own company. AH! doesn’t that feel better!!!

For a lot more pamper moments go to www.redladybird.co.uk

Miaow!!

Oh! how cute is this fantastic tea cosy! It just makes me smile…….and he keeps my tea warm. What more does a woman need in a morning!

Go to www.redladybird.co.uk to view more products.

Elizabeth x

The Good Life! – Lets get started!!!

Who would have thought that in the seventies when ‘The Good Life’ was made, it would have been the success it was. Not only did the stars of the show Richard Briers, Felicity Kendal, Penelope Keith, and the late Paul Eddington, honoured with CBE’s; the show itself was ground breaking and ahead of its time.

The show encouraged you to ‘grow your own’ products and live from your land which wasn’t the norm in domestic middle class England at the time, and Penelope Keith’s character who lived next door to the radicals, sniffed at their way of life and preferred to get her food for the local supermarket, considering this better than ‘home grown’  -  funny how things have changed! – if only she knew how expensive organic food is now, she would have maybe listened  and learn’t more from her neighbours!

If you are not familiar with the show go to ‘The Good Life’ it is fantastic! This is a good example of  self-sufficiency at its best!

If you are just beginning ‘Growing your Own’ or you just love gardening – here are a few products to choose from!

When you have spent half of the year growing and watering your spuds, its important to have a place to put them and I love these sacks, they are simple and help to keep your produce fresh!

Seed Storage Envelopes – Burgon and Ball

Take a tip from the professionals and collect your own seeds to sow the following year.

This pack of 20 seed storage envelopes provides you with the perfect place to store your seeds until you need them.

1 x Burgon and Ball Seed Storage Envelopes
Pack contains 20 envelopes
Part of the Burgon and Ball “Grow Your Own” collection

For more gardening products go to www.redladybird.co.uk

Elizabeth x

Gift Republic at www.redladybird.co.uk

This is my special mug – I call it my ‘First Class Cuppa‘ It has got me through lots of things and I would not be without it.

When I visit other people’s houses and they make me a drink, it just isn’t the same. : (

As the only thing that gets me up every day, is my ‘First Class Cuppa‘ : )

Elizabeth x

Pamper, relax and sit back and enjoy some quality time…….with yourself.

Enjoy pampering yourself with this wonderful body wrap, after a long day place your wonderful ‘soothing body wrap‘  into the microwave to heat, then put on the ‘much needed’ area to take you into the world of relaxation.

Worth every penny and they make excellent presents for friends and family too!

Elizabeth x

All about the Rooster!!!

Good Morning! This is what the weekend is all about – whether its a slow wake up call or a cock-a-doodadoo –  I’m awake! start to your day. Morning times are important to get the whole family together and share your news.

Creating a perfect cosy ‘kitchen scene’ is a must and here at Redladybird.co.uk we have all you need to make ‘breakfast time’ special for you and your family.

First up is the ‘tea cosy‘ first documented in 1867′ this useful item has been keeping our tea pots warm for many years now; the Duchess of Bedford made afternoon tea a popular occasion and whilst the ladies talked, the tea needed to keep warm. Here at redladybird.co.uk, we love tradition and celebrate great British product, there are lots of styles to choose from,  my favourite is of course the Rooster! And why stop there! there is a matching apron and oven glove to finish off the look.

What better way to welcome your family in the morning!!

Elizabeth x

Featuring jewellery designer, ‘Rachel Lucie’

Rachel Lucie has always been a lover of all things that sparkle, and draws inspiration from Art Deco design, architecture, nature, her childhood and her home in beautiful Hebden Bridge, in the Pennine Hills of West Yorkshire, UK.

Rachel feels blessed to have finally found her true vocation.”I was drawn to jewels and glittery things as a child. I used to spend hours playing with my Grandma’s sandalwood bead box, threading up old beads from her beautiful Art Deco jewellery. She owned a string of pearls since her 21st birthday and wore them every week – they became part of her”.

You’ll find Rachel Lucie’s jewellery very wearable, and it’s distinctive vintage-style glamour is perfect for your Wedding day, a special loved one, or for treating yourself to something unique to treasure and jazz up your daytime wardrobe.

Rachel Lucie’s jewellery is simple and elegant in design, that offers something for everyone. Go to www.redladybird.co.uk to discover more….

Elizabeth x

www.redladybird.co.uk is the only place to shop!!

You’d have to be quackers not to find something at www.redladybird.co.uk there are lots of fabulous gifts to choose from, so why not indulge yourself and your friends too!

Elizabeth x

Burgon and Ball products available for the Home.

Here are a few recipes to inspire you in the kitchen!  And if you find this product useful recommend this to a friend.

Who can deny that a good salad dressing makes the perfect salad! Yum Yum!

FRENCH DRESSING

Peel and finely chop ¼ of a clove of garlic. Put the garlic, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons of white or red wine vinegar, and 6 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil into the olive oil bottle with a pinch of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Put the lid on, and shake well.

LEMON DRESSING

Put 6 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil into a jam jar with a pinch of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Squeeze in the juice of 1 lemon. Put the lid on, and shake well.

To see more products go to www.redladybird.co.uk

Enjoy!

Fairbourn children’s furniture here at www.redladybird.co.uk

Create a wonderful place for your child to sleep and play. Fairbourn children’s furniture has something for everyone, made by hand in the UK.  It is made with love and care by the amazing Artist ‘Sarah Watkins’ You will never be disappointed with the results, as the standard is high and it will stay in your family for generations to follow. To see Sarah’s work go to www.redladybird.co.uk and see why she is top of many parent’s VIP lists on ‘What to buy’ Elizabeth x

Perfect Storage!

Perfect storage space, that fits into your lifestyle without looking out of place. It is stylish, compact, neat and encourages new crops to grow and healthy living to prosper. Ah! I love a healthy life!

Go to www.redladybird.co.uk to find more storage solutions.

Elizabeth x

Start the day as you mean to go on………with Royalty!

I love this retro cup, it is pleasing on the eye and reminds me to post my forever list of birthday cards and other mail to the post office. Plus I love being British and what better way to start the day than breakfast with the Queen!

Go to www.redladybird.co.uk to view more amazing products online.

Elizabeth x