A first Blog post is not an easy thing to write, although I have promised myself that its something, over which I will not agonise. My aim is to speak from the heart when I have something to say, however, as my chosen art is largely visual I intend to allow the images to speak for themselves. By way of introduction however, it would be rude not to tell you a little bit about myself…

My love of flowers, as opposed to Floristry, began as a child. In the 1970’s the world seemed to be brown and beige, nylon and polyester, swirly patterned carpets and eye wateringly loud wallpaper. It was all ‘Tomorrow’s World’ but even then I longed for ‘The Good Life’. Somewhere that this relaxed and simple atmosphere was afforded me was in the home of my grandparents. Humble and hardworking people they took the time to enjoy weekends and rare days off in the garden and kitchen adding colour and richness to life. In each of these environs I feel at home to this day.

I baked cakes, cooked roasts, boiled jams and stewed labour intensive chutney’s with my gran, often participating, but sometimes merely observing. Whilst in the back garden and homemade greenhouse I helped my grandfather water tomatoes and plant leeks. It was to the small front garden however, which I was drawn most intently. A bare patch of concrete and earth for a large portion of the year, it burst into flame in the spring and summer with Begonias exploding out of every kind of vessel imaginable. Snap Dragons harboured delicious pollen and small, furry bees dipped in and out of their gaping mouths to gather the magical yellow dust. Chrysanthemums standing tall and proud having been meticulously staked while the vigorous Sweet Peas by the side gate commanded lengths of stout twine to keep them in check.

It sounds idyllic, if not a little romanticised, but that’s how I want to remember it and those memories, rose-tinted or otherwise have inspired and guided me through the crunchy and the smooth to doing what I love today.

I should conclude perhaps by explaining the title of this post…

My grandfather was a lover of Jazz, particularly Ella and Basie. Honeysuckle Rose will remind me of him always.