November is the most glorious season of flowers!

When I was in grade 5 I did a school project all about flowers. I was ten, and I couldn't think of a better job than being a florist or a horticulturalist. My classmates teased me for this, and called me "Flower Power" in the not-so-nicest of tones. Oh if the could see me now, twenty three years older and completely and utterly content for such labels. Plants and flowers - growing them, picking them, smelling them, sharing them, learning about them is as important and refreshing to my person as ever.

There is power to be found in nature's bounty - in the inhalation of natural perfume and the sight of the most marvelous hues, the clever work of bees and the wondrous textures and healthful properties of petal, stem and leaf. 

We have rented homes for our entire married life, but in each one we have planted a garden. We have sowed dreams of vegetables and flowers and bees and trees (yes, ones that we won't ever see mature). 

Iris. Eckium. Fox Glove. Snap Dragon. Salvia. Quince. Viola. Violet. Red Valerian. Fennel. Forget me not. Elderberry. Lupin. Rose. Lavender. Mexican Orange. Oregano. Plum. Camellia. Strawberry. Sedum. Daisy. Rosemary. Hebe. Calendula. Thyme. Cat mint. Silver dust. Lambs Ear. Geranium. Hydrangea. Pig Face. Sage - are just some of the things I have planted in my three years living with this patch of earth. 

​I once wrote a poem about my heart's desire to grow a garden, you can read it here. 

November has arrived with all her flowers and sunshine and birthday celebration! It's still sinking in that my youngest baby is now a five year old. He is such a jolly, passionate, theatrical and tender fellow. He requested a white chocolate cake with whipped cream and French-style coffee buttercream icing and a sloth on the top. 

​Meanwhile the garden is bursting with colour, leaf and bloom - white foxgloves with little speckles of deep purple, yellow irises, red valerian, white daisies, roses and lavender beckoning all the bees. I recently acquired some beautiful Liberty of London fabric - cotton lawn sprigged liberally with flowers - it will be like wearing my November garden around on my chest // 

Woman with a garden inside her is the title of this astoundingly beautiful watercolour by my friend and artist Adam Lee. I think it sums up well how I feel today, on this my 32nd birthday. I have been blessed with the most sublime and sunshine filled autumn weather, blue sky and green grass and leaves begin to golden. I have been surprised with a smoke bush tree to plant and the most beautiful hand written card from my husband. I have filled a jug with flowers from my local green grocer and various things from my own garden. I have felt the soft fibres of wool and silk and mohair in my hands as I make slow progress on a cardigan. I have listened to and read birthday wishes from the dearest of friends and family. I have drunk tea outside, twice and soaked in the goodness of the earth. I am glad to be alive //