Monet's garden

“My garden is my most beautiful masterpiece.” Claude Monet
This weekend I visited Melbourne, a favourite city of mine. While there I visited the Monet exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria. I would highly recommend it to anyone who can go. I was transfixed by the beautiful images filled with light,magnificent colours and images. Any one who has been involved in creating a garden can I'm sure relate to Monet's quote.

"Monet’s Garden is a stunning exhibition devoted to Claude Monet’s iconic garden at Giverny. Renowned as the ‘father of French Impressionism’, Monet was inspired by his direct experiences of nature, culminating in the ravishing depictions of his lily and flower gardens in the rural property at Giverny, northern France, that became his lifelong obsession. Step into the extraordinary this winter for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see these masterpieces in Australia, exclusive to Melbourne" an excerpt from the Nationql Gallery of Victoria's website who does a far better job describing it.

Magazine feature

 This month our home and garden is featured in Australian Country magazine. The photography by Stephanie Lees, a local photographer is very beautiful.The photo shoot took place ten days before my daughters wedding and thankfully the Jane McGrath floribunda roses from Treloar roses were in full bloom.

Roses are pink

The pretty, pink, old English style, floribunda roses in our parterre garden are the Jane McGrath rose from Treloar roses. They were chosen for their hardiness in drought conditions and apparently have total resistance to black spot. The colour is a soft pink and they have a soft fragrance. They have flowered prolifically all summer and autumn and are surprisingly still covered in blooms in winter.

$1 from each rose is made to the McGrath foundation from the sale of each plant. The proceeds go towards helping the Foundation's work including placing breast care nurses in rural Australia. We couldn't be happier with our choice.

Inspiring gardens

One of my favourite landscape designers is Jacques Wirtz, a Belgian designer who combines structure and formality in a unique way.

In the days before Pinterest, when I used to rip out my favourite  ideas from magazines, I saved a garden which included the top picture at least 10 years ago. I am still fan today.

A beautiful space turns three

It's been three years since I hesitantly started my blog and I am so pleased I did. I have connected with so many people and been inspired by so many ideas over those years and am so thankful to have this form of communication in my life. Thank you to all who have visited. x Sally-Ann

All images Pinterest

Embracing the spirit of winter

Instead of mourning the end of long sunny days spent outside, I turn my attention to best this season has to offer.

Some furry fashion never goes astray

Snug throw rugs, hand knitted hot water bottle covers, candles and hot chocolate.

Finding that perfect spot to snuggle up with a good book

Or venturing outdoors in comfort.

When all else fails, Audrey is always there to inspire.

Enjoy your first day of winter!