She loved spending time in the garden. All those seeds the size of dust had potential to sprout into grand beauties. Flecks of hope and potential, she mused. Her finger gently brushed a spot of the earth, creating a minuscule crater. She held the tiny dots in her palm and carefully dropped them in. A quick covering over, in case the wind had other ideas and her dreams were embedded. There was real scope to root. Purple blazing stars sparked into life. Watery ink seeped through the paper-like pansies and an ochre dot painted the centre. 

Petite petals looked like little paper hearts affixed with a pin. She could hold one stem in her hand, blow and watch it twirl in a pinwheel motion. Hydrangeas looked glorious in all shades, from soft pinks to rich blues. The pansies made another appearance in vibrant yellows and purples. These alluring colours continued to draw her in. Beautiful orange ruffles gathered as though they were shaved from the orange sun itself. She found herself becoming fascinated by the variety of different marigolds there were in the world. 

She walked round and felt as though someone had left her a large gift box. She knelt down to appreciate the goodies within. Her eyes widened as she spotted those familiar callas, swirling away. Edges blended from a milky cream to a rich purple. That paintbrush had made its way around again and was dipped in white paint this time. Some carefree splattering had taken place, as the leaves were left with a terrazzo feel. Crinkly gladioli blooms sat stacked above one another, appreciating the refreshment of light rain. 

She entered the fragrant corner, where stalks sat with tight French knots within the lavender tapestry. Her glance was captured by an abundance of wispy tendrils, which spun around the other lengths. Miniature sweet pea purses were filled with a captivating scent. They gladly opened their silk petals to share. She reached out to run her finger over the wavy edges, which responded by dancing around her touch. She imagined the stems continuing to grasp and grow, until the length of the wall was covered in a plethora of delicate buds.

Ixia flowers emerged alike white clams sprayed with a magenta core. The colour extended to a beam on the external petals too. There was a mesmerizing quality to them. Strawberry & cream-swirled dahlias looked too tempting not to try. She picked off a petal and relished in the sweetness of the flavours. A cluster of geranium petals burst into an expanse of coral forms. Gentle veining echoed in a deeper shade, like tributaries coursing through a sandy pink beach. She could sit and admire the richness of the hue for a while. So she did. 

The foxgloves glowed in the evening sun. The circular patterning in their bells reminded her of paint she poured in layers. A network with tiny cells would magically occur as the liquid dispersed throughout the surface. She'd spent the day admiring the little details and soon registered the sun had set. Her focus shifted to white stars, ready to pierce the dusky evening. Shapes carved from mother of pearl sheets; just in time to dance with the moon. These moments in bloom made her feel simultaneously sedate and awoken. 

Let's sail away, she thought and explore tuft islands. She'd heard so much. What was to be seen there? First, she had to pass the expanse of grey seas. They were as far reaching as she could see. Moments of carefree drifting took place. There wasn't anything else in sight for some time until up ahead, the silhouette of small mountains appeared. She must've been on the right track. As she edged closer, the small mounds came into view and even though she hadn't stepped onto soil yet, she appreciated how far she'd already come. 

 This was her chance to go somewhere with no expectations. These islands appeared to glide across the stone, ever drifting before her. After coursing the grey seas, it was only expected she should run into some thorny issues. A structure appeared to emerge from the stone itself; heaving brown beams studded with jagged edges.  Nothing would deter her. She showed expert balance along it, weaving around the spiked protrusions. She really didn't need a wound which would inhibit the rest of her journey. She was just getting started...

No man is an island, so they say. These solo moments made her. She knew down the line, she'd be able to relish in the island being further inhabited, yet she was content with how it was now. It was important to focus on now. It was time to scale the structure. She placed her hand into the cracks and found a good grip. Climbing onto the wall, she found other grooves to nestle her foot into and propel herself up. She reached the top and took a deep breath. The roots of the floating islands dangled above her, swaying in the wind. 

She stood on a slab dotted with multiple stones in shades of terracotta, grey and brown. She had conquered the branch so this should be a walk on the beach, It felt like it. The stones looked like they'd spent years underwater, being cut and shaped by the powerful waters. She ran her hand along the surface of the porous grey one. She imagined it homing life. If it was on a seabed, tiny fishes would bob their heads out of the little holes to see what the sea brought today. The seas brought her today. They let her arrive at a place of a new outlook.

