So much still to do

Wednesday was a really good day , Brian came all the way back from Peterborough to work so hard , getting the gravel and laying the bags out where they needed to go, I got stuck in with the planting and it flowed well , then I spotted John from westshores nursery arrive , a husband and wife team who work together growing a wide range of beautiful grasses , they always make me laugh . The grasses they bought for me were perfect. Then I went to see Dave from DK plants in hall one where he was setting up his stand and bought some beautiful aconitum, gladioli papilio , echinacea , agastache, and more. It rained for most of the day , but it wasn't windy or cold so it was ok . Brian had to go back home at 6.30 I knew I was going to miss him loads. I carried on until 9.30 when it got dark I worked in the studio .with a lamp. It was starting to come together but there was still so much to do I was worried.

Time to get serious

It took longer than anticipated to get back to the show ground after collecting the tree and shrubs so on we cracked , we put the water feature together , and tested it out . Planted up the window boxes , planted the bog in the second pond . And then moved on to the back of the garden but it just didn't seem to go right whatever I did , I started to get a bit stressed about the progress we were making and the fact I would soon be doing it on my own , as Brian was going home soon . Then he said he would come back tomorrow, yippee!! I started feeling better and after messing about with the planting it started coming together better , but then it got dark just as I was getting into the flow , so I put my headlights on the garden and carried on as long as possible . At 9pm I just had to call it a day . Tomorrow will be better.

Waiting for some yummy grub after a long but very good day

It's Monday night and we are at the oak tree inn in Helperby near Harrogate , it's a real gem and the food is divine ! Today has been really productive with lots achieved although you wouldn't think it from the photos! Brian the brilliant (my husband) had to load the van and trailer on his own , as I was here already. He manage to squeeze every single thing I wanted on . When he got here we got the windows put in to make the studio watertight , window boxes on . Decking done , door on and finally the potato chitting tray back wall. We had a few down pours , but we were able to retreat to the studio for a sit down and cuppa . . By 7pm we were frazzled so we called it a day and headed here ! Oh and now my food has arrived and it's looking good.

Collecting trees and shrubs from Wykeham mature trees

We have set off after a hearty breakfast on our way to Wykeham mature plant near Scarborough . The scenery is breathtaking we passed Byland Abby so beautiful. Wykeham mature plants are supplying us with a beautiful tree Rhus Glabra and some Sambucus nigra black lace , hydrangea and Cotinus .

The long awaited lantern parade

Back in march I entered an open call for 4 artists to work with Metal and the lantern company in Liverpool . I got picked and so began learning new skills , and then teaching them to others in preparation for the magnificent lantern parade ! I finally got my bed lantern finished yesterday. the atmosphere was great! The forecast rain stayed away and the kids made great parade lantern carriers !

It's been a long day but a good day

We got to Harrogate at 11am after a slow journey up the A1 . To find my show position waiting for me . Putting the deck and studio base together was a bit frustrating but once we got the right pieces in the right places it started coming together talk about krypton factor ! Then it got windy typical just as we started putting up the shed , lucky there was three of us to hold it .it went up well though , then the roofing sheets . Show director Martin fish came over to welcome us back to the show and said how excited they all are in the office to see the finished garden .then the second battery for the drill ran out ! Argh so Martin charged it for us while we went to get some tea. Lastly we laid out the hard landscaping ready for Sunday when I go back . It's 7.40pm and were heading home with a much light load on the van and in my mind .

With a little help from my friends

Wow today has been long and hard work but so much has been done and I feel very happy and satisfied ! I sprung out of bed at 6.30am and did'nt stop until 9pm .You get by with a little help from your friends - and family and husband . I've had so much help today dad has changed and fixed the water tank for the pond, welded brackets to my oak sculpture. Jez and Alistair modified 20 potato trays for the garden , Brian fitted the solar Panels to the roof and made window boxes and cut sleepers down etc etc , Jennie may and sue cleaned up some plants , collected pebbles from the garden , painted wood work , did some sewing , made everyone drinks and lasagne , my lovely mum did some weaving , sewing , cleaning and more .the. At 6.30 we loaded up the van and trailer for tomorrow when we start the garden build up in Harrogate . Phew it all fitted !! I am so lucky I've had lots of help over the past few weeks.thanks everyone your all superstars !