She stepped out past the rocky field to find herself tangled in a mass of spindly branches. She wondered how she'd navigate her way through this one. A rocky surface looked like it had been eroded to its core over millennia. The inner red core resembled another galaxy. Tiny cream fragments were woven into the structure, like milky moon rocks. She leant against it, to shimmy her way through the confusion. Finally, she came into a clearing. Lime green shoots shot into the air, with yellow jolts acting as beacons in the sky.

From deep within the earth they sprouted, elegantly spreading their symmetrical leaves into the sun. Citrine petals erupted like delicate flames licking the surrounding air. She felt like she was in a magical woodland; earthy flora and branches lay between her every step. So many splendorous orchids. She was surrounded by a flutter of soft florals. She imagined being enrobed in a dress of the buttery fleurs, radiating their carefree beauty. A stream gushed ahead, where she sat in a spot close by, listening to the falling water.

A cluster of yellow sparkles illuminated a corner, The frothy buds were at home near the driftwood and trickling water. Leafy domes had tiny buds shoot out from the surface, vying for the sunlight. Large paddled leaves built layers in the overgrowth, where calla lilies sat amongst them. Like conch shells in sandy earth, she could hear what they had to say wherever she went. Their antennae were always ready to tune in to nature's frequency. She found herself kneeling to observe curling petals, while taking in the gentle hum of all.

She came to a clearing to find a lovely vignette of flowerheads on long stalks, as though they'd been cross-stitched with velvet threads. Soft pink paillettes provided subtle colour in the verdant landscape. They provided nourishment; vitality in every way. On that note, she reached out to carefully pluck a bud. While it sat in her hand, she took a moment to wonder. What would it taste like? Slowly, she brought the petals to her lips. It fell into her mouth, began fizzing gently on her tongue and disappeared into a sugary sweetness. ​

 A flaming orange branch sparked into life. It grew, continuing to twist and twist some more. She watched as a miniature phoenix sparked into motion, arms oscillating and getting ready to take flight. It's tail twirled into the air, grasping the sun in a way the long leaves hoped to, Thoughts of conquering new heights were real; there were many lands to see. Perched on the end of the stalk, the fledgling calmly braced itself. Without another moment's notice, it was free from all doubt, launching into new horizons with fiery wings. 

A range of vivid pink petals had an ultraviolet touch. She was absorbed by the way they held the light, like mini beacons amidst the lime foliage. ​She was met with luscious orchids which looked as though they'd been marble dipped. Their motif began to swirl in front of her eyes. Next to them, little pots of fleurs were suspended on wooden beams. She imagined they must be the equivalent of a box of popcorn; perfect to grab and go for some carefree wondering. She decided to forego the tiny tub of treats on this occasion.

A menagerie of orchids came into her path. Candy colours of pastel yellow and peach climbed up the frame. She stepped within and looked at the sweet-like florals. She leant forward and carefully prised a petal. Again, it sat innocently in her palm. She picked up the flower and placed it on her tongue, The peach candy melted softly, seeping through her senses, with a similar feel to the first. Time for the yellow one. A vanilla taste was released and she was left feeling mellow. Talk about sedate. Small tokens of the serene. ​

Spring finally came around and she emerged from a place of comfort and calm. Her favourite treasures lay before her. She saw a table full of curiosities that she could hold in her palm, taking in the detail of each one. Vessels with soft clay moulded like frilly petals and orbs which could home miniature worlds. She imagined curled rose petals held within, surrounded by a swirling nectar. She'd delicately shake the sphere like a snow globe, watching the petals gently fall. A moment for reflection and then again, to relish in it once more. 

Candy pink gerberas shot up, up, up to lean and relax. Poised in the air with ease. She traced her fingers along the petal edges. No time for 'loves me, loves me not' games here. She observed how the petal layers descended into a close-knit ring near the centre. The continuous hoop mirrored her undulating thoughts. Maybe she could put her thoughts in one of these vessels, to retrieve them later as necessary. Would she go back to some of them? Were they conducive in allowing her to build the dreams she had for herself? 

Maybe some of those thoughts were better off withering into crinkled leaves, disintegrating into a finite dust. She could take off the stopper from the bottle, tip it into her hand and gently blow away the crumbling remnants. She didn't want to dwell. She knew this was the season of rebirth and it was time to plant some more seeds. For fresh shoots to push on through. She thought about how in the dark of winter, she'd questioned whether the bare branches would ever burst into blossom buds again. Deep down, she knew they would. 

A miniature tree was perched at an edge, poised with zen. She appreciated being able to fit it in her hand, channelling it's energy. Yet. she also considered what it would be like if the tree multiplied in scale. She would find it the size of a grand oak, with wiry branches curving to greet her with crystalline fruits. Taking a bite from the mango-shaped matter would be a treat and she'd sit beneath the translucent canopy until dusk settled in. A chance to catch whispers from the sun; feeling replenished from the natural world in every way.

Anemones of the soil kind. She was just as fond of the sea kind. She imagined a fresh sheet of paper, cut into miniature fan-shaped petals. A tapered paintbrush was dipped in water and paint, to gently lay strokes. The rosy hue dispersed, gently crinkling the paper as it was absorbed. She delved into her bead trove to find a speckled pin with anther-like dots emerging all around. It was perfect for holding the crêpe petals together. She dreamt of blue skies, laying on a warm blanket put out by nature - grass or sand? Grass, on this occasion.

Vibrant magenta shells were bursts of colour within the visual layers. She felt like she could call on the callas. They listened when she spoke. Their conch-like curves swayed over to be a carefree ear. Sometimes it was pleasantries and on other occasions, they discussed how she could also arch her petals in the way she wanted. The fleurs had a natural way of doing so. Just a little bit of guidance, for when she spent too long cooped up in the same position. It was time to lean in towards the sun. Stretch. Bend. Welcome in that newness. 

What was it about flowers? Maybe it was their delicacy and beauty. Their ephemeral nature felt like a reminder to be present. Enjoying life while she could. The calmer colour palette reflected the season of buds. She was in the right place. The dusty lilac hues of the echeveria harmonized with dulcet bluebell tones. Purple pansies sat comfortably, emerging from the base of the table. She gazed at Spring in it's entirety, especially as she'd waited so long for it. When it finally came, it was everything she expected it to be... and then some. 

​

My 29th birthday! What a lovely day it was. Me, sis and mum visited Langton Greenhouse in Leicestershire. Giant burnished giraffes at the entrance were a surreal
and inviting way to enter the place. ​​Lavender lined the path, where the gentle twinkling of lights emerged behind buds. Light has a way of bringing out the shimmer of beads too.
 This was the case with the abundance of gems making this skirt sparkle. A flower or two wove it's way into the beady constellation, of course.

I'm always on the lookout for new features for the garden; think pots, plants and sculptural elements. I spotted rocking pyramids. It happened to be Glastonbury last week and The Killers took to the main Pyramid Stage. Me and sis went to see them perform in Luxembourg, which was an amazing experience. I wasn't at Glasto, although seeing how awesome it looked took me back to the time we got to hear them in all their glory. Their rendition of This Charming Man gets me on my ​feet.

Upon entering, an array of orchids lined the ledge in shades of pink & cream. I remember purchasing a beautiful light pink one a few years ago for my studio, when I first started D&T. It's such an elegant and delicate plant. I did find they can be a tad particular when it comes to maintenance and watering. Even so, when someone knows how to best look after them, they thrive and a vast collection can blow you away. I got to experience them in full splendour this year, when I visited Singapore for my 30th birthday. More to come on that soon!

Ah, cacti. There's such a variety of fascinating globular forms, shapes and patterns. Just don't get too close, as I've found on occasions - mainly when tending to the the terrariums. I've
made a cacti planter featuring various lengths and ochre pebbles, reminiscent an Arizonian landscape. This piece entitled 'Sanguine Saguaro' was painted in the summer, where the
​colours used created a psychedelic twist. I imagine walking through this scene would be quite the experience. The bright orange buds of my Christmas cactus are a beauty too.

Speaking of Spore, it felt like a dream when we visited ​the cactus garden at Changi airport. As hinisha_ mentioned, it was like walking into a large scale version of one of my
terrariums. Moon cacti with an array of vivid bulbs dotted the floor, alongside large spiny barrels from the same family. There's much inspiration to be discovered from every garden I
visit. The blue bud above reminds me of the Himalayan poppies I spotted at Coton Manor. I wandered through wooden islands decorated with flower pots...which blooms to choose?

Calla lilies are stunning. I planted some a few summers ago, in rich purple & pink shades. I've re-potted them this year and I'm glad to see they've grown again. Check out the sunset gradient above. Contrasting speckled leaves fan out with an elegant snap. Since we're talking leaves, let's take a moment to appreciate the eye-catching nature of the Polka dot ​​Begonia. One to grace a table top near me soon? Some begonias have the most striking leaves - check out the Ribena-dyed effect of these and the continuous swirls of this variety. 

Yes to the prospect of a large wooden wall filled with botanical art. You could stop by for your daily dose of flora-on-paper. Wispy poppies stood out against an eggshell white
background and fern tendrils adorned the page. I also had some fun decorating a wall of my studio with an array of illustrations painted over time. The surrounding motifs on each
​complement the central design. I've tried my hand at pressing florals too - foxgloves and pansies worked particularly well. Gerberas, not so much. What to create with the​ petals...

I find myself covering pretty much every spare inch of square space with a plant, where I've mentioned this in the mini rockeries post too. I briefly recall questioning whether it's really necessary to buy the bromeliad (or such) to grace a surface near me, I've found that yes, yes it is. Some recent purchases include a ​miniature calamondin orange tree and a sansevieria with the sunshine yellow edges. The garden back home is rippling with black scallop leaves pouring from many a pot.

On the subject of sansevieria, we came across striking marbled stalks, in an outdoor feature in Portugal. I love seeing plants that would usually be considered an indoor one, being at
home in the warmer climate of the outdoors. More agave appreciation in my previous post. Back in December I bought an amaryllis lily in a terracotta pot, which brought a
​festive feel with it's rich red petals. Should you need more reason to ​surround yourself with foliage, I came across this article which adds insight into why plants make people happy. 

A giant angular rock - were it filled with amethyst crystals, the temptation to say 'let's get this one for the garden' would be real. On this occasion, I'll take a moment to appreciate the stormy bands of black and grey. In the canopied greenhouse area, mottled acer trees stood in corners with swishy red leaves. A layered bench was dressed with a collection of leafery. I've been propagating the colourful coleus, where one of these wooden frames would be perfect for arranging all the tiny seedlings and the bright leaves coming to follow.

 I chose a delightful orange dianthus for my 28th birthday and this year's birthday plant was a Vial's primrose. The floral tips feature a lovely blend of lilac and contrasting ruby. Native to China, this charming flower can be found sprouting near watery valleys and wet meadows. It's great coming across greenery I haven't seen before; the garden centre can
be a utopia for this. These cabbage-like fleurs were spotted in Covent Garden, which I've since learnt are called ornamental brassica and are indeed a part of the cabbage family.

 A creamy dahlia sat amongst an eclectic mix of stems and a family of bewildered stone owls. I thought about planting more of these blooms this year. The Spectacle (a Thai iced tea colour) variety and the popular Café Au Lait shade are beautiful. They weren't available when I shopped for them, however I came across some alliums, which I've also wanted to see grow in the garden for a while. I chose the Dutch Garlic, Round-headed Garlic and Sicilian Honey Garlic (sounds like I'm seasoning up a meal). Delicious,

Tea time has got to be one of my favourite times of the day. It's perfect with coffee & walnut cake. A variegated ruby ficus framed the setting beautifully. The fractal-like patterning and jewel tones co-ordinated with my new primrose. A reason to invest in a rubber plant? Makes sense. My illustrations have featured a botanical theme recently and I'm excited to explore that more. I'm about the petals and that's for keeps. Take a peak at the delicate lilac bell layers I came across on a walk in Letchworth. Summers spent this way are a dream. 

